Toddler classes in the East Bay, ages 0-5-year-olds
We’ve compiled a list of East Bay “Baby and me” classes throughout Oakland, Berkeley, and the greater {510} area along with independent classes for babies, toddlers, and preschoolers. Jump to a category or browse all the toddler classes. If your favorite class for kids aged 0-5 is missing, share it in the comments. We love to learn about new places, too!
Things change quickly! All entries are updated and fact-checked as of May 2025.
Music | Play & Learn | Science & Nature | Small team sports | Dance | Yoga | Martial Arts | Gymnastics | Swimming | Art | Language & Culture | Classes for School-age Children
Music Classes for Babies and Older
Aguacate Music Kids
Fun bilingual Spanish music classes for babies & toddlers through age 7 (with caregivers) feature engaging songs from the Healthy Me and Saludable Soy albums. Taught by native bilingual teachers with 20+ years' experience, these classes foster early music and language learning.
Ages: Pre-crawlers, Crawlers, Age One, Age Two, Age Three, Age Four +
East Bay Music Together Music Together® and Canta y Baila Comigo®
Fun. Fabulous. Uplifting. Magical. These are a few of the ways parents describe Music Together. Babies, toddlers, and the grownups who love them, gather to make music as a community and get in touch with their inner musician. SING DANCE PLAY LAUGH LEARN`
Ages: Pre-crawlers, Crawlers, Age One, Age Two, Age Three, Age Four +
In Harmony Music
Schedule a private music class with a play group, preschool group, or a parent group. Book a private class for your group of 6+ at the location of your choice! For additional details email: [email protected].
Ages: Pre-crawlers, Crawlers, Age One, Age Two, Age Three, Age Four +
Prelude Young Music Classes
Prelude classes offer high-quality music education for ages 4-6, sparking musical curiosity through games, symbols, and movement. PBA's childhood music experts create a supportive, inspiring environment that engages and nurtures young children’s love for music.
Ages: Age Four +
Amabile School of Music: Little Mozart Keyboard Group Class
This 16-week class introduces 4-year-olds to musical basics—alphabet, rhythm, notes, keys, posture—through singing, dancing, games, and recitals.
Ages: Age Four +
Crowden Early Childhood Music
Early childhood music fundamentals and group piano classes for ages 3-7 are offered each fall and spring.
Ages: Age Three, Age Four +
Early Start Music
Early Start Music offers Music & Movement classes for 0-8-year-olds, including Music Together, Rhythm Kids, and Kids Go Mandarin.
Ages: Pre-crawlers, Crawlers, Age One, Age Two, Age Three, Age Four +
Gymboree Play and Music
Gymboree Play & Music offers age-appropriate classes for ages 0-5, fostering physical, cognitive, and social development through play.
Ages: Pre-crawlers, Crawlers, Age One, Age Two, Age Three, Age Four +
Jon's School of Music
Real instruments for ages 1-6—drums, keyboards, guitars, cello, and more—taught by a dedicated musician with decades of experience.
Ages: Age One, Age Two, Age Three, Age Four +
Kids Go Mandarin
Kids Go Mandarin uses multi-sensory teaching to help young children learn Mandarin and music through visual, aural, and kinesthetic methods.
Ages: Pre-crawlers, Crawlers, Age One, Age Two, Age Three, Age Four +
Baby & Toddler Yoga classes
Way to Glow Kids Yoga
Yoga classes for families (2 to 5) and preschoolers (3 to 5) using imaginations, songs, and stories to explore yoga poses, breathing exercises, and mindfulness activities. Discounted tuition/scholarships are available.
Ages: Age Two, Age Three, Age Four +
Yama Kids Yoga
Yama Kids Yoga toddler and preschool classes introduce yoga through games, stories, dancing, and music. The class encourages movement, breathing, and mindfulness, as teachers introduce kids to the language and importance of yoga. Ages 2+
Ages: Age Two, Age Three, Age Four +
Team Sports (soccer, tee-ball, basketball) for toddlers and preschoolers
Bay Area Soccer Academy Little Footballers
Soccer for ages 2-4! Parents join in to help ease kids into group training focused on dribbling, passing, and shooting. Coaches create a fun, engaging environment that supports technical skill-building and joyful play.
Ages: Age Two, Age Three, Age Four +
Soccer Stars Contra Costa
Soccer Stars blends learning and play in a nurturing, non-competitive environment. With an expert-designed curriculum and passionate coaches, the program builds confidence, develops skills, and creates joyful experiences for every young player through the FUNdamentals of soccer.
Ages: Age One, Age Two, Age Three, Age Four +
Downtown Berkeley YMCA Basketball
Parent & Child Sports Basketball clinics start at age 3.
Ages: Age Three, Age Four +
Downtown Oakland YMCA
Lil' Kickers Soccer
Lil' Kickers Soccer is for kids 18 months to 7 years.
Ages: Age One, Age Two, Age Three, Age Four +
Soccer Shots
Soccer for kids 2+, tailored to their developmental stage. Classes are for specific age windows and meet at outdoor locations around the East Bay.
Ages: Age Two, Age Three, Age Four +
Usually free storytime sessions for East Bay tots >
Play and learn classes for babies and toddlers
Broadway Children's School of Oakland PACT
PACT (Parents & Children Together) is a school-year, play-based program for toddlers (20+ months) and caregivers, meeting Tu/Th, 9:30-11:30 am. Each session includes free play, art, music, snack, outdoor play, stories, and a Thursday parent education and support meeting.
Ages: Age One, Age Two, Age Three
Gymboree Play and Music
Gymboree Play & Music offers age-appropriate classes for ages 0-5, fostering physical, cognitive, and social development through play.
Ages: Pre-crawlers, Crawlers, Age One, Age Two, Age Three, Age Four +
Little Ferns & Morning Glories at BRWS
Support and activities for children and caregivers at Lake Temescal and Live Oak Park.
Ages: Pre-crawlers, Crawlers, Age One, Age Two, Age Three
Live Oak Kids Acorn Adventures
Acorn Adventures is a playgroup intended to build nature connections, friendships, and healing in the forest for kids ages 1 to 5.
Ages: Age One, Age Two, Age Three, Age Four +
Teeter Tots by City of El Cerrito
Play and social skills classes are for ages 2 to 4.5.
Ages: Age Two, Age Three, Age Four +
Wee Play
Hosted by Alameda Parks and Rec, Wee Play is ideal for babies & toddlers under three-years old. The activities include song and music time, exploratory play, and even some arts and crafts.
Ages: Pre-crawlers, Crawlers, Age One, Age Two, Age Three
After-school class guide for East Bay kids >
Dance Classes for Kids under five
Berkeley City Ballet
Berkeley City Ballet is Berkeley's premier school for classical ballet training. They offer Pre-Ballet classes for dancers ages 2.5 and up, weekly Youth Ballet classes for ages 8 and up, and a Pre-Professional Program for dancers ages 7 and up.
Ages: Age Two, Age Three, Age Four +
Alameda Ballet Academy: Dance with Me Ballet
Dance with Me Ballet invites 3-4 year olds with their caregiver to learn the basic concepts, rhythms, and positions of ballet. Pre-ballet begins at age 4.
Ages: Age Three, Age Four +
Berkeley Ballet Theater (BBT) Pre-Ballet
Berkeley Ballet Theater's Pre-Ballet Sessional Classes are for your toddlers to explore movement and connect to the joy of dance. Classes are available throughout the week.
Ages: Age Two, Age Three, Age Four +
DC Dance Center
Tiny Tots Dance is for ages 2.5-4. Other preschool dance classes start at age 3.
Ages: Age Two, Age Three, Age Four +
Destiny Arts Center
Classes for ages 3+ at Destiny’s North Oakland center in dance, martial arts and performance build confidence and self-expression. Right now, Teddy Bear Hip Hop and Teddy Bear Dance.
Ages: Age Three, Age Four +
East Bay Dance Center
Introduction to Dance is for 2-5-year-olds, setting the foundations for pre-ballet in a 50-minute class. Additional classes start at age 4.
Ages: Age Two, Age Three, Age Four +
Gurus Of Dance: Bollywood Dance Class
Gurus of Dance, the Bay Area’s top Bollywood school, offers classes for all ages, including the Gurulettes for ages 3-5.
Ages: Age Three, Age Four +
In the Groove Studios
Katie's Dance Studio
Katie's offers dance classes in tap, hip-hop, and ballet starting at age 4.
Ages: Age Four +
Luna Dance & Creativity
Luna Early Childhood Creative Dance classes begin at age 3.
Ages: Age Three, Age Four +
Shawl-Anderson Dance Center (SADC)
Dance with Me and Creative Movement classes begin at age 3 with parent participation. Boys welcome.
Ages: Age Three, Age Four +
Tutu School
Baby ballet starts at 6 months, Tutu Toddlers at 18 months, with early and pre-ballet classes available through age 8 at various Bay Area locations.
Ages: Crawlers, Age One, Age Two, Age Three, Age Four +
Van der Zwaan Dance Studio
Drop-in Classes for $10 or less >
Tumbling classes for toddlers
Park Gymnastics
Join Caregiver & Me classes at Park Gymnastics for children ages 2–5. Explore movement, build coordination, and foster confidence in a fun, safe environment. Bond with your child while making friends and sharing the joy of gymnastics together!
Ages: Age Two, Age Three, Age Four +
Athletic Playground Parkour, Acrobatics, Movement
Parkour classes begin at age 2 with parents accompanying as needed. Mini Movers is a class for both child and parent.
Ages: Age Two, Age Three, Age Four +
Bay Aerials Sweet Peas
Sweet Peas gymnastics starts at age 6 months.
Ages: Pre-crawlers, Crawlers, Age One, Age Two, Age Three, Age Four +
Bay Island Gymnastics
Gymnastics for toddlers and preschoolers goes to age 5. Ninja Warrior class begins at age 4.
Ages: Age Two, Age Three, Age Four +
Head Over Heels Athletic Arts
Gymnastics classes with parent participation begin at age 18 months.
Ages: Age One, Age Two, Age Three, Age Four +
Pacific West Toddler & Preschool Gymnastics
Pac West’s Mini Tumblers program is designed for boys and girls, ages walking to age 5. Located in Fremont and Union City.
Ages: Age One, Age Two, Age Three, Age Four +
Ruby's Tumbling
Toddler gymnastics classes start at 12 months with parent participation.
Ages: Age One, Age Two, Age Three, Age Four +
UC Berkeley Bear Cubs Gymnastics
Bear Cubs gymnastics classes are offered for 14 mo-age 5 throughout the week. Parent participation varies. Held when Cal is in session, not during summer.
Ages: Age One, Age Two, Age Three, Age Four +
Ultimate Sports Connection
Kang & Roo classes are for crawlers to age 3. Preschool gymnastics & developmental girls classes begin at age 3.
Ages: Crawlers, Age One, Age Two, Age Three, Age Four +
Raising kids bilingually in the East Bay >
Language & Culture classes for Toddlers & Preschoolers
Aguacate Music Kids
Fun bilingual Spanish music classes for babies & toddlers through age 7 (with caregivers) feature engaging songs from the Healthy Me and Saludable Soy albums. Taught by native bilingual teachers with 20+ years' experience, these classes foster early music and language learning.
Ages: Pre-crawlers, Crawlers, Age One, Age Two, Age Three, Age Four +
East Bay Music Together Music Together® and Canta y Baila Comigo®
Fun. Fabulous. Uplifting. Magical. These are a few of the ways parents describe Music Together. Babies, toddlers, and the grownups who love them, gather to make music as a community and get in touch with their inner musician. SING DANCE PLAY LAUGH LEARN`
Ages: Pre-crawlers, Crawlers, Age One, Age Two, Age Three, Age Four +
Early Start Music
Early Start Music offers Music & Movement classes for 0-8-year-olds, including Music Together, Rhythm Kids, and Kids Go Mandarin.
Ages: Pre-crawlers, Crawlers, Age One, Age Two, Age Three, Age Four +
Kids Go Mandarin
Kids Go Mandarin uses multi-sensory teaching to help young children learn Mandarin and music through visual, aural, and kinesthetic methods.
Ages: Pre-crawlers, Crawlers, Age One, Age Two, Age Three, Age Four +
Swimming Classes for Babies through Preschoolers
Albany Aquatic Center
Tiny Tots (parent/child) classes begin at age 6 months with a full range of lessons for all ages thereafter.
Ages: Pre-crawlers, Crawlers, Age One, Age Two, Age Three, Age Four +
American Swim Academy
Baby Aqua Babies begins at 6 months with the parent in the pool.
Ages: Pre-crawlers, Crawlers, Age One, Age Two, Age Three, Age Four +
Aquatech Swim
AquaTech Swim School specializes in small group swim lessons for children aged 6 months through 12 years.
Ages: Pre-crawlers, Crawlers, Age One, Age Two, Age Three, Age Four +
Patti's Swim School
In Castro Valley, small student-teacher ratios provide individual attention. Parent and Me lessons are available for ages 5½ months to 3 years.
Ages: Pre-crawlers, Crawlers, Age One, Age Two, Age Three, Age Four +
UC Berkeley Tiny Tot Swimming
Berkeley Youth Recreation offers Parent/Infant (6 months – 3 years) and Tiny Tot (ages 3-5) classes that cater to young children of all swim levels.
Ages: Pre-crawlers, Crawlers, Age One, Age Two, Age Three, Age Four +
Science & Nature for toddlers & preschoolers (includes animals + STEM)
Live Oak Kids Acorn Adventures
Acorn Adventures is a playgroup intended to build nature connections, friendships, and healing in the forest for kids ages 1 to 5.
Ages: Age One, Age Two, Age Three, Age Four +
East Bay Regional Parks (Multiple)
Preschooler early science programs through the East Bay Regional Parks are available as series and drop-ins depending on the class with discounts to residents. Session and parking fees vary by location. Visit website >
- Toddler Time @ Ardenwood: Bring the tiny tots, ages 0 to 3, out for an exciting morning at the farm. Hear a story, do some chores, and meet farm friends. Meets rain or shine. This is a drop-in program; no registration is required.
- Tilden Tots @ Little Farm and Nature Center: Little ones, ages 0 to 4, can join in for an activity, animal visit, and storytime, scheduled occasionally. This is a drop-in program; no registration is required.
- Sea Squirts @ Crab Cove: Share a morning of shoreline fun and science with your 3 to 5-year-old child. Play thematic games, sing songs, explore nature, and do a craft. Adult participation is required. This is a drop-in program; no registration is required.
- Outdoor Discoveries @ Sunol: Children 4+ years old and a parent are invited to make playful and scientific discoveries in exciting outdoor classrooms with a naturalist leading a lesson and craft. Wear clothes that can get mucky and close-toed shoes. Programs meet rain or shine. Siblings Welcome.
Nature-Based Classes >>
TIP: Check your city’s recreational department for classes: Alameda, Albany, Berkeley, El Cerrito, Emeryville, Hayward, Oakland, Piedmont, San Leandro
Martial Arts Classes for Little Ones
Athletic Playground Parkour, Acrobatics, Movement
Parkour classes begin at age 2 with parents accompanying as needed. Mini Movers is a class for both child and parent.
Ages: Age Two, Age Three, Age Four +
El Cerrito Martial Arts
Toddlers Jiu-Jitsu class for ages 3–5 introduces basic movements, coordination, and discipline.
Ages: Age Two, Age Three, Age Four +
Han Martial Arts
The Tiny Tiger program for ages 4-7 improves coordination, communication, and self-confidence through meditation, stretching, warm-ups, and fun Taekwondo basics.
Ages: Age Four +
Hanabi Judo
Parent-involved Judo starts at age 2. Chibi Judo (Pre-Judo) helps children grow in a wonderful way by jumping, running, and rolling to develop balance & coordination.
Ages: Age Two, Age Three, Age Four +
SBG NorCal Mixed Martial Arts: Sticky Monkey
Sticky Monkey is a mixed martial arts class that pairs toddlers with parents and a coach for 30 minutes of rolling, stretching, and martial arts basics. Youth Jiu Jitsu begins at age 4.
Ages: Age Three, Age Four +
Studio Naga Martial Arts
Visual Arts classes for toddlers & preschoolers
Corner House Studio
Corner House Studio offers fun, fine-art classes for ages 4-6, focusing on painting, drawing, and sculpture to nurture creativity and enhance fine motor skills.
Ages: Age Four +
Messy Makers
Messy Makers is a “toddler and me” process-art class for ages 1-5 years old.
Ages: Age One, Age Two, Age Three, Age Four +
MOCHA Open Studio
Open Studio is a space where artists of all ages create, share and connect through art every 1st and 3rd Saturday of the month from 10 am to 2 pm.
Ages: Age One, Age Two, Age Three, Age Four +
More for babies and caregivers:
Best Things to Do With an East Bay Baby
Birth & Baby Resources
After-school class guide for East Bay kids >
Drop-in Classes for $10 or less >
Raising kids bilingually in the East Bay >
Mostly free storytime sessions for East Bay tots >
Find More Nature-based playgroups >
Kid-Friendly Places to Drop in and Make Art >
Promotional consideration was paid by sponsored listings as indicated. If you’d like to be considered for future 510 Families’ guides, please contact us at [email protected] for information.
2 thoughts on “Classes for Toddlers & Babies in the East Bay”
Kaiser Pinole and Berkeley have weekly, no cost, drop-in Baby and Me support groups . Berkeley every Monday except holidays 10am-12pm. Pinole every Friday except holidays 1-3pm. For babies 0-12 months and their caregiver. Baby or caregiver must be a Kaiser member.
Rio Combat in Alameda has jiujitsu beginning at age 3