General Playgroups

General community playgroups comprise the majority of the playgroups affiliated with Playgroup NSW. These groups cater to various children and families, from babies to school age. They are run by local volunteers.

In addition to hundreds of general community playgroups that meet across NSW each week, we offer numerous community playgroups that satisfy more specific needs of parents and children, including groups for:

• Baby and first-time parent’s groups
• Language-specific and culturally diverse groups
• Timeless Play and Intergenerational
• Rainbow groups – LGBTQI families (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Intersex)
• Dads
• Family Day Care
• Grandparents
• Montessori & Steiner families
• Mothers who have postnatal depression
• Allergy Awareness

Baby and first-time parent’s groups

Playgroups offer babies a wide variety of early learning experiences and give parents and carers a chance to discuss ideas, problems and the joys and frustrations of parenting.

Language-specific and culturally diverse groups

Playgroup NSW has a long tradition of supporting culturally and linguistically diverse families by introducing language and culture-specific group experiences. We offer playgroups specifically catering to over 20 different languages and cultures.

Timeless Play and Intergenerational Playgroups

Timeless Play Intergenerational Playgroups bring together three generations – seniors, children and their parents. Interacting with seniors adds a new dimension to the playgroup experience for children and can be incredibly enriching for children who don’t have access to spending time with their grandparents. Often located in aged care environments, these playgroups are a joyful celebration between multiple generations.

Rainbow playgroups create inclusive, supportive and positive playgroup experiences for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and intersex (LGBTI) parents and carers. Rainbow playgroups can provide peer support networks and create opportunities for parents to share ideas and experiences while children meet others and play.

Volunteering at Playgroup NSW

Community playgroups are led by volunteers who are committed to making a positive impact on families, children and the community by offering local accessible playgroups.

There are many benefits to volunteering with Playgroup NSW to deliver community-led playgroups. Research into the rewards of volunteering includes better physical and mental health, greater happiness and life satisfaction, and creating a sense of value knowing they are helping the community, families and children.

By starting a playgroup in your community, you are contributing to a broad range of outcomes that support families, children and your broader community that, include creating peer support networks for families and providing play-based activities that support healthy child development. You are also empowering parents as their child’s first and most important teachers by encouraging involvement and participation by local families.

Learn more about becoming a volunteer or becoming a member.