Your connection to the Centre extends beyond your child’s visits with their therapists. We offer a full catalogue of FREE events for children, youth, and their families to receive information, education, support as well as opportunities to connect with others with shared experiences.
We also offer opportunities for children and youth to engage in inclusive, accessible recreation activities and skill development in group settings.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Let’s get you the information you need!
WHO CAN SIGN UP FOR OUR EVENTS?
All of the events within this guide are open to all children and youth who are past or current clients (18 years & under) with a physical, developmental, and/or communicative delay or disability as well as their parents/caregivers.
CAN I ATTEND IF I’M NOT A CURRENT/PAST CLIENT?
Yes, as long as your child has a physical, developmental, and/or communicative delay or disability. Please contact our Intake Coordinators to join our community: 905-688-1890 ext. 110. We will collect a bit of info from you to enable you to register for events, including medical information regarding your child to ensure a safe experience during our events.
HOW DO I REGISTER IF I’M A CURRENT/PAST CLIENT?
Visit our website or call our Receptionist at least 24 hours in advance.
Reception
Tel: 905-688-3550 ext. 0
FAMILY SUMMER BUCKET LIST
Let’s explore our community and enjoy the fresh air together! Hosted by our Recreation Therapist, along with guest appearances from Centre staff, your family is invited to a collection of outings designed for children and youth of all ages and abilities. Families will receive more information for each event by email after registration.
Please note the following:
• Registration will close 48 hours prior to the event or when full.
• Registration is not confirmed until you receive a confirmation email.
• Events are FREE unless otherwise indicated by in descriptions*
• A minimum of 5 participants is required for the event to proceed
• With any community outing, accessibility variations happen. Please email rec@niagarachildrenscentre.com to make a plan for your family.
DATE:
Friday, July 11 10:30 a.m. to noon
Wednesday, July 16 7 p.m.
Tuesday, July 22 10:30 a.m. to noon or 12:30 to 2 p.m.
Thursday, July 31 10:30 to 11:30 a.m.
Tuesday, August 5 10 to 11:30 a.m.
Friday, August 22 9:30 a.m.
ACTIVITY:
LOCATION:
Parkway Social, St. Catharines
Meridian Centre, St. Catharines
Niagara Children’s Centre, St. Catharines
Brock Golf Course, Fonthill
Brock Golf Course, Fonthill
*Families will receive a group rate admission to Safari Niagara and must purchase by bringing cash to the event to be collected by Centre staff. Families will be responsible for optional drink or food purchase.
BIKE SOCIAL
Come pedal with us at our Bike Social, where riders of all skill levels can enjoy cycling in a safe and relaxed environment. Whether you’re new to biking or have plenty of experience, this is a great opportunity to ride at your own pace while connecting with others.
Families and siblings are welcome. Please bring your bike and helmet, and enjoy the great outdoors with us. We look forward to riding together!
DATE:
Wednesday, July 9 10 to 11 a.m.
Wednesday, July 16 5 to 6 p.m.
Wednesday, July 23 10 to 11 a.m.
Wednesday, July 30 5 to 6 p.m.
Wednesday, Aug. 6 10 to 11 a.m.
Wednesday, Aug. 13 5 to 6 p.m.
Wednesday, Aug. 20 10 to 11 a.m.
Wednesday, Aug. 27 5 to 6 p.m.
Please note:
LOCATION:
Canal Lock 1
Niagara Children’s Centre
Welland Merritt Island
Niagara Children’s Centre
Ashby Drive Park
Niagara Children’s Centre
Confederation Heights South Park
Niagara Children’s Centre
• Weather permitting (rain, heat, etc.).
ADDRESS:
325 Lakeshore Rd, St. Catharines
567 Glenridge Ave, St. Catharines
8 Merritt Island, Welland
567 Glenridge Ave, St. Catharines
4079 Ashby Dr, Beamsville,
567 Glenridge Ave, St. Catharines
Confederation Ave, Thorold
567 Glenridge Ave, St. Catharines
• Must bring your bike and helmet unless previously arranged with our Recreation Therapist
DO YOU HAVE QUESTIONS? Email
MORE RECREATION ACTIVITIES
MORNING CLUB
Youth are invited to join Morning Club for a variety of activities ranging from movement games, baking, indoor table games, and outdoor play if weather permits!
Please note: Children must be age 8 and older. Participants must not require 1-1 support and be able to manage toileting independently or bring their own support person/parent. Speak to our Recreation Therapist after registration about requirements for parents to be off-site during the session.
DATES: TIME: LOCATION:
Friday, July 18 9 a.m. to noon Niagara Children’s Centre Friday, August 15 St. Catharines location
ADAPTIVE TAEKWONDO
Taekwondo (TKD) is more than just martial arts! Niagara Children’s Centre is excited to provide our families with the opportunity to try an inclusive event led by TKD masters aimed at nurturing social skills, confidence, focus, and discipline. Parents and Caregivers must stay on-site unless otherwise arranged.
Please note: This program is designed to offer participants a supportive and familiar environment to explore whether Taekwondo is of interest and/or a good fit for their child, especially if they have been considering trying it in the community. If you have any questions or concerns, please contact our Recreation Therapist at rec@niagarachildrenscentre.com.
DATES: TIME:
Wednesday, July 23 4 to 4:30 p.m. (ages 4-9) 4:30 to 5 p.m. (ages 9+)
Wednesday, Aug. 20 5 to 5:30 p.m. (ages 4-9) 5:30 to 6 p.m. (ages (9+)
All sessions taking place at the Children’s Centre’s St. Catharines location.
The Centre has its own indoor, accessible, heated, saltwater pool!
To indicate interest in family swims, contact by email: rec@niagarachildrenscentre.com. Ask your therapist about use of the pool as part of individual or group therapy sessions.
SCAN TO LEARN MORE ABOUT OUR POOL PROGRAM:
Our website has information about pool policies such as supervision requirements and accessibility. If your child/ youth requires the mechanical lift, please let us know in advance.
RUN, SWEAT & CONNECT WITH CORNERS RUN CREW
For parents and caregivers of Niagara Children’s Centre
Calling all parents and caregivers — this one’s for you!
Join us with Corners Run Crew — a fun, supportive, and seriously good-vibes-only group where the motto is Moderate Pace – Positive Space. No pressure, no pace goals – it’s about showing up. Whether you’re a seasoned runner or just looking to move and mingle, all are welcome. Each run starts and ends at a local café. Come for the movement, stay for a latte. Come as you are and leave recharged. A Centre staff member will attend each run to welcome you and participate alongside you.
DATES: TIME: LOCATION:
Saturday, July 19 8:30 a.m. Black Sheep Coffee, Welland
Thursday, July 31 6:30 a.m. Pique-Nique, St. Catharines
Saturday, Aug. 23 8:30 a.m. Stoke Deli Bar, Fonthill
Thursday, Aug. 28 6:30 a.m. Pique-Nique, St. Catharines
Saturday, Sept. 20 8:30 a.m. Black Sheep Coffee, Welland
COFFEE, CHAT & COMMUNITY
Hosted by a Niagara Children’s Centre Social Worker
Looking for a warm, welcoming experience to connect with other parents and caregivers? Join us each week for Coffee, Chat & Community — a relaxed meet-up for children and their parents/caregivers featuring light walks, great coffee, and meaningful conversation in an inclusive, family-friendly environment.
DATE:
Tuesday, July 8 10 a.m.
Tuesday, July 15 10 a.m.
Tuesday, July 22 10 a.m.
Tuesday, July 29 10 a.m.
Tuesday, Aug. 5 10 a.m.
Tuesday, Aug. 12 10 a.m.
Tuesday, Aug. 19 10 a.m.
Tuesday, Aug. 26 10 a.m.
Please note:
LOCATION:
Port Dalhousie Carousel Coffee at 416 Coffee
St. John’s Conversation Area
Bright Pours Cafe
Heartland Forest
Rotary Park
Happy Rolph’s
Black Sheep Coffee
Charles Daley Park
• Registration requires 24-hours notice
ADDRESS:
1 Lakeport Rd. St. Catharines
3101 Barron Rd. Fonthill
211 Martindale Rd. St. Catharines
8215 Heartland Forest Rd, Niagara Falls
5020 Serena Dr. Beamsville
650 Read Rd. St. Catharines
64 Niagara St. Welland
1969 North Service Rd. Lincoln
• Note the when coffee will not be provided by Centre staff
• Parents/caregivers may attend with or without children
Help Kids Shine Ambassador José with his daughter Mirandita
Join fellow Centre dad Allen Sadikov for the very first Dad’s Corner — a casual hangout created just for dads and male-identifying caregivers connected to Niagara Children’s Centre.
We know being a dad is an incredible journey — full of joy, challenges, and the occasional chaos that makes it uniquely yours. At the Children’s Centre, we recognize the importance of building a supportive space where dads can connect, share experiences, and navigate parenthood together.
Whether you’re looking to swap stories, meet others who get it, or just unwind, Dad’s Corner is for you.
Let’s build a community where the camaraderie is as strong as the love we have for our little ones.
Note: Registration is required. A Centre Social Worker will be on-site during the event to offer support and answer Centre-related questions if they arise.
DATES: TIME: LOCATION: Tuesday, July 22 7 p.m. Sala Sixty One, St. Catharines
PARENT & CAREGIVER EDUCATIONAL WORKSHOPS
Hosted by a Niagara Children’s Centre Social Worker
“MONEY MATTERS” FUNDING OPTIONS
This workshop provides an overview of financial resources that you may be eligible for as a parent or caregiver for a child with disabilities. Applications such as Assistance for Children with Severe Disabilities (ACSD), Special Services At Home (SSAH), Disability Tax Credit (DTC), Easter Seals Incontinence Grant (ES-IG) and more will be discussed. This workshop provides an overview of what may be available to eligible families and is not dedicated to completing the applications.
DATES: TIMES:
Thursday, July 24 7 to 8 p.m.
LOCATION:
Virtual via ZOOM
LEARN MORE & REGISTER ONLINE
Visit our website or call Reception at least 24-hours in advance.
PAPERWORK PARTY!
Putting off paperwork related to your child’s disability? Please join us for a paperwork party! These informal gatherings are designed to offer a comfortable space, a defined time, and the knowledge and support of other Centre parents and caregivers. You are welcome to bring any kind of paperwork, including funding, referrals, program registrations, education, and more. A Centre Social Worker can assist with funding applications. Coffee, tea, and technology will be available. So let’s get it done together!
DATES: TIMES: Monday, Aug. 18 10 a.m. to noon
LOCATION:
Join virtually or in-person at our St. Catharines location
BEHAVIOURAL SUPPORT WORKSHOPS
Hosted by Niagara Children’s Centre Behavioural
Consultants
TOILETING
Join us for an educational session to learn what toileting readiness looks like, how to plan and prepare a toileting routine, and learn about different toilet training strategies.
DATES: TIMES: LOCATION:
Tuesday, July 8 9:30 to 11:30 a.m. Virtual via ZOOM Wednesday, Aug. 13 6 to 8 p.m.
MORNING & BEDTIME ROUTINES
Learn what might be the cause of the chaos and how to help your child follow the routine. Parents will be given the tools to understand their child’s behaviour and strategies to help overcome those behaviours.
DATES: TIME: LOCATION: Wednesday, Aug. 27 9:30 to 11 a.m.
Virtual via ZOOM
Milena Bakalov, Behaviour Consultant and Meaghan Fleming, Reg. Behaviour Analyst
QUESTIONS OR READY TO REGISTER?
FAMILY MENTOR PROGRAM
Receive guidance and support from your peers
Would you benefit from speaking with a parent who shares similar experiences caring for a child with special needs?
Let us connect you to another Centre parent that ‘gets it’!
WHY SHOULD YOU ENROLL?
CONNECTION
Chat with a peer that understands.
CONVENIENCE
Connect from home, on your schedule.
COMMUNITY
Learn more about Centre programs, services and events.
To learn that there’s another parent out there that has gone through everything you are going through right now, and understands your feelings – it means a lot,”
Dyane, Centre Parent
INTERESTED IN ENROLLING?
VOLT HOCKEY
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