For Kids Only Afterschool (FKO) is welcoming families back to its Rise & Shine playgroup, a drop-in community playgroup designed for infants, toddlers and young children ages 0–5 and their caregivers.
Rise & Shine will resume on Monday, October 5, 2026, at FKO’s Winthrop location at 233 Winthrop Street. The playgroup will be open most Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays from 9:30 to 11:30 a.m.
Rise & Shine provides children with a fun, social and interactive environment where they can explore, play and learn alongside their peers. Families have access to FKO’s outdoor nature classroom, early education classroom and gymnasium, with materials and activities designed to encourage creativity, exploration and cognitive development.
Throughout the year, families can also enjoy a variety of specialized activities, including music, sensory art, opportunities for new-parent meetups, and plenty of time for open-ended exploration and play.
FKO Executive Director Briana Flannery shared her reflections on the program. “When we built the FKO facility in 2021, our Board of Directors made it a priority for the building to be a resource for the entire Winthrop community. Because FKO’s afterschool programming begins later in the day, we are able to open our doors during the morning hours for programs like Rise and Shine that bring people together and make meaningful use of this community space.”
The program is designed as an accessible drop-in experience for local families. Daily drop-in sessions are $5 per family, or families can purchase a monthly pass for $40.
Families are encouraged to register in advance and check the online calendar for the most up-to-date schedule and activities. More information, registration and the monthly calendar are available at fkoafterschool.org/rise-and-shine.
Rise & Shine Playgroup is part of FKO’s commitment to supporting children and families in the communities it serves by creating safe, welcoming spaces where children can learn, grow and build connections.
About For Kids Only Afterschool
For Kids Only Afterschool (FKO) is a nonprofit organization dedicated to providing high-quality, enriching out-of-school programming for children and youth. FKO creates safe and supportive environments where children can build friendships, develop new skills, explore their interests and thrive. For more information about Rise & Shine Playgroup or other FKO programs, visit fkoafterschool.org.