Little Kid Class Guide for 0-5 year olds
We've compiled a list of East Bay parent and tot classes throughout Oakland, Berkeley and the greater {510} area for babies, toddlers, and preschoolers. Pick a category or browse our whole list. If your favorite class for kids age 0-5 is missing, share it in the comments.
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 +
Habitot Children's Museum
Get those wiggles out! Active music and movement class for "littles" on Wednesdays at 10:30 am in Habitot's Infant Toddler Garden with Instructors from Jamaroo. Parent-child, adults welcome. FREE with museum admission or membership.
Ages: Pre-crawlers, Crawlers, Age One, Age Two, Age Three
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.
Locations: San Leandro, Castro Valley, Newark, and Fremont
Ages: Pre-crawlers, Crawlers, Age One, Age Two, Age Three, Age Four +
Kids Go Mandarin
Classes increases 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.
Locations include: Oakland, Berkeley, Lafayette, Newark, Fremont
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 Family Music
Little Folkies is an award-winning kids music class featuring the original children's folk songs by Irena Eide and a collection of old traditional, old time and bluegrass songs for children. Classes are offered in Berkeley, Mill Valley, and San Francisco
Ages: Pre-crawlers, Crawlers, Age One, Age Two, Age Three, Age Four +
Freighter Tots preschool song circle
At Freighter Tots, you will sing, dance to, and act out folk songs about things kids care about: animals, nature, vehicles, their bodies, family, friends and being silly. Parents learn songs to share with their kids.
Ages: 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 free WiFi. Check schedule for drop-in classes. Many are FREE with paid admission. Right now: music classes M/W, Parent+Baby and Parent+Tot yoga M/F and Guided Play T/Th.
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
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
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
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.
Ages: Pre-crawlers, Crawlers, Age One, Age Two
JCC East Bay Toddler Program: Perachim (Flowers)
Exciting, play-based program for toddlers (12-30 months) and caregivers. Through play, art, music, stories, and Jewish rituals, we build community. All families are welcome at the JCC. Buy a bundle of 8 weekly sessions for about $200.
Ages: Pre-crawlers, Crawlers, Age One
East Bay Waldorf School parent-child classes
Parent-child classes (for infants & toddlers) bring families together for 1.5 hours of self-directed play & movement, seasonal circle time & an organic snack in an unhurried environment. We better understand our babies' behavior, share stories, and learn about Waldorf.
Ages: Pre-crawlers, Crawlers, Age One, Age Two, Age Three
East Bay Mommy Village
Mommy and me educational and social networking classes/ playgroup held in Walnut Creek for babies 0-6 months. Find your village of moms today. Each week has a different educational topic and you can ask our certified parent educator any questions you may have whilst bonding with moms
Ages: Pre-crawlers
Gymboree Play & Music of Oakland
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: Pre-crawlers, Crawlers, Age Two, Age Three, Age Four +
JCC East Bay Parents with Babies Support Group: Nitzanim (Buds)
Parents with babies join together to share connection, community and support. Several classes will feature presentations from child development experts on topics like sleep or developmental milestones. Buy a bundle of 6 weekly sessions for about $130.
Ages: Pre-crawlers
Rec Room Cafe (drop-in classes of many kinds)
The Rec Room is a play space with coffee bar, snacks, and free WiFi. Check schedule for drop-in classes. Many are FREE with paid admission. Right now: music classes M/W, Parent+Baby and Parent+Tot yoga M/F and Guided Play T/Th.
Ages: Pre-crawlers, Crawlers, Age One, Age Two, Age Three, Age Four +
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 all in a 4 week class. Designed for babies one month to pre-crawling.
Ages: Pre-crawlers
Dance (pre-dance) for tots
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 +
Tutu School, Berkeley
Tutu School Berkeley 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 30% off first month!
Ages: Age One, Age Two, Age Three, Age Four +
Berkeley Ballet Theater - Pre-Ballet Classes
Berkeley Ballet Theater's Pre-Ballet classes are your child’s first encounter with the joy and structure of classical ballet training for children ages 2.5–7 years. Class includes imaginative and creative exercises to develop studio etiquette, active listening, coordination, and spatial awareness.
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
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. Dance!
Ages: Age One, Age Two, Age Three, Age Four +
Downtown Oakland YMCA Dance classes
Pre-Ballet is for ages 3-5 twice per week on Saturday mornings; Creative Movement is for ages 3-5 Tuesdays afternoons. Classes repeat sessions throughout the year.
Ages: Age Three, Age Four +
Zumbini
Zumbini is designed to bring the fun of Zumba music and movement to children ages 0-4 in a developmentally appropriate way for 45 minutes of bonding, learning, and fun.
Ages: Pre-crawlers, Crawlers, Age One, Age Two, Age Three
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 +
Team Sports (soccer, tee-ball, basketball) for toddlers and preschoolers
Soccer 2gether
Soccer 2gether is a locally owned recreational soccer and sports program. Year round classes and camps are designed as a space where children can be comfortable, make lasting friendships, learn, and have fun.
Ages: Age Three, Age Four +
Bladium Lil Kickers & Lil Sluggers
This indoor facility is both a fitness center and a sports complex for kids of all ages with free trial classes available. Lil Kickers soccer goes from 18 months to age 12. Lil Sluggers baseball goes from ages 2 to 6.
Ages: Age One, Age Two, 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 like Ohlone Park, Codornices Park, Montclair Park, Lake Merritt, and more.
Ages: Age Two, Age Three, Age Four +
University Village Recreation 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 30 minutes and the program is very affordable.
Ages: Age Three, Age Four +
Language & Culture classes for toddlers & preschoolers
Kids Go Mandarin
Classes increases 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.
Locations include: Oakland, Berkeley, Lafayette, Newark, Fremont
Ages: Pre-crawlers, Crawlers, Age One, Age Two, Age Three, Age Four +
Kids Elite Club
"Mandarin for us" is for ages 16 months to 5 years old with caregiver featuring songs, games, and stories. Mandarin S.T.E.A.M for toddlers & preschoolers is for ages 3 to 5.
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 +
PreKSpanish
PreKSpanish invites toddlers and preschooolers to learn Spanish in a very fun way, with activities appropiate to your child's age. We offer two locations for your convinience or we can go to your place and teach some friends also, like a play day in Spanish! We are so excited to meet you! Nos vemos!
Ages: Crawlers, Age One, Age Two, Age Three, Age Four +
Science for toddlers & preschoolers (from nature & animals to STEM)
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 +
Scandent Learning - Inquiry Grove
Inquiry Grove is a small-group, play-based science learning experience in nature. Designed for ages 4-7 (but open to all), this mixed-age class uses the natural environment to guide children in exploring a chosen science theme each week at Joaquin Miller Park.
Ages: 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 +
Berkeley Forest School Forest Explorers
The Forest Explorers class, offered in 6- to 10-week sessions, in Tilden Park is for children 2-5 with a caregiver. Explorers hike at a child's pace, climb trees and large boulders, harvest food and flowers, and investigate nature.
Ages: Age Two, Age Three, Age Four +
Lawrence Hall of Science Little Explorers
Children age 3 to 6 (and a participating adult) can sign up for seasonal hands-on workshop 3-part series designed to capitalize on the excitement and curiosity of the young scientist by exploring potions or building challenges.
Ages: 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
Rec Room Cafe (drop-in classes of many kinds)
The Rec Room is a play space with coffee bar, snacks, and free WiFi. Check schedule for drop-in classes. Many are FREE with paid admission. Right now: music classes M/W, Parent+Baby and Parent+Tot yoga M/F and Guided Play T/Th.
Ages: Pre-crawlers, Crawlers, Age One, Age Two, Age Three, Age Four +
Yama Kids Yoga
Yoga for infants, toddlers, preschool, and beyond. The YAMA KIDS YOGA curriculum is designed for children with programs that adapt to their changing bodies and minds.
Ages: Pre-crawlers, Age Two, Age Three, Age Four +
Martial Arts
Bay Aerials Lil' Ninja
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 +
Emeryville Martial Arts
“Little Samurai” program builds confidence for entering elementary school. Emeryville Martial Arts instructors prepare your child by teaching fitness, coordination, balance, focus and teamwork in a fun and dynamic atmosphere.
Ages: 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 +
Athletic Playground Mini Monkey
Mini Monkeys is a class for both child and parent. Come play and build strength, coordination, balance, flexibility, spatial awareness, motor, aerial and parkour skills. Friendly, knowledgeable coaches provide a structured, safe class.
Ages: Age Two, 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 +
Gymnastics classes for 12 months & up
Gymboree Play & Music of Oakland
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: Pre-crawlers, Crawlers, Age Two, Age Three, Age Four +
Cal Golden Bears Gymnastics
Bear Cubs 1 classes start at 18 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
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. Dance!
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 +
El Cerrito Preschool Gymnastics
Gymnastics classes are for ages 3 to 6. Gymnastics Tiny Tots Free Play is for ages 1 to 5 with a caregiver to enjoy balance beams, obstacles courses, trampoline, tunnels, and hoola hoops. Other sports begin at age 5.
Ages: Age One, Age Two, Age Three, Age Four +
Athletic Playground Mini Monkey
Mini Monkeys is a class for both child and parent. Come play and build strength, coordination, balance, flexibility, spatial awareness, motor, aerial and parkour skills. Friendly, knowledgeable coaches provide a structured, safe class.
Ages: Age Two, Age Three, Age Four +
Bay Aerials Lil' Ninja
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
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
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 +
Junior Center of Art and Science
Children and their caretakers engage together in creative play, exploration, and creation. Families will get hands-on in both art-making and experimentation. Join a fun, safe learning environment, and make new friends.
Ages: Age Two, Age Three, Age Four +
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LOX & TALKS: SOUL FOOD FOR PARENTS
Want to live a more meaningful and authentic life, as a parent and a human being? It’s hard to focus on big questions amidst the challenges of parenting young children.
Nourish yourself and your family by reflecting on these issues in an open and non-judgmental environment. All are welcome!
For parents of infants through preschool-age children.
WHEN: Monthly, Sunday mornings, October 2017-May 2018
WHERE: Berkeley-Oakland area in home(s) of participants who would like to host
Messy Makers in Alameda has fantastic art classes for babies and kids (up to age 5). The classes are all about the process of making art and they’re lots of fun! My kid totally loves it. The classes meet at Ruby’s Tumbling and at Temple Israel in Alameda.
http://www.messymakersart.com
I’m seeing “You are not allowed to view this content.” error on most of the page. Can you fix it? (I’d love to see this roundup of resources – yelp is completely unhelpful.)
Hi Christian, I hope you’ll try again. We think we fixed it.
There is also offerings from East Bay Mommy Village.
Mommy and me educational and social networking classes held in Walnut Creek for babies 0-6 months. Get out of the house and find your village of moms today. Each week has a different educational topic and you can ask our certified parent educator any questions you may have whilst bonding with moms whose babies are the same age as yours.
Check out our website today at http://www.eastbaymommyvillage.com we would love to see you at a class!
Dance With Me at Shawl Andersen! Miss April is amazing! Weds and Thurs mornings I think at 10am now.
Thanks, Kim! Would you be willing to share a couple paragraphs and a couple photos of that with us?