GoPlay started with one simple - and all-too-familiar - moment.
Founder Dan McPhee was sitting at his desk one evening when he called downstairs to his partner: “Which day do the kids have swimming again?” Neither of them knew. Somewhere in his inbox was a confirmation email from months earlier.
It struck him that it can be easier to plan a safari to Africa than to sign kids up for hockey and gymnastics in Toronto. Booking, managing and keeping track of children's activities should not be this complicated.
He began asking other parents - at soccer, gymnastics and swimming lessons, wherever he went. The response was consistent: it is a headache. Every provider uses a different website layout, registration system and schedule format. Nothing connects. Every season feels like starting over.
Activity providers shared their own frustrations. Many were spending time and money on advertising and website maintenance instead of focusing on what they do best - building meaningful programs for kids.
That is where GoPlay began - with the belief that discovering and managing kids' activities in Toronto could be simpler, more transparent and more community-driven.
GoPlay is a Toronto-based platform that helps parents discover and connect with local children's activities, classes and programs. It brings together information about kids activities in Toronto in one place, making it easier for families to see what is available in their neighbourhood and beyond.
GoPlay has launched in Toronto starting with a pilot of the High Park/Roncesvalles neighbourhood, with plans to expand across Metro Toronto and eventually across Canada.
GoPlay's North Star
Most parents want to help their child find their thing - the activity that makes them light up and the place they feel they belong. Whether that is swimming or soccer, drawing or robotics, violin or volleyball.
GoPlay exists to simplify discovery and reduce friction. It connects families with opportunities that fit their schedules and their lives, while supporting the local organizations that bring Toronto's communities to life.
The mission is straightforward: make life easier for parents and for the children's activity providers who serve them.
Stronger communities. Less stress for families. More opportunities for kids to thrive. Discover local kids' activities, all in one place.
How GoPlay Helps Parents
Parents are already managing work, school schedules and family life. Searching across dozens of websites to compare children's programs should not add more stress.
GoPlay brings information about kids activities in Toronto into one searchable place, helping families:
- Discover activities by age, interest and neighbourhood
- Compare options without jumping between multiple registration systems
- Stay organized across seasons
- Find new or smaller local programs that might otherwise go unnoticed
- Explore opportunities close to home
The goal is practical: less time searching and more time supporting children as they grow.
How GoPlay Supports Activity Providers
Toronto is home to thousands of independent coaches, instructors and children's program operators. Many are small businesses driven by passion.
GoPlay helps local providers increase visibility within their communities and connect with parents who are actively looking for kids activities in Toronto. By making discovery easier, the platform supports sustainable growth for local programs and stronger neighbourhood connections.
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