Playgroups and classes
Harrogate and the surrounding areas are a fantastic place for bringing up children and there is plenty going on.
Below is a list of all the local playgroups and drop in clinics throughout the week and also details of all the children’s activities classes available across our area. Please contact the organisers directly if you would like to find out further information or to confirm class times or costs.
If you know of any other classes or groups which are not already listed, then please contact us here. Basic listings are free. ’Featured’ listings are £15 per month. For our full advertising rates then please click here.
Are you ready to embark on an unforgettable journey filled with stories, sensory adventures, and precious bonding moments with your little one? Look no further than Adventure Babies Harrogate, serving families in Harrogate, Wetherby, and North Leeds!
Our classes offer an exciting blend of sensory storytelling, early childhood education, and pure fun, designed to ignite your child’s love for books and support their development every step of the way.
Community and Support: Parenthood can sometimes feel like a whirlwind, but at Adventure Babies, you’re never alone. Our classes offer a warm and welcoming community where you can connect with other parents, share experiences, and build lasting friendships. Whether you’re a first-time parent or a seasoned pro, our supportive environment is here to cheer you on every step of the way.
We have classes to suit all ages of preschool children –
• LITTLE BABIES classes are suitable for babies from birth up to confidently sitting. This group is for our littlest babies who are not yet moving much at the start of the course.
• SITTERS AND CRAWLERS classes are suitable for babies from birth up to confidently crawling. Please be aware that some babies in this group will be mobile although it is not our most mobile class.
• MIXED AGE GROUP – This is our most mobile class, all ages are welcome up to 4 years old. This group is particularly well suited for sibling groups or friends with different aged children that want to attend a class together.
We cover Harrogate, Wetherby and North Leeds –
MONDAY’S at Harewood House – 9:45 Mixed Ages and Sibling Groups
– 10.50 Babies to Crawlers
WEDNESDAY’S Crimple Harrogate – 9.40 Mixed Ages and Sibling Groups
– 10.45 Sitters and Crawlers
– 11.50 Little Babies (Non-Movers)
– 12.55 Babies to Crawlers
THURSDAY’S Crimple Harrogate – 9.20 Sitters and Crawlers
– 10.30 Mixed Ages and Sibling Groups
– 11.30 Little Babies (Non-Movers)
FRIDAY’S Cub Nursery Wetherby – 9.40 Mixed Ages and Sibling Groups
– 10.45 Sitters and Crawlers
If you’re unsure about which class to book please get in touch
After dancing online throughout lockdown, we are so excited to be back in our physical classes and dancing with our little stars again in person. Our preschool dance and ballet syllabus offers four stages of ballet dance classes, for young children aged 6 months to 6 years, plus a tap dancing class for children over 3 years.
Tots (6-18mth), Tinies (18mth-3yr), Movers (3-4yr), Groovers (4-6yr)
Mondays – Killinghall
9.45am Tinies
10.30am Movers
11.15am Tots
Tuesdays – Knaresborough
11.00am Movers
11.45am Tinies
12.30pm Tots
Wednesdays – Harrogate
9.45am Movers
10.30am Tinies
11.15am Tots
Fridays – Killinghall
9.45am Tinies
10.30am Movers
Saturdays – Beckwithshaw & Knaresborough
9.30am Tinies
10.15am Movers
11.15am Groovers
You can start classes with babyballet at any time and we offer a three-week introductory trial for £15.00 to trial our magical classes before committing to a term.
Please rest assured all of our classes have Covid secure measures in place and we are practising social ‘dis-DANCING’ at all of our venues.
Visit (https://babyballet.co.uk/babyballet-school/harrogate-knaresborough-ripon/) for more details and to book a trial. You can also email Miss Kim at harrogateknaresboroughripon@babyballet.co.uk or call/text 07873 443595
Join us weekly during term time on Monday and Friday mornings for a fun filled hour of play, in our immersive fairytale themed room; the Enchanted Storybook Land.
Sing songs, enjoy storybooks, do a light craft activity, dress up as your favourite fairytale characters and have plenty of imaginative play.
Ideal for ages 2-4 years with refreshments for adults and children included.
Magical Mondays: 10am – 11am on Mondays during Term Time
Fairytale Fridays: 10am – 11am on Fridays during Term Time
Bloom
Bloom Baby Classes are multi award winning sensory classes and are run all over the UK. We have two classes, Caterpillar Club for babies aged 6 weeks – 6 months and Busy Bees for babies aged 6 months to walking.
Caterpillar
Caterpillar Club is a gentle baby development class encouraging bonding. Our Caterpillar class awakens babies first senses and stimulates in a fun, yet soothing way, using music, sensory props and sensory lights. These encourage gross motor skills and body awareness. There is also a different fun theme every week. We end the class teaching baby massage leaving your baby ready for a long nap.
Busy Bees
Busy Beesis a highly interactive, musical class, focusing on baby’s growing confidence within the big wide world. Encouraging both fine and gross motor skills, teaching body awareness and stimulating your baby’s perception of sounds with our fun range of songs and activities. At theme time, your baby gets to explore our range of bright props and exciting heuristic treasure baskets whilst developing their social skills with fellow Bloom babies!
Børn of the Forest is a classroom without walls where children learn from nature, within nature. Our sessions, based on the principles of the Forest School approach, allow children to learn about nature, the environment, their world and themselves through natural, open ended play, creation, exploration, and discovery.
TERM TIME
Preschool Play. Walkers-age 5 – Term time, Mondays, Thursdays and Fridays 10-11.30
Preschool play sessions for you to stay and play with your little explorers. The sessions are child led, natural and open ended with time and space for your little ones to follow their own interests and motivations. There will be lots of time to explore our different areas, thoughtfully designed by our Early Year’s specialist teacher to engage the senses and with child development at the heart. We have mud kitchens, swings, slack lines, den making and much more. There’ll be new enhancements each week often based on stories or the seasons so as well as returning to favourite areas, there’ll be something new to try each visit.
We recommend coming once your little one can confidently walk. Sessions can be booked as one off or using a flexible class pass. Pre-walking siblings are welcome free of charge.
Preschool Forest School age 2.5 – 5 – Term time, Tuesdays 10-12 Sessions are based upon the Forest School ethos. We’ll be following your child’s lead and building upon skills and experiences, which will likely include campfire cooking, with your child involved in the process; learning to use real tools to create crafts and as part of woodland management/ fire building preparation; crafting, playing with and exploring natural materials to help us to learn about and connect with nature. Plus of course plenty of time for child led play!
We recommend coming once your pre-schooler is about 2.5 years old to get the most from the sessions, but younger siblings are of course welcome too with pre-walking siblings welcome to join us free of charge.
After School Club age 5-11 -Term time, Mondays 3.30-5.30
As with the holiday clubs, there is much time spent playing freely. As children attend each week, we’re able to follow children’s interests and motivations and plan experiences accordingly. We are also able to support them in developing Forest School skills such as tool use, campfire cooking and fire lighting.
After School Clubs are to be booked at least half a term at a time and priority to rebook will be given to those already booked in.
Therapeutic Forest for SEND age 4-11- Term time, Thursdays 12.45-2.45 We are passionate about using the Forest School approach to support young people who need some additional support to socialise, improve communication, connect with nature and develop skills. As Therapeutic Forest Leaders we aim to meet the needs of children and young people with additional needs at Forest School. This may include supporting children with attachment difficulties and developmental trauma, those requiring inclusive communication strategies, those with sensory processing needs and children and young people with learning disabilities, autism and behavioural needs.
Home Ed Group age 5-11- Term time, Tuesdays 12.30-2.30 Forest School sessions for home-educated children with parents / carers staying to join them with their play and explorations. Learner centred sessions with much time spent playing and exploring freely. As children attend each week, we’re able to follow children’s interests and motivations and plan experiences accordingly. We are also able to support them in developing Forest School skills such as tool use, campfire cooking and fire lighting.
Sessions are facilitated by Level 3 qualified Forest School Leaders, some are also experienced teachers with QTS.
Home Ed sessions are to be booked at least half a term at a time and priority to rebook will be given to those already booked in.
THROUGHOUT THE YEAR
Birthday Parties age 2+ – Year round
If a birthday party that is a little bit different from the norm, set in beautiful, vast woodland surroundings, led (& tidied up!) by experienced, creative professionals is what you’re after for your child’s next birthday celebration, we might just be the thing!
We offer 2 different packages- either Forest School inspired or based upon a variety of different themes. There’s something for everyone! Please see our website for more information.
Upstairs, our cozy cafe is open Mon-Fri, 8:30 AM – 4 PM, and Sat, 9 AM – 1 PM. Parents/carers can gather while kids enjoy our free toy library.
Indulge in Darkwoods ethically sourced coffee and savour high-quality food at our cafe. Don’t forget to browse our baby boutique for locally sourced gifts. We can’t wait to meet you and your brood. Coffee, crayons, classes, and conversation await! ☕👨👩👧👦🎨🍽️
Featured Listing
Planned and delivered by experienced teachers in Marton cum Grafton Memorial Hall on Mondays and St Wilf’s Church Hall on Fridays.
In our class, stories come to life through a symphony of sights, sounds, textures and scents. Through carefully curated tales, interactive props, soothing music and tactile elements, your child will embark on a journey of exploration and imagination.
Each session is thoughtfully crafted in line with the Early Years Foundation Stage Curriculum to captivate young minds and nurture their cognitive, emotional and sensory development.
Created by experienced teachers who specialise in early childhood development, our Sensory Story Time class provides a safe and welcoming space for you and your child to engage with stories in a multisensory way. From feeling the softness of a character’s fur, to listening to the gentle rustling of leaves, every moment is an opportunity for your Early Explorer to experience, play, learn and create cherished memories together.
Hello my name is Suzie Fairy Enchantica and I’m an educational theatre and well-being specialist. My classes bring learning to life through sing-along musical adventures and include sprinkles of preschool yoga along the way.
If you are looking for a feel-good class that will help you and your little one(s) shine bright and feel great then these classes are for you.
You can enjoy classes in-person at Enchantica’s Workshop (just behind M&S on Leeds Road in Harrogate) on Tuesdays, Thursdays & Fridays or any day of the week at home via my online learning academy.
Class options:
SUZIE BEATS (0-3 years)
Suzie Beats sessions are designed as a learning experience for preschool children and their grown ups. These entertaining and educational story journey sessions use instruments, puppets, tactile materials, music, rhyme and song to bring learning to life. With a sprinkling of story yoga and guided relaxation magic these classes provide a magical combination of entertainment, education and well-being for you to enjoy with your little ones.
Suzie Beats classes are available to book here: https://bookwhen.com/enchanticasworkshop
RISING STARS STORY YOGA (3-4 yrs, 4-5 yrs or 5-7 yrs)
Rising Stars Story Yoga and Well-Being Classes are designed for various ages from 2.5-8yrs. Sessions include yoga, drama, stories, movement, singing, dance, speech exercises, along with mindfulness and relaxation. The sessions have been designed to help children relax, improve their self-esteem, focus, manage their emotions, be imaginative and creative, sleep better and make friends.
Rising Stars classes are available for pre-schoolers aged 3-4, children in Reception aged 4-5, and children in Years 1&2, or Years 3-6.
I hope to see you in class or at one of our magical events very soon.
Kind wishes
Suzie
X
Get ready for a new level of fun and learning at Kidzplay! We’re excited to host a lineup of fantastic groups and classes for your little one!
🧠 Mind-Engaging Classes: Try out our mind-engaging classes! From interactive storytelling to creative arts and crafts, our experienced instructors make learning a blast.
🎨 Creative Workshops: Nurture your child’s imagination with our creative workshops! Dive into the world of colors, textures, and self-expression, creating their own little masterpieces!
🤸♀️ Active Play Groups: Join our active play groups! Designed for little movers and shakers, these sessions keep your kids active while enjoying the fun!
Musicality Kids is a fun, flexible and interactive music class run by a local musician and mum, which introduces little ones to all aspects of music.
Suitable for babies, toddlers and preschoolers, each themed session uses a variety of props, instruments, lights and sensory toys to explore the four things that make music interesting; different beats, high & low, loud & soft and fast & slow.
Children also get to meet some orchestral instruments along the way.
Classes also explore different types of music (from Beethoven to the Beatles) and music from around the world. Although classes do incorporate some of the well-known children’s favourites, Musicality Kids uses a variety of material which makes each session different and engaging.
Musicality Kids runs a super flexible system, recognising the challenges of family life. Parents and carers can sign up for a 6 week flexipass that can be used any weeks over any term meaning you don’t lose your sessions if you can’t attend. Numbers are also capped meaning there’s no need to book each week. Siblings also get an incredible discount as Musicality Kids loves to see families bonding over music.
It’s just £39 for a 6 week flexipass.
Siblings are and £14 each.
The first session is always free to ensure the classes are right for you and your child before you commit.
Now in its fourth year, Musicality Kids has seen children go on to school and continue with music in a confident way, often picking an instrument with a great understanding of rhythm and pitch.
You can read an official Mumbler review of Musicality Kids here.
Mondays at Oatlands Community Centre, Mount Street.
9.30 – Mixed age session.
10.30 – Mixed age session.
Tuesdays at St Mark’s Church Hall, Leeds Road
9.45 – Mixed age session (but mostly Toddlers to Pre-Schoolers)
10.45 – Mixed age session (but mostly Babies and younger toddlers)
To book a free trial or find out more, email musicalitykids@yahoo.com or visit www.musicalitykids.co.uk
“We joined Musicality Kids when my little boy was around 4/5 months and I’m so glad that we did! He loves all the music especially the classical music part. He recognises all the songs now, it’s a joy to see!” Ana, Harrogate
“Just perfect. That’s all I can say about this beautiful class.” Fiona, Harrogate.
“My little girl attended Musicality Kids from when she was 2. She’s now at school and just started piano lessons. She just loves music and really understands how it all works.” Liz, Harrogate.
Climb aboard the Number Train as it takes your preschool child on a different journey of discovery each week. Help your child to prepare for school and enjoy watching them as they roar like a dinosaur, travel into Space, meet some pirates, go shopping in the silly supermarket, visit the zoo … and SO much more!
These fast paced, action packed sessions have a different theme each week and are designed to be FUN and educational. Watch your child grow in confidence as they take part in fun activities, games, action songs, turn-taking and art & craft – all of which have an underlying focus on maths!
Number Train is growing to meet the demand for these 5 stars classes which are perfect for preschoolers aged 2.5+ . Our recent market research shows that it is the educational focus, the teacher delivery and the wide variety which makes it different to lots of other classes out there and keeps customers coming back again and again!
Your child + Number Train = Confidence in maths
Classes will be held during term time only in locations around North Leeds, Wetherby, Harrogate and Wharfedale.
FUN, EDUCATIONAL & AWARD-WINNING music classes.
Your little one’s confidence, creativity and coordination will flourish with our fun, quality music sessions.
Rhythm Time Yorkshire North West was recently voted Wharfedale & Craven Mumbler’s favourite class or activity for the under 5s! Our classes will help to nurture and enhance EVERY child’s development and innate musical ability.
At a critical time in your child’s formative years, Rhythm Time offers a wide variety of activities. These activities help brain development, balance, concentration, listening skills and language which in turn help with reading, writing, maths, coordination and socialising.
Rhythm Time also helps stimulate your child’s imagination and also develops specific musical concepts such as rhythm, pitch and listening. It’s the perfect foundation for school and future music making!
Rhythm Time’s baby classes and Young Baby Courses will help the development of your baby from birth. Our Young Baby Courses have been created specifically for very young babies from birth to 6 months. These focus on developmental and multi-sensory activities specifically designed for very young babies and their early development.
Did you know you get UNLIMITED classes as part of your booking? (Ts & Cs apply) As well as your primary class booking, you are welcome to come to as many classes as you like at any of our venues. You can join us five days a week for the ultimate Rhythm Time fix and MEGA value!
Plus, you get FREE access to our Facebook Members’ Hub to support your face-to-face classes with more weekly online classes from home!
We are founding members of the Children’s Activities Association which means that you can be confident that our classes are some of the best available for parents and carers.
Cub, The Modern Nursery
The Croft, Kirk Deighton, Wetherby LS22 5HG
Mondays: 10.30 – 11.00 Toddler
11.15 – 11.45 Baby
Elim Pentecostal Church, Harrogate
Elim Pentecostal Church, Park View, Harrogate, North Yorkshire, HG1 5LZ
Tuesdays: 9.45 – 10.15 Pre-school
10.30 – 11.00 Toddler 11.15 – 11.45 Baby
12.20 – 23.50 Young Baby
Stay and Explore Sessions at Queen Mary’s
First Monday of the month during term time, 14:00 – 15:00
Enjoy these free, fun-filled sessions for children aged 2 – 4 and their carers within the Pre-Prep at Queen Mary’s School. These informal sessions will include stories, crafts and more for the children whilst adults can chat over a coffee each month.
The Pre-Prep Team will lead a themed session. To ensure that the school has the right amount of craft materials and refreshments each month it would be wonderful if you could book your place.
Call 01845 575040 or email admissions@queenmarys.org
Baldersby Park, Topcliffe, Thirsk
CLASSES, PARTIES, AND CAMPS
For every stage of your child’s development – from 4 months to 12 years – The Little Gym offers a diverse lineup of classes, camps, and parties filled with movement, music, learning, and laughter. Your little ones will make friends, reach developmental milestones, and build self-confidence while having Serious Fun.
Tel: 01423 701560 or email: harrogate@thelittlegym.co.uk
1 Cardale Park, Harrogate HG3 1RY
Link to Sep 23 – July 24 Schedule
ZEN is a therapeutic sensory centre for all ages and abilities across 4 award winning sensory rooms offering immersive sensory experiences. All rooms have been specially designed for ages from birth to older children and adults with additional needs proven to stimulate the senses, encourage development and promote a positive wellbeing. Choose between the below sessions or contact us directly to discuss your needs!
Big discounts for block bookings with 1 year to redeem and no need to book consecutive sessions!
All sessions include refreshments and time with the therapy pets and a chance to pet and feed them. Have you met Baloo our giant rabbit yet? Whether it is a baby toddler session or a birthday party, one thing is for sure, ZEN is so relaxing, the adults will enjoy it as much as the kids!
Mondays and Thursdays
0-24 months Baby group
Fridays
0-5 years baby and toddler group
Sundays
SEN Support Group
Every Day
Private sessions (Full Access)
At award winning ARTventurers we run colourful, creative (often messy!) art, craft and creative play sessions for babies, toddlers and children as well as holiday classes and workshops, fantastic creative birthday parties, after school clubs and other events for children of all ages.
Chatsworth Dance believe our combination of expertise and enthusiasm provides top quality tuition and facilities.
We hold over 70 classes a week in 2 dedicated studios as well as additional classes at Harrogate Gymnastics at Hornbeam park with 8 qualified teachers teaching over 500 students (Girls, boys & ladies)
Classes start from 18 months upwards (no upper limit!) there is something for everyone including Ballet, Tap, Modern Jazz, Musical Theatre
Immerse your Early Explorer in an inclusive world of sensory delight with our captivating Sensory Story Time class from birth to four. Designed to engage and stimulate the senses, this unique experience takes storytelling to a whole new level.
Mondays at Staveley & Copgrove
Fridays at Killinghall
Charlotte & Fi: 07969413618
Our structured pre-school sessions are fun and energetic sessions designed to help little ones find their confidence in a class setting whilst exploring the equipment.
For those who want to explore and play on their own terms, we have our drop in sessions which run several times during the week – these sessions are also great as there is no booking required just turn up on the day!
The drop in sessions are £6 per child, and more information can be found on our website: 01423 874793
We are a friendly Playgroup at Christchurch Harrogate every Monday in term time 9:30 -11am
At Hartbeeps we put your child at the heart of our magical, musical adventures. We offer original and super fun, developmental baby classes, toddler classes and pre-school classes, as well as educational sessions and fabulous children’s parties.
Magic Hours are available every weekend. If your little one is itching to get onto 2 wheels be it balancing and or pedaling, now’s your chance! If they are already riding and need to brush up on their skills/got a new bike, then an hours 1:1 tuition is perfect too
More info on website.
Kidslingo Spanish! Fun Children’s Spanish Classes in Harrogate, Ripon & Wetherby
Our interactive, multi-sensory classes are action packed with songs, games, stories and activities to engage children in a foreign language in a natural and intuitive manner, so that they learn through play and social interaction.
Contact Ellen for more information 07402337347
Give your child a massive advantage in life…
Our Safety and Self Defence Programme for Children consists of:
Improving physical fitness and coordination, concentration, discipline and respect.
Develops confidence and determination.
Develops communication, listening and social skills.
Awareness of danger and gentle solutions to bullying and rough play (supporting schools anti-bullying policies)
Harrogate Squash and Fitness Centre, Hookstone Wood Rd, Harrogate HG2 8PN
Moo Music is a fun and interactive musical group for 0-5yr olds!We use our incredibly catchy original music to help us explore the world around us. Through singing, dancing, signing and sensory play – we are continuously learning without even realising!
01765 650151
Re-opening from Monday 13th September 2021
10-11.30am stay & play session. £2.50 per family. Parents, carers & grandparents all welcome. Bring your own refreshments.
Mondays, 9.30am to 11.30amBilton Area Methodist ChurchParking at the rear, off Robert’s CrescentLots of toys, books crafts, singing and snacks£1 per child over 1 year old
Talking Tots classes combine fun interactive games, songs, activities and stories to build on those vital early skills needed to communicate effectively. The sessions promote speaking, listening, attention, sharing, cooperation, confidence, self-esteem and phonological awareness
call Ruth on 07984327465
Our progressive play programme is designed to develop your child’s physical skills. Using bespoke colourful equipment, we focus on agility, balance, climbing and co-ordination, which enhances brain development and builds confidence.
Every session is supervised by our amazing specially trained staff, getting the best out of each child.
07734 375 077
Baby swimming with Water Babies is an exciting, enriching experience for both you and your little one. suitable for little ones from birth up to school age. As the UK’s leading swim school, not only do we teach vital lifesaving skills but we always incorporate lots of bonding, fun and socialising, so you can be sure that a Water Baby is a happy one! Our number one priority is to make sure you feel both happy and safe in the water.
Contact 01904 607110
