Family Resource Network  

The Town of Banff receives provincial funding to provide free programs and services as part of the Bow Valley Family Resource Network. Offerings are available to residents of the Bow Valley.

Family Resource Networks (FRNs) deliver prevention and early intervention services and supports for families with children aged 0 – 18.  The Town of Banff, Town of Canmore and Closer to Home work together to provide services and programs for Bow Valley residents. The Town of Banff’s services will have a focus on caregiver education and capacity building, coordinating social connection, child development and wellbeing and offerings in collaboration with other partners.

Where to Find Information

• Subscribe to our newsletter
• Follow us on Facebook
• Email our Family Connections Coordinator at familyconnections@banff.ca
• The Town of Canmore also offers free, Bow Valley Family Resource Network programs- open to all residents of the Bow Valley. Visit their virtual hub for more information.

Upcoming Programs

Park and Play
Calling all caregivers of young children! Are you looking for a place to let your little ones run, jump, and play? Look no further than Park and Play! This program is dedicated to promoting gross motor skills and time in nature for children aged 0-6 and their caregivers. Free and open to all families of the Bow Valley. This program is drop-in and does not require registration. Park and Play is held every Thursday throughout July and August, 9:30-11:30 a.m. outside the Pavilion in the Banff Recreation Grounds. In the event of adverse weather, Park and Play will be held inside the Pavilion.

Family Connections Play Space
The Family Connections Play Space is for caregivers of young children aged 0-6- providing a welcoming and warm space for families to enjoy. Bring your little one and drop-in to play, socialize and connect with friendly Family Resource Network staff. Free and open to all families of the Bow Valley- this is a drop-in program and does not require registration. 

Days & Times
Mondays, 9-11:30 a.m. 
Wednesdays, 9-11:30 a.m. 
Thursdays, 1-2:30 p.m. Special Connections; Together We Thrive specialized service for caregivers of children who have learning needs (diagnosed and undiagnosed)
Fridays 9-11:30 a.m. 
Saturdays 9:30 a.m.- 12 p.m.
Location: Upstairs at the Catharine Robb Whyte Building (101 Bear St.)

Connecting Together at Play Space 
This is an intergenerational drop-in program for caregivers of young children aged 0-6, and older adults designed to create meaningful connections between seniors/older adults and young children through precious time spent together playing, reading stories, and singing songs.

This program aims to increase a sense of belonging and well-being, build upon social and emotional skills, while providing quality time to nurture community relationships through meaningful interactions between older adults, parents, and children.

Free and open to all families and older adults of the Bow Valley- this is a drop-in program and does not require registration. 

Days & Times
Every Wednesday, Starting June 5 10:30-11:30 a.m. 
Location: Upstairs at the Catharine Robb Whyte Building (101 Bear St.)

Running Rascals 
This drop-in program for young children 0-6yrs who toddle/waddle or walk, provides time to play and socialize while building gross motor skills. Soft play mats are available for babies and younger children who are closely supervised. Caregivers may connect with friendly, Family Resource Network staff and each other- while enjoying time with their little ones. Toys and equipment are provided. Free and open to all families of the Bow Valley. This is a drop-in program and does not require registration. 

Days & Times 
Thursdays 9:30 a.m.-11:30 a.m. 
Saturdays 9:30 a.m.-12 p.m. 
Location: Upstairs at the Catharine Robb Whyte Building (101 Bear St.) 

Special Connections: Together We Thrive
Families are invited to join this unique service designed to meet the developmental needs of children from 1-5yrs who require extra support for physical, cognitive, and emotional development.   

This is a family centered program focusing on early childhood intervention and school readiness, while parents and caregivers feel acknowledged and valued in a supportive environment for growth and development.  

This specialized service is crafted to inspire curiosity and foster a sense of wonder and exploration through sensory adventures and parallel play. Structured yet flexible playtime is offered to encourage fine and gross motor skills, social interactions, communication, and the development of essential executive function skills.

While working closely with AHS therapists in the Bow Valley, we offer information, Individualised Program Plan development, helpful strategies, and referrals, to ensure children, families and caregivers can access exceptional learning and supportive experiences. 

Register by email to join us on Thursdays 1 – 2:30p.m. at FRN, Banff

Location: Upstairs at the Catharine Robb Whyte Building (101 Bear St.)

If you would like more information or to register for this program, please email Family Connections Specialist at familyconnection@banff.ca

Please note that this program runs based on registration. If you intend to join us on a Thursday, then please let us know beforehand.

Get Out  
Are you in Grade 7–10? Get in on some Friday night fun at Get Out! Have your choice from a variety of activities and equipment while enjoying time with friends and our Youth Leader. With a weekly prize draw and tons of sport equipment to use- it’s the place to be on Friday nights! Get Out is free and open to all Bow Valley youth to drop-in, registration is not required.
Program dates and times
Location: Banff Elementary School 

Bow Valley Let’s Move It!

Do you like to dance? Come to “Bow Valley Let’s Move It” to dance and connect. This program is open to everyone age 16+. No experience needed. Dance instruction is provided, childminding availability is limited but may be available, subject to email enquiry settlement.programmer@banff.ca. The program is free, but you must register ahead of time. Find more information and register here: www.surveymonkey.com/r/BVLMIWS24