Ashfield

Ashfield Family

From baby playgroups and library rhymes to teen games, swimming lessons and relaxed afternoons at the park, Ashfield families have practical ways to play, learn and spend time together. Local and visiting support services also offer help with parenting, child development, youth wellbeing and caring responsibilities.

✨ Play, stories and shared activities

The Infants’ Home Community Playgroups

Free, play-based early learning and early-intervention groups run in Ashfield during school terms. Options include Red Bug for children aged 0–5 with a parent or carer at Ashfield Park, moving to The Infants’ Home in wet weather; Baby Time for babies aged 0–12 months; and Pathways for children who are not attending formal early childhood education and care. A fortnightly Fathers’, Male Carers’ and Children’s Playgroup welcomes children aged 0–5. Check registration requirements and session updates before attending.

Ashfield Library Storytime and Family Tales

Inner West Council’s free early-literacy sessions give young children and carers time to enjoy books, rhythm and language together. Storytime uses stories and rhymes to develop listening, language and group participation for children aged 3–5. Family Tales is a weekend session for children aged 0–5 with their carers. Consult the Council event listings for current dates.

Tabletop Games at Ashfield Library

Young people aged 13–18 can meet over board and card games during this free school-term activity. Games and materials are provided, participants may bring a game to share, and beginners are welcome. Inner West Council lists sessions for the last Saturday of the month, with booking details available from the program page.

Ashfield Japanese Playgroup

Held nearby in Lewisham, this Japanese-language playgroup offers families an opportunity to connect and play in Japanese. Playgroup NSW lists the venue as the Yanada Room at Luna Apartments, 22 Hudson Street. As the published information refers to both Friday sessions and school-holiday arrangements, email the group before attending to confirm when it currently meets.

🌳 Outdoor play and active holidays

Ashfield Park

For an everyday outing, this Council park has a children’s play area, picnic space, barbecue, outdoor fitness station and sporting grounds. It is located at the corner of Orpington Street and Parramatta Road. Families planning an organised event or use of the sporting grounds should check the Council’s separate booking requirements.

JG McCartney Playground

This fenced neighbourhood playground at 112 Frederick Street provides swings, a climbing frame, shade trees and a park bench. Its straightforward layout makes it a useful choice for supervised outdoor play or a shorter local outing.

Inner West Council Holiday Intensives at Ashfield Aquatic Centre

School-holiday intensive blocks provide private swimming lessons for learners from Tadpoles level, beginning at age three, through to Sharks. The published spring 2026 program also includes a five-day carnival preparation workshop for nominated squad levels. Check current dates, learner-level requirements, fees and vacancies before booking online or at the centre.

🧸 Early learning, parenting and development

Murray House Childcare Centre

Operated by The Infants’ Home in Ashfield, Murray House provides early childhood education and care for children from birth to two years. Play-based learning is supported by educators, with speech pathology and occupational therapy integrated for children needing early-intervention assistance. The centre is licensed for 48 children and lists operating hours of 7 am–6 pm, Monday to Friday.

The Infants’ Home Parent Education and Support Programs

Parents and carers can access courses at The Infants’ Home, with programs changing according to current needs. Offerings may include Circle of Security for families with children from birth to eight years and Bringing Up Great Kids for parents and carers of children from birth to 12. Availability can be limited: the published Term 3 2026 Circle of Security course was free but full, with a waitlist offered for future programs.

The Infants’ Home Early Intervention and Wellbeing Hub

Children from birth to nine years can access speech pathology and occupational therapy through individual or group programs. Appointments are available in Ashfield therapy rooms and may also take place at home, school, day care or another community setting. Payment pathways include NDIS funding, health insurance and private fee-for-service arrangements.

🤝 Family, youth and carer support

headspace Ashfield

Young people aged 12–25 can seek free, confidential help with mental health, physical and sexual health, alcohol and other drug concerns, and work or study needs. Young people may self-refer. Family members, carers and friends can call during business hours to discuss referral options. The centre does not provide crisis or emergency support.

CatholicCare Sydney Family Support

Families in Ashfield with dependent children aged 0–17, including pregnant women, may be eligible for short-term family support. Caseworkers can provide home visits or centre-based contact, general counselling, information, referrals, advocacy and group work. Parenting and practical-skills groups are offered during the year. Referrals go through CatholicCare’s Client Care Team on 13 18 19.

Metro Assist Psychological Support Service

Based nearby in Campsie and serving people in the Ashfield local government area, this service provides family therapy and psychological support. Parents and carers can seek help with children’s and adolescents’ social, emotional or behavioural challenges, family relationships, grief, trauma, domestic and family violence, disability support, anxiety and depression. No GP referral is required; contact Metro Assist for an appointment or referral.

Parent Line NSW

NSW parents and carers of children aged 0–18 can speak with a qualified counsellor about parenting, development, behaviour, disability, school concerns or changes within the family. The free statewide telephone service is available on 1300 1300 52 from 9 am–9 pm weekdays and 4 pm–9 pm weekends, excluding public holidays.

Carer Gateway

Unpaid carers supporting a family member with disability, illness, mental illness or age-related frailty can explore Australian Government-funded assistance. Depending on eligibility and planning, support may include counselling, coaching, peer connection, tailored packages and respite. Carers aged over 18 can access counselling in person, by phone or in groups. Call 1800 422 737, Monday to Friday from 8 am–5 pm; The Benevolent Society is the listed service-provider pathway for metropolitan Sydney.

📌 Before you book or visit

• Confirm the age or stage: programs range from baby sessions to support for young adults, and some therapy or swimming activities use specific developmental or skill levels.
• Check the current timetable: school-term, holiday and fortnightly programs can change, while some courses fill early or operate a waitlist.
• Ask about access: enquire directly about physical accessibility, sensory needs, language support and adjustments that may help your child participate.
• Clarify costs and funding: some activities are free, while childcare, therapy and aquatic programs may involve fees, insurance or funding conditions.
• Plan for supervision: check whether a parent or carer must remain, particularly for playgroups, early-years activities, parks and swimming programs.

🌟 If you run a family-focused business, service, activity or community group that serves Ashfield, you are warmly invited to add a listing or update your existing details so local families can find accurate, useful information.

⚠️ Accuracy Note: We do our best to keep this information useful and up to date, however details can change over time. If you notice anything that appears incorrect or out of date, please let us know and we will review it. Local business owners and community leaders can also help keep local information accurate by logging in and creating or managing their own listing and useful content on ashfield.nsw.guide.