Northumberland County invites families and educators to explore the power of active play in the digital age

September 15, 2026

Four kids run in a field, towards a setting sun

Cobourg, ON – September 15, 2026 – Families, educators, early years professionals, and community members are invited to join Northumberland County, Northumberland EarlyON Child and Family Centres, and Active for Life at their free community event focused on helping children stay active, healthy and thrive in today’s digital world.

Taking place on Saturday, October 3^rd at the theatre located within the Cobourg Collegiate Institute (CCI), this event will feature a keynote presentation by Richard Monette, Executive Director of Active for Life – a nationally recognized initiative that supports children’s healthy development through movement and play.

With growing concerns about increasing screen time and declining levels of physical activity in young children, this engaging and informative session will explore how active play supports children’s physical, cognitive, emotional, and social development, while offering practical strategies families and educators can apply in everyday settings.

“Supporting children’s healthy development is a shared responsibility, and collaboration between families, educators, and community partners is key,” said County Early Years Services Manager Lesley Patterson. “There are so many ways for children to be active, in addition to traditional methods like sports. Incorporating movement in the early years of child development doesn’t need to be an added task – it can become a mindset that is a natural part of childhood. During this presentation, Mr. Monette will provide valuable insights into the benefits of active play and offer tangible ways to incorporate more movement into our everyday lives.”

Participants will gain:

A clear understanding of how movement and active play support healthy brain development in early years.
Insight into how active play has declined in the digital era and the potential impacts on child development.
Practical ideas for incorporating active play into everyday routines at home, school, childcare, and community settings.
An understanding of physical literacy as a foundation for learning, confidence, and self-regulation.
Opportunities to identify barriers to active play within their own environments and explore realistic, community-based solutions.
A real-world example of successful implementation through the Learn Through Active Play (LTAP) program in childcare settings.

Following the presentation, attendees will have an opportunity to participate in a Q&A session with the keynote speaker.

To help make the event accessible to families, complimentary childminding services will be available for registered participants. Advance registration is required to reserve a space and arrange childminding.

This event is organized by Northumberland County, Northumberland EarlyON Child and Family Centres, and Active for Life. Promoted in partnership with Kawartha Pine Ridge District School Board (KPRDSB), Peterborough, Victoria, Northumberland and Clarington Catholic School Board (PVNCCDSB) and The Community Training and Development Centre (CTDC).