Playful Strides Therapy Inc.

Playful Strides Therapy Inc. Playful Strides Therapy provides Occupational and Physiotherapy Services for children. We put the Fun in Function. We collaborate, teach and share.

Located in Milton, Ontario, Playful Strides Therapy Inc. provides in-clinic and virtual Occupational Therapy and Physiotherapy services. Using a hands-on approach, our Registered Occupational Therapists (OTs) and Physiotherapists (PTs) support, educate, and help develop the skills of children required to complete daily activities such as eating, playing, sleeping, and learning.

Sensory Santa Hours Dec 13 and 14th 10 to 11 am. Book Early!
11/07/2025

Sensory Santa Hours Dec 13 and 14th 10 to 11 am. Book Early!

Is your child feeling a bit extra wiggly or out of sorts this week? You’re not alone! Daylight Saving Time can put kids’...
11/03/2025

Is your child feeling a bit extra wiggly or out of sorts this week? You’re not alone! Daylight Saving Time can put kids’ sensory systems in a spin: suddenly it’s darker (or brighter!), routines shift, and little bodies may need extra support to feel their best.

Here are some playful OT tips to help kids regulate and settle into the new rhythm:

🌞 Keep routines as consistent as possible: same wake-up, meal, and bed “anchors” can be calming
🤸‍♂️ Add in some daytime movement breaks! Jumping, swinging, or a mini obstacle course can help reset those senses.
🧴 Use calming sensory tools before bed: warm baths, gentle playlists, or squeezable plushies (a weighted blanket is lovely too!)
🕰️ And remember, it can take a week or so for everyone to adjust: parents included! Be gentle with yourselves.

If your child is having a tough time adjusting or needs a little more sensory support right now, our OTs are here to help. Call or email to book a free consult: we’re always happy to chat!

Let’s fall back into routines together, one playful stride at a time. 🌈

That one hour time change can feel like much more to our kiddos! Daylight saving can throw off children’s routines, and ...
10/28/2025

That one hour time change can feel like much more to our kiddos! Daylight saving can throw off children’s routines, and for those with sensitive sensory systems, it can be extra tough. You might see more meltdowns, trouble settling for sleep, or a kiddo who just seems “off.”

Why? Changes in light mess with our internal clocks AND can make it harder for kids to regulate. Less sleep and unpredictable routines = big feelings!

Here’s how you can help:
⏰ Start shifting bedtime/routines by 10-15 minutes a few days early, so the change isn’t so abrupt.
🕯️ Keep evenings calm and dimly lit to signal “it’s time to wind down.”
🤸 Sneak in some extra movement before bed – heavy work like jumping, wall pushes, or a big bedtime squeeze helps little bodies settle.
🍲 Stick to familiar foods at meals to avoid extra sensory surprises.
😴 Use favourite sensory tools: weighted blankets, noise-cancelling headphones, or white noise can help create calm.

Routines may take a week or two to feel “normal” again – that’s OK! We’re here to support you. Need more ideas for sensory-friendly routines or bedtime tweaks? Reach out to our team at Playful Strides! 💙

Halloween is almost here! This year, let's make it extra inclusive with the Teal Pumpkin Project. By placing a teal pump...
10/27/2025

Halloween is almost here! This year, let's make it extra inclusive with the Teal Pumpkin Project. By placing a teal pumpkin outside your home and offering non-food treats (like stickers, bubbles, glow sticks, or small toys), you’re making trick-or-treating safer and more fun for kids with food allergies.

Easy steps: display your teal pumpkin, stock up on allergy-friendly goodies, register your house on a local Teal Pumpkin map if you can, and tell your neighbours how they can join in too! Pro tip: chat with neighbours before the 31st about safe treats, and after trick-or-treating, have a fun sorting and swapping party at home.

🎃 FYI: Milton’s Tiny Tots Trick or Treat is happening on Main Street, Oct 25th – a perfect "dress rehearsal" for little ones! Happy (and safe) Halloween!

Happy Diwali to all who celebrate! 🎆 At Playful Strides Therapy, we know big gatherings can be overwhelming for sensory-...
10/20/2025

Happy Diwali to all who celebrate! 🎆 At Playful Strides Therapy, we know big gatherings can be overwhelming for sensory-sensitive kiddos or those with feeding differences. Here are some tips to help your family make the most of the festive fun:

✨ Set up a quiet spot for breaks: sometimes a few minutes away from the crowd can make all the difference!
✨ Bring along familiar snacks if new foods feel daunting
✨ Offer noise-reducing headphones to make fireworks and music more comfortable
✨ Give little hands something to fidget with during busy moments (think soft toys or putty!)
✨ Let your child know what to expect by talking through the schedule beforehand

Wishing everyone a Diwali that sparkles with joy, inclusion, and connection. Need more ideas? Reach out( our team is here to help your child shine!)

Looking for a way to test out those costumes before Halloween? Join the fun in downtown Milton for the Tiny Tots Trick-o...
10/18/2025

Looking for a way to test out those costumes before Halloween? Join the fun in downtown Milton for the Tiny Tots Trick-or-Treat on Main Street, October 25th! 🎃

This is the perfect dress rehearsal for families to practice walking in costume, getting comfortable with the trick-or-treat routine, and connecting with friends: all in a safe, supportive environment. It’s also a wonderful chance for social interaction and to build confidence before the big night!

We encourage everyone to think of our friends with food allergies: look out for the teal pumpkin along the route. Homes and businesses displaying a teal pumpkin are offering non-food treats (like stickers and glow sticks) so every child can join in the fun. Let’s make Halloween safe and inclusive for all!

Got questions? Reach out to us anytime, and happy Halloween prepping! 👻🍬

Are you dreading the complaints of itchy costumes or squishy snowsuits? You’re not alone! While we see lots of families...
10/14/2025

Are you dreading the complaints of itchy costumes or squishy snowsuits? You’re not alone! While we see lots of families excited for Halloween or the first snowfall, but sensory sensitivities can make these seasons extra tricky.

🦸‍♂️ Costumes with scratchy tags, stiff seams, or tight masks? No thanks! Try soft fabrics, tagless options, and let kids help pick what feels best. Sometimes, pajamas in their favourite print make the perfect costume!

🧤 And with winter around the corner, thick jackets and zippers can feel overwhelming. Add extra prep time, layer up with cozy, soft clothes, and allow movement breaks for wiggly bodies getting bundled. For children with coordination challenges can be reduced with a 1 piece or "snowmobile" suit.

Remember: Comfort comes first: our kids shine brightest when they feel good in what they wear! Need more sensory-friendly ideas or support? Our therapists love to help.

Call or email us any time, or check out playfulstrides.com for resources. We’re cheering you on, families!

We're grateful for our wonderful families and team! Playful Strides Therapy will be closed this Thanksgiving Weekend (Sa...
10/08/2025

We're grateful for our wonderful families and team! Playful Strides Therapy will be closed this Thanksgiving Weekend (Saturday & Monday) so everyone has time to enjoy good company, good food, and a little extra coziness. We'll be back to play, learn, and grow together on Tuesday!

From our Playful Strides family to yours, wishing you a warm and happy Thanksgiving weekend. 🍂🧡

If you have any questions, please feel free to reach out by email: we’ll get back to you as soon as we return. Stay cozy!

Did you know that when families take the driver’s seat in setting therapy goals, the journey becomes so much more meanin...
10/07/2025

Did you know that when families take the driver’s seat in setting therapy goals, the journey becomes so much more meaningful for everyone? 🚗💨 At Playful Strides, putting YOU at the center with the 6Fs of childhood disability has changed everything for our children.

Here’s what the 6Fs mean, parent-friendly style:
• Function: Everyday skills that help your child do what they want and need to do
• Family: Making sure everyone feels supported and included
• Fitness: Keeping bodies moving, healthy, and strong
• Fun: Making room for laughter and activities your child loves
• Friends: Building connection and social confidence
• Future: Setting the stage for growth and long-term success

The 6Fs framework helps us really listen to your hopes, values, and dreams, making each step in therapy feel like a true team effort. Children flourish when their families’ voices shape the plan. Research backs this up! The ENVISAGE-SP project at CanChild found that, “when parents feel empowered to work with therapists and share their vision, outcomes are more relevant and progress becomes more individualized and meaningful for the child and family.” (ENVISAGE-SP, CanChild, 2025)

We’ve seen first-hand,

Did you know that when families take the driver’s seat in setting therapy goals, the journey becomes so much more meanin...
10/03/2025

Did you know that when families take the driver’s seat in setting therapy goals, the journey becomes so much more meaningful for everyone? 🚗💨 At Playful Strides, putting YOU at the center with the 6Fs of childhood disability has changed everything for our children.

Here’s what the 6Fs mean, parent-friendly style:
• Function: Everyday skills that help your child do what they want and need to do
• Family: Making sure everyone feels supported and included
• Fitness: Keeping bodies moving, healthy, and strong
• Fun: Making room for laughter and activities your child loves
• Friends: Building connection and social confidence
• Future: Setting the stage for growth and long-term success

The 6Fs framework helps us really listen to your hopes, values, and dreams, making each step in therapy feel like a true team effort. Children flourish when their families’ voices shape the plan. Research backs this up! The ENVISAGE-SP project at CanChild found that, “when parents feel empowered to work with therapists and share their vision, outcomes are more relevant and progress becomes more individualized and meaningful for the child and family.” (ENVISAGE-SP, CanChild, 2025)

We’ve seen first-hand and this has strengthened family units to meet the challenges of parenting.

We truly believe it takes a village to support our families, and today we’re excited to share something close to our hea...
10/02/2025

We truly believe it takes a village to support our families, and today we’re excited to share something close to our hearts.

One of our former Playful Strides families has turned their journey into a support manual for fellow parents raising a child with disabilities. This heartfelt book is packed with real-life insights, encouragement, and strategies – all written by someone who’s walked the path.

We’re so grateful for the generosity and courage it took to put these experiences on paper to help other families feel understood, empowered, and a little less alone. Community makes all the difference, and this resource is a shining example of what happens when we lift each other up!

Check it out and show your support for our amazing Playful Strides alumni family: https://www.amazon.ca/dp/1772776785

Ever notice how little ones light up when a favourite song comes on or when they’re moving along with friendly faces lik...
10/01/2025

Ever notice how little ones light up when a favourite song comes on or when they’re moving along with friendly faces like Ms Rachel? At Playful Strides, we harness those same playful, musical vibes in our therapy sessions!

Music and movement activities aren’t just fun: they’re powerful tools that help children with communication, engagement, motor skills, and social-emotional growth. That’s why you’ll spot us singing, shaking, drumming, and grooving right alongside our families. It’s all about making therapy feel joyful, relatable, and just like what families love seeing online.

Inspired by what’s trending with families today, our therapists use music and interactive movement to build skills, boost confidence, and create lasting connections. We celebrate each child’s individuality and make sure there’s plenty of laughter along the way!

Have questions about how our playful approach works? We’d love to chat: reach out anytime or come join the fun at our inclusive play space!

Address

44 Main Street East
Milton, ON
L9T3N1

Opening Hours

Monday 8am - 6pm
Tuesday 8am - 6pm
Wednesday 9am - 6pm
Thursday 8am - 6:30pm
Friday 9am - 5pm
Saturday 8am - 4:30pm

Telephone

+12898512771

Website

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