Toddler classes in the East Bay, ages 0-5 year olds
We’ve compiled a list of East Bay “Mommy and me” classes for kids throughout Oakland, Berkeley and the greater {510} area for babies, toddlers, and preschoolers. Pick a category or browse our whole list of toddler classes. If your favorite class for kids age 0-5 is missing, share it in the comments. We love to learn about new places, too!
Music | Play & Learn | Science | Small team sports | Dance | Yoga | Martial Arts | Gymnastics | Swimming | Art | Language & Culture
Music classes for babies and older
East Bay Music Together
Every week in the award-winning Music Together and Canta y Baila Conmigo classes at East Bay Music Together, babies, toddlers, preschoolers, and the grownups who love them come together to play together musically. Serious about fun and learning - and research based!
Ages: Pre-crawlers, Crawlers, Age One, Age Two, Age Three, Age Four +
Early Start Music
Offering Music Together classes for children age 0-5. Classes build on children's natural enthusiasm for music and movement and provide basic musical skills needed to enjoy school and social musical activities. 10-week sessions offered four times a year.
Ages: Pre-crawlers, Crawlers, 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 the music, movement, and play.
Ages: Pre-crawlers, Crawlers, Age One, Age Two, Age Three, Age Four +
Little Bears Music
Calling the East Bay’s Littlest Rockers. 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.
Ages: Pre-crawlers, Crawlers, Age One, Age Two, Age Three, Age Four +
Then Comes Baby
New parent support and activity groups including: musical play, infant massage, postnatal yoga, baby signs, and infant CPR.
Ages: Pre-crawlers, Crawlers, Age One, Age Two, Age Three, Age Four +
Crowden Early Childhood Music
Joyful music lessons and classes for ages three and up, including Suzuki Strings, Dalcroze Eurhythmics, Kodály for Kids, Beginning Piano, and more. Voice classes and general music awareness classes start at age 3-4 at Crowden, and Suzuki strings begins at 3.
Ages: Age Three, Age Four +
Little Folkies
Little Folkies is an award-winning folk music class for children ages 0-5 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 +
Rec Room Cafe (drop-in classes of many kinds)
The Rec Room is a play space with coffee bar, snacks, and WiFi. Check schedule for drop-in classes. Many are FREE with paid admission. Right now: Messy art M/W, Folk songs Tu, Guided play T/Th, Funky dance W.
Ages: Pre-crawlers, Crawlers, Age One, Age Two, Age Three, Age Four +
Sing, Play, Move Pre-instrumental music classes
These classes offer a nurturing environment for caregivers and babies to foster a love of music and internalize musical concepts in a fun and completely age-appropriate way. For ages 12-30 months and 2.5 to 4 years.
Ages: Age One, Age Two, Age Three
Jon's School of Music
Outdoor classes as long as weather permits. Rock and Roll for kids as young as one year old! 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 +
Viola's Notes
Native Italian-speaker Viola teaches Orff-based music and movement classes at preschools across the East Bay. Viola's Notes offers music and movement classes in Italian to kids ages 2-5 and their caregivers.
Ages: Age Two, Age Three, Age Four +
Play and learn classes for babies and toddlers
Kindergym PlayDays with Dawn for Under 3s
Children younger than 3 can enjoy Dawn's mix-n-match Toddler classes and drop-in Kindergym. Slides, climbers, ballpit, rocking horses, playdough, stories, parachute, bubbles and so much more in a large, well-lit room with other families looking to connect. Free parking
Ages: Pre-crawlers, Crawlers, Age One, Age Two
East Bay Waldorf School parent-child classes
Babies and toddlers enjoy free play and make new friends while parents deepen their connection to their baby and expand their circle. Parents gain new strategies from the insights of Waldorf and RIE. Fall/Winter/Spring terms.
Ages: Pre-crawlers, Crawlers, Age One, Age Two
JCC East Bay Toddler Program
Perachim (Flowers) with Monika Clark is for children 12–30 months. Join in this exciting play-based program for toddlers and caregivers. Through play, art, music, stories, and Jewish rituals, the class creates community. All are welcome!
Ages: Age One, Age Two
Berkeley Rose Waldorf School
Parent-child classes for infants through age 3 connect parents to their child, to one another, and children to their first social play. Parenting support around healthy family rhythms and child development are offered, as well as an introduction to Waldorf education.
Ages: Pre-crawlers, Crawlers, Age One, Age Two, Age Three
JCC East Bay Parents with Babies Support Group: Nitzanim (Buds)
Parent Support Group (not just moms!) with Stacia Biltekoff is for parents with 0-4 month olds. Join informative and facilitated sessions to meet other parents, gain confidence and learn helpful skills. Build community with new friends while bonding with your baby.
Ages: Pre-crawlers
Then Comes Baby
New parent support and activity groups including: musical play, infant massage, postnatal yoga, baby signs, and infant CPR.
Ages: Pre-crawlers, Crawlers, 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 +
Together Wee Play Drop-In Program
The City of Berkeley runs a FREE twice-a-week program for caregivers and babies in safe, fun, and exciting environment near a playground (Frances Albrier Auditorium). Park staff facilitate the sessions, too.
Ages: Pre-crawlers, Crawlers, Age One, Age Two
Tum e Time: Creative Ways to Play With Your Baby
Come explore infant massage, baby yoga, baby signs, tummy time, songs, development and sensory play in 2 separate 4 week classes. Part 1 - babies 1 month to pre-crawling. Part 2 - 5 months to new crawlers.
Ages: Pre-crawlers, Crawlers
Rec Room Cafe (drop-in classes of many kinds)
The Rec Room is a play space with coffee bar, snacks, and WiFi. Check schedule for drop-in classes. Many are FREE with paid admission. Right now: Messy art M/W, Folk songs Tu, Guided play T/Th, Funky dance W.
Ages: Pre-crawlers, Crawlers, Age One, Age Two, Age Three, Age Four +
Berkeley Forest School
Nature hikes, wild foraged snacks, natural materials art exploration, and music awaits you in Berkeley Forest School's "Forest Explorers" program. We partner with parents to co-create a more nature-connected community. We hope to see you in the woods!
Ages: Age One, 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
Dance classes for kids under five
Berkeley Ballet Theater pre-ballet classes
Berkeley Ballet Theater's pre-ballet dancers experience physical movement, creative play, exploration in rhythm and shape, as well as lessons in taking turns, holding still, confidence, patience, and listening all while learning basic ballet steps and concepts. Classes for ages 2 - 7 years.
Ages: 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 curriculum including Nutcracker, Coppelia, Swan Lake and Sleeping Beauty. Free trial class and mention 510 for 50% off first month!
Ages: Crawlers, Age One, 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 to 4-5 year olds.
Ages: Age Two, Age Three, Age Four +
Habitot Children’s Museum
Wednesdays at 10:30am, teacher Kelty from Jamaroo will get those wiggles out! Perfect for toddlers 1-4. Included with admission.
Ages: Pre-crawlers, Crawlers, Age One, Age Two, Age Three
Shawl-Anderson Dance
Dance with Me classes begin at age 1.5. Modern dance starts at age 3. Pre-ballet begins at age 3.
Ages: Age Two, Age Three, Age Four +
Kids 'N Dance
Parent & Me intro to dance for boys and girls ages 18 months- 3 yrs. 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.
Ages: Age One, Age Two, Age Three, Age Four +
Downtown Oakland YMCA Dance classes
Young dance classes start at age 3.
Ages: 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 +
Nipaki Playspace
Nipaki is a play space with lots of room. Check schedule for drop-in classes, best for 3 and up. Many are included with paid admission. Right now: Wed Rumba, Fri Arts & Sat Yoga.
Ages: Age Three, Age Four +
Team Sports (soccer, tee-ball, basketball) for toddlers and preschoolers
Lil' Kickers Soccer
Lil' Kickers Soccer is a child development program whose purpose is to help children mature on all levels. This program focuses on helping children build a strong physical, intellectual and emotional skills that will help them be successful on and off the soccer field.
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 2-8, 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 +
Language & Culture classes for toddlers & preschoolers
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 the music, movement, and play.
Ages: Pre-crawlers, Crawlers, Age One, Age Two, Age Three, Age Four +
PreKSpanish
PreKSpanish invites preschoolers and caregivers to enjoy fun Spanish classes. The classes are focused on learning the language in a natural way, through games and activities that children love to do. Classes at home or in-situ. Sign up for a free demo!
Ages: Age One, Age Two, Age Three, Age Four +
¡Viva el Español!
Parent & Me Spanish is open to 1-3 year olds in Lafayette. Preschool Spanish is open to 3-5 year olds.
Ages: Age Three, Age Four +
Viola's Notes
Native Italian-speaker Viola teaches Orff-based music and movement classes at preschools across the East Bay. Viola's Notes offers music and movement classes in Italian to kids ages 2-5 and their caregivers.
Ages: Age Two, Age Three, Age Four +
Science for toddlers & preschoolers (from nature & animals to STEM)
HANDS-ON! invent. create. discover.
Be a scientist. HANDS-ON! invites little ones ages 18 months - 5 years old to a morning STEAM drop-in session. Come and experience the joy and excitement where art and science meet.
Ages: Age Two, Age Three, Age Four +
Junior Center of Art & Science
Junior Center offers drop in art, animal adventures, and a new youth maker space, appropriate for visitors ages 2-12 years old, with a focus on kids 4-8.
Ages: 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.
Ages: Age One, Age Two, Age Three, Age Four +
Tinkergarten Nature Classes
Families meet outdoors to learn through play. In each class, teacher-leader Rae Goodman-Lucker will facilitate an outdoor play adventure, allowing children of ages 1 to 8 to explore, problem solve, communicate, collaborate, and create together.
Ages: Age One, Age Two, Age Three, Age Four +
Oakland Zoo ZooKids
ZooKids is a Saturday morning class for children age 4-5 which provides a fun and safe environment for children to have an independent experience at the zoo. A typical day includes storytime, zoo tour, snack, investigation activity, and thematic craft. Sells out!
Ages: 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, age 1 to 5, out for an exciting morning at the farm. Each day meet and learn all about a new animal friend through stories, chores and fun. This is a drop-in program; no registration is required.
- Coyote Cubs @ Coyote Hills Park: Get your preschooler, age 3 to 5, out and into nature! Play games, explore the park, and do a craft related to the theme of the day. Parent/Caregiver participation required.
- Sea Squirts @ Crab Cove: Share a morning of shoreline fun and science with your 3 to 6 year-old child.
- Outdoor Discoveries @ Sunol: Children 4+ years old and a parent are invited to make playful and scientific discoveries in exciting outdoor classrooms. Programs meet rain or shine. Siblings Welcome.
Baby & toddler yoga classes
Then Comes Baby
New parent support and activity groups including: musical play, infant massage, postnatal yoga, baby signs, and infant CPR.
Ages: Pre-crawlers, Crawlers, Age One, Age Two, Age Three, Age Four +
Yama Kids Yoga
At Yama Kids Yoga, the first yoga studio in the East Bay devoted entirely to teaching yoga to kids, we work with a child’s natural rhythm and energy to introduce the three principles of yoga - movement, breathing, and meditation.
Ages: Age Two, Age Three, Age Four +
Yogalayam yoga
Offering both toddler and post-natal yoga classes with childcare to entertain squiggly little ones, these classes are restorative.
Ages: Pre-crawlers, Crawlers, Age One, Age Two
Nipaki Playspace
Nipaki is a play space with lots of room. Check schedule for drop-in classes, best for 3 and up. Many are included with paid admission. Right now: Wed Rumba, Fri Arts & Sat Yoga.
Ages: Age Three, Age Four +
Martial Arts
Little Samurai Martial Arts Class
The “Little Samurai” program will give your child the confidence to enter elementary school. Emeryville Martial Arts instructors prepare your child by teaching fitness, coordination, balance & focus in a fun and dynamic atmosphere, learning blocking, kicking, rolling and safety skills.
Ages: Age Four +
Bay Aerials Lil' Ninja
Outside classes offered. Does your child have what it takes to become a Ninja Warrior? Lil' Ninjas learn all of the basics of being a safe, responsible ninja. Located in Fremont.
Ages: 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 +
Bay Area Martial Arts Early Skillz
3-4 year olds love play and anything involving imagination. This custom martial arts program was built just for them.
Ages: Age Three, Age Four +
Kuk Sool Won Berkeley Martial Arts
Kuk Sool Won Berkeley Martial Arts offers a comprehensive martial arts program for children starting at ages 4-5.
Ages: Age Four +
Studio Naga Martial Arts
Martial arts 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 +
Tumbling classes for toddlers
Jumpin' Gymsters
Build your child's confidence through strength and coordination. Toddler gymsters classes start at 18 months. Primary classes begin at age 2.
Ages: Age One, Age Two, Age Three, Age Four +
Head Over Heels
Head Over Heels preschool gymnastics classes are designed to develop motor skills, body coordination and strength while introducing basic gymnastics moves and terminology. Group classes begin at 18 months old. Open gym is for children 2+.
Ages: Age One, 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 mixed age. Offered when Cal is in session, not during summer.
Ages: Age One, Age Two, Age Three, Age Four +
Kids 'N Dance
Parent & Me intro to dance for boys and girls ages 18 months- 3 yrs. 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.
Ages: Age One, Age Two, Age Three, Age Four +
Bay Island Gymnastics
Junior Explorers is a parent participation class for walking toddlers who want a caregiver by their sides. 3-4 year olds who are ready for independence are invited to take the Explorers class, while Adventurers is for 4 to 5-year olds. Parkour Jr. starts at age 4.
Ages: Age One, Age Two, Age Three, Age Four +
Bay Aerials Lil' Ninja
Outside classes offered. Does your child have what it takes to become a Ninja Warrior? Lil' Ninjas learn all of the basics of being a safe, responsible ninja. Located in Fremont.
Ages: Age Three, Age Four +
Swimming classes for babies through preschoolers
American Swim Academy
American Swim Academy has been teaching swimmers of all ages and abilities to swim for over 45 years. All 5 indoor pools are heated to a comfortable 92º and classes are available year round. Class sizes are small, and our quality instruction is taught by a fully certified staff.
Ages: Pre-crawlers, Crawlers, Age One, Age Two, Age Three, Age Four +
Emeryville Swim Center
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 +
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 +
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 +
Visual Arts classes for toddlers & preschoolers
HANDS-ON! invent. create. discover.
Be a scientist. HANDS-ON! invites little ones ages 18 months - 5 years old to a morning STEAM drop-in session. Come and experience the joy and excitement where art and science meet.
Ages: Age Two, Age Three, Age Four +
Play Date
Play Date invites parents & children ages 0-8 years old for a range of art & public speaking classes, including painting, clay, arts & crafts activities. Parent & Me classes for new parents of 0-2 year olds.
Ages: Pre-crawlers, Crawlers, Age One, Age Two, Age Three, Age Four +
Junior Center of Art & Science
Junior Center offers drop in art, animal adventures, and a new youth maker space, appropriate for visitors ages 2-12 years old, with a focus on kids 4-8.
Ages: Age Two, Age Three, Age Four +
Messy Makers - Art with Amy
Messy Makers in Alameda has fantastic art classes for toddlers and kids (ages 3 to 5). The classes are all about the process of making art and they’re lots of fun. The classes meet at various Alameda locations.
Ages: Age Three, Age Four +
Rec Room Cafe (drop-in classes of many kinds)
The Rec Room is a play space with coffee bar, snacks, and WiFi. Check schedule for drop-in classes. Many are FREE with paid admission. Right now: Messy art M/W, Folk songs Tu, Guided play T/Th, Funky dance W.
Ages: Pre-crawlers, Crawlers, Age One, Age Two, Age Three, Age Four +
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8 thoughts on “Classes for toddlers & babies in the East Bay”
Hi Christian, I hope you’ll try again. We think we fixed it.
PRAM (Parents, Resources and More) is an under-the-radar venue that offers classes for Little Chefs, STEM/Lego enthusiasts, aspiring dancers, noisemakers, etc., from time to time. Classes meet in their cute little Point Richmond fieldhouse. Details here: http://www.pram.net.
Thank you for the info, Chrissie! Are you a member or organizer of PRAM? We’d love to learn more.
Thanks for your interest! I’m a member of PRAM and volunteer to do outreach for them.
PRAM is a volunteer-run community center/playground adjacent to Washington Elementary School and Carroll Park in Point Richmond. Our aim is to build community and connect families across the East Bay by hosting classes and seasonal parties for kids under 5 and their caregivers.
The playground is open to all; fieldhouse access is given to families who volunteer. Membership dues and Fieldhouse party rentals help us keep the lights on.
Its a great resource, and we try to keep it lively! Please feel free to email info@pram.net with more questions.
Hi there, is this PRAM center still around? The website is gone.
We are still here! We’re working hard on a brand new web site and (gasp) we ran into some delays. In the meantime, you can always reach us at prampresident@gmail.com or stop by IRL: 110 East Richmond Avenue, Richmond CA!
I also really like Castro Valley Yoga’s Mom and Baby class and Parent and Toddler Class – small classes with very patient, flexible and skilled teachers.
Pre-school and Kang & Roo Open Gym – Saturdays
Super Popular! Open gym specifically for the youngest kiddos (ages 18 months-4 years) Your little one will enjoy supervised free play on our brand-new, super-fun, safe, engaging pre-school and kinder gymnastics equipment. Have fun on the spring floor, obstacle course, uneven bars, monkey bars, balance beams, vaulting station, and tumble track! All COVID procedures being followed.
Sign up by the day.