Children's Programs

Child Playing with Hoop

The Municipality of Port Hope is excited to offer the return of children's programs, with each session bringing something new and exciting. There is a program for everyone, whether you like sports, dance, or science! Each program is facilitated by a trained Program Staff and focuses on fun, team building and fostering friendships. Please note that registration is required for all children's programs.

Winter 1 Registration Details

Fall Aquatics: Registration opens August 28, 2023 at 7:00 a.m.
Fall Fitness and Programs: Registration opens August 29, 2023 at 8:00 a.m.

Learn more about session dates, how to register and more on our registration page.

Child throwing ball through a hoop in Port Hope

Registered Children's Programs

Looking for something to keep your kids active or creatively engaged? We’ve got a variety of programs tailored for specific age groups.

Registered children's programs schedule

Children's Drop-In Activities

Looking for something to keep your kids active? Join us for some drop-in activities that require no pre-registration or commitment.

Children's drop-in schedule

Children's Programs - Parented

We offer parented programs throughout the year. One person 16+ years must be in the room to actively assist the child for any parented programs.

FUNdamental Sport

A fun packed program for children to develop the skills needed to play different sports. Children will learn a variety of skills while developing their fine and gross motor skills, enjoying play, and making friends.

Note: this program is parented. One person 16+ years must be in the room to assist the child for this program. Please bring a water bottle and closed toe indoor shoes.

Ages 2 to 4 years
Mondays: 5:30 p.m. to 6:15 p.m.
Cost: $44.50
Dates: September 18 to November 13
Location: Town Park Recreation Centre

There will be no programs on Monday, October 9, 2023

Children's Programs - Unparented

We have a variety of unparented children's programs to choose from. Check back regularly as we continue to add new classes. Parents are asked to wait in the lobby or come back after the program to pick up their child.

New - Dance Classes

We have partnered with JJIU (Jennifer Jazz It Up) to offer children's dance programs. Each class will have a JJIU dance teacher and a municipal program staff to give these young dances the attention they deserve.

Pre-Ballet

This is an independent class (children dance without the presence of their parents in the room). However, parents with children under the age of 3 will be required to be on-site for the duration of the program. In this pre-ballet class, participants will learn the basics in ballet while going on magical imaginary adventures. We focus on gross motor skills such as skipping and marching.

Ages: 2 to 4 years
Tuesdays: 5:30 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Dates: September 19 to November 14
Cost: $33.66
Location: Town Park Recreation Centre

Jazz

In this jazz class, we will be learning. basic jazz technique to fun upbeat music. The class will begin with a warm-up and stretching and will progress to learning new steps and combinations.

Ages: 5 to 7 years
Tuesdays: 6:15 p.m. to 6:45 p.m.
Dates: September 19 to November 14
Cost: $33.66
Location: Town Park Recreation Centre

Hip Hop

In this hip-hop class, we will learn basic hip-hop moves. All steps and music will be age-appropriate, The class will begin with a warm-up and stretching and then move into learning new steps and combinations.

Ages: 7 to 10 years
Tuesdays: 7:00 p.m. to 7:45 p.m.
Dates: September 19 to November 14
Cost: $50.49
Location: Town Park Recreation Centre

Kinder Gym

A fun, action packed program for children that helps develop their fine and gross motor skills, build independence, self-confidence, and friendships. This program will include games, activities, obstacle courses and more, all with a focus on fun!
Note: this program is unparented. Please drop off your child with a water bottle and closed toe indoor shoes.

Ages: 4 to 6 years
Mondays: 6:30 p.m. to 7:15 p.m.
Dates: September 18 to November 13
Cost: $44.50
Location: Town Park Recreation Centre

There will be no programs on Monday, October 9, 2023.

Learn 2 Play

This program teaches children the fundamentals of recreational sports. Each week they will learn the basics and rules of different sports which may include; indoor soccer, basketball, floor hockey and more. Children will also be given the opportunity to play the game in a non-competitive environment, all while focusing on teambuilding, friendship and fun.
Note: please drop off your child with indoor shoes along with a water bottle each week.

Ages: 6 to 8 years
Thursdays: 5:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.
Dates: September 21 to November 16
Cost: $59.30
Location: Town Park Recreation Centre

Program session cancelled. Check back for future session dates.

Creative Corner

This program is a great opportunity for children to show off their creative side. Each week participants will explore different creative mediums such as painting, sculpting, crafts, and drama in a welcoming and inclusive environment.

Ages: 9 to 12 years.
Thursdays: 6:45 p.m. to 7:45 p.m.
Dates: September 21 to November 16 2023
Cost: $76.68
Location: Town Park Recreation Centre

Program session cancelled. Check back for future session dates.

Friday Fun Night

Looking for local and affordable evening childcare while you enjoy some quality you time? Look no further than Friday Fun Nights at Town Park Recreation Centre. Your child will enjoy an evening of fun, friends, and play with one of our quality Program Leaders while you treat yourself to an evening class or program of your own or take advantage of a child free evening for a night out with friends or a special someone.

Space is limited and preregistration is required for each day, make sure to register early to avoid disappointment.

Ages: 4 to 12 years
Fridays: 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.
Dates: Every Friday evening from September 29 to November 17, 2023
Cost: $5.15 per night
Location: Town Park Recreation Centre

September 22 date cancelled. All other session dates open for registration.

Even more fun for kids

We've got camp, birthday party packages and seasonal events for your family.

children jumping outside

We’re all about Camp!

Looking for something fun and engaging for your child? Day camp is available during school holidays and throughout the summer for children ages 4 to 12 years old.

Discover our day camps

Birthday cake

Celebrate with us

Looking for a cool, fun, affordable birthday party option? Our staff will lead your party, leave the stress and mess to us!

Find a party package

Calendar on phone

Event Calendar

Enjoy a variety of experiences and activities throughout the seasons. The Easter Bunny and Santa are just a few stars of the year.

View the recreation calendar

Programming Guidelines

We are members of some important initiatives that play a part in our programming.

HIGH FIVE® programming

The Municipality of Port Hope is a HIGH FIVE® accredited community. Our camp, program, and aquatic staff are certified in the Principles of Healthy Child Development. This allows our staff to make sure your child has the best experience possible.

What is HIGH FIVE®

High Five Logo HIGH FIVE® is Canada's quality standard for children's programs and is an innovative approach to help us enhance program quality and provide positive experiences for children. HIGH FIVE® supports us with Training and Development, Program Assessments, Policies and Procedures and Awareness. HIGH FIVE® is a standard committed to assisting children along the path of healthy child development by:

Ensuring that program practitioners develop a high level of knowledge and expertise in child development;
Helping parents to make informed choices and;
Providing practitioners with the tools for enhancing and maintaining a high level of program quality.

The Municipality of Port Hope is proud to be an Accredited HIGH FIVE® organization, maintaining the highest standard in Canada.

For more information, visit High Five Programming.

Canadian Physical Activity Guidelines

It is proven that being active helps young kids develop self-confidence, improve learning and attention, improvement movement skills and feel happier. Discover the recommend physical activity guidelines for children below.

Children 0 to 4 years

It is recommend by the Canadian Society for Exercise Physiology that infants (less than 1 year) should be physically active several times daily, particularly through interactive floor-based play. Examples of floor-based play include tummy time, reaching for toys, and crawling around the home. Toddlers (aged 1 to 2 years) and preschoolers (aged 3 to 4 years) should accumulate 180 minutes of physical activity at any intensity spread throughout the day. These activities include:

Activities in different environments
Activities that develop movement skills
Progression toward at least 60 minutes of energetic play by age 5 years

Children 5 to 12 years

It is recommend by the Canadian Society for Exercise Physiology that children should accumulate at least 60 minutes of moderate to vigorous-intensity physical activity daily. This should include vigorous-intensity activities at least 3 days per week. Moderate-intensity activities include bike riding and playground activities. Vigorous-intensity activities include running and swimming.

It is also beneficial to include activities that strengthen muscle and bone at least 3 days per week.