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Recreation Programs and Facilities

Strong families are active families.

Physical and social activities not only help with your child’s development, but they also help you build stronger relationships as a family. We’re here to help you find trusted programs that meet your child’s interests and family’s needs, as well as promote optimal physical and mental health.
 
child holding hands and skating inbetween a woman and man at an indoor ice rink


 

On this page


Learning and Playgroups

EarlyON Programs

Family Centres

Libraries, Resource Centres, and Museums

Getting Out and Getting Active

Physical Activity Services and Resources

Aquatics

Arenas and Skating

Parks and Playgrounds

Bike Lanes, Multi-Use Pathways, and Walking Trails
 

Learning and Playgroups


EarlyON Programs

EarlyON programs are an initiative of the provincial government and offer free information, programs, and services to all parents and caregivers with children from birth to six years of age. At EarlyON programs you will be able to:
 
  • join fun activities such as reading, storytelling, sing-alongs, and games
  • get advice from professionals trained in early childhood development
  • find out about other family services in your community
  • connect with other families with young children 

Family Centres

Family Centres provide a single door to many opportunities available throughout the city that support all children, youth, and families in achieving their full potential. Many Family Centres also host EarlyON programming at their locations. Family Centres connect you with information, programs, and services related to:
 
  • parenting and early learning
  • early childhood education
  • public health and wellness
  • recreation, sports, and leisure 

If specific programs or services are not offered on-site, Community Connectors and the team within Family Centres will make referrals and connections to meet a family’s interests or needs.
 

Libraries, Resource Centres, and Museums

London Public Library and Middlesex County Library have programs like Books for Babies and Storytime to help your child develop early literacy skills in a fun way. Museums with children’s programming offer interactive exhibits and learning activities.  
 
Library Programming for Children and Youth:
 
 

Museum Programming for Children and Youth:
 


Getting Out and Getting Active


Getting your body moving, through play, sports, daily activities or exercise, is an excellent way to keep healthy. Being physically active has many benefits, including better physical and mental health, feeling more energetic, and reducing your risk of chronic diseases and obesity.[1] It’s important to be a role model for your children so they can learn healthy habits from a young age. The Middlesex-London Health Unit provides benefits and guidelines of physical activity by age on their Physical Activity page [external link]. For more recreational and leisure activities visit the City of London and Middlesex County’s Recreation page and check-out the links below.


Physical Activity Services and Resources:

City of London Recreation Program Guide [external link] - A seasonal guide to recreational and leisure activity for all ages in London and Middlesex County. Registration required.

Active Transportation – Middlesex-London Health Unit [external link] – Learn about how you and your family can incorporate physical activity as a method of transportation.

Community Resource Centres - Community resource centres provide community access to a wide variety of health and social services for people of all ages.

Family Centres and EarlyON Programs – Many Family Centre and EarlyON programs incorporate movement into their activities. You can view your local Family Centre’s calendar here, or search for programming across all Family Centres here.

Fitness Centres and Programs - Fitness centres and health clubs provide activities for all ages aimed at maintaining and improving people's physical health.

Youth Centres - Youth centres offer social and recreational activities, snacks, information and support, and in some cases, counselling for teens.

 

Aquatics

Introducing your child to aquatic activity will help them gain their confidence in the water. Safety is of the utmost importance whenever your child is around water. Did you know a child can drown in as little as 1 inch of water? Learn more about water safety in different environments, such as pools and playgrounds on the Swimming Safety canada.ca page [external link]. 
 
London

Aquatics [external link] – Information about swim programs, lessons, pools, wading pools, spray pads, fees and supervision policy.

Middlesex County

Swimming Pools and Splash Pads [external link]– A listing of all pools and splash pads in Middlesex County with individual websites provided for more information.
 

Arenas and Skating

Find information about arenas, including locations, amenities, booking information, and skating activities.
 
 

Parks and Playgrounds

London and Middlesex County has over 350 beautiful parks to explore and discover with your children. Find out about all the amenities available at each using the links below.
 
London
 
 

Bike Lanes, Multi-Use Pathways, and Walking Trails

Bike lanes and walking trails mean you are sharing your space with others. It’s important to role model good safety habits to your children. Find out how using the links below.
 

Now that you know how to safely navigate paths whether you’re walking or cycling, here are the many routes you can follow in London and Middlesex County:

London

Biking in London [external link] – Find information on bike paths and tracks, local cycling groups, and fix-it stations. 

London’s 2020 Bike Map [PDF] – You can pick up a printed version of this map at any London Public Library branch, Tourism London location or City Hall.

Interactive Bike Routes and Walking Trails Map [external link]  - Plan your route by entering your destination into this interactive bike and walking trails map.

Middlesex County

Middlesex County Trails Guide – maps and information about each trail in Middlesex County, including type of trail (hiking, walking, cycling, mountain biking, etc.), difficulty level, and washrooms and other amenities on the trail.

Middlesex County Trails Guide [external link]

 

Need More Help?

Community Connectors are fundamental to helping London families get connected to services and supports. In every Family Centre, families are greeted by a knowledgeable, friendly Community Connector who helps them connect seamlessly to more opportunities that help them be successful in all aspects of their lives.
 
Contact or visit a Family Centre to speak with a Community Connector.

In Middlesex County, Middlesex County Library Branches act as hubs for accessing information on family-centered supports and services. Library staff are knowledgeable and trusted Community Connectors equipped to help provide families with information on whom and how to connect to service agencies as well as providing access to key resources relevant to the service or support.  

Visit Middlesex Family Connections for more information on how to connect with a Community Connector in Middlesex County.

MLHU Telephone Support for Families
Available Monday through Friday, from 8:30 am until 4:30 pm, call 519-663-5317 to speak with a Public Health Nurse from the Middlesex-London Health Unit about questions or concerns about parenting, or caring for your infant or child.
 
Telehealth Ontario
Telehealth Ontario is a free, confidential service you can call to get health advice or information. A Registered Nurse will take your call 24 hours a day, seven days a week. In a medical emergency, call 911.
 
Toll-free: 1-866-797-0000

Toll-free TTY: 1-866-797-0007
 
[1] Middlesex-London Health Unit. (2019). Physical Activity. Retrieved from https://www.healthunit.com/physical-activity