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!
All entries are updated and fact-checked as of May 2023.
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
East Bay Music Together
Every week in the award-winning Music Together and Canta y Baila Conmigo (Spanish) classes at East Bay Music Together, babies, toddlers, preschoolers, and their grownups come together to play together musically. Fun, educational, & research-based. Also available outdoor & online.
Ages: Pre-crawlers, Crawlers, Age One, Age Two, Age Three, Age Four +
Zumbini with Mel Snell
Zumbini is a fun and energetic music and movement class for children ages 0-4 and their caregivers. Created by Zumba and BabyFirst, the Zumbini program combines music even the adults will like, dance from around the world, and instrument play for 45 minutes per week of bonding, learning, and fun!
Ages: Pre-crawlers, Crawlers, Age One, Age Two, Age Three, Age Four +
Amabile School of Music: Little Mozart Keyboard Group Class
This 16-week introductory class is designed for 4-year-old music beginners to learn about musical alphabets, rhythm, notes, black & white keys, posture, and finger numbers while also incorporating fun aspects such as singing, dancing, musical games, and mini-recitals.
Ages: Age Four +
Crowden Early Childhood Music
Music fundamentals classes for ages 3 to 7 are offered in the fall and spring.
Ages: Age Three, Age Four +
Jon's School of Music
Rock and Roll for kids aged 1 to 6! 45-minute classes expose children to real instruments and some principles of music-making through fun, silliness, and stories.
Ages: Age One, Age Two, Age Three, Age Four +
Kids Go Mandarin
Classes increase kids’ enthusiasm for learning Mandarin and music at the same time. Young children enjoy multi-sensory creative teaching and experiential learning of Mandarin through music, movement, and play. Online or outdoor classes are available.
Ages: Pre-crawlers, Crawlers, Age One, Age Two, Age Three, Age Four +
Little Bears Music in the Park
Part of Blue Bear School of Music, Little Bears, is a play-based musical introduction for your kiddo, training rhythm and socialization while fostering a love of music with tons of brain-boosting benefits included. Currently meeting at Memorial Park & Colby Park.
Ages: Pre-crawlers, Crawlers, Age One, Age Two, Age Three, Age Four +
Little Folkies
Little Folkies is an award-winning session-based folk music class for children ages 0-6 and their parents and caregivers inspiring young families to sing and play. Songs are accompanied by foot-stomping, hand-clapping and instrument jamming.
Ages: Pre-crawlers, Crawlers, Age One, Age Two, Age Three, Age Four +
Mariela's Music Time
Bilingual Spanish/English live music and movement. Stories and child development topics and fun ideas for children 0-5 and their caregivers.
Ages: Pre-crawlers, Crawlers, Age One, Age Two, Age Three, Age Four +
San Francisco Girls Chorus: Prep Chorus
Music education program that creates outstanding singing performances. Prep Chorus for children aged 4-6.
Ages: Age Four +
Usually free storytime sessions for East Bay tots >
Play and learn classes for babies and toddlers
Berkeley Rose Waldorf School (BRWS) Parent-Child Groups
Toddler classes unite parents in a warm, supportive, and respectful community that provides social time for tots and parents alike. Play, learn, relax, pick up skills, share your struggles and your triumphs, make friends, and learn about Waldorf Education®. Also a Hiking Group and Mothering Circle.
Ages: Pre-crawlers, Crawlers, Age One, Age Two, Age Three, Age Four +
Talk Together with IW Speech
Talk Together is a 6-week course for caregivers to practice language development strategies with their toddler in a fun and supportive setting taught by speech therapists. Each week, the class meets for 45 minutes and includes engaging toddler activities that lead to communication skill-building.
Ages: Age One, Age Two, Age Three
Zumbini with Mel Snell
Zumbini is a fun and energetic music and movement class for children ages 0-4 and their caregivers. Created by Zumba and BabyFirst, the Zumbini program combines music even the adults will like, dance from around the world, and instrument play for 45 minutes per week of bonding, learning, and fun!
Ages: Pre-crawlers, Crawlers, Age One, Age Two, Age Three, Age Four +
Berkeley Forest School - Forest Explorers
Forest Explorers is a weekly 2-hour class from 10 am - 12 noon. Nature hikes, wild foraged snacks, natural materials art exploration, and music awaits you in Berkeley Forest School's "Forest Explorers" program. They partner with parents to co-create a nature-connected community.
Ages: Age One, Age Two, Age Three, Age Four +
Gymboree Play & Music
Specially designed classes incorporate innovation with classic learning techniques to engage young minds. Gymboree is the global leader in early childhood development programs with a wide range of classes for 0-5 years.
Ages: Crawlers, Age One, Age Two, Age Three, Age Four +
Kindergym Toddlers with Dawn for Ones and Twos
Time for your child to play, explore and learn while experiencing climbing, sliding, jumping, tunnels, rocking horses, fire trucks, crazy cars, parachute play, stories, songs, bubbles and so much more!
Ages: Age One, Age Two
MCPC Toddler Playtime
Children ages 18–36 months and caregivers enjoy play and socialization together. Help your child adjust to social settings in a safe and friendly environment. Each class includes art projects, large and small motor activities, music, and snack time. Year-round.
Ages: Age One, Age Two, Age Three
PRAM playgroups and classes
Sensory playgroups are for babies and toddlers. Class offerings change out quarterly.
Ages: Crawlers, Age One, Age Two, Age Three, Age Four +
Together Tots Drop-In Program
The City of Berkeley runs a FREE 4-times-a-week program for caregivers and babies in safe, fun, and exciting environment near a playground (James Kenney & San Pablo Park). Park staff facilitate the sessions, too. Ages 4 and under.
Ages: Pre-crawlers, Crawlers, Age One, Age Two, Age Three, Age Four +
Twirl After School Enrichment Program
Twirl offers an after-school program for TK-3rd grade incorporating STEAM Explorations, Design Challenges, Lego Building, Process Art, Music, Mandarin, and cooking. Instructors also offer homework help.
Ages: Age Four +
Drop-in Classes for $10 or less >
Tumbling classes for toddlers
Bay Aerials Sweet Peas & Baby Ninjas
Sweet Peas gymnastics starts at age 6 months. Ninja classes begin with walkers.
Ages: Pre-crawlers, Crawlers, Age One, Age Two, Age Three, Age Four +
Bay Island Gymnastics
Gymnastics for toddlers and preschoolers goes to age 5.
Ages: Age Two, Age Three, Age Four +
Cal Golden Bears Gymnastics
Bear Cubs classes start at 14 months and are offered at many times throughout the week. Bear Cubs 2 and 3 do not require parent participation and are for ages 3-4 and 4-5. Open Gym is still on hold. Offered when Cal is in session, not during summer.
Ages: Age One, Age Two, Age Three, Age Four +
Head Over Heels Athletic Arts
Gymnastics classes begin at age 18 months.
Ages: Age One, Age Two, Age Three, Age Four +
Kids 'N Dance
Intro to dance begins at age 2. Creative Movement/ Gym class for ages 27 months- 3.5 yrs is excellent for those not ready for structured pre-ballet. Several types of pre-ballet start at age 3. Or try circus arts.
Ages: Age Two, Age Three, Age Four +
Ultimate Sports Connection
Preschool gymnastics classes begin at age 3. Supervised open gym is also available for younger tots.
Ages: Age Three, Age Four +
El Cerrito Preschool Gymnastics
Gymnastics classes are for ages 3 to 6. Gymnastics Tiny Tots Free Play is for ages 1.5 to 5 with a caregiver to enjoy balance beams, obstacles courses, trampoline, tunnels, and hula hoops. Other sports begin at age 5.
Ages: Age One, Age Two, Age Three, Age Four +
Team Sports (soccer, tee-ball, basketball) for toddlers and preschoolers
Lil' Kickers Soccer
Lil' Kickers Soccer is for kids 18 months to 7 years.
Ages: Age Two, Age Three, Age Four +
Skyhawks Tot Sports
This multi-sport program gives kids a positive first step into athletics. Basic sports and skills are introduced through fun, energetic games and activities.
Ages: Age Two, Age Three, Age Four +
Soccer 2gether
Soccer 2gether invites kids 3-5 years old to come and fall in love with the game of soccer and make friends for life. Your child will be developing their motor skills and learning the basic fundamentals of the game.
Ages: Age Three, Age Four +
Soccer Shots
Programs for kids 3+, tailored to their developmental stage. Classes are for specific age windows and meet at outdoor locations around the East Bay.
Ages: Age Three, Age Four +
University Village Cub Soccer
Cub Soccer is available through this Cal-affiliated recreation program, which is open to the public. The program is for ages 3-5 with parent participation. The class is just 45 minutes per week.
Ages: Age Three, Age Four +
After-school class guide for East Bay kids >
Dance classes for kids under five
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 Pre-Ballet Sessional Classes
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 on Monday, Saturday, and Sunday offered in-studio and outdoors.
Ages: Age Two, Age Three, Age Four +
Berkeley City Ballet
Berkeley City Ballet offers Dance With Me Classes for 2-4-year-olds with a caregiver and Pre-Ballet 1 classes for 4-5-year-olds. Boys get the first session free.
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 meets weekly.
Ages: Age Three, Age Four +
Gurus Of Dance: Gurulettes Bollywood Dance Class
Gurus of Dance is Bay Area's biggest and best Bollywood dance school and offers Bollywood dance classes for all ages, including the little ones! The Gurulettes class is designed for beginning dancers aged 3-5.
Ages: Age Three, Age Four +
Katie's Dance Studio
Katie's offers dance classes in jazz, tap, hip-hop, acrobatics, and ballet starting at age 3.5.
Ages: Age Three, Age Four +
Kids 'N Dance
Intro to dance begins at age 2. Creative Movement/ Gym class for ages 27 months- 3.5 yrs is excellent for those not ready for structured pre-ballet. Several types of pre-ballet start at age 3. Or try circus arts.
Ages: Age Two, Age Three, Age Four +
Lisa Performing Arts
Arts and multicultural awareness in the form of dance. Ages 3 to adult and for both boys and girls. Styles include Ballet, Chinese, jazz, hip-hop, contemporary, folk.
Ages: Age Three, Age Four +
Luna Early Childhood Dance Classes
Luna offers parent-child classes for infants-3 years and independent dance classes beginning at age 4.
Ages: Pre-crawlers, Crawlers, Age One, Age Two, Age Three, Age Four +
Tutu School
Tutu School invites all children from 18 months to 8 years old to twirl to classical Ballet Storytime.
Ages: Age One, Age Two, Age Three, Age Four +
Raising kids bilingual in the East Bay >
Language & Culture classes for toddlers & preschoolers
Inspire Behavioral Learning Tutoring and Classes
Student-centered tutoring for Pre-K, TK, K-12, and older students in English Language Arts. Inspiring joy in reading, writing, speaking, and listening.
Ages: Age Four +
Kids Go Mandarin
Classes increase kids’ enthusiasm for learning Mandarin and music at the same time. Young children enjoy multi-sensory creative teaching and experiential learning of Mandarin through music, movement, and play. Online or outdoor classes are available.
Ages: Pre-crawlers, Crawlers, Age One, Age Two, Age Three, Age Four +
Kumon Math & Reading Program
The Kumon Math and Reading programs cover everything from counting to calculus, and phonemics to Shakespeare for ages 3+. In-person or online.
Ages: Age Three, Age Four +
Lindamood-Bell Instruction
Lindamood-Bell serves children with learning challenges or a previous diagnosis such as dyslexia or autism spectrum disorder as well as those seeking to enhance skills. One-on-one diagnosis and instruction available both in-person and online.
Ages: Age Four +
Viva el Español
Spanish Language and Culture Center serving children in the East Bay offering both a before- and after-school program to teach Spanish to young amigos ages toddlers through grade 8.
Ages: Age Three, Age Four +
Science & Nature for toddlers & preschoolers (includes animals + STEM)
Berkeley Forest School - Forest Explorers
Forest Explorers is a weekly 2-hour class from 10 am - 12 noon. Nature hikes, wild foraged snacks, natural materials art exploration, and music awaits you in Berkeley Forest School's "Forest Explorers" program. They partner with parents to co-create a nature-connected community.
Ages: Age One, Age Two, Age Three, Age Four +
Sulphur Creek Nature Center
Check out animals, do crafts, and participate in fun activities with your children in a serene 10-acre park located hidden away in the hills of Hayward. Find TODDLER TIMES for ages 1 to 3 and NATURE CLASSES for ages 3 to 9. Register individually, they sell out.
Ages: Age One, Age Two, Age Three, Age Four +
Tinkergarten Nature Classes
Families meet outdoors to learn through play. In each class, teacher-leaders will facilitate an outdoor play adventure, allowing children of ages 18 months to 8 to explore, problem solve, communicate, collaborate, and create together.
Ages: Age One, Age Two, Age Three, Age Four +
Twirl After School Enrichment Program
Twirl offers an after-school program for TK-3rd grade incorporating STEAM Explorations, Design Challenges, Lego Building, Process Art, Music, Mandarin, and cooking. Instructors also offer homework help.
Ages: Age Four +
Oakland Zoo ZooKids
ZooKids is a Saturday morning class for children age 5-6 that provides a fun and safe environment for children to have an independent experience at the zoo. A typical day includes a zoo tour, craft, meeting a small animal up close, and a snack. Sells out!
Ages: 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 is devoted entirely to teaching yoga to kids and families starting at age 2.
Ages: Age Two, Age Three, Age Four +
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
Hanabi Judo
Chibi Judo (Pre-Judo): Chibi (little) 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. Also a great workout!
Ages: Age Three, Age Four +
Han Martial Arts
Children learn self-defense and fitness while having fun in a positive environment starting at age 4-7 (Tiny Tigers) in Montclair Village. Martial arts instruction in Judo, Taekwondo, and Yongmudo.
Ages: Age Four +
Emeryville Martial Arts
“Little Samurai” program for ages 4-5 teaches fitness, coordination, balance, focus, and teamwork in a fun and dynamic atmosphere.
Ages: Age Four +
Bay Aerials Sweet Peas & Baby Ninjas
Sweet Peas gymnastics starts at age 6 months. Ninja classes begin with walkers.
Ages: Pre-crawlers, Crawlers, Age One, 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 meets weekly.
Ages: Age Three, Age Four +
Studio Naga Martial Arts
Kids' Martial arts begins at age 4. Classes held outside. Promotes confidence, coordination and discipline in a safe, fun, and caring environment. Classes focus on animal-style movements, physical and verbal self-defense, and conditioning. Each child is encouraged to reach their personal potential.
Ages: Age Four +
Swimming classes for babies through preschoolers
Patti's Swim School
In Castro Valley, small student teacher ratio for lots of individual attention. Parent and Me lessons are from 5 ½ months – 3 years old. When the child can be in the water without a parent, there are lessons for that, too.
Ages: Pre-crawlers, Crawlers, Age One, Age Two, Age Three, Age Four +
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. AquaBaby water play hours are reserved for babies and toddlers ages 8 weeks – 2 years.
Ages: Pre-crawlers, Crawlers, Age One, Age Two, Age Three, Age Four +
Cal Youth Swimming
Cal Youth Programs offer a diverse array of year-round classes for the youngest of kids including swimming (infants-18 years). Locations on the iconic UC Berkeley campus.
Ages: Pre-crawlers, Crawlers, Age One, Age Two, Age Three, Age Four +
Emeryville Swim Center
Summertime only. Group lessons are offered, starting with baby swim classes, in which parents are in the water with infants up to age three and tiny tot classes for ages three to five.
Ages: Pre-crawlers, Crawlers, Age One, Age Two, Age Three, Age Four +
Visual Arts classes for toddlers & preschoolers
Asé Arts
Parent-child learning centers will be focused on developing fine motor skills, sequencing, problem-solving, colors, and shapes with an introduction to an array of art materials in a safe and exciting environment. Starts at 30 months old.
Ages: Age Two, Age Three, Age Four +
Messy Makers
Toddler and me class that explores the process of making art through hands-on activities designed for kids ages 1 to 4 with occasional workshops for 5+.
Ages: Age One, Age Two, Age Three, Age Four +
Piedmont Rec Art Classes
The City of Piedmont offers a number of different art classes for youth of all ages starting at age 4.
Ages: Age Four +
Twirl After School Enrichment Program
Twirl offers an after-school program for TK-3rd grade incorporating STEAM Explorations, Design Challenges, Lego Building, Process Art, Music, Mandarin, and cooking. Instructors also offer homework help.
Ages: Age Four +
Kids 'N' Clay
Ceramics studio offering wet clay programs for students starting age 4. 1-hour-long classes specifically designed for younger students.
Ages: Age Four +
More for babies and parents: Best Things to Do With an East Bay Baby | Birth & Baby Resources
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4 thoughts on “Classes for Toddlers & Babies in the East Bay”
UCSF Benioff Children’s Hospital: Free ABC Study for Mothers and Toddlers
Are you looking to build a stronger relationship with your child? We are offering a free 10 session program in Alameda County to families who are going through hard times. You will also be compensated for your participation in our study.
You may be eligible if:
– You speak English or Spanish
– You are 18 years and up
– Your child is between 2 and 4 years old
– You’re worried about your child’s behavior
Please visit our website to see if you are eligible: https://carelab.ucsf.edu/abc-study. If you have any questions, please email abcstudy@ucsf.edu
Amazing list. Why didn’t I see this earlier? I teach the Martial Arts For Tots at Live Oak Recreation Center. It’s listed on Berkeley CivicRec 1 Tots Pre-k. Can you add it to the martial arts tots classes here on 510 families. I teach a mix of Taekwondo basics, kung fu stances and Escrima Filipino stick fighting.
I just opened enrollment for a fun new Zumbini class in Alameda!
Created by the people behind Zumba and Baby First, Zumbini is a fun and energetic music and movement class for children ages 0-4 and their caregivers. Children learn through play as we sing fun songs that adults will enjoy too, explore instruments, move our bodies to fun songs from around the world, and enjoy 45 minutes of non stop bonding fun. You can learn more about Zumbini and register for classes starting in January here:
https://www.zumbini.com/en/instructor/Melanie-Snell/93030
BILINGUAL FAMILY MUSIC CLASS WITH AGUACATE MUSIC KIDS
Fall 2023 classes start September 15 for babies to kids up to age 5
Have fun dancing, singing, and learning original songs from the Healthy Me and Saludable Soy albums with your little ones. These songs inspire healthy habit building like washing hands, brushing teeth, and eating fruits and veggies. Turn daily routines into musical moments of joy and connection. For more information visit http://www.aguacatemusickids.com/classes
Teacher Natalia Bernal is a credentialed, native Spanish and English speaker with 18 years teaching experience in bilingual public and private education. She teaches health, music, movement, yoga, and Spanish classes throughout the East Bay.