Toddlers are bundles of energy, but most speedy two-year olds will benefit from some direction on how best to channel that excess energy. The early childhood years set the foundation for lifelong behavior and learning. In the first two years of life, toddlers learn through play and activities that stimulate their imagination.

Many toddler programs in the Greater Toronto Area (GTA) encourage the learning process between a parent and child, where parents interact alongside their children. Consider an outing to the Toronto Zoo (www.thekidscoop.com/toronto/toronto-zoo), for example, which has developed a self-directed parent and tot program that teaches animal-related topics. They encourage parent/child bonding, are self-paced and are developed to take advantage of the learning abilities of young children. Each session of Parent and Tot also includes a poem/story time and an opportunity to meet an animal and its keeper.

Many play centres in the GTA have areas designed only for toddlers with special climbing equipment, ride-on toys, and age-specific entertainment. The 3,900-square foot Tumbles & Toys Playground (www.thekidscoop.com/toronto/tumbles-toys-indoor-playground) in Pickering offers climbing structures and equipment for children 6 and under. The play centre features slides, a ball pit, dress up corner, extended kitchen area, a Thomas-the-Train ride and mini-rock climbing wall. The Mess for Fun Indoor Playland & Ceramic Centre (www.thekidscoop.com/toronto/mess-for-fun-indoor-playland-ceramic-centre) in North York provides young children with a safe, kid-friendly environment. For toddlers, there’s a designated play structure, playhouse, ball pit, little train and many more activities.

Some toddler programs combine music with other creative pursuits, such as dance or art. At the Taima Zone Indoor Activity Centre (www.thekidscoop.com/toronto/taima-zone-indoor-activity-centre) in Mississauga, which offers a combination dance studio and family/entertainment centre, toddlers and their parents can shake their booties in “Dance Together” classes. Then, they can go to the Little Explorers’ play area to help them develop and enhance motor and social skills through play. At the Jumping Jacks Indoor Playground & Party Centre (www.thekidscoop.com/toronto/jumping-jacks-indoor-playground-party-centre) in Brampton, toddlers can join in a 90-minute artistic and musical learning session. (Mommy & Me classes). A variety of art is produced using different forms, colors, shapes and textures. Afterwards, free play is offered in the playground.

Kidnetix Edu-Play Centres (www.thekidscoop.com/toronto/kidnetix-edu-play-centre) offer a selection of programs for toddlers in different locations across the GTA, such as the Ontario Early Years Program. At the Brampton play centre, youngsters are exposed to language and music, and are helped to develop skills that improve communication, decision-making and the thought process. Or you and your toddler can drop in to the Yorkdale location, where fun programs are specially designed for very young children who typically have shorter attention spans, and require diversity and excitement in their playtime.

Remember that programs for toddlers are designed to encourage active minds and bodies, while having fun and learning.

You can get more information about Activities for Kids Montreal by visiting www.thekidscoop.com