Types of Playgroups include:

  • Groups of families from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds.
    • Families from culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) backgrounds choose to meet together to share their parenting experiences and give their children a culturally rich experience. A couple of popular language and cultural Playgroups include Japanese, Mandarin and German.
       
  • Playgroup SA has more than 190 registered Playgroups operating across South Australia every week.

    Groups for specific ages: Baby, Toddler and 3+ sessions.
    • When creating a Playgroup for a specific age bracket, make sure toys and activities are age appropriate and support the learning and development of different skills. Playgroup SA has activity sheets and homemade toy ideas for the different ages and stages of development.
       
  • Nature based groups.
    • These groups get outside and enjoy nature on a regular basis, connecting young children with nature through weekly, fortnightly, or monthly sessions. Taking Playgroup outside in the rain or sunshine is always fun. Nature Playgroups provide families the opportunity to share outdoor adventures and experience the benefits of time spent outside together.
       
  • Home-based groups.
    • Some families prefer home-based Playgroups, as it may be easier for the children to play with a small group of children in a home setting. Parents may even find it easier to get to know each other in home Playgroups since they tend to be smaller. It is suggested to keep the group to between six and eight families. With older and more mobile children, trips to a local park or library are also a great idea.
       
  • Fathers’ groups.
    • Many fathers already attend community Playgroups. Some prefer to join a father’s only Playgroup where the Playgroup is run by local dads and offers the opportunity to hang out and offer support to fathers who are their children’s primary caregiver.
       
  • PlayConnect & Supported groups.
    • PlayConnect is a fun and intimate Playgroup, facilitated for children and their families who are experiencing developmental differences, including (but not limited to) children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) or ASD like characteristics. A diagnosis is not required for families to attend.
  • Intergenerational groups.
    • Intergenerational Playgroup is a unique way of providing an opportunity for the young and young at heart to join together for a session of important social interaction.  The Playgroup is a vital opportunity for parents, children and residents to engage in childhood activities together, create opportunities for children to further develop their skills, parents to create a local peer support network and provide isolated residents with vital community interaction.  Research suggests that Intergenerational Playgroups improve outcomes and quality of life for older people, particularly those experiencing:
      • isolation/loneliness
      • dementia
      • disengagement from community 

Other popular Playgroup types include:

  • Montessori / Waldorf / Steiner groups.
  • Groups for children and/or carers with a disability.
  • Grandparent groups.

These are just a sample of the types of Playgroups available. Families are welcome to start up their own Playgroup based on their own needs and the interests of the group, even if one is already available in their area.