Group Descriptions

Our goal is to support parents in the role of their child’s first teacher by providing quality programming aimed at promoting school readiness and giving children, and their caregivers, opportunities to connect with others in their community.

When you attend Family Connections groups please expect the following:

1. The group will start and end on time

2. Your group facilitator will provide choices of activities that are engaging, varied and age appropriate

3. As a parent or caregiver you will be engaged with your child(ren), supporting them throughout the activities they choose

4. Caregivers will not share pictures/videos of other children in the group on social media

Toddler Time (Rowley)

This is a FREE engaging playgroup for children aged 12 to 36 months, designed to support their growing curiosity and energy. Through fun, interactive activities, toddlers can explore, learn, and develop essential social, motor, and cognitive skills. Limited to 15.

Mixed Age Playgroup (Merrimac)

This is a FREE play group for ages 2-5. Together with their caregiver, children will enjoy a variety of activities that stimulate creativity and social skills (story time, crafts, interactive games, sensory play, etc.). Limited to 16.

Preschool Academy (Sweetsir)

This is a FREE playgroup for children ages 2-5. Each session includes an interactive story time and various creative play activities. Promote school readiness while bonding with your little one and meeting other families in the community. Limited to 12.

Storytime & Creative Play (Salisbury)

Learn Through Play (Newburyport)

This is a FREE community playgroup for children ages 2-5 with a caregiver. Each session includes an interactive storytime and various creative play activities. Promote school readiness while bonding with your little one and meeting other families in the community. Limited to 6 families.

Imagination Station (Haverhill Public Library)

This is a FREE community playgroup for children age 2-5. Together with their caregiver, children will enjoy a variety of activities that stimulate creativity and social skills (story time, crafts, interactive games, sensory play, etc.). Limited to 12.

Come & Play (Amesbury)

This is a FREE play group for ages 2-6. Together with their caregiver, children will enjoy a variety of activities that stimulate creativity and social skills (story time, crafts, interactive games, sensory play, etc.). Limited to 12

STEM

Ignite your child's curiosity with our STEM Playgroup! Designed for young explorers ages 4 and up, these sessions are filled with hands-on activities that introduce the fundamentals of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math through play. From building simple structures to exploring nature and experimenting with basic concepts, each play date offers a fun and engaging way for your little ones to discover the world around them.

PLEASE NOTE: unfortunately, we are NOT able to accommodate younger siblings in this group. Limited to 8.

Music & Movement (Haverhill)

Music & Movement is a FREE engaging playgroup for children ages 2-6. This group is designed as a caregiver and child class for participation together. Each session is filled with fun, interactive activities, where children can explore, learn, and develop essential social, motor, and cognitive skills while being supported by their parent or caregiver. Limited to 16.

Playful Learning (Groveland)

This is a FREE engaging playgroup for children ages 2-6, to explore the joy and freedom of movement. Each session is filled with fun, interactive activities, where children can explore, learn, and develop essential social, motor, and cognitive skills. This playgroup provides a lively environment where little ones can make new friends and enjoy the excitement of early learning, all while parents and caregivers share in their developmental milestones. Limited to 10.

Busy Learners (Newburyport)

Busy Learners is a mixed age (ages 3-6) playgroup designed to promote school readiness within the context of play. Each session will include an interactive storytime and various play activities designed to promote social, motor, and cognitive skills. Don't miss out on this wonderful chance to promote school readiness while bonding with your little one and meeting other families in the community. We look forward to seeing you there! Limited to 10.

Storytime & Creative Play (Newbury)

This mixed-age (age 0-6) session is brought to you in collaboration with the Newbury Town Library. Join Miss Nikki for Storytime at 9:30, followed by a variety of fun, engaging play activities provided by Miss Cindy.

Tiny Tots (West Newbury)

Tiny Tots is an engaging playgroup designed to support children's growing curiosity and energy. Through fun, interactive activities, toddlers can explore, learn, and develop essential social, motor, and cognitive skills. Designed for children up to 3 years of age, this playgroup provides a lively environment where little ones can discover the world around them, make new friends, and enjoy the excitement of early learning, all while parents and caregivers share in their developmental milestones. Limited to 10.

Gather, Learn & Play (Haverhill)

Process Art (West Newbury)

Designed for children ages 3-6, preschool process art fosters creativity and self-expression in a nurturing environment. This approach focuses on the creative journey rather than a finished product, allowing children to explore various materials like paints and natural objects. Caregivers support experimentation with colors and techniques without pressure for specific outcomes. This collaborative activity enhances imagination and fine motor skills while strengthening the caregiver-child bond. Encouraging open-ended exploration nurtures confidence and a lifelong love for art. Limited to 10.

Stories & Tumbling (Haverhill YMCA)

Designed for children ages 3-6 with a caregiver. After the stories it's time to get moving! Our tumbling activities are designed to promote gross motor skills, coordination and balance. We’ll set up tumbling mats and soft play equipment, allowing children to explore agility through climbing, rolling, jumping, and balancing. Each week will include guided exercises to ensure safety and fun. Limited to 15.

Kin Fitness

Storybook Adventures is a FREE playgroup for 2.5 - 6 year olds. It is full of an action-packed story where kids act out the adventure with exercises! From space to pirates, it's imagination and fitness together! Each monthly session is capped at 12.

Preschool Playtime (West Newbury)

These complimentary community play sessions offer a range of activities designed to spark a child's imagination and enhance cognitive growth, including arts and crafts, storytelling, and interactive play. When caregivers engage in play, it not only deepens the connection between the child and adult but also nurtures social skills as children interact with their peers. Caregivers can aid their children's early development while simultaneously connecting with other families. Limited to 10.

TinkerTime (West Newbury)

Our TINKER Time Preschool Workshop, for ages 3-6, offers a wonderful opportunity for young children and their caregivers to engage in creative, hands-on learning experiences together. These workshops are designed to stimulate curiosity and encourage problem-solving skills in a fun, interactive environment. By participating in activities such as building, crafting, and experimenting, children develop their fine motor skills, cognitive abilities, and social interactions. Caregivers play a crucial role in these sessions, providing support and encouragement while also bonding with their children through shared experiences. Limited to 10.