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Family Spaces & Programming
Play is one of the most important tools for children in their development as it allows them to explore the world they live in. Through play, children learn and practice new skills, and can socialize, have fun, and relieve stress. At SickKids, we provide unique opportunities for children, youth and their families to play in a safe environment away from their units and clinics, and experience normalcy while at the hospital. We have a variety of family spaces, each designed to create an atmosphere that is welcoming, healing, safe, and fun!
These spaces share a commitment to offer unique, developmentally appropriate, play-based programming and activities that help patients and families cope by providing distraction and an outlet for their anxiety and other challenging feelings. Giving children the choice to choose an activity or game can help them gain a sense of control. Read more about each of these spaces below and be sure to check out our weekly activity calendar for up-to-date information.
View more information on Family Spaces and Family Programs.
Family spaces & programming schedule (PDF)
Check our weekly schedule for the most up-to-date information on drop-in programming at our spaces and programming on The SKOOP (Channel 41)!
Sacred Spaces include the Meditation & Contemplation Room, Muslim Prayer Room and the Chapel. These spaces are open 24/7 for quiet prayer and meditation.
The SKOOP TV
The SKOOP on Channel 41 offers unique programming created and produced by patients and staff here at SickKids! Check out Channel 41 at SickKids, or on THE SKOOP YouTube channel.
Check our weekly schedule for details and times on programming!
SK49: The Family Information Channel
SK49: The Family Information Channel is SickKids’ 24/7 closed-circuit television channel that shares essential information, resources, tools, and services, all designed to ease and improve the hospital experience for every family.
Marnie's Lounge
Marnie's Lounge is a drop-in activity space at SickKids that provides therapeutic programming for inpatients, outpatients and their families. Visitors can engage in expressive art activities, board games, video and arcade games, and spend time together in Marnie’s Nook. Open seven days a week, this "home away from home" promotes relaxation, connection and fun! The room is staffed by Child Life Professionals trained in paediatric psychosocial care and rooted in helping patients and families cope with their hospital experience.
Marnie's Lounge is located on the 4th Floor, Room 4318, Black Wing.
Check out our weekly schedule for more details on our drop-in programming!
Please note, patients coming to Marnie's Lounge must meet the following screening criteria:
- Not in isolation
- No contagious symptoms in the last 48 hours
- No exposure to chickenpox, measles or tuberculosis in the last three weeks
For more information about visiting Marnie’s Lounge, speak to your Child Life Specialist on your unit or call 416-624-9845 to speak to a Family Spaces staff member.
Marnie's Studio
Marnie's Studio is home The SKOOP on Channel 41, SickKids' very own closed circuit television channel. Live interactive TV programming is offered on The SKOOP seven days a week. Marnie's Studio also broadcasts Channel 39, a 24/7 children's movie channel, Channel 40, a white noise fish tank program and Channel 49, also known as SK49, a hospital information channel for caregivers and families.
Marnie's Studio is located on the 4th Floor, Room 4303, Black Wing.
Check out our weekly schedule for more details on our drop-in programming!
For more information about Marnie's Studio, please call 416-813-7654 ext. 202837.
Samsung Space
Samsung Space is a drop-in therapeutic play and recreation area offering patients, siblings and family members opportunities to spend time together, meet other families in the hospital, and play inside the space or outdoors on the patio.
Visitors can engage in medical play, video games, board games, crafts, and access safe, outdoor play on the seasonal garden patio. The room is staffed by Child Life Professionals trained in paediatric psychosocial care and child and youth development.
Samsung Space is currently closed due to elevator maintenance. Please check our weekly schedule for other drop-in spaces and activities.
For more information about visiting Samsung Space, speak to your Child Life Specialist or call 416-624-9845 to speak to a Family Spaces staff member.
Multisensory Room
The Multisensory Room is a calming environment for patients and families who enjoy or could benefit from sensory-based experiences. The room offers a safe space for exploring different senses (touch, sound, visual, spatial awareness, and motion) and engaging in respite and relaxation.
See the Multisensory Room in action (YouTube)
The Multisensory Room is located on the 4th Floor, Room 4302, Black Wing.
This space is accessed by appointment only. If interested, contact us to learn more about the Multisensory Room or book a session in the space.
Please note, patients coming to the Multisensory Room must meet the following screening criteria:
- Not in isolation
- No contagious symptoms in the last 48 hours
- No exposure to chickenpox, measles or tuberculosis in the last three weeks
To book time in the space or for more information, please call 416-624-9845 to speak with a Family Spaces staff member or email familyspaces.bookings@sickkids.ca
Family Centre
The Family Centre at SickKids provides a range of resources and services for inpatient and outpatient children and their families.
The Children’s Library at SickKids is a comfortable place for inpatient and outpatient families to read, relax, and explore. Children and families are invited to come spend some time between clinic appointments, and borrow materials to enjoy in the waiting area/patient room.
Our collection serves readers ages 0 to 18. We have board books for babies and toddlers, picture books, fiction for children and teens, non-fiction books, audio books, DVDs, comics and graphic novels.
Speak to our Children’s Librarian about the role of reading at the hospital, choosing the best books for children, incorporating reading into a healthy routine, as well as literacy initiatives at SickKids or in the community.
The Health Information Library in the Family Centre at SickKids offers many resources and services for both inpatient and outpatient families in a warm, welcoming environment. Here, we help families find the health information they need to make decisions about care and to help their children grow up happy and healthy. Staff and trained volunteers are available to assist families with finding information about medical conditions, healthy lifestyle choices, safety, child-rearing, and child development.
Phone: 416-813-7903
Email: family.centre@sickkids.ca
The Family Centre is located on the Main Floor, Black Wing, Room M200. The Family Centre is currently open to outpatient families from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Monday to Friday. Inpatient families may schedule an appointment by calling 416-813-7903.
WAV PlayPark
The Women's Auxiliary Volunteers (WAV) PlayPark makes hospital visits easier for families by providing siblings of patients, and children visiting clinics a safe and secure play area staffed by Registered Early Childhood Educators and volunteers. The WAV PlayPark is a free service but access is limited to siblings of children being treated in the intensive care units (NICU, PICU, CCCU), and families who meet criteria from other specific units. Please inquire with your unit about your family's eligiblity to use the PlayPark.
To book time in the space or for more information please call 416-813-8884 to speak to a PlayPark Staff.
The PlayPark is located on the Main Floor of the Atrium, next to the parking elevators. See our hours of operation below:
Monday to Friday
- 8:30 to 11:45 a.m.
- 1 to 4 p.m.
Saturday and Sunday
- 10 a.m. to 12:15 p.m.
- 1 to 3:15 p.m.
Ronald McDonald House Charities Toronto Family Room
The Ronald McDonald House Charities (RMHC) Toronto Family Room offers a comfort, care, and compassion within the walls of the hospital. This room is intended to provide a “home away from home” for families – a refuge from the clinical environment of the hospital. The 1,725 square-foot Family Room was designed with input from SickKids staff and families. Parents can use a computer, do some laundry, sleep or just relax, while being just steps away from their child’s bedside.
Parents or immediate caregivers access to the following room features:
- A sleep room and rest and respite area for napping
- There are seven recliners in the rest and respite area
- The design of this space was drawn from first-class airline lounges and includes a number of individual ‘pods’ with custom-built privacy screens so parents or immediate caregivers can rest without distraction
- Blankets and pillows are provided for each recliner
- There is one private sleep room
- Television and lounge area with fireplaces
- Computers and Wi-Fi access
- Kitchenette stocked with snacks and beverages
- Washrooms with shower facilities
- Laundry facilities
- A play area with toys for siblings accompanied by a parent or immediate caregiver
Due to limited capacity, access to the Family Room is provided to families who meet specific criteria. Please contact the Manager or Clinical Support Nurse on the child’s unit for more information about access to the Family Room and other resources at SickKids.
The RMHC Toronto Family Room is located on the 4th Floor, Atrium and is open 24/7. Please contact the RMHC Toronto Family Room for the latest information.
Due to limited capacity, access to the Family Room is available to family members of children being treated in the intensive care units (NICU, PICU, CCCU), as well as families who meet criteria from other specific units. Please inquire within your unit to see whether your family is eligible to use the Family Room.