Vernon Drop-In Programs

Find drop-in programs in Vernon that you can join at the last minute with your toddlers, kids, or teens most of which are free to join. Vernon offers excellent programs for all ages including, library time, skating, swimming, playgroups, and more!

*Please check their websites and Facebook pages for hours of operation as these groups may change their hours. StrongStart is only open on school days and will be closed on Pro-D days and holidays.

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Monday

• StrongStart (0-5 years) | Alexis Park Elementary | 8:30-11:30 am | Free (Sept-June)
• StrongStart (0-5 years) | Mission Hill Elementary | 8:30-11:30 am | Free (Sept-June)
• StrongStart (0-5 years) | Ellison Elementary | 8:30-11:30 am | Free (Sept-June)
• StrongStart (0-5 years) | Harwood Elementary | 8:30-11:30 am | Free (Sept-June)
• Little Owl Play Group (0-6 years) | Peace Lutheran Church | 9:00 am-12:30 pm | Free (Year-round)
• LOTS of TOTS Playgroup (0-5 years) | Trinity United Church | 9:30-11:30 am | Free (Until June 2024)
• Family Story Time (0-4 years) | Vernon Regional Library | 10:30-11:00 am | Free (Until May 30, 2024)
• Public Swim (All ages) | Vernon Recreation Centre | 7:00-9:00 pm | Cost varies (All features open)

Tuesday

• StrongStart (0-5 years) | Alexis Park Elementary | 8:30-11:30 am | Free (Sept-June)
• StrongStart (0-5 years) | Mission Hill Elementary | 8:30-11:30 am | Free (Sept-June)
• StrongStart (0-5 years) | Ellison Elementary | 8:30-11:30 am | Free (Sept-June)
• StrongStart (0-5 years) | Harwood Elementary | 8:30-11:30 am | Free (Sept-June)
• Baby Time | Vernon Regional Library | 10:30-11:00 am | Free (Jan 9-May 28, 2024)

Wednesday

• StrongStart (0-5 years) | Alexis Park Elementary | 8:30-11:30 am | Free (Sept-June)
• StrongStart (0-5 years) | Mission Hill Elementary | 8:30-11:30 am | Free (Sept-June)
• StrongStart (0-5 years) | Ellison Elementary | 8:30-11:30 am | Free (Sept-June)
• StrongStart (0-5 years) | Harwood Elementary | 8:30-11:30 am | Free (Sept-June)
• Little Scientists (2-5 years) | Okanagan Science Centre | 10:00-11:00 am | Regular admission rates
• PJ Storytime (All ages) | Vernon Regional Library | 6:00-6:30 pm | Free (Jan 10-May 29, 2024)
• Public Swim (All ages) | Vernon Recreation Centre | 7:00-9:00 pm | Cost varies (All features open)

Thursday

• StrongStart (0-5 years) | Alexis Park Elementary | 8:30-11:30 am | Free (Sept-June)
• StrongStart (0-5 years) | Mission Hill Elementary | 8:30-11:30 am | Free (Sept-June)
• StrongStart (0-5 years) | Ellison Elementary | 8:30-11:30 am | Free (Sept-June)
• StrongStart (0-5 years) | Harwood Elementary | 8:30-11:30 am | Free (Sept-June)
• Baby Talk (0-12 mos) | Vernon Alliance Church | 10:00 am-12:00 pm | Free (Apr 11-June 20, 2024)
• Family Story Time (0-4 years) | Vernon Regional Library | 10:30-11:00 am | Free (Until May 30, 2024)
• Pregnancy Outreach Drop-In Group Program (0-6 months) | North Okanagan Friendship Centre | 11:30 am-1:00 pm | Includes Free Lunch
• Playful Art Early Years Program (0-6 years) | Peace Lutheran Church | 11:30 am-1:30 pm | Free

Friday

• StrongStart (0-5 years) | Alexis Park Elementary | 8:30-11:30 am | Free (Sept-June)
• StrongStart (0-5 years) | Mission Hill Elementary | 8:30-11:30 am | Free (Sept-June)
• StrongStart (0-5 years) | Ellison Elementary | 8:30-11:30 am | Free (Sept-June)
• StrongStart (0-5 years) | Harwood Elementary | 8:30-11:30 am | Free (Sept-June)
• Public Swim (All ages) | Vernon Recreation Centre | 1:00-4:00 pm | Cost varies (All features open)
• Public Swim (All ages) | Vernon Recreation Centre | 7:00-9:00 pm | Cost varies (All features open)

Saturday

• Family Story Time (0-4 years) | Vernon Regional Library | 10:30-11:00 am | Free (Until May 30, 2024)
• Public Swim (All ages) | Vernon Recreation Centre | 1:30-4:00 pm | Cost varies
• Toonie Swim (All ages) | Vernon Recreation Centre | 5:00-7:00 pm

Sunday

• Public Swim (All ages) | Vernon Recreation Centre | 1:30-4:00 pm | Cost varies
• Toonie Swim (All ages) | Vernon Recreation Centre | 5:00-7:00 pm

Are we missing a drop-in program? Send us an email at info@okanaganfamilyfun.com
or contact us via social media with your event info.

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Vernon Community Resources

Vernon StrongStart

StrongStart is a free school-based early learning program offered on school days. Your child will have free time to play games, read books, create a craft, participate in storytime where they will sing songs, and exercise during gym time (where applicable).

• Alexis Park Elementary | 8:30-11:30 am | Free (Sept-June)
• Mission Hill Elementary | 8:30-11:30 am | Free (Sept-June)
• Ellison Elementary | 8:30-11:30 am | Free (Sept-June)
• Harwood Elementary | 8:30-11:30 am | Free (Sept-June)

Cost: Free | Ages: 0-5 years old
Early Learning and Child Care Office: (250) 260-4490

Vernon Pregnancy Outreach Program

Offering free and confidential support during pregnancy and continued until your baby is 6 months old. Services available include weekly group sessions, individual counseling, prenatal vitamins, and food supplements are some of the services provided.

Address: 2904 29 Avenue, Vernon
Phone: (250) 542-1247

Child Care Resource & Referral (CCRR) Lending Library

The CCRR Lending Library is FREE and packed with wonderful infant, toddler, and preschool-age materials and toys and is open to families, groups, and licensed childcare providers.

Address: 3300 – 37th Avenue, Vernon
Phone: (250) 542-6559 | Email: ccrrvernon@bgco.ca

Aboriginal Infant and Early Childhood Development (AIECD)

Family, the most important part of development, is the source of the child’s first education, emotional support, social skills building and spiritual development. Mother Goose, Hot Lunch, Aboriginal Culture, Story, Play, Visits from Elders, Fun Activities, Workshops, Immunization and Dental Clinics.

Ages: All children 0 – 6 and their families are welcome
Hours: Monday – Saturday 9:00 – 3:30, Friday 9:00 – 12:00
Address: 2904 29 Avenue, Vernon
Phone: (250) 542-1247 | Email: childhooddev@telus.net

NONA Child Development Centre

Our role is to help families with their children’s development. Their website lets parents, service providers, and the community know about the services they provide to families.

2802 24 Street, Vernon | 250-549-1281 | Website | Email

North Okanagan Youth & Family Services Society (NOYFSS)

NOYFSS provides counseling and support services to individuals and families in our community through a variety of community-based and residential programs free of charge. They are wheelchair accessible.

Hours: Monday to Friday from 8:30 am to 4:30 pm
3100 – 32nd Avenue, Vernon | 250-545-3572 | Email: noyfssreception@noyfss.org\

Family Resource Centre Support Groups

At the Family Resource Centre, they offer an extensive range of groups for adults, children, and families. Their groups have an educational format that provides a safe and welcoming space for those participants who are new to group-style learning.

Hours: Monday to Thursday from 9:00 am – 4:30 pm
Address: #201 – 3402 27th Avenue, Vernon
Phone: (250) 545-3390 | Email: info@vernonfrc.ca

Canadian Mental Health Association – Vernon: Kids in Control Group

Kids in Control offers free education and support to children between the ages of 8 and 13 who have a parent living with mental illness. The children meet for one and half hours once a week for eight consecutive weeks.

Ages: 8 to 13 years
Hours: Monday to Friday 8:00 am – 4:00 pm
Address: 3100 – 28 Avenue, BC V1T 1W3
Phone: 250-542-3114 | E-mail: vernon@cmhavernon.ca

Literacy Society of the North Okanagan

Projects include story window walks, financial literacy, literacy at play, and books for babies.

Address: 4705A 29th Street, Vernon
Phone: (250) 275-3117 | Email: info@literacysociety.ca

BounceBack – Reclaim your health

BounceBack® is a free skill-building program designed to help adults and youth 15+ manage low mood, mild to moderate depression, anxiety, stress, or worry. Delivered online or over the phone with a coach, you will get access to tools that will support you on your path to mental wellness.

Available: online or via phone
Phone: 1-866-639-0522 | Email: bounceback@cmha.bc.ca

Affordable Access – City of Vernon

Persons who are receiving financial assistance from provincial or federal programs may receive a 75% discount on select activities including the following:

• Public Swim and Weight room drop-ins or passes
• Drop-in and punch passes for skating.

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