We love to find the right classes and lessons for our kids. Our small 510families team has signed up for everything from Academics to Zumba lessons, but isn’t it great to try out a class before committing to a full session? Yes, it is! Here are a few great places that offer occasional free trials on kids’ classes. You nearly always have to sign up in advance.
Pro tip: If you’re curious about a class provider and you don’t see them on our list, it doesn’t hurt to ask!
Free trial classes for kids and babies
Let us know if we missed your favorite in the comments!
Try a new mom exercise class for free
Fit4Mom (Berkeley and Emeryville)
With classes at various playgrounds and indoor spots around Berkeley and Emeryville, you’ll bring your stroller and water and enjoy a guided workout with new friends. The first class is free.
Baby Boot Camp Strollfit (Oakland)
With classes at Lake Temescal, you’ll bring your stroller and make your way around a circuit at your own pace, led by an instructor. Register online for a free trial class.
Mama Army Playgroup Fitness (Albany, Berkeley and Richmond on rainy days)
This locally-owned and operated class is designed to help you get fit and toned, create lasting friendships and become proud of your body again. Sign up for free trial class >
Get a free preview of a music or playtime class
East Bay Music Together (multiple East Bay locations)
Music Together offers you a special opportunity to preview a class with no obligation. They offer classes for many ages from babies up to age five and the classes are about an hour long. We *heart* Music Together and their many East Bay locations.
Gymboree (El Cerrito)
Gymboree classes for babies and toddlers focus on playing and learning. Classes offered for newborns on up. Free trial only in El Cerrito. Schedule a free preview class.
Tinkergarten (Various locations)
Tinkergarten outdoor exploration classes for 18 months to 8 years happen all over the Bay Area depending on the instructors at the time. Current offerings are in Concord, Martinez, and San Francisco. Find a free trial class.
Jon’s School of Music (Berkeley)
Jon offers “instrument- and fun-based music classes” for kids, ages 1 to 8 in the clubhouse at Totland Park. Jon tells us that first timers can get a free preview and play a kid-sized drum set. See the website.
Free trial of sports class for kids
Lil’ Kickers (Alameda)
The East Bay location of this nationwide soccer school is at the Bladium in Alameda. Schedule a free trial class for your child. The program teaches soccer fundamentals to children 18 months through 12 years.
Berkeley Martial Arts (Berkeley)
Karate for Kids in Berkeley offers a comprehensive martial arts program for children ages 4-5 and 6 & above. First class is a free private trial to assess if your child would do well in group lessons. Website >
Free trial for coding class
The Coder School (Berkeley)
Coder School encourages kids, age 7 to 18, to develop a passion for coding and technology. Try out a free class >
You may find that other local independent parenting, music or movement center for kids offer a free trial visit as well.
Have you tried any free trial classes for your kiddo? Let us know! Find even more classes to sample for little kids in our Class Guide for Babies through Preschoolers.