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
(No Harewood membership needed to attend and you get free access to Harewood after classes.)
WEDNESDAY’S David Lloyd Harrogate
– 9.30 Sitters and Crawlers
– 10.35 Mixed Ages and Sibling Groups
– 11.40 Little Babies (Non-Movers)
– 12.45 Mixed Ages and Sibling Groups
(No David Lloyd membership needed to attend and you get to use the clubroom cafe and play park after classes.)
FRIDAY’S Cub Nursery Wetherby
– 9.30 Mixed Ages and Sibling Groups
– 10.45 Sitters and Crawlers
(There’s an onsite stay and play cafe for before or after classes)
If you’re unsure about which class to book please get in touch
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 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.
Therapeutic Forest for SEND (age 4-11)- Term time, Fridays 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.
THROUGHOUT THE YEAR
Alternative Learning Provision – Year round
Birthday Parties (age 2+) – Year round
School/Nursery visits – Year round
Visits from Community Groups such as Scouts – Year round
Holiday Clubs (Year 1+) – During Easter, May, Summer and October Holidays
Seasonal Events
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! ☕👨👩👧👦🎨🍽️
Looking for a class that feels like a warm hug?
At Dream Time we strongly believe every mum should feel safe, nurtured and supported. From the moment you step through the door Emily will help you feel welcomed and relaxed in a home-from-home non-judgmental space.
The first hour you’ll be guided through giving your baby a full body massage, full of countless proven benefits from encouraging longer, deeper sleeps and helping with feeding to assisting development and muscle tone to name a few.
The class includes massage, yoga, sensory, soft gymnastics, lots of singing and dedicated time to bond with your little one. For the remaining 40 minutes we pop the kettle on, eat our body-weight in biscuits and relax in the best like-minded company.
Life-long friendships are forged at Dream Time – this truly is more than just a baby class.
Venues:
Tuesdays: Poppleton Centre, York, 10-11.40am & 12-1.40pm.
Wednesdays: Calcutt Village Hall, Knaresbrough, 10-11.40am & 12-1.40pm.
Classes can start from when your baby is 4-weeks-old and can stay with us until they’re crawling (over 90% of mums book straight on for another course!)
Booking essential.
£10 taster
£66 = 6 week block
Our much loved stay and play sessions will return to Toy Library HQ at The Old School in Knaresborough every Wednesday and Friday, 10am – 11.30am.
Sessions will be open to all and will run in a very similar way to our pre-covid play sessions – toys and resources will be set up for children to access while grown-ups can enjoy playing along and socialising with others! The only change that we need to make, for now, is that there will be no snack provided for children. You are very welcome to bring along your own snacks though (but please avoid nuts!)
Drinks will be available for grown ups but please bring your own reusable cup. Cups will not be provided so please don’t forget!!
Toilet and baby change facilities will be open – as always, please take nappies away with you to dispose of off site.
Sessions are £3.50 plus 50p per additional child – we can only accept card payments (we have a snazzy new card machine!), we will no longer be accepting cash.
While face coverings are not compulsory, you are very welcome to wear one!
Our staff are also pre and post natal specialists who deliver Mat and Reformer Pilates classes to soon to be mummies and mummies with babies.
We also hold regular small group Reformer Pilates classes to small groups (maximum 4 people). We welcome all abilities to our classes.
✨Postnatal Pilates classes: (babies welcome)
Monday 1pm, Tuesday 12, Wednesday 130pm
£15 per class or book 10 for £135
✨Prenatal Mat Pilates:
Tuesdays @ 6pm
£15 per class or book 10 for £135 (credits can then be used in postnatal classes)
✨Prenatal Reformer Pilates:
Thursdays @ 6pm
£20 per class
Address: The heronry, Haggs Road, Harrogate, HG3 1EQ
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.
I have classes suitable for 2.5 to 4 year olds on Mondays at Kidzplay Harrogate and on Wednesdays at Pannal Village Hall.
Our classes have so many benefits for your little ones:
Classes are high energy and full of amazing content to support your little one’s development in many many ways.
Children have so much fun that they don’t even realise that they are learning.
You can book the term or a three week trial.
Monday
10.00 Pre-school Class Kidzplay, Harrogate 2.5 to 4 years old
13.00 Pre-school Class 2nd Otley Scout Hut 2.5 to 4 years old
14.00 Minis Class 2nd Otley Scout Hut 12 months to 2.5 years old
Wednesday
13.15 Pre-school Class Pannal Village Hall 2.5 to 4 years old
Thursday
9.30 Pre-school Class Buttercups 2.5 to 4 years old
10.30 Minis Class Buttercups 12 months to 2.5 years old
FUN, EDUCATIONAL & AWARD-WINNING music classes for babies, toddlers and pre-schoolers.
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, speech and language skills, bonding, confidence, creativity, concentration and listening skills, which in turn help with reading, writing, maths, coordination and socialising. Rhythm Time also helps stimulate your child’s imagination and develops specific musical concepts such as rhythm, pitch and listening. Designed for babies FROM BIRTH to pre-schoolers, it’s a fully progressive course and the perfect foundation for school and future music making!
You also get UNLIMITED classes as part of your booking. As well as your primary class booking, you are welcome to come to as many classes as you like at any of our venues across the Wharfedale & Craven, Bradford & Halifax, and Harrogate & Wetherby areas at no extra charge!
Cub, The Modern Nursery, Wetherby (Great child-friendly café!)
Mondays: Toddlers 10.45 & Babies 11.15
Harrogate Elim Church
Tuesdays: Toddlers 10.30, Babies 11.15, Pre-schoolers 12.00
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
At Astral Gymnastics Club, we offer recreational classes for all abilities, including an intermediate class for more advanced gymnasts, as well as preschool classes.
Gymnasts can expect to learn a range of exciting individual gymnastic skills as well as acrobatic skills.
All our classes are held at Harrogate High School
Baby Mindful are lovely classes to join with your young babe but more than that there’s a chance practice simple mindful techniques that can really help in everyday parenting scenarios through babyhood and beyond
Call Jo on 07958517259 to book.
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
Baby Yoga and Baby Massage Classes
Classes start from 8 weeks old until cruising/walking. You don’t need to have any experience of yoga to enjoy Baby Yoga together.
Baby Yoga at Pannal Village Hall starts Wednesday April 19th
Wednesdays 10.30-11.30
£54 for 6 week block
Massage classes starting soon!
07583818912
Every Wednesday 9.30am – 10.30am.
All sessions are free
Busy Bee Nursery, Hookstone Road
Call Helen on 01423 815990
The classes are a great way for children and parents to enjoy time together and develop the essential skills needed for starting school.
Contact Brian on 01765 620374 or 07595 297639
Wednesday at Hugh Ripley Hall, Ripon
9.15 – 10.00 for 2 – 3 years
10.00 – 10.45 for 2 – 3 years
13.00 – 13.45 for 3 – 4 years
14.00 – 14.45 for 3 – 4 years
Friday at Hugh Ripley Hall, Ripon
9.15 – 10.00 for 3 – 4 years
10.15 – 11.00 for 3 – 4 years
11.15 – 12.00 for 2 – 3 years
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
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
There is a new parents starting at Harlow Hill Methodist Church, on Wednesdays from 10-12. A very informal, drop in session which is non-profit, non-religious, just a space for parents of young children to get together for a hot drink and a chat.
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
1.15-2.45pm Special Families United at Knaresborough Children’s Centre Wednesday , Support Group for families with children with additional needs
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
Starting 8th September 2021
1.30-2.30pm every Wednesday during term time. Ride-ons, slide, toys, colouring & refreshments.
0-5 yrs old £1 first child, 50p additional child/ren
St James Church, Church Lane, Boroughbridge YO51 9BA
The Little Explorers is a messy play class for babies and toddlers. We are the only class that caters for allergies.
Our classes put the fun back into learning with a new theme and activities every week.
Messy play is crucial to a child’s development.
Come Join us for lots of fun!
Tuesday’s – CALSA, Collingham – 9.45am / 11:30am
Thursday’s – Crimple, Harrogate – 9.45am / 11.30an
07885 431194
9.30-11am Wednesdays (term time) Tots and Toys Toddler Group at Mowbray Community Church Westmoreland Street Harrogate HG1 5AT
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
Read our Mumbler review here.
9.30 a.m – 12.00 Wednesday – Friday (Term Time only)Friday 12.30 – 3 p.m.
*Only 18 tickets per Play & Dine Experience, so online booking is essential to avoid disappointment.World of their Own is located at:
17A HORNBEAM PARK OVALHORNBEAM PARKHARROGATEHG2 8RB
