From exploring snow sculptures in Northumberland County to enjoying a family activity in the warmth of indoors, families can beat the winter blahs with an interactive game of bingo for a chance to win prizes.
EarlyON Northumberland’s “Family Fun Bingo” competition is back for a third installment. The annual competition invites families with young children to join in on the fun by completing family activities and attending free EarlyON Child and Family Centre programs in Northumberland throughout February and March.
Families who complete a bingo will receive a small reward and will be entered in a draw for the chance to win one of two 2025 annual day-use vehicle permits for Ontario Parks.
To participate in family fun bingo, families can pick up a bingo card at their local EarlyON Centre beginning Tuesday (February 18) or they can download a PDF to print one at home anytime. Each square on the card features an activity that can be completed either in person, online, or at home. Families can mark off the corresponding square on their bingo card once they complete an activity.
Lesley Patterson, Northumberland County Early Years services manager, told kawarthaNOW the contest is back again by popular demand, “after great success during its first two years.
“Each year, the program grows — last year, over 95 families participated for the chance to win,” Patterson said. “The contest is an opportunity for families to connect with each other as well as other families with children of a similar age.”
“By participating in family fun bingo, families can try new things, go new places and meet new people,” added Patterson.
“It’s a great opportunity for families who have never attended an EarlyON program before to give it a try, or for families who have visited their local centre to visit a new location and see what it has to offer. We hope that the contest will encourage families throughout the community to connect, explore, play, be active, enjoy the winter and build lasting memories together that they can cherish.”
Among the activities featured on the bingo card is the upcoming “Snow Much Fun” event, various March Break programs at family-friendly destinations throughout Northumberland, and regular programming at EarlyON centres including story times, hikes, gym time, and exploration programs.
The Snow Much Fun event is on Friday, February 28. A free offering, coordinated in collaboration with the Township of Hamilton, families are invited to the Baltimore Recreation Centre, located at 23 Community Centre Rd., from 9 a.m. to noon for a morning filled with fun winter activities. From 9 to 11 a.m., families can explore snow sculptures, snowshoeing, big machines, and animals. From 11 a.m. to noon, they can stay for a free parent and tot skate.
EarlyON also offers a variety of other free programs throughout the year for families with children ages six and under. They have regular programming available at eight local EarlyON Child and Family Centres throughout Northumberland as well as several partner locations including community centres, libraries, parks, and more.
Their programs aim to provide families with the opportunity to connect with others, explore together, and enjoy activities that foster creativity, learning, and fun. There are programs suitable for a variety of families, including indoor and outdoor options available on weekdays, evenings and weekends, and special programs for new and expecting parents.
To participate in family fun bingo, families can pick up a bingo card at their local EarlyON centre or download one from the Northumberland County website.
Families who get a “bingo” by completing a full line vertically, horizontally, or diagonally can submit their card to an EarlyON educator from February 19 to March 28 to claim a small reward and be entered into the grand prize draws for one of the Ontario Parks passes.
Winners will be chosen at random and contacted by April 14.
