Ontario Early Years Centres provide FREE drop-ins and preregistered programs for parents and caregivers with children aged 0- 6 years. There’s a variety of toys, creative activities, and circle time. Tel: (416) 496-2601 Website
Ages: 0- 6 years (accompanied by parents or caregivers)
Major Intersection: Sheppard Avenue East & Don Mills Road
Address: 121 Parkway Forest Drive, Toronto, ON
Good to Know
- OEYCs offer drop-ins and preregistered programs for children ages 0- 6 years and their caregivers.
- Preregistered programs also available including Cooking to Learn (3- 5 yrs) and Let’s Create (3- 5 yrs). Call for details.
- See their calendar for current programs.
- Parkway Forest is a satellite location for the Toronto Don Valley East OEYC.
If you make an inquiry, please mention that you saw this listing on the Melanie On-The-Go / Kids On-The-Go website. Thank you!
Want to give your two cents?
Share your thoughts below with other parents, caregivers and management. Only the rating and your child's age are mandatory, the rest is up to you!
Activities We Did:
All the children just ran around and played with toys.
Not so Much/ Suggestions for Improvement:
The drop in for all ages is not so much fun for the younger children. The parents ignore their older children and they take toys from the younger babies. My daughter had her toys taken away from older children and their parents/guardians were no where to be found. They don’t separate them into different areas, so you have the older kids running around and knocking your little ones over. Not a good experience for my little one.
Quick Tips for Others:
If you are going to go, try and go at a time suitable for specific ages.
Additional Rating:
- Amenities: 2.5/5
Activities We Did:
Played with baby toys and circle time with songs during the last half hour
Good to Go!:
I went on a Monday for Babies in Playland (9- 11am) and there were about 13 moms and babies, so not packed at all. My baby had a fantastic time exploring, playing with shakers and balls, and climbing up and down a child-sized sofa over and over again.
The Centre is decently sized (much smaller than their main centre- Don Valley East), VERY clean, VERY well organized, with lots of toys, puzzles, pretend play kitchen and food, ride-on toys, arts and crafts materials. Lots for baby and toddler to do!
Staff as always at Don Valley East and satellites are very friendly and helpful. They enjoy their jobs and you can really tell.
If you are walking, there’s space outside where you can leave the stroller. They have a kitchen with fridge, microwave, sink, and kettle. There are small tables for children and a small version of a breakfast bar where children can sit for snacks. No high chairs though.
Not so Much/ Suggestions for Improvement:
There’s no sign for the OEYC from the road. Walk down the path towards the apartment building and you’ll see a sign in the window on the bottom floor, on the left side of the building. Walk around to the back and you’ll see a bunch of strollers at the back entrance. If you are driving, there’s only 2 parking spots for the Centre. You could park at Fairview Mall and walk over (5 minute walk) or park in the plaza right next to the Centre (not sure if that’s really allowed but you could try it if you’re not staying for long).
The only thing I don’t like is that the Centre closes over lunch time. 2 hours is enough for my baby, but it would be nice to have the option to stay later if you come late to the drop-in.
Quick Tips for Others:
Socks-only facility so don’t forget to bring your socks!
Additional Ratings:
- Amenities: 3.5/5
- Value: 5/5
Activities We Did:
Reading books, playing with blocks, puzzles, play-doh, lacing games, beading games, dress-up box, ride-on toys, sensory play box, easel, play animals, chunky cars & trucks, play kitchen with dinning table & lot’s of play food,
Good to Go!:
This OEYC location was custom built when they built this building. It’s as nice as the one at at Don Valley East, but a little bit smaller.
It has 4 play sections full of fun toys for all ages! All sections have carpets, and a section at the back has some foam mats.
There is a fully equiped kitchen and a deddicated low counter for having snacks. The sink is low, so little ones can easily access it for hand washing.
The washrooms have a change table.
Not so Much/ Suggestions for Improvement:
There is NO PARKING on site. It is a very short walk from Don Mills Subway station, or you can park at Fairview Mall and walk over (I’ve done this many times and never had any problems with the fairview mall security).
There are no mini-toilets or training seats for those who are potty training.
Quick Tips for Others:
Plan to take the TTC or to park at Fairview Mall (at your own risk),
Everyone must wear socks (adults & children of all ages)
Additional Ratings:
- Amenities: 3.5/5
- Value: 5/5