Inner West Playgroups Guide
Playgroup can be a wonderful way for you and your young child to connect with other families in the area. It can provide a relaxed, friendly setting in which babies, toddlers and preschoolers may explore and develop their skills through play. And parents and carers get to connect and chat with other adults in a warm, inclusive setting too.
We’ve put together a list of some of the playgroups recommended most often in the Inner West Mums Facebook group. Most of the playgroups mentioned here are free of charge or cost just a few dollars in order to supply morning tea and maintain the activities.
In addition to these playgroups, you may wish to check out the children’s programs at the libraries in your area. Check out Inner West Council’s Book Buddies, Family Tales and Storytime program here.
This piece was originally published in 2019 and updated in February 2023. If we’ve missed your favourite local playgroup, or the information in the listings have changed since we last updated them, please let us know! You can reach us at info@theinnerwestmums.com.au
Annandale Playgroup
Held at the Annandale Neighbourhood Centre, this volunteer-run playgroup is held every Monday and Friday, as well as two Tuesdays a month. There is an indoor and outdoor area and lots of toys for children of all ages. Bookings are not required, simply pop in and meet the Day Leader for an introduction.
When: Every Monday and Friday 9.30–11.30 am. Plus the second and last Tuesday of the month.
Cost: The first visits is free, then the cost is $3 per family, per visit.
Details: Follow the group’s Facebook page for updates.
Connect Marrickville SaCC
The Connect Marrickville School as Community Centre hosts a number of playgroups at Marrickville West Public School. Its Open Playgroup is on Fridays for parents, carers and children from birth to five years. Visit the Facebook page for details of its Japanese and Vietnamese play groups. Plus one hosted by KU.
When: Friday 9.45–11.15 am
Where: Marrickville West Public School, Beauchamp Street, Marrickville
Details: Visit the Connect Marrickville SaCC Facebook page.
Dulwich Hill Playgroup
Held at the Dulwich Hill Senior Citizens Hall, this weekly playgroup has an indoor and outdoor area. The cost is $2 a week and a piece of fruit for morning tea. Sandwiches are provided for the kids. New families are welcome and can attend two sessions for free before joining Playgroups NSW.
When: Wednesdays, 9.45am – 12pm
Where: 12 Seaview Street, Dulwich Hill
Details: https://www.facebook.com/groups/440023272799468/
Infants’ Home Playgroups
The Infants’ Home in Ashfield runs a range of free community playgroups – including the Red Bug Playgroup on Mondays (10am to 12pm) and a dedicated playgroup for fathers and male carers on alternate Saturdays – in various inner west locations.
Details: https://theinfantshome.org.au/services/family-support-services/community-playgroups/
Lennox House Playgroup
This popular playgroup runs in the grounds of the Australia Street Infants’ School in Newtown. It has an indoor and outdoor space, with toys suitable to all ages and a craft station set up. Each playgroup session concludes with group time – a story and songs. Lennox House also operates a toy library and runs an occasional care service.
When: Monday, Tuesday and Thursday 9am -11am; Friday 9am-12pm
Cost: Gold coin donation per family.
Where: Corner of Lennox and Denison Streets, Newtown
Details: https://australist-p.schools.nsw.gov.au/content/doe/sws/schools/a/australist-p/www/about-our-school/lennox-house.html
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Megan winch
01/02/2019 at 7:03 amBounce playgroup at five dock on Wednesday 9:30-11am during school terms. Bounce has become a messy playgroup and can we found at St Albans Anglican church, 171 great north road, five dock.
Make the Most of your Maternity Leave | IWM
20/08/2019 at 1:55 pm[…] Join a playgroup. These provide a relaxed, friendly setting in which babies and young children may explore and develop their skills through play. And parents and carers get to unwind and chat with other adults too. You’ll find a list of the Inner West Mums’ favourite playgroups here. […]