Growing Up Healthy Downtown (GUHD) is a partnership of eight multi-service community agencies. We deliver programs and services that focus on improving the health and well-being of young children, as well as offering support and new skills to their parents and or caregivers.
Guiding Principles:
If you’re looking for a place to drop in with your kids for a couple of hours, make some new friends/connections or learn more and get involved in your community, GUHD has something for you. Call Sophia Ali, GUHD Co-ordinator, at 416-595-9230 ext. 330 for more information.
GUHD receives funding from the Public Health Agency of Canada‘s Community Action for Prenatal and Child Health Program (CAPCHP)
We are community focused and community driven. Download brochure.
We offer a variety of parenting and children’s programs including drop-ins, early literacy, school readiness programs, and much more. See below for a list of programs offered.
Catchment area: Bloor Street to the North, Gerrard Street to the South; Parliament Street to the East and Bay Street to the West
Hours of operation:
Mon-Fri | 8:30 am to 9:00 pm
Sat-Sun | 9:00 am to 5:00 pm
Address: 519 Church Street, Toronto, ON M4Y 2C9
Phone: 416-392-6874
Fax: 416-392-0519
Website: www.the519.org
A drop-in program for parents, caregivers, and children ages 0–6, offering play-based learning, music, movement, family literacy, creative activities, nutrition information, workshops, and special events. The program provides an inclusive and affirming space for all families, including 2SLGBTQIA+ parents and caregivers. Families can also access one-to-one support, information and referrals, community resources, and opportunities to connect with other families through celebrations and field trips.
A gentle program for caregivers and babies ages 0–12 months that uses positive touch, soothing communication, and eye contact to support bonding, relaxation, and healthy development. Infant massage can help caregivers feel more confident responding to their baby’s cues and may support sleep, digestion, comfort, and emotional security.
Catchment area: C N and CPR railway tracks to the West, Lavender Rd, Rogers Rd, Rosecliffe Av and St Clair Av W to the North, Bathurst Avenue to the East and Bloor Street to the South.
Hours of operation:
Mon-Fri | 9:00 am to 5:00 pm
Sat-Sun | closed
Address: 1900 Davenport Road, Toronto, ON M6N 1B7
Phone: 416-656-8025
Fax: 416-656-1264
Website: https://www.dpnchc.ca/
A drop-in program for parents, caregivers, and children ages 0–6, offering early learning, literacy, creative play, circle time, snacks, workshops, celebrations, parent/caregiver support, and connections to community resources.
A program for children ages 3–4 who are preparing for kindergarten. Through play-based activities, children build confidence, make friends, practise communication, and develop the skills they need for a positive start to school.
A summer drop-in program for families with children ages 0–6. Parents, caregivers, and children enjoy outdoor play, snacks, circle time, and activities that support health, relaxation, social connection, and appreciation for nature.
An interactive parent-child program for children ages 2.5 to 4 who require extra support and opportunities to socialize with other children. Each week, parents can access professionals who provide workshops on topics such as child development, autism, speech and language, and social-emotional development. Snack and circle time provided.
Catchment area: Ontario Lake to the South, Broadview Avenue to the East, Sherbourne Street to the West and Gerrard St. to the North
Hours of operation:
Mon-Thurs | 8:30 am to 8:00 pm
Fri | 8:30 am to 4:30 pm
Address: 51 Wyatt Avenue, Toronto, ON M5A 1Y7
Phone: 416-863-0499
Fax: 416-863-9981
Website: www.dixonhall.org
Tiny Tots Summer Day Camp is a six-week program for children ages 4–6. It offers fun, play-based activities that support early learning, creativity, physical activity and social skills. Children enjoy a safe and welcoming camp experience with activities such as arts and crafts, outdoor play and community outings.
A program for parents and caregivers to learn, share, and build practical skills for parenting and family life. Topics include child development, positive parenting, stress management, healthy relationships, system navigation, and advocacy. Child-minding and individual support available.
A weekly program where women and mothers come together for cooking, movement, health discussions, and peer support. Participants share recipes, learn about nutrition and wellness, build social connections, and celebrate cultural traditions. Childminding and activities available for children.
Address: 355 Church Street, Toronto, ON M5B 0B2
Phone: 416-595-9230
Fax: 416-595-0242
Website: www.familyservicetoronto.org
Hours of operation:
Mon-Fri | 9:00 am to 5:00 pm
Family Service Toronto is the lead and coordinating agency for Growing Up Healthy Downtown. FST supports the GUHD partnership and the delivery of accessible, inclusive and responsive programs and services for expectant parents, young children, and their parents and caregivers across downtown Toronto.
Catchment area: College Street to the North, Yonge St. to the East, Front St. to the South and Spadina Avenue to the West.
Address: 23 Grange Road, Toronto, ON M5T 1C3
Phone: 416-598-3444
Fax: 416-598-4401
Website: http://www.universitysettlement.ca/
Hours of operation:
Mon-Fri | 7:00 am to 9:00 pm
Sat-Sun | 8:30 am to 5:00 pm
A fun water-based program for parents/caregivers and children ages 0–6. Through play and gentle water activities, children build comfort in the water, develop movement skills, learn early water safety, and strengthen caregiver-child bonding.
A supportive program for children ages 4–6 that combines early learning, recreation, physical activity, and social-emotional development. Children build confidence, strengthen skills, make friends, and participate in fun activities in a safe and inclusive space.
Catchment area: Strachan Avenue to the West, Yonge Street to the East, Front Street to the North, Lake Ontario to the South.
Address: 627 Queen’s Quay West, Toronto, ON M5V 3G3
Phone: 416-392-1509
Fax: 416-392-1512
Website: http://waterfrontnc.ca/
Hours of operation:
Mon-Fri | 9:30 am to 9:30 pm
Sat-Sun | 11:00 am to 5:00 pm
A drop-in program for parents/caregivers and infants ages 0–2, offering age-appropriate activities, breastfeeding/lactation support, and helpful health and social service information. Families can connect with others, access resources, and support their baby’s healthy growth and development in a caring space.
A play-based program for parents/caregivers and children ages 2–6. Families enjoy activities that support early learning, social skills, caregiver-child bonding, and healthy development, while also connecting with other families and community resources.
A school readiness program for children ages 3–4 that helps build early literacy, numeracy, social skills, independence, and confidence for a smooth transition to kindergarten. Parents/caregivers also receive information on developmental milestones, home learning strategies, screenings, referrals, and public health resources.
Catchment area: Bloor Street to the North, Lake Ontario to the South; Bathurst Street to the East, Roncesvalles Avenue to the West.
Address: 248 Ossington Avenue, Toronto, ON M6J 3A2
Phone: 416-532-4828
Fax: 416-532-8739
Website: http://www.westnh.org/
Hours of operation:
Mon-Fri | 9:00 am to 5:00 pm
Sat | 9:00 am to 5:00 pm
A weekly, play-based program that supports young children’s language, cognitive, social-emotional, and physical development in an inclusive and culturally responsive environment. The program also strengthens caregiver-child relationships, builds parenting confidence, supports school readiness, and connects families to community and health resources.
A safe and engaging indoor play program where young children and caregivers can enjoy active, play-based learning year-round. Through guided and free play, children build gross motor skills, coordination, confidence, and social connections, while caregivers strengthen their relationship with their child through joyful shared play.
Catchment area: Jarvis St. and Broadview Avenue to the West, Victoria Park Avenue to the East, Overlea Blvd and O’Connor Drive to the North and Lake Shore Blvd East to the South.
Address: 251 Cosburn Avenue
East York, ON M4J M2M
Phone: 416-469-5211
Fax: 416-463-6528
Website: www.woodgreen.org
Hours of operation:
Mon-Fri | 9:00 am to 7:00 pm
The Extra Needs Program offers inclusive, play-based programming in a nurturing and supportive environment for children (4-6 years) who require additional support . Through creative arts, storytelling, physical activity, life skills, and small-group play, children build confidence, communication, self-regulation, and social skills. The program supports healthy development, school readiness, family resilience, and connections to additional resources as needed.
Children (4-6 years) participate in inclusive recreational and skill-building activities that support physical, social, emotional, and cognitive development. Through field trips, neighbourhood outings, nature exploration, and active play, children build confidence, independence, physical literacy, problem-solving skills, and positive peer relationships in a supportive environment.
211 Ontario: Connects people with community programs, social services and government supports across Ontario. Call 2-1-1 or search for services online. Telephone support is available 24 hours a day in many languages.
311 Toronto: Provides information and assistance related to non-emergency City of Toronto services and programs, 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
City of Toronto – Children, Youth, Parents and Seniors: A central source of information about child care, child and family programs, parenting, recreation, youth services and supports for seniors.
Government of Ontario: Information about provincial programs, services, benefits, health care, education and financial assistance.
Service Canada – Family and Caregiving Benefits: Information about federal benefits and supports for families and caregivers, including maternity and parental benefits and child and family benefits.
Health811: Free, secure and confidential health information and advice. Call 811 or use the online service to connect with a registered nurse or find health services, 24 hours a day.
Toronto Public Health – Pregnancy and Parenting: Free information, programs and supports related to pregnancy, breastfeeding, parenting, nutrition, child development and family well-being.
AboutKidsHealth: Trusted and easy-to-understand information from The Hospital for Sick Children about children’s health, development, illnesses, treatments and everyday care.
Ontario Ministry of Health: Information about Ontario’s health-care system, OHIP coverage, health programs and available services.
Health Canada – Parents and Children: Federal information and resources related to children’s health, safety and healthy development.
Find Child Care Near You – City of Toronto: Search for licensed child care centres, licensed home child care and before- and after-school programs in Toronto. Information about child care fee subsidies is also available.
EarlyON Child and Family Centres: Free programs where children from birth to six can play and learn while parents and caregivers meet other families, receive information and connect with community supports.
Ontario Ministry of Education: Information about child care, EarlyON Child and Family Centres, schools and other early-years and education services.
Encyclopedia on Early Childhood Development: A free, reliable and easy-to-use source of research-based information about early childhood development.
Children and Youth with Disabilities – Toronto Central: A directory of organizations and programs that provide support, treatment and other services for children and youth with disabilities and their families.
Canadian Partnership for Children’s Health and Environment: Canadian information, fact sheets and practical tips for protecting children from environmental health risks at home, in child care and in the community.
Toronto Public Library – Programs for Kids and Families: Free books, online resources, welcoming spaces, early-literacy activities and programs for children, parents, caregivers and families.
City of Toronto Festivals and Events: A calendar of City- and community-run festivals, celebrations and events, including many free and family-friendly activities.
City of Toronto Parks and Recreation: Information about parks, playgrounds, recreation facilities, swimming, beaches, gardens, trails and registered or drop-in programs.
Kids Out and About Toronto: An online guide to activities, attractions, camps and events for children, youth and families in and around Toronto. Confirm dates, fees and other details directly with the organizer.
City Parent: A Canadian regional parenting publication featuring parenting advice, education resources, activities, products and events.
Contact Growing Up Healthy Downtown at 416-595-9230 ext. 330