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 childrenās 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. āFeaturedā listings are Ā£15 per month. For our full advertising rates then please click here.
BĆørn 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 Yearās 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. Thereāll be new enhancements each week often based on stories or the seasons so as well as returning to favourite areas, thereāll 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 ā Term time, Tuesdays 10-12 Sessions are based upon the Forest School ethos. Weāll be following your childās 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, weāre able to follow childrenās 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.
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.Ā 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.
Ā
Tots (6-18mth), Tinies (18mth-3yr), Movers (3-4yr), Groovers (4-6yr)
Mondays – Killinghall
9.45am Tinies
10.30am Movers
11.15am Tots
Ā
Tuesdays – Knaresborough
11.00am Movers
11.45am Tinies
12.30pm Tots
Ā
Wednesdays – Harrogate
9.45am Movers
10.30am Tinies
11.15am Tots
Ā
Fridays – Killinghall
9.45am Tinies
10.30am Movers
Ā
Saturdays – Beckwithshaw & Knaresborough
9.30am Tinies
10.15am Movers
11.15am Groovers
Ā
You can start classes with babyballet at any time and we offer a three-week introductory trial for Ā£15.00 to trial our magical classes before committing to a term.Ā
Please rest assured all of our classes have Covid secure measures in place and we are practising social ādis-DANCINGā at all of our venues.
Ā
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.ukĀ or call/text 07873 443595
BĆørn 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 Yearās 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. Thereāll be new enhancements each week often based on stories or the seasons so as well as returning to favourite areas, thereāll 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 ā Term time, Tuesdays 10-12 Sessions are based upon the Forest School ethos. Weāll be following your childās 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, weāre able to follow childrenās 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, weāre able to follow childrenās 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 youāre after for your childās 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. Thereās something for everyone! Please see our website for more information.
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! āšØāš©āš§āš¦šØš½ļø
Dream Time is like no other BabyĀ Class.
Dream Time combines gentle song, yoga, soft gymnastics, sensory play and massage. Our hour-and-45-minute classes provide the perfect combination of baby time and parent time, leaving everyone feeling relaxed, bonded with baby and open to chat over a hot cuppa and chocolate treat
Since its creation over 20 years ago, Dream Time has won awards, gained CPD accreditation and holds Level 3 qualification with Open Awards. Dream Time teachers are among the UKās most highly qualified baby massage therapists.
Venues:
Wednesdays: Calcutt Village Hall, Knaresbrough, 10-11.45am & 12.15-2pm.Ā
Thursdays: Pannal Village Hall, Harrogate, 10-11.45am & 12.15-2pm.
Fridays: Poppleton Centre, York, 10-11.45am & 12.15-2pm..
Each provide the perfect warm setting for a relaxing and nurturing time with your baby.
Touch is the first means of communication between you and your baby and a regular massage can help with colic, sleeplessness and muscle tone as well as so many other benefits.
Classes can start from when your little one is 4-weeks-old and can stay with us until theyāre on the move (most mums never want to leaveāespecially the coffee and cake!)
Booking essential.
Ā£8 tasterĀ Ā£63 x6wk block
Green Lane is a small and friendly home childcare setting. We offer 2 hour sessions from 9:45 ā 11:45am every Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday for children of 18 months to school age. We will happily book children in on a regular basis, but can also offer a more flexible service.Ā Term time only.
Green lane is run by Lucinda and Torie, we are two local Mummies who both have Montessori and Early Years qualifications. Having had 6 children between us, we understand how all consuming young children can be. We wanted to offer a service that would allow parents a bit of breathing space, whilst also developing their social skills, independence and creativity in a home from home environment.
At typical morning for us would be allowing children time to explore the activities on offer; these are changed on a regular basis to follow the interests of the children. We then enjoy a healthy snack together before heading outside to feed the guinea pigs, enjoy messy play, digging or whatever the children would like to explore!
If you feel like this is something that may work for you and your children then please donāt hesitate to contact us.
72 Green Lane, Harrogate, HG2 9LN
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 donāt forget!!
Toilet and baby change facilities will be open – as always, please take nappies away with you to dispose of off site.
Sessions are Ā£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!
Outdoor Adventurers is for 3 to 5-year-olds and is held in Ashville Prep Schoolās dedicated outdoor education area, complete with Emperor Bell Tent and firepit. Outdoor learning expert Paul Oldham will work with children and their parents to bring topics to life, help them connect with nature, and make great memories. To sign up for Outdoor Adventurers, click here.
Phonics with Robot Reg Autumn Term starts on Wednesday 20th September!
I have classes suitable for 1-4 year olds on Thursday and Friday mornings at Clifton Village hall, Otley and Wednesday afternoon for 3-4 year olds in Pannal, Harrogate.Ā
Our classes have so many benefits for your little ones. Here are a few of them:
Ā Quality time together
Ā Building on social skillsĀ
Ā Developing a love of literacyĀ
Ā Learning letters and their sounds
Ā Enhancing fine and gross motor skills
Ā Fostering a knowledge of phonics and early pre-reading skills
Ā Supporting speech and language skills
Classes are high energy yet full of amazingĀ Ā content to support your little oneās development in so many ways.Ā
One of the amazing things is they wonāt even know they are learning while having so much fun!Ā
Adults often say they learn a lot too.Ā 
Would you like to come along for a 3 week trial and see what the classes are all about?
Booking link:Ā
https://www.robotreg.co.uk/find-a-class/north-leeds-harrogate/
or emailĀ anna@robotreg.Co.ukĀ for more informationĀ
FUN, EDUCATIONAL & AWARD-WINNING music classes.
Your little oneās 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 childās development and innate musical ability.
At a critical time in your childās 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 childās imagination and also develops specific musical concepts such as rhythm, pitch and listening. Itās the perfect foundation for school and future music making!
Rhythm Timeās 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 Membersā Hub to support your face-to-face classes with more weekly online classes from home!
We are founding members of the Childrenās 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 ā 11.00 Toddler
11.15 ā 11.45 Baby
12:00 ā 12:30 Pre-school
Elim Pentecostal Church, Harrogate
Elim Pentecostal Church, Park View, Harrogate, North Yorkshire, HG1 5LZ
Tuesdays:
9.45 ā 10.15 Pre-school
10.30 ā 11.00 Toddler
11.15 ā 11.45 Baby
12.00 ā 12.30 Young Baby
Saturdays:
9:30 ā 10:00 Family class
The Laughing Giraffe, Boroughbridge
7 Becklands Close, Roecliffe, Boroughbridge, North Yorkshire, YO51 9NR
Thursday:
9:45 ā 10.15 Toddler
10:30 ā 11.00 Baby
Chain Lane Community Hub, Knaresborough
Chain Lane Community Hub, Chain Lane, Knaresborough, West Yorkshire, HG5 0AS
Fridays:
9.30 ā 10.00 Pre-school
10.15 ā 10.45 Toddler
11.00 ā 11.30 Baby
CLASSES, PARTIES, AND CAMPS
For every stage of your childās development ā from 4 months to 12 years ā 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:Ā 01423 701560Ā or email:Ā 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 inĀ 2 dedicated studios as well as additional classes at Harrogate Gymnastics at Hornbeam park withĀ 8 qualified teachers teaching over 500 studentsĀ (Girls, boys & ladies)
Classes start from 18 months upwardsĀ (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 donāt 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
Ā£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
Busy Birds at Grange Park Sports Club, Wetherby
Join us every Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday anytime from 9.30am-12pm at Grange Park CafƩ for role play adventures (crawlers up to 6 years, no booking required). Outdoor learning also available from March to October. Open during term time and most school holidays.
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 onĀ 01765 620374 orĀ 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 Ā£6 per child, and more information can be found on our website: Ā 01423Ā 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, nowās 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 Childrenās 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 Childrenās 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 Ā£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 childās development.
Come Join us for lots of fun!
Tuesdayās – CALSA, Collingham – 9.45am / 11:30am
Thursdayās – Crimple, Harrogate – 9.45am / 11.30anĀ
Lauren
07792554314
9.30-10.30am Wednesdays (term time) Tots and Toys Toddler Group at Mowbray Community Church Westmoreland Street Harrogate HG1 5AT
Our progressive play programme is designed to develop your childās physical skills.Ā 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.Ā As the UKās 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 ā 12.00 Wednesday ā Friday (Term Time only)Friday 12.30 ā 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
