Written By Olena Riznyk
LUCAN – A new children’s activity and learning space is growing in Lucan, offering families a local place for play, creativity and early learning programs.
The Little’s Lucan, located at 315 Main Street, provides a variety of activities for children, including indoor play, dance and gymnastics classes, art and music programs, STEM activities and themed birthday parties.
The centre was created by local resident Julie Croker, who said the idea developed after years of working with children and listening to the needs of families in the community. “I really wanted to provide a safe space where children were learning, having fun, and parents didn’t have to worry when they dropped them off,” Croker said.
Croker’s career path has taken her through several different fields, including anti-human-trafficking work and family law. While meaningful, the work often exposed her to difficult situations. “I was seeing the darkest aspects of humanity every day,” she said. “I’m more of a happy person, and I wanted to make a difference in a way that was positive.”
Reflecting on her career, Croker realized she had felt happiest while working with children as a nanny and later in childcare. After moving to Lucan six years ago, she started a home daycare and quickly became connected with many local families.
During that time, parents often shared the same frustration: many children’s programs required travelling to London. “Families would tell me they had to drive 30 minutes into the city for things like gymnastics or other classes,” Croker said.
Those conversations inspired her to create a local space where children could learn and play close to home. The centre first opened in December 2025.
Today, The Little’s Lucan offers a wide range of flexible programs. Families can register for multi-week sessions or attend individual classes depending on their schedule.
Croker said the centre is supported by a growing team that helps lead the various classes and activities. The staff includes instructors for gymnastics, dance and creative programs, along with part-time students who assist with daily operations. The centre also hosts camps during school breaks and indoor play sessions for families looking for activities close to home.
For Croker, seeing children enjoy the space makes the challenges of starting a business worthwhile. “When I come in here and see kids having fun and learning, it makes everything worth it,” she said.
