Playgroup (Åpen Barnehage)

Have you heard of playgroups in your home country?
Playgroup is an informal session where mums, dads, grand parents, caregivers, children and babies meet together in a relaxed environment.
Playgroups are set up and run by parents and caregivers, with children choosing from a range of activities set up to meet their varying needs. Activities at playgroup are either free or low cost, and may include:

• Music and singing
• Imaginative play
• Outdoor and free play
• Art and craft activities
• Outings.

Playgroup can be held anywhere that is safe for children and where groups of people can meet - community and neighbourhood centres, health clinics, women's centres, preschools and kindergartens, church halls and even in someone's house.
In a playgroup, parents and caregivers stay to interact with the other adults; and to play with the children.
No child is too young for playgroup. All children from 0-5 years, including babies, love new experiences and benefit from developing sensory, social and communication skills through activities at playgroup.

In Norway, playgroup is called Åpen barnehage. Most of them are held in church halls. They are usually free, or you pay a small amount (20-30kr) for included lunch or activities etc.
They are a great place to go to meet other parents, or as a child friendly place to go as a group.

Here is a link to most of the åpen barnehages in and around Bergen.

If you're feeling like it's time to get out with your baby, why not try your local åpen barnehage?