What is a playgroup?

A playgroup is a group of parents, caregivers and extended family who come together with their babies and young children to learn together through play.

Playgroups are a great way for your kids to interact with other children in a fun and safe environment, while giving you the opportunity to interact with other parents.

Playgroup WA is here to help you find a suitable group for you and your family. There are hundreds of playgroups in WA for you to join, so there's sure to be one close by.

Where do playgroups meet?

Playgroups are a thriving part of many communities across the state and meet in a variety of venues depending on the needs of the group and the availability of suitable premises. Often they will be in or close to other community services like community centres, schools, healthcare centres and libraries. Whilst it is true children can play anywhere, playgroup has an added benefit of providing opportunities for playing with other children and practising important social skills.

Why join a playgroup?

Playgroups provide a supportive environment for children and their family or carer. There is a sense of belonging to the community, opportunities to form friendships and share ideas and information.

While at playgroup, children have the opportunity to learn through play and develop social, emotional, physical and cognitive skills in a safe and stimulating environment. They are also a lot of fun for children as they learn through play and interact with other children and adults.

Importantly, playgroup also provides the opportunity for parents and children to play together, which is critical to children’s healthy development. By creating a space where parents and caregivers have the opportunity to spend time with their children, playgroups can enhance relationships through play.

Your annual, family Playgroup WA membership covers children aged 0-5 and their parents, foster carers, grandparents, aunties and uncles, nannies … everyone and anyone interested in the well-being and care of the young child(ren).

How will your children benefit from playgroup?

• Playgroups are safe and nurturing environment where children can play and learn
• Enhance healthy early brain development through play
• Opportunities for children to create, invent, reason and problem solve
• Opportunities to build attachment between adults and children as they play together, and share time and experiences
• Learn social skills as they negotiate with peers, resolve conflict, take turns, share and make friends
• Build resilience to enable them to cope with new situations and manage stress and adapt to change

How will families benefit from playgroup?

• A space where families can create their own locally based friends and social networks
• A place where parents and caregivers can support each other through sharing ideas, parenting experiences, concerns and information
• Build family capacity through peer support
• A place where families can build long-term friendships as their children grow and transition to school
• An affordable and regular opportunities for families to enjoy a shared outing

Playgroup is fun! There are many and varied activities, new children to play with and group activities your children may not experience at home.