Playgroups and classes
Wakefield and the surrounding areas are a fantastic place for bringing up children and there is plenty going on children.
Below is a list of all the local playgroups and drop in clinics throughout the week and also details of all the children’s activities classes available across our area. Please contact the organisers directly if you would like to find out further information or to confirm class times or costs.
If you know of any other classes or groups which are not already listed, then please contact us here. Basic listings are free. ’Featured’ listings are £10 per month. For our full advertising rates then please click here.
New for January 2017!
Magical Music classes that gives children a gentle introduction to music. The classes are focused towards helping children to explore their creativity, develop co-ordination and social skills whilst building their confidence. Action songs, props, percussion instruments and games are a few of the ways we explore different themes each week.
Our parties and workshops stimulate children through activities like those of our classes, though here the sessions can be tailored for a specific group or occasion.
Every one of our sessions is carefully crafted to maintain even the youngest child’s attention, whilst developing their social skills but most of all having fun.
Tuesday @St Joseph’s Hall, Santingly Lane, New Crofton WF4.
9:45am 2+yrs
10:45am 9mths-2yrs
Tuesday @Happy Days Play Centre, Denby Dale Road, WF2
1:00pm 9mths – 4yrs
Wednesday @ Barnabas Rooms at St Paul’s Church Walton WF2
9:30am 3-9mths
10:30am 9mths -2yrs
11:30am 2yrs+
Friday @ Crigglestone Village institute, High Street Crigglestone WF4
9:30am 3mths-9mths
10:30am 9mths-2yrs
11:30am 2yrs+
For your free taster session contact Nadine 07791655083, or email nadine@minimaestro.co.uk
Fridays upstairs @ Ossett Trinity Centre
5 Week Baby Yoga Course 9:30-10:30am
Mini Yoga is a fun action packed class full of stretches & yoga poses for baby all done to nursery rhymes & songs, with simple stretches & exercises for you done with your baby turning them into games. You receive a yoga manual & cd, all sessions have refreshments provided with time to socialise, sensory toys and lights & magic bubbles.
5 Week Baby Massage 10:40-11:40am
In Mini Massage you learn a full body massage routine with reflexology points, wind & colic relief routine, teething & congestion moves along with promoting sleep & much more. You receive a massage manual & organic cold pressed oil to take home and be able to start massage with your baby straight away. All sessions have refreshments provided with time to socialise, sensory toys, lights, tummy time materials and more.
Both of these courses are currently only £30 each!
5 Week Mini Groovers Course 11:50am-12:35pm
Mini Groovers is a fun action music class filled with movement to music, a groovy song of the week, finger puppets, instruments, ribbon sticks, parachute games, lights and much more. Refreshments are provided every week and its only £25.
Click here for further class information, dates/times and to book your place
or contact nicolamurray@minimetime.co.uk
***Wakefield MUMbler Recommends***
Tuesdays and Fridays
Baby Can Dance the award winning ultimate pre school activity. The class is a dance and movement to music pre school activity for children age 12m – 3 1/2 years. We dance to fantastic music, a great atmosphere and importantly pay attention to detail with our child development key stages offering a FREE award system for continuous monitored development.
This session is amazing, you will enjoy this class as a family. We love the positive learning experience that the children will have each week with music we all love.
Local classes
For up to date class information click here to visit the website
Classes are payable in 5 week blocks in order to reserve your child’s place.
Contact
For more information call Sam Owen-Smith on 07495 856 993 or email sam.mbcd@gmail.com
We want every child to love swimming, respect the water and swim beautifully.
That’s why our standards are the highest and our approach is unique.
At Puddle Ducks, our highly trained and qualified teachers are experts at identifying children’s levels of ability and adapting activities to the individual, nurturing confidence and encouraging natural ability.
Our lessons are taught in specially selected pools with limited class sizes.
Classes incorporate rhyme (our bespoke songs have been written by professional musicians) and movement based on extensive child development research.
Our programmes and teacher training are continuously developed in the latest techniques, ensuring our teaching standards remain the highest.
Our Swimming Programmes
We run three core swimming programmes. Each is tailor-made to give your child confidence in the water and to teach them the technique to grow and become strong swimmers.
Baby & Pre-school (for babies and children aged 0-4 years)
Swim Academy (for children aged 4-10 years)
Aquanatal (for mums-to-be)
Offer
£20 off by quoting mumbler on your first booking for new customers (not valid for aquanatal classes)
Local classes
Classes run on every day of the week in 7 local pools
Contact
For more info call Faye and her team on 01924 826238, visit the Website or Facebook or email wakefield@puddleducks.com
Hi, I’m Lauren and I’ve been running Rhythm Time classes since September 2008. Prior to this, I was a Primary teacher specialising in Early Years.
I’m a mum of three boys and that’s how I discovered Rhythm Time. I saw how much my children enjoyed the well structured, fun sessions, gaining confidence, listening skills and sense of rhythm as they went. I also enjoyed them as a parent. As a result, I was inspired to have a career change, working with two things I love; children and music.
These days I have a number of classes throughout Wakefield and South Leeds supported by excellent teachers.
I’m not the only one who loves Rhythm Time classes, our families are always telling us how much they enjoy Rhythm Time
‘Rhythm time has been absolutely amazing for both me and my daughter. We have been going since she was 12 weeks and she is now 17months! I have met wonderful friends and it allows my daughter to come out of her shell (she’s a little shy!) in a kind and nurturing environment. Cannot recommend it enough and hope to be doing it for many more months!’ Thanks Lauren and Michelle.
Offer
£5 off when you buy £25 of Rhythm Time Vouchers. Email Lauren and quote ‘Wakefield Mumbler offer’ to claim
Local classes
Monday from 10:10am – Lofthouse, WF3 3NE
Tuesday from 10:15am – Glasshoughton, WF10 4PF
Thursday from 9:45am – Mirfield, WF14 8AB
Thursday from 9:30am – Tingley, WF3 1BD
Friday from 9:30am – Wakefield, WF1 3RZ
Contact
For more information contact Lauren, 07725 574 900 or rhythmtime.lauren@gmail.com
Alternatively, visit my page on the Rhythm Time website or my Facebook page
New for 2019!
Ossett Arts is an Arts school focused on providing Art in many forms to our local community and beyond. Giving expressive opportunity to all ages.
Tots Messy Play focuses on the youngest of our students giving them sensory learning input through Art and Play.
Each session will have a maximum of 7 children each accompanied by a supervising adult. This gives more focused sessions so you know that your child is getting the most from their experience.
Children will be aged between 6 months to 5 years and each session will be suitable to all.
Local Classes
6A Market Square, Ossett WF5 8BX
Fridays 11:00am – 11:45am
Contact
For more information call Danielle 07581390154
Tots.ossettarts@gmail.com
Aquastar swimming school is a local family run business, we are an ASA swim school member.
We provide a calm and relaxed environment where your child can learn to swim or improve their technique. All our swimming instructors are qualified to ASA level 2 standard with over 100 years combined teaching experience.
You can feel secure in the knowledge that they are in safe hands and learning from the experts
Local classes
St Wilfred’s Catholic High School, WF7 6BD
Tuesday-Friday 6:15pm-8:15pm
Saturday 12:30 – 3:00pm
Sunday 9:00am – 11:30am
Ossett Academy, WF5 0DG
Monday 5:30pm – 7:30pm
Sunday 4:00pm – 7:30pm
Contact
Scott 07990538516
Fridays 1:30-3pm Term Time Only
@Balne Lane Community Centre
This is a Baby Group for children aged 0-18 months. Join us for fun activities for you and your baby.
Call: Zara 01924 302333
A welcoming group for you and your baby. This group is aimed for newborns to confident movers
Local classes
Friday 10:00 – 11:30am
Long Causeway, Stanley, WF3 4JB
Contact
01924 303181
Attending a class at our Ballerina School, whether Mummy & Me or Nursery Dance, you are guaranteed a magical time! Twirl like a Princess, fly like a Fairy, march like a Soldier and much, much more….through our unique programmes, together you’ll enjoy the health, physical and social benefits of the basic fundamentals of ballet and dance in a nurturing, safe, positive environment.
Local Classes
West Yorkshire Theatre Dance Centre, Station Road, Ossett, WF5 0JE
Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday 4:00pm – 4:45pm
Friday mornings 10:15am – 11:00am
Saturday’s 8:45am – 9:30am and 10:00am – 10:45am
Contact
For more information call 01924 266 374
***Wakefield MUMbler Recommends***
Welcome to Cloud9 – your local voluntary run community Playgroup in Ossett. Cloud9 aims to provide a fun, safe, stimulating and homely environment for all the family. It is run by a group of Early Years Practioners who have qualifications ranging from level 3 to level 6 in childcare. Whether you need an hour out of the house with the little ones, or looking for a local mums & tots group or even somewhere to celebrate a special birthday, Cloud9 can help!
We love meeting new families so come and pop in for a cuppa and even some home made baked goodies.
Tues, Thurs & Fri 9:30am – 2:30pm
Wednesday 10:00am – midday (craft session) and 1:00pm – 2:30pm (baby session, under 16 months only)
£3 per child (£2 for additional siblings) Discounts for childminders
Weekends private bookings and parties only
Shop and drop is 90mins for £4.50 we can do it any day and time as long as we have preferably 1 weeks notice.
Contact
07548 498 377 or 07549 278 225
Pre School Music Classes in Central Wakefield.
Fridays
9:45-10:25am Off We Go 3-7 year olds
10:45-11:25am On The Move walking-3 year olds
@The Springs, Wakefield , WF1
Screen Acting Classes
‘Sparks’ for 3-7 yr olds 4-5pm Fridays
Classes for 8-16 yr olds 5-7pm Mondays and Fridays
Adult Classes also running
Classes for Children with additional needs coming soon, please call to enquire.
@Saville Road Industrial Park, Castleford
Call: Carl 07584 671 844
Bonjour! My name is Kerryann and I run fun, interactive French classes and clubs for children aged 18 months-11 years in the Wakefield area.
Everyone gets A FREE TASTER so why not come along and join in the fun?
We use songs, stories, games and drama to bring the language to life and inspire our young learners.
Classes also running and available for nurseries, childminders and schools (EYFS,KS1,KS2).
To book your FREE TASTER, please call: 07841 763 880
Weds 5.00-5.30pm Ages 3-7yrs Bevin Close, Outwood
Weds 5.30-6.15pm Ages 7-11yrs Bevin Close, Outwood
Thurs 2.15-2.45pm Ages 18m- 4 yrs The Cluntergate Centre, Horbury
Thurs 4.30-5.00pm Ages 3-7yrs The Cluntergate Centre, Horbury
Friday 1.00-1.30pm Ages 18m-4yrs The Methodist Church Hall, Altofts
Friday 1.30-2.10pm Ages 18 m -4yrs St.John’s, Central Wakefield (Followed by A Cuppa and a Chatter)
Fridays 10am
Playgroup @Walton Village Hall Friday at 10.00
***Recommended by a MUMbler***
“I went to with my little boy last Fri. It was really well run with drinks & snacks for children and you get a brew and biccie which is always a bonus ;-/. Its £2.” SBB Jan 2017
Parent and Toddler sessions
You and your toddlers have the full use of the park without older kids so they have more space and can play as they learn, building confidence at their own pace. There are other toddlers around too so it’s good to mix.
Toddlers must be over 18 months but under 5 years and accompanied by an adult. One adult can accompany up to two toddlers
TERM TIMES EVERY: Mon & Wed 10:00 | Tue & Fri 13:00 | Sat 09:00
HOLIDAY TIMES EVERY: Sat 09:00
P&T THEMED SPECIALS: last Friday of every month 10:00 & 13:00 – TERM & HOLIDAYS
Address: Xscape, Castleford WF10 4TA
Contact: 01977 529920
Gym Joeys is exciting, accessible and inclusive promoting an active and healthy lifestyle whilst developing fundamental motor skills in movement and coordination.
The sessions are delivered by fully qualified gym coaches
Local classes
Thornes Park Athletics Stadium, WF2 8TY
Contact
Booking is essential 01924 302385
Join us for a fun packed interactive class of French or Spanish!
Would you like your children to learn a language in a relaxed and fun environment?
Learning through songs, games, crafts and role play!
Classes are open to toddlers and pre-school children
A drink and a snack are included
Local Classes
Mondays 10:00am (Spanish)
St Peter’s Church, Lake Lock Road, Stanley, Wakefield, WF3 4HW
Fridays 10:30am (French)
Horbury Methodist Church, High Street, Horbury, Wakefield, WF4 5LE
Contact
Bex 0845 680 8148
A jam-packed 50 minute Spanish session for babies, toddlers and pre-schoolers aged 0 – 4 years. We do lots of singing, games, stories and crafts all in Spanish so come and join the fun!
Local classes
Fridays 9:30am – 10.30am
Netherton Village Hall, Netherton, WF4 4LR
Contact
Amy 0845 680 8148
LiquiDance School of Performing Arts delivers classes to dancers from 18 months old.
We offer sessions in Ballet, Tap, Modern, Street Dance, Freestyle, Musical Theatre and Contemporary Dance.
In all our classes we aim to develop confidence and dance skills in a fun and welcoming environment.
Local classes
Monday 3:50pm – 4:30pm Ballet 3 – 5 years
Tuesday 1:30pm – 2:15pm Acrodance Preschool 3 years +
Friday 10:00am – 11:00am Early Years 18 months – 3 years
Classes for ages 4 years + are held Monday – Thursday
All classes held at Factor House, Church Street, Ossett, WF5 9DR
Contact
07944 130 916
A fun & welcoming play group for under 5’s at Cluntergate Centre
Local classes
Tuesdays & Fridays 9:00am – 11:00am (term time only)
Cluntergate Centre, Horbury, WF4 5DA
Contact
07873 544948
Relax & Sing is a lovely combination of baby massage and yoga, singing, sensory stimulation and acupressure. Led by a primary music specialist and mother of two, there’s always a cuppa and cake, small groups and a warm welcoming atmosphere where mums support each other and make friends.
Local classes
Valley Crescent Centre, Wrenthorpe, WF2 0JB
Classes are £40 for a block of five sessions.
Contact
For more info call Corinna on 07976 035219
Learn some lovely, beneficial baby massage and yoga techniques to songs and nursery rhymes baby will love.
Also, not trying to bribe anyone… but there will always be a sweet treat on offer for parents at class. Great opportunity to meet new mums and dads whilst bonding with your baby. Everyone wins!
Cold-pressed sunflower oil, floor mats and baby mats will be provided. Please bring a blanket with you.
Ideal from around 6 weeks – crawling
Local classes
Fridays 10:00am – 11:00am, Kinsley and Fitzwilliam Learning and Community Centre, Pontefract, WF9 5BP
Contact
Mandy 07584 063460
Massage your baby in a relaxed, friendly setting. Learn to help babies to relax, how to relieve wind, constipation and massage also helps babies to sleep better.
Classes are of 5 or 6 parents and from my home in Ossett, Wakefield.
It is also a lovely way to meet other parents in a relaxed atmosphere too.
Please contact me to see when the next group is starting. Baby Massage is from 3 weeks onwards.
Other classes available include Baby Yoga, Baby Reflexology, and Sing and Sign.
Local classes
Wednesday Baby Massage
Friday Baby Reflexology
Contact
Anne-Marie 01924 278461 or 07956266144
A fun and welcoming play group at Balne Lane Community Centre for under 5’s
Local classes
Friday 1:30pm – 3:00pm (term time only)
Balne Lane, WF2 0DP
Contact
01924 373558
The journey to becoming a strong swimmer takes time and patience. Each child will achieve their goals in their own time, and they shouldn’t be rushed or forced into to activities they’re not ready for. The Swimbabes course is designed to let each child develop at a pace they’re comfortable, whilst always challenging them. The key to development at this early stage is repetition of success, reinforcing verbal instructions and ensuring longer term awareness of water safety and confidence.
Local classes
Cedar Court Hotel, Calder Grove, WF4 3QZ
Wednesday afternoons
Friday mornings
Sunday mornings
Contact
01484 683570
Visit their facebook page
Baby Weigh & Play at Xplore
Weigh & Play is a baby self-weigh and measuring service offered by Xplore suitable for babies up to 18 months old.
Grade III ISO 9001:2015 accredited weighing scales and measuring mat are provided in a private area for a parent/guardian to weigh and measure their baby. A member of the Xplore team is on hand to help with the process and to complete your baby record book.
Visit as often as you want – the service is available every Wednesday and Friday between 9:30 and 10:30.
There is a £5 joining fee which includes:
MONDAY
Gravity Trampoline Parks: Parent and Toddler Session, 10:00 – 11:00. £5-6 per person.
Volcano Falls Adventure Golf: Parent & Toddler Session, 11:00 – 13:00. £7.50 per adult. child goes free.
Xplore Soft Play: Tots Session, 10:30 – 14:30 / Mini Maestros session at 10:00, 10:45 & 11:30*
TUESDAY
Christchurch Xscape: 1st Steps Toddler Group, 9:30 – 11:00. Ages 0 – 5. Free stay and play.
Gravity Trampoline Parks: Parent and Toddler Session, 13:00-14:00. £5-6 per person.
Xplore Soft Play: My Baby Can Dance sessions at 10:30 & 11:30*/ Tots, 10:30 – 14:30
Volcano Falls Adventure Golf: Parent & Toddler Session, 11:00 – 13:00. £7.50 per adult, pre-school toddler goes free. Term time only.
WEDNESDAY
Gravity Trampoline Parks: Parent and Toddler Session, 10:00-11:00. £5-6 per person.
Xplore Soft Play: Tots Session, 10:30 – 14:30
Volcano Falls Adventure Golf: Parent & Toddler Session, 11:00 – 13:00. £7.50 per adult. child goes free.
THURSDAY
Snozone: Sno-play, 10:15 – 10:45. 1 adult goes free & free drink for child. £4.99. For ages 2+ (May – Sept: 11:15 – 11:45)
Sweatshop: 3K jog/walk group, buggy-friendly route & safe for youngsters. 10:30.
Volcano Falls Adventure Golf: Parent & Toddler Session, 11:00 – 13:00. £7.50 per adult. child goes free.
Xplore Soft Play: Tots Session, 10:30 – 14:30 / Bunny Hops sessions at 09:30 & 10:30*
FRIDAY
Christchurch Xscape: Coffee Morning, 11:00 – 14:00 / Support Group for Parents of Twins, 11:00 – 13:00.
Gravity Trampoline Parks: Parent and Toddler Session, 13:00 – 14:00. Plus, themed session on the last Friday of the month, 10:00 – 11:00 & 13:00 – 14:00. £5 – 6 per person.
Volcano Falls Adventure Golf: Parent & Toddler Session, 11:00 – 13:00. £7.50 per adult. child goes free.
Xplore Soft Play: Tots Session, 10:30 – 14:30 / Mini Maestros sessions at 13:00 & 13:45
Plus, kids can play while you take in the views of the snow slope in Snozone. Find the soft play area in the Snobar on the first floor.
