WITH playgroups designed for carers as much as for children, they are popular in St George.
Karina Boscolo from the Blakehurst Bugs playgroup said playgroups were for children from birth to five or six years.
Playgroup NSW began in 1972, the year when the St George zone began.
At present there are 21 playgroups in the St George zone with 42 weekly sessions and some playgroups having several sessions on different days and times.
"One of the benefits is that children can learn through playing, helping with various aspects of cognition," Ms Boscolo said.
"Children learn skills on how to interact with other children by playing.
"Carers benefit too, through being able to socialise with other adults, being able to form a local network — good for new parents.
"Some carers can be quite isolated."
The playgroups adopt names such as the Blakehurst Bugs and the Penshurst Penguins and cost $39 annually.
The zone celebrated its annual free fun day on Friday, October 24, at Carss Bush Park, Bunyala Street, Blakehurst.