Children's Playgroups
Spence-Chapin knows how important community is for families, that’s why we have community programming for all ages! Our children’s playgroups are for children ages 0-10. Bagels & Blox and Play Cafe both provide spaces for young adoptees and their parents to meet with other families, have fun, and make new connections. Families can register per event, per semester, or per year.
Why Playgroups?
At Spence-Chapin, we believe in the power of community. For adoptees, it can be an incredibly special experience to connect with other kids who understand what it means to be adopted. And for parents, having a community of other families who understand what it’s like to go through the adoption process is invaluable. That’s why we created playgroups: to give kids a fun space to play and grow with fellow adoptees, and parents a place to build their village!
When and where are playgroups?
Playgroups are held at Spence-Chapin’s headquarters in Union Square, NYC. They occur on 6 different Saturday’s & Sunday’s throughout the year. The 2025/26 schedule is as follows: 9/27/25, 11/22/25, 12/20/25, 2/21/26, 3/7/26, 5/2/26.
Pricing
You can purchase a year membership (all 6 sessions), a semester membership (3 sessions), or individual playgroup sessions throughout the year.
Individual Session – $75
Semester Membership (3 Sessions) – $200 ($25 OFF)
Full Year Membership (6 Sessions) – $400 ($50 OFF)
Become a Playgroup’s Member
Membership to our children’s playgroups gets you the best deal and the most comprehensive support! One family membership includes access to both Bagels & Blox and Play Cafe for as many children as you have. You can purchase a membership for either one semester or the full year, and receive a discounted package price (see above).
When you become a member, you also receive one free parenting or family counseling session with a Spence-Chapin clinician to be used at any time ($100 value).
Frequently Asked QUestions
Yes, of course! We welcome all families who were grown through adoption to join us. This is a great way to meet families from all over NYC!
In Bagels & Blox, we set out mats for kids to play on with various toys and games. Some favorites are giant connect 4, jumbo building bocks, sensory bins, dinosaurs, craft supplies, and much more!
At Play Café, adoption identity is explored in an age-appropriate way through conversation, play, creativity, and self-expression. Through activities like friendship bracelet making, creating your own identity pizza, and reading books with adoption themes—kids have a chance to make friends, have fun, and make lasting memories.
Spence-Chapin staff and adoptee volunteers supervise the kids and facilitate the activities for different age groups. These playgroups were created by adopted people, for adopted people!
Parents will be able to connect over an assortment of bagels, baked goods, coffee, and tea. This is a great opportunity to build community and ask questions among parents who understand the adoption journey.
You can sign up per-session, for a semester membership, or for a full year membership! See the “become a member” section above for more details.
This is a perk of our memberships options. We offer one free family counseling or parent coaching session ($100 value) with an experienced Spence-Chapin clinician, which gives parents an opportunity to get specific, actionable advice for any issues they might be facing. We will help answer parenting questions unique to you, and give lend a listening ear that is adoption and trauma-informed.
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