Family Resource Network  

Park and play

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

Upcoming Programs

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. 

December Dates & Times
Mondays, 9-11:30 a.m. 
Wednesdays, 9-11:30 a.m. 
Thursdays, 1-2 p.m. 
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.)

*Please note, that Family Connections Play Space is closed on Monday, December 25, 2023.

Running Rascals 
This drop-in program for young children 0-6yrs provides time to play and socialize while building gross motor skills. Caregivers may connect with friendly, Family Resource Network staff and each other- while enjoying time with their little ones. Toys and equipment will be provided. Free and open to all families of the Bow Valley. This is a drop-in program and does not require registration. 

December Dates & 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 needs of children who require extra support with daily tasks/activities.

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

We celebrate every child, whether or not they have a formal diagnosis. Our services aim to assist in whatever way suits your needs, providing a supportive environment for growth and learning.

We're here to offer information, support, and referrals for further assistance tailored to your unique situation.

Held Thursdays 1 – 2:30 p.m.

If you would like more information or to register for this program, please email Family Connections Specialist Sinéad Caulfield at  sinead.caulfield@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.

Snuggles, Songs and Stories
This is an intergenerational program for babies, caregivers and older adults designed to create a meaningful connection between seniors/older adults and young children through precious time spent together reading stories and singing songs. 

This beautiful program aims to increase 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.

Seniors registration: email dani.roussy@banff.ca or call 403.762.1253
Children and family registration: email sinead.caulfield@banff.ca or call 403.762.1268

Dates & Times
November 30, Dec 7, 14, 21
Thursdays; 10.30-11.15am
Location: Upstairs at the Catharine Robb Whyte Building (101 Bear St.) 

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.
For program dates and times, click here.
Location: Banff Elementary School 

Available Services

Closer to Home - Healthy Families Program
Healthy Families is designed to help parents enhance their parenting skills and improve their knowledge and understanding of child development, child health and positive family functioning and in addition, to increase their connections with their community to support them and their family. It provides home visitation services to families with children ranging in age from newborn to 6 years old (at time of referral) who are facing challenges that may negatively impact their child’s development and their family’s well-being. Services are voluntary and include between one to 3 visits a week in a family’s home and/or community, depending on the needs of the family. An initial screening will assess a family’s eligibility for the program. Please contact familyconnections@banff.ca or call 403-762-1229 for further information.

Rainbows
Do you have a child who is experiencing grief due to divorce, separation, death or other loss? The Rainbows program is free and provides support to children and youth in Kindergarten to Grade 8- connecting with a trained Rainbows facilitator and other peers in a small, intimate group setting. Confidentiality and safety of all participants is priority. If you feel your child could benefit from Rainbows, please contact familyconnections@banff.ca or call 403.762.1268.

Developmental Screening
Child development is happening all the time. We invite you to complete a FREE online Ages and Stages Questionnaire (ASQ and ASQ - Social Emotional) to check-up on your child's development. These parent-completed evaluation tools assess the development of children 0-5 years old in the areas of: communication, gross and fine motor skills, problem solving, personal social skills and social/emotional development. Once completed, a trained professional reviews the completed questionnaire and can meet virtually to offer fun activities to enhance development and/or make referrals, if necessary. If you would like to receive an online ASQ/ASQ-SE please click here.

Family Connections Play Space Bookings
Private bookings are available for those operating a licensed day home, or professionals working for an not-for-profit agency supporting children with special needs. Please email familyconnections@banff.ca for further information and availability. 

Resources for Families: 

Alberta Health Services, Community Education Service (CES) provides parents/caregivers and other community members with opportunities to access free, public education sessions on child and youth emotional wellness and health topics . For information or to register, click here or visit http://community.hmhc.ca/.

AHS: Help in Tough Times: List of resources.

I’m Ready Booklets: Information for Parents with Children Under 5:

Zero to Three:  Information for parents of young children

Anxiety Canada:  Resources for coping with anxiety.

Triple P Positive Parenting:  Online parenting courses (toddlers to tweens and pre-teens to teens) and resources for families

Banff Public Library: Find information for story-times, memberships and more

Banff Recreation:  Find resources for staying active 

Active for Life: Information on raising physically literate kids.