Preschool and Child Programs

Preschool programs are intended for children ages 1 to 4, while child programs are geared for children ages 5 to 10. Subscribe to this page to receive updates as they occur.

Register for fall and winter programs at www.Brantford.ca/ACTIVEnet.

Parent and Child Explore Sports (ages 2 to 5)

Location: Wayne Gretzky Sports Centre, 254 North Park Street

Your child will explore sports and movement through running, jumping, catching, throwing, kicking, hopping and more. The program is led by an instructor and supported by parents or care providers helping their child through each station or sport. Make sure your little one is wearing comfy clothes and running shoes. Pre-registration is required.

  • Wednesdays from November 5 to December 17, 2025, 10:00 a.m. to 10:45 a.m., $52.15 (activity number 26741)
  • Thursdays from November 6 to December 18, 2025, 5:45 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. (activity number 26742)
  • Wednesdays from January 7 to February 18, 2026, 10:00 a.m. to 10:45 a.m., $52.15 (activity number 26776)
  • Thursdays from January 8 to February 19, 2026, 5:45 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. (activity number 26777)
  • Wednesdays from March 4 to April 22, 2026, 10:00 a.m. to 10:45 a.m., $52.15 (activity number 26778)
  • Thursdays from March 5 to April 23, 2026, 5:45 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. (activity number 26779)

Register online

Creative Dance (ages 3 to 6)

Location: Wayne Gretzky Sports Centre, 254 North Park Street

We’ll introduce your child to music, dance and movement. They’ll learn a variety of dance styles including jazz, hip hop, ballet and expression. Kids should wear comfortable clothes, and bare feet or sticky socks. No program April 27.

  • Saturdays from November 8 to December 20, 2025, 10:45 a.m. to 11:15 a.m., $39.90 (activity number 26735)
  • Saturdays from November 8 to December 20, 2025, 11:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m., $39.90 (activity number 26736)
  • Saturdays from January 10 to February 21, 2026, 10:45 a.m. to 11:15 a.m., $40.60 (activity number 26767)
  • Saturdays from January 10 to February 21, 2026, 11:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m., $40.60 (activity number 26768)
  • Saturdays from March 7 to April 25, 2026, 10:45 a.m. to 11:15 a.m., $40.60 (activity number 26769)
  • Saturdays from March 7 to April 25, 2026, 11:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m., $40.60 (activity number 26770)

Register online

Kids Night Out Program (ages 4 to 10)

Location: various

This drop-in program is a great way for kids to spend a night out with friends. They will participate in staff-led crafts, games, sports and more. Space is limited so arriving on time is recommended to avoid disappointment in the program being filled to capacities to ensure staff:participant ratios.

Learn more.

Easter Eggstravaganza (ages 4 to 10)

Location: T.B Costain SC/Johnson Community Centre

Join us for an Easter Eggstravaganza party! We will make some Easter crafts, play some Easter games and of course hunt for Easter eggs. Snack and refreshment provided.

  • Saturday March 28, 2026 from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m., (activity number 26513)

Register online

Spooktacular Halloween (Ages 4 to 10)

Location: Branlyn Community Centre

Calling all mini ghouls, goblins, princesses and superheroes! This spooktacular party will get kids in the spirit and kick-off Halloween with themed games, crafts, activities, treats and a few tricks! Be sure to wear your best costume!

  • Saturday March 28, 2026 from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m., (activity number 26513)
Holly Jolly Holiday Party ( Ages 4 to 10)

Location: St. Gabriel Elementary School

Get ready for a Holly Jolly Holiday Party! Be sure to wear your favourite holiday pajamas and enjoy hot chocolate and a snack during the reading of a classic holiday story. Create a holiday craft to keep and play themed games and activities that will get you in the holiday spirit!

  • Saturday March 28, 2026 from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m., (activity number 26513)
Parent’s Night Off (ages 4 to 11)

Location: various

Drop the kids off for a night of games, crafts and activities while you enjoy an evening to yourself. Two slices of pizza and a drink are included in the cost.

Learn more.

Beginners Acro (ages 5 to 8)

Location: Wayne Gretzky Sports Centre, 254 North Park Street

Your child will learn basic gymnastics, acro and creative movement to music in this class. It will keep your child moving, learning and having fun! Kids should wear comfortable clothes, and bare feet or sticky socks.

  • Wednesdays from November 5 to December 17, 2025, 5:30 p.m. to 6:15 p.m., $52.15 (activity number 26728)
  • Wednesdays from January 7 to February 18, 2026, 5:30 p.m. to 6:15 p.m., $53.20 (activity number 26761)
  • Wednesdays from March 4 to April 22, 2026, 5:30 p.m. to 6:15 p.m., $53.20 (activity number 26762)

Register online

All Sorts of Sports (ages 6 to 9)

Location: Wayne Gretzky Sports Centre, 254 North Park Street

If your child is looking for a chance to learn and practice a variety of different sports, then this program is for them! We’ll teach your child the basic rules and skills of the game and explore new sports each week.

  • Tuesdays from November 4 to December 16, 2025, 6:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m., $61.25, (activity number 26724)
  • Tuesdays from January 6 to February 17, 2026, 6:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m., $63.00, (activity number 26758)
  • Tuesdays from March 3 to April 21, 2026, 6:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m., $63.00, (activity number 26759)

Register online

OBOTZ: STEAM Program (ages 6 to 10)

In partnership with UCMAS Brantford, OBOTZ blends electronics, mechanics and programming with innovative robotics and coding for children. This hands-on learning program is perfect for curious minds with an interest in STEAM

  • Saturdays October 18 to November 8 2025 (4 sessions), 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m., $113.00, (activity number 26866)
  • Saturdays January 17 to February 7, 2026 (4 sessions), 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m., $113.00, (activity number 26867)

Register online

Kids Holiday Kitchen (ages 6 to 10)

Get in the holiday mood and design your own apron, decorate delicious cookies and play holiday-themed games.

  •  Saturday December 13, 2025 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m., $25.00, (activity number 26834)

Register online

Cook Up A Storm Jr. (ages 6 to 10)

Create easy meals you can make on your own, while learning basic culinary skills to impress the toughest critic.

Location: Woodman Park Community Centre, 491 Grey Street 

  • Wednesdays from November to December 17, 2025 (4 sessions), 6:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m., $50.00, (activity number 26837)
  • Saturdays from January 17 to February 7 2026 (4 sessions), 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m., $113.00, (activity number 26867)

Location: Branlyn Community Centre, 238 Brantwood Park Road

  • Mondays from October 20 to Monday November 10, 2025 (4 Sessions), 6:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. $50.00 (activity number 26514)

Register Here

Baking Around the World (ages 6 to 10)

Location: T.B.Costain/SC Johnson Community Centre, 16 Morrell Street

Travel the globe with your taste buds! Explore the wide variety of flavours and textures that our world has to offer! Students will be required to bring some ingredients.

  • Mondays from January 19 to February 9, 2026 (4 Sessions), 6:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m., $45.00, (activity number 26516)

Register online

3,2,1 Action! (Ages 6 to 11)

Location: T.B Costain/SC Johnson Community Centre

Put your acting skills to the test! Children will play fun theatre games, rehearse story fairytales and even perform with their friends! Caregivers are invited to watch a live performance on the last day of the program to show off everything they have learned!

  • Tuesdays from January 20 to February 24, 2026 (6 Sessions), 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. $60.00 (activity number 26517)
Try Blind Sports! (ages 6+)

Location: Wayne Gretzky Sports Centre, 254 North Park Street
A unique eight-week recreational program designed to give an experience into four different blind sports in a fun and supportive environment. This program is open to individuals of all ages who are blind/have vision loss as well as those with vision. Over the course of eight weeks, participants will be guided by trained coaches and staff to try goal ball, soccer, boxing, and judo. This program will allow athletes to learn foundational skills, build confidence and experience the joy of movement in a team setting. This program aims to foster a love of sport, promote physical fitness, and help athletes connect with the blind sports community.

  • Wednesday, October 15, 2025 (Soccer) 6:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m., $8.75 (activity number 25450)
  • Wednesday, October 22, 2025 (Boxing) 6:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m., $8.75 (activity number 25451)
CheckMates (ages 6+)

Location: Wayne Gretzky Sports Centre, 254 North Park Street
This program will help you understand the game of chess at your own pace. With easy lessons, practice puzzles, and the chance to play against friends, it's the perfect start for beginners of any age. Dive in and start enjoying the timeless game of chess today!

  • Mondays from November 3 to December 15, 2025, 6:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m., $38.50 (activity number 26730)
  • Mondays from January 5 to February 23, 2026, 6:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m., $40.25 (activity number 26763)
  • Mondays from March 2 to April 20, 2026, 6:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m., $40.25 (activity number 26764)

Register online

Chemistry Kids (ages 6 to 12)

Location: Wayne Gretzky Sports Centre, 254 North Park Street

Science is at the heart of everything in life, and experiments are how we prove them. Come explore the crazy world of science through cool experiments and hands-on experience. Find out what happens and why!

  • Thursdays, November 6 to December 18, 2025 from 6:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m., cost $61.25 (activity number 26732)
  • Thursdays, January 8 to February 19, 2026 from 6:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m., cost $63.00 (activity number 26765)
  • Thursdays, March 5 to April 23, 2026 from 6:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m., cost $63.00 (activity number 26766)

Register online

Eliza Bell's Art Studio (ages 8 to 12)

Location: Bell Homestead National Historic Site, 94 Tutela Heights Road

Did you know that Dr.Alexander Graham Bell's mother was an artist? In this program we will share the basics of drawing with you and give you a closer look into Mrs. Eliza Bell's artwork. Materials will be provided. There is no program on March 18, 2026. 

  • Wednesdays from October 1 to November 19, 2025, 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m., cost $120.00 (activity number 26906)
  • Wednesdays from February 4 to April 1, 2026, 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m., cost $120.00 (activity number 26907)

Register online

Red Cross Stay Safe (ages 9 to 13)

Location: Woodman Park Community Centre, 491 Grey Street
This Red Cross safety program will help you gain confidence and independence with real world scenarios and hands on learning you will learn to stay safe! Hot dogs will be available to purchase for lunch or your can bring your own nut-free lunch.

  • Friday April 17, 2026, 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., $50.00 (activity number 26836)

Register online

Youth Triathlon Swim (ages 9 to 14)

Location: Wayne Gretzky Sports Centre, 254 North Park Street

If you are planning to do a triathlon, this program is for you. You will work on your swim technique and challenge yourself with longer or faster drills to get you race ready! You must be comfortable in the water and should be able to completed 50 metre swim. There is no class on October 13, 2025, February 16 and March 16, 2026.

  • Mondays from 7:00 p.m. to 7:45 p.m., cost $69.09 for seven weeks
    • November 3 to December 15, 2025 (activity number 26812)
  • Mondays from 7:00 p.m. to 7:45 p.m., cost $70.49 for seven weeks
    • January 5 to February 23, 2026 (activity number 26828)
    • March 2 to April 20, 2026 (activity number 26898)

Register online

Home Alone Course (ages 10 to 12)

Location: Wayne Gretzky Sports Centre, 254 North Park Street

Get your pre-teen prepared to stay home alone with this course! In this course, you will learn skills like handling emergencies, basic first aid, internet safety, and more. This is a Canada Safety Council course.

  • Saturday, December 6, 2025, from 9:00 a.m. to 11:30 a.m., $37.00 (activity number 26738)
  • Saturday, March 7, 2026, from 9:00 a.m. to 11:30 a.m., $37.60 (activity number 26771)

Register online