Children's Programs
The Municipality of Port Hope is excited to offer 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.
Fall Registration Details
Fall Aquatics: Registration opens August 19, 2024 at 7:00 a.m.
Fall Programs: Registration opens August 20 at 8:00 a.m.
Learn more about session dates, how to register and more on our registration page.
Looking for something to keep your kids active or creatively engaged? We’ve got a variety of programs tailored for specific age groups.
Looking for something to keep your kids active? Join us for some drop-in activities that require no pre-registration or commitment.
Spring Program Information
This session runs from April 29, 2024 to June 30, 2024, for 9 weeks.
There will be no programs running on Victoria Day Monday May 20, 2024.
Parented Children's Programs
We offer parented programs throughout the year. We ask that a limit of one (1) 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.
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Tunes with Tots |
Join us in this fun filled program where children will be introduced to the magic of music. Participants and parents will explore rhythms, beats, and and tempo through a variety of instruments, games, and songs.
Note: This program is parented. One person, 16+ years, must be in the room to assist the child for this program.
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Unparented Children's Programs
We have a variety of unparented children's programs to choose from. Parents are asked to wait outside of the program room, either in the lobby or come back after the program to pick up their child.
Art Attack |
Have a little artist at home? Is your child looking to flex their creative muscles? Come join us for Art Attack! Each week participants will explore different creative mediums such as; painting, sculpting, crafts, and drama in a welcoming, fun, and inclusive environment.
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Science Squad |
Calling all curious kids! Come join us as we explore through the wonderful world of chemistry, physics, and engineering! Each week participants will explore different elements of science, getting a chance to work hands on with experiments, building structures, creating robots, and understanding nature and the world around us!
Science Squad has been cancelled for this session. Please check back in September 2024 for a new session of children's programs. |
Junior Chefs |
Is your child interested in learning the basics of cooking and baking. Do they want to learn some of the fundamental skills of cooking such as kitchen safety, table setting, measuring and mixing. This program gives children a chance to learn in a fun and hands on way, get their hands messy and their tummies (and your's) full of delicious kitchen creations.
Junior Chefs has been cancelled for this session. Please check back in September 2024 for a new session of children's programs. |
Tiny Dancers & Tumblers |
Tiny Dancers and Tiny Tumblers has been combined into one program for this session. A creative dance and gymnastics class that teaches children about rhythm and movement through music. Participants will learn different dance styles and acro moves while focusing on fun, balance, and coordination. Also a great way for parents to learn their child's dancing and gymnastics interests as they try out a variety of dance styles and musical accompaniments. Note: This program is unparented. Please bring a water bottle, layered clothing, and have indoor shoes for the program.
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Tiny Tumblers |
This program helps children to build confidence and ease with their bodies and how they move and play. This is a fun, action packed program for children that helps develop their fine and gross motor skills, builds their independence, self-confidence, and friendships through basic gymnastics skills, obstacle courses, and a variety of engaging games. Note: This program is unparented. Please drop off your child with a water bottle, socks, and closed toe indoor shoes.
This program has been combined with Tiny Dancers for this session. Please see above for details. |
Ninja Warriors |
A fun, action packed program for children that helps get them active and building teamwork and sportsmanship skills. Children will learn to use their minds and their bodies to navigate obstacle courses and solve puzzles as individuals as well as part of a team. Note: Please drop off your child with a water bottle and closed toe indoor shoes.
Ninja Warriors has been cancelled for this session. Please check back in September 2024 for a new session of children's programs. |
Even more fun for kids:
We've got camp, birthday party packages and seasonal events for your family.
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.
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!
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.
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® 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:
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:
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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. |