Classes for Toddlers & Babies in the East Bay - 510 Families

Classes for Toddlers & Babies in the East Bay

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 February 2024.

 Music | Play & Learn | Science & Nature | Small team sports | Dance | Yoga | Martial Arts | Gymnastics | Swimming | Art | Language & Culture | Classes for School-age Children

teacher and child making music outside on blanket
Teacher and child making music during outside session | Photo: East Bay Music Together

Music Classes for Babies and Older

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Aguacate Music Kids

Fun Bilingual Spanish Family Music Classes for babies and young kids plus their caregivers in Berkeley and Oakland. Classes are based on engaging, original songs from our albums Healthy Me and Saludable Soy. Listen now on all digital platforms.

Ages: Pre-crawlers, Crawlers, Age One, Age Two, Age Three, Age Four +

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Early Start Music presents Music Together

Music & Movement class for children with caregivers. Early Start Music presents Music Together for 0-5-year-olds and Rhythm Kids for 4-8-year-olds. Also offering Kids Go Mandarin, a creative way for kids to learn Mandarin through music.

Ages: Pre-crawlers, Crawlers, Age One, Age Two, Age Three, Age Four +

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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 +

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Gymboree Play and Music Oakland

Specially designed Gymboree Play & Music classes incorporate age-appropriate activities that help children develop physical, cognitive, and social skills as they play. Choose from a wide range of early childhood classes for ages 0-5 years, including Babies classes all the way to School Skills.

Ages: Pre-crawlers, Crawlers, Age One, Age Two, Age Three, Age Four +

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Kids Go Mandarin

Kids Go Mandarin, based on popularized Mandarin learning for young children. Through exclusively designed multi-sensory creative teaching for kids, they learn Mandarin and music through Visual, Aural, and Kinesthetic learning.

Ages: Pre-crawlers, Crawlers, Age One, Age Two, Age Three, Age Four +

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The Busy Bee Activity Center

The Busy Bee Activity Center is a hub of activities for kids ages 0-12 yrs old with classes that include Tumbling & Rec. Gym classes, Music & Movement classes, Zumba and Zumbini, Sewing Tales, Lit. Kitchen, Pre-Spanish and still to come Drama and Yoga!

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 +

Blue Bear School of Music

Little Bears is an engaging, interactive music class for kids ages 6 months through 5 years with classes in parks around the East Bay on Sunday mornings.

Ages: Pre-crawlers, Crawlers, Age One, Age Two, Age Three

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

Real instruments for 1 - 6 year olds: drum sets, keyboards, guitars, cello, microphone and much more, taught by a dedicated professional musician and kid person with 27 years experience teaching little-kid-music-classes. A true musicians' music class.

Ages: 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 +

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Usually free storytime sessions for East Bay tots >

Play and learn classes for babies and toddlers

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Gymboree Play and Music Oakland

Specially designed Gymboree Play & Music classes incorporate age-appropriate activities that help children develop physical, cognitive, and social skills as they play. Choose from a wide range of early childhood classes for ages 0-5 years, including Babies classes all the way to School Skills.

Ages: Pre-crawlers, Crawlers, Age One, Age Two, Age Three, Age Four +

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Parent-Child Sweet Peas and Little Ferns at BRWS

Toddler classes unite parents in a warm, supportive, and respectful community creating social time for tots and parents alike. Play, learn, relax, share challenges and triumphs, make friends, and learn about Waldorf Education®. Little Ferns meets outdoors to explore nature.

Ages: Pre-crawlers, Crawlers, Age One, Age Two, Age Three

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Sensory Seedlings

Struggling with your child's transition to daycare or preschool? This 4-week sensory play course focuses on socio-emotional skills for 18-36 month-olds, laying the foundation for lifelong learning & smooth educational transitions. Small class size. Email [email protected] for discount.

Ages: Age One, Age Two, Age Three

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The Busy Bee Activity Center

The Busy Bee Activity Center is a hub of activities for kids ages 0-12 yrs old with classes that include Tumbling & Rec. Gym classes, Music & Movement classes, Zumba and Zumbini, Sewing Tales, Lit. Kitchen, Pre-Spanish and still to come Drama and Yoga!

Ages: Pre-crawlers, Crawlers, Age One, Age Two, Age Three, Age Four +

For Baby and Me RIE Parenting & Educaring

Babies move, explore and play with peers in these weekly RIE-certified baby playgroups — while parents expand understanding of infant development and a toolkit of best practices for infant/toddler care, sleep, movement, language, learning, diapering, discipline & more.

Ages: Pre-crawlers, Crawlers, Age One

Kindergym

A PLAY program for children under 36 months from families of all religious and cultural backgrounds. Climbers, slides, rocking horses, cozy coupe cars, see-saw, fire trucks, and push cars for beginning walkers, small trampoline, puzzles, painting easels, music, etc.

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

My Lileigh Pad

Parent and Me Hands on Play Classes. Class includes 6-8 sensory play, fine motor, art, water play and exploring for your toddler.. Each class ends with circle time story, felt board, scarf dancing and egg shakers. Recommended for ages 18 months to 3 years old. Martinez and Walnut Creek.

Ages: Age One, Age Two, Age Three

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

Teeter Tots

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

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kids yoga
Yama Kids Yoga | Photo: Whitney Moss

Baby & Toddler Yoga classes

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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: Age Two, Age Three, Age Four +

Creations Studio

Discover the joy of movement with engaging toddler and kids' dance and yoga classes. Designed for young learners, these sessions promote physical activity, creativity, and mindfulness in a fun and supportive environment.

Ages: Age Two, Age Three, Age Four +

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 +

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Toddler gymnastics
Tots at Head Over Heels Emeryville | Photo: Whitney Moss

Drop-in Classes for $10 or less >

Tumbling classes for toddlers

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 & 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 Berkeley Bear Cubs 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

Lots of options. Parent & Me class begins at age 18 months. Pre-ballet at age 2.5. 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 One, 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 +

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Try a lil kickers demo class
Try a lil kickers class, first one’s free | Photo by Icarian Photography

Team Sports (soccer, tee-ball, basketball) for toddlers and preschoolers

Lil' Kickers Soccer

Lil' Kickers Soccer is for kids 18 months to 12 years. First class is free.

Ages: 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 +

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tiny kids doing ballet
Photo courtesy Berkeley Ballet Theater

After-school class guide for East Bay kids >

Dance Classes for Kids under five

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The Busy Bee Activity Center

The Busy Bee Activity Center is a hub of activities for kids ages 0-12 yrs old with classes that include Tumbling & Rec. Gym classes, Music & Movement classes, Zumba and Zumbini, Sewing Tales, Lit. Kitchen, Pre-Spanish and still to come Drama and Yoga!

Ages: Pre-crawlers, Crawlers, Age One, 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 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 ballet classes for dancers ages 3.5 and up.

Ages: Age Three, Age Four +

Creations Studio

Discover the joy of movement with engaging toddler and kids' dance and yoga classes. Designed for young learners, these sessions promote physical activity, creativity, and mindfulness in a fun and supportive environment.

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 +

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 and 4.

Ages: Age Three, Age Four +

Kids 'N Dance

Lots of options. Parent & Me class begins at age 18 months. Pre-ballet at age 2.5. 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 One, Age Two, Age Three, Age Four +

Luna Early Childhood Dance Classes

Luna offers caregiver-child classes for infants-3 years and independent dance classes beginning at age 4. Pop-up classes and free events are being offered at local libraries while their new facility is being completed.

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 +

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Mom and baby enjoying a Kids Go Mandarin class
Mom and baby enjoying a Kids Go Mandarin class | Photo: Icarian Photography

Raising kids bilingually in the East Bay >

Language & Culture classes for Toddlers & Preschoolers

ad for spanish music classes

Aguacate Music Kids

Fun Bilingual Spanish Family Music Classes for babies and young kids plus their caregivers in Berkeley and Oakland. Classes are based on engaging, original songs from our albums Healthy Me and Saludable Soy. Listen now on all digital platforms.

Ages: Pre-crawlers, Crawlers, Age One, Age Two, Age Three, Age Four +

ad for early start music

Early Start Music presents Music Together

Music & Movement class for children with caregivers. Early Start Music presents Music Together for 0-5-year-olds and Rhythm Kids for 4-8-year-olds. Also offering Kids Go Mandarin, a creative way for kids to learn Mandarin through music.

Ages: Pre-crawlers, Crawlers, Age One, Age Two, Age Three, Age Four +

ad for music together

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 +

ad for mandarin music class

Kids Go Mandarin

Kids Go Mandarin, based on popularized Mandarin learning for young children. Through exclusively designed multi-sensory creative teaching for kids, they learn Mandarin and music through Visual, Aural, and Kinesthetic learning.

Ages: Pre-crawlers, Crawlers, Age One, Age Two, Age Three, Age Four +

ad for the busy bee

The Busy Bee Activity Center

The Busy Bee Activity Center is a hub of activities for kids ages 0-12 yrs old with classes that include Tumbling & Rec. Gym classes, Music & Movement classes, Zumba and Zumbini, Sewing Tales, Lit. Kitchen, Pre-Spanish and still to come Drama and Yoga!

Ages: Pre-crawlers, Crawlers, Age One, Age Two, Age Three, Age Four +

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mom and baby swim
Parent and child swim lessons | Photo: Patti’s Swim School via Instagram

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. 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 +

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 +

UC Berkeley Youth Swimming

UC Berkeley Recreation 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 +

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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 1.5 to 4

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. 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.
  • Sea Squirts @ Crab Cove: Share a morning of shoreline fun and science with your 3 to 5-year-old child. Adult participation and registration are required. Fee: $5.
  • 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.

Nature-Based Classes >>

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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. Youth Jiu Jitsu begins at age 4.

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 +

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 and Teddy Bear Dance.

Ages: 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 +

Studio Naga Martial Arts

Kids' Martial arts begins at age 4.

Ages: Age Four +

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Art studios for families
Visual arts classes for babies

Visual Arts classes for toddlers & preschoolers

Corner House Studio

Corner House Studio offers fun, fine-art inspired classes, workshops, and events for children and adults. The studio is a space to learn, experiment, and grow creatively through painting, drawing, and sculpture.

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 +

Messy Makers

Toddler and me class that explores the process of making art through hands-on activities designed for kids ages 1.5 to 4 with occasional workshops for 5+.

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 week. Starting March 2024 - Every 1st and 3rd Saturday of the month from 10 am to 2 pm. *Open Studio will no longer be offered on Wednesdays and Fridays.

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 +

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playing children

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.

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1 thought on “Classes for Toddlers & Babies in the East Bay”

  1. 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.

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