As a community that thrives in service and growth, Riverside has many organizations supporting the families and children that call this neighbourhood home, whether it’s help with child care or opportunities for them to explore their potential.
New to the Riverside Blog? Over the past few weeks, we’ve been highlighting community services in the neighbourhood — from youth programs to free/affordable resources — in the countdown to our annual community clean up on April 25th!
From afterschool services to recreational camps, read on to know more about local programming for children and youth in Toronto’s Riverside neighbourhood:
Photo credit: South Riverdale Child-Parent Centre
South Riverdale Child-Parent Centre
Address: 765 Queen St E, Toronto, ON M4M 1H3
Committed to nurturing positive parent-child relationships, South Riverdale Child-Parent Centre provides free, accessible programming designed to support individuals caring for young children at home and fostering family involvement in the community. You can find regular updates on their website and Instagram:
- Daily Drop-in – Children and their caregivers can spend time in a stimulating and safe play environment.
- Outings – Previous locations have included for example Riverdale Farm and Allan Gardens.
- Workshops – Some sessions are for adults only, others are for caregivers and children to enjoy together.
- Clothing Exchange – Bring in clothes that your child has outgrown, and take home clothes for your child. When you’re done, bring them back for someone else to wear!
- Toy and Parenting Book Library – This is where you can try out as many developmentally-appropriate toys as you like for two weeks at a time.
Photo credit: Ralph Thornton Community Centre
Ralph Thornton Community Centre
Address: 765 Queen St E, Toronto, ON M4M 1H3
The Ralph Thornton Community Centre provides excellent and affordable children’s programming which features a wide variety of fun activities facilitated by well-trained staff. The centre promotes inclusivity and healthy child development in a safe and interactive environment. Don’t forget to sign up for their e-news for updates!
- Afterschool Program – Activities range from homework help, computer time and library visits to park outings, crafts and cooking.
- PA Day and March Break Camp – These events offer exciting experiences for children aged 6-12 during school breaks.
- Riverdale Adventure Centre (RAC) Camp – This fun summer day camp for children is offered to local residents with dedicated spaces in four specific streams: local low income families, Rivertowne & residents of Toronto Community Housing, LGBTQ+ families and a spot open to all!
- RTCC Youth Group – The program consists of regular workshops and activities that build leadership, problem-solving, communication and other skills.
- Leadership-In-Training Program – This leadership skills training project runs during the summer. It is done in partnership with Applegrove Community Complex and Eastview Community Centre.
Photo credit: Pexels.com
Toronto Public Library Queen/Saulter
Address: 765 Queen St E, Toronto, ON M4M 1H3
Aside from a wealth of books, Riverside’s very own Toronto Public Library Queen/Saulter also provides the community and beyond with access to engaging and interactive activities for children and youth.
- Family Time – Preschool children can read stories, sing songs and do other fun activities during these sessions. No registration required.
- LEGO Club – Children ages 4 and up build and create their own LEGO masterpiece. LEGO and DUPLO will be provided.
- Robot World – Children interested in coding can learn the basics as they work with robots firsthand, making them move through a maze, pass an obstacle course and more.
- Snap Circuit Saturdays – Participants can learn the fundamentals of circuits and create their own alarms and AM radios.
Photo credit: Child Development Institute
Child Development Institute
Address: 635 Queen St. East, 3rd Floor. Toronto, ON M4M
Built on a legacy of more than 100 years of helping children and families, the Child Development Institute is best known for its unique and effective outcomes-based approach to children’s mental health, early learning and child care services.
- Child & Youth Mental Health Services – These address a range of social, emotional, behavioural, psychological and/or psychiatric problems that are provided to at-risk children and youth.
- Early Years & Child Care Services – Through child care centres, children get the support they need to be actively immersed in an environment that promotes well-being, belonging and expression.
- Gender-Based Violence Services – These are counselling services, parenting support, shelter and more to support mothers with children who have witnessed and/or experienced interpersonal violence.
Photo credit: City of Toronto
Jimmie Simpson Recreation Centre
Address: 870 Queen St E, Toronto, ON M4M 3G9
A hub for community programming located in between Riverside and Leslieville, Jimmie Simpson Recreation Centre and its programs provide preschool kids and older adults opportunities for recreation such as fitness and sports.
- Arts, Hobbies and Interests – Ballroom, open mic, video games, music—there’s something for everyone.
- FitnessTO – Teens can choose from a variety of workout sessions such as HIIT, pilates, yoga and Zumba.
- Sports – There’s badminton, basketball, pickleball, skateboarding, tennis, volleyball and the list goes on!
- Swim – For anyone who loves the water, you can participate in classes such as aquatic fitness, and leisure and lane swimming.
We’re wrapping up our community services blog series next week so don’t forget to follow @riverside_bia on Instagram to get updates whenever a new blog drops!