Children's Programs

Play. Learn. Grow.

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 0-9. 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. Membership to our children’s playgroups is for the whole family and includes admission to all sessions of both playgroups, and one free parent or family coaching session at any time during the year. Learn more below about these unique programs and how to register today!

bagels & blox

Bagels & Blox is a beloved Spence-Chapin community-building event that has been around for 7 years.

Play spaces are created for kids with mats, toys, crayons, art supplies and games. Parents are nearby enjoying bagels and other breakfast items and are encouraged to chat and create their own community. Spence-Chapin staff are there to oversee the playing and eating areas, and we also have young adoptee tweens/teens who volunteer for the day!

Learn more about Bagels & Blox through our FAQ!

Play Cafe

Play Café is a beloved Spence-Chapin community-building event that began in 2017 when families advocated to have a group for their children to remain connected to an adoption community after they became too old for Bagels & Blox, providing a space for young adoptees, ages 6-9 years old, to play, do creative activities, make new friends and talk about what it means to be an adoptee.

Kids participate in fun activities like creating their own identity pizzas and family constellations, do scavenger hunts, listen to music, and talk about their experiences as adoptees. Older adoptees volunteer to help to facilitate this group, along with Spence-Chapin staff.

Learn more about Play Cafe through our FAQ!

What is included in membership for Playgroups?

Memberships to our Children’s Playgroups are for the whole family and take place throughout our programming year. One family membership includes access to both Bagels & Blox and Play Cafe for as many children as you have. There are 6 sessions each for Bagels & Blox and Play Cafe for 2023-2024, 3 in the Fall and 3 in the Spring, all events take place at the Spence-Chapin offices. Membership is available per year, or per semester.

Registration is open for Spring 2024!
For more information please contact community@spence-chapin.org for registration options.
Each family membership also comes with access to one parenting or family counseling session with a Spence-Chapin clinician to be used at any time, for support with any familial issue.

Ready to get started?

Lifebook

Adoptive parents and their children aged 6-10 years old enjoy an afternoon of creativity, introspection, and structured exploration of their adoption story. Through this community-building event, adoptive parents and their children will also have the unique opportunity to meet other families and create new friendships. Parents will be asked to bring special items that represent their child’s story and where they were born including photos (copies are fine). All other creative materials will be provided by Spence-Chapin.

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