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.
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
***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
Puddle Ducks … The Perfect IntroDUCKtion to Swimming
Puddle Ducks Wakefield runs classes in pools across Wakefield, Barnsley, Sheffield & South Leeds, and we have just celebrated our 10th year in business!
Our Baby & Pre-School programme (0-4 years) provides a wonderful bonding experience and our progressive lesson plans instil a water confidence and love of swimming. 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, all whilst having lots of fun.
Our Baby & Pre-school programme is offered through six levels:
Floaties (0-6 months),
Splashers (6-15 months),
Kickers (15 months to 2.5 years),
Little Dippers (2-5 years) and
Dippers and Dabblers (2-5 years ability related classes)
For older children, whether they have come from a pre-school class or never been in the water before, Swim Academy (4-10 years) will take your child from ‘getting their faces wet’ to being an independent swimmer and who knows, maybe a future Olympic champion.
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
We are passionate about music and the amazing developmental benefits it has on young children!!
Rhythm Time is an award-winning provider of multi-sensory, fun and educational music classes for babies, toddlers and preschoolers.
Our classes include a variety of multi-sensory musical activities designed to enhance the development of your little one delivered in a friendly and relaxed setting. Lots of fun for everyone!!
“Rhythm Time has been absolutely amazing for me and my daughter. We have been going to class since she was 12 weeks old and is now 17 months! I have met wonderful friends and it allow my daughter to come out of her shell (she is a little shy!!) in a kind and nurturing environment. I cannot recommend it enough and hope to be coming to class for months to come yet!!!”
Local classes
Monday Morning
Morley ActivZone (LS27 0JF)
Lofthouse Methodist Church (WF3 3NE)
Monday Afternoon
Morley ActivZone (LS27 0JF)
Tuesday Morning
Glasshoughton Centre (WF10 4PF)
Tong Village Hall (BD4 0RP)
Thursday Morning
Tingley Methodist Church (WF3 1BD)
Mirfield Trinity Methodist Church (WF14 8AB)
Friday Morning
Wakefield Sports Club (WF1 3RZ)
Gomersal Grove United Reform Church (BD19 4JR)
Offer
Book with a friend and both receive £5 off a block of classes – just quote Wakefield Mumbler on booking
Contact
For more information about classes near you call or text Lauren on 07725 574900
Email: rhythmtimewakefield.lauren@gmail.com
Facebook: Rhythm Time Wakefield, South Leeds, Gomersal and Mirfield
Instagram: Rhythmtime Wakefield and area
Website: Rhythmtime Wakefield and area
** NEW CLASS FOR 2019 **
Toddler Trails are a series of courses aimed at pre-school toddlers from 18-months to four-years-old.
Each indoor trail has been designed to capture the imagination through a story that involves the children as it unfolds. They become part of the story, create keepsakes and they even add to a book that is presented to them in the last session.
Toddler Trails help children to develop key skills in narrative structure and creative development, building a wide vocabulary and developing confidence.
Stories can be more than words on pages, they can be experiences that we build together!
Local classes
3-week Toddler Trail: finding the boggles!
Wakefield Baptist Church Hall, Belle Isle Ave, Wakefield WF1 5JY
Friday 10th May: 10am-11am
Friday 17th May: 10am-11am
Friday 24th May: 10am-11am
Course fee: £5 per session (£15 in total), with a sibling rate of £3 per session (£9 in total).
The booking form does not request payment, which will be taken after the first session; please think of it as a try-before-you-buy deal!
Email: Beccy, beccy.ink@gmail.com
Website: www.storytrails.co.uk
Facebook page: StoryTrailsUK
Twitter: StoryTrailsUK
Instagram: storytrailsuk
Tumble Tots combines fun, excitement and challenge in a safe, caring environment.
The programme is designed to develop a child’s agility, balance, coordination and strength, as well as fostering positive personality traits such as confidence and self-esteem.
Child psychologists and educators agree that a structured programme in movement should be a part of every child’s education. Classes are designed according to the age and stage of development.
Six months to walking
With parental involvement, babies are encouraged to use all of their senses, gently and without pressure. Playing, exploring, crawling and learning together in a fun and relaxed atmosphere.
Walking to two years
There are new challenges to keep children motivated and gaining confidence as they develop their physical and social skills.
Two to three years
With parental support, children increase their independence by listening to instructions and working around a wide variety of themed activity stations.
Three to school age
Children begin to participate on their own, with more challenging task sequences to further develop body awareness, coordination and control.
Timetable
Monday: Pontefract Squash & Leisure Club, WF8 4PQ
Tuesday: Oulton Institute, Oulton, LS26 8SX
Wednesday: Wrenthorpe Methodist Hall, WF2 0SQ
Thursday: Crofton Community Centre, WF4 1LD
Friday: Brain and Brawn Gym, Morley, LS27 0QT
Contact
Angela Kuszyk on 07968 041911
angela.kuszyk@tumbletots.com
www.tumbletots.com/wakefield
www.facebook.com/ttwakefield
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
Our service aims to provide families with the knowledge & skills to carry their child/ren safely and confidently.
We can help with advice on using your own sling/carrier and we also have a vast stock of carriers available to hire for a small monthly fee.
Happy slinging!
Local classes
A number of sling library sessions are running across the area, once a month:
The Den Wakefield (Monday), Barnsley Playzone (Wednesday), Castelford Funalot (Friday), Wakefield Families and Babies (Saturday)
Check the facebook page for dates
Contact
In Wakefield, we are really lucky to have the support of F.A.B. & all their infant feeding peer supporters!
The below information lists all of the locations that infant feeding peer supporters are available to offer support and information to help with your breastfeeding. Please note some of these sessions are term time only and occasionally we do have to change times and venues so we recommend that you speak to FAB to check dates and timings before setting out to avoid any disappointment.
If you can’t make one of these sessions, please remember that the FAB 24hr Breastfeeding Helpline is 01924 851901 and there is a really friendly & supportive facebook group
MONDAY
The Addy, 93 Sycamore Ave, Knottingley, WF11 0PJ
9.30am – 11am – Stay and Play FAB Peer Supporter Present
St Mary’s Church, Horbury Junction, WF4 5DU
1pm – 2.30pm 0-5 years group with Breastfeeding Peer Supporter present
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TUESDAY
Kendal Drive Children’s Centre, WF10 3RY
10am-12 noon – FAB Peer Supporter Present
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WEDNESDAY
Oakhill Children’s Centre, Girnhill Lane, WF7 5JB
1pm – 2.30pm – Breastfeeding Group with FAB Peer Supporter Present
FAB, 31 All Saints Walk, The Ridings, Wakefield, WF1 1US
10am – 12 noon – Breastfeeding Group with FAB Peer Supporter Present. Runs alongside Health Visitor Breastfeeding Champion drop in clinic (for babies who have been discharged from midwife care
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THURSDAY
Cedars Children’s Centre, Barnsley Road, Hemsworth,
WF9 4PU, 12 noon – 2pm – Breastfeeding Group with FAB Peer Supporter Present. Runs alongside Health Visitor Breastfeeding Champion drop in clinic (for babies who have been discharged from midwife care)
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FRIDAY
Havercroft Children’s Centre, Mulberry Place, Ryhill, Wakefield, WF4 2BE 10am -11.30am – Breastfeeding Group with FAB Peer Supporter Present
FAB, 31 All Saints Walk, The Ridings, Wakefield, WF1 1US
10am – 12 noon – Mum run group FAB peer support available if required
Butterflies Children’s Centre, Wakefield Road, Normanton, WF6 1BB 10am-11.30am – Breastfeeding Group with FAB Peer Supporter Present
Happy Days Soft Play Centre, Wakefield, WF2 7AZ
1pm-2.30pm – Breastfeeding Group with FAB Peer Supporter Present. Reduced charge of £2.50 for older siblings to play
Pomfret Children’s Centre, Rookhill Road, WF8 2DD
9.30am-11am -Breastfeeding Group FAB Peer Supporter Present
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SATURDAY
FAB, 31 All Saints Walk, The Ridings, Wakefield, WF1 1US
1pm-2:30pm – Mum run group FAB peer support available if required
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Useful contacts
Families and Babies 24hr Breastfeeding Helpline – 01924 851901
Pinderfields Maternity Unit – 01924 541 689
The Breastfeeding Network – 0300 100 0210
La Leche League – 0845 120 2918
National Childbirth Trust – 0300 330 0771
Association of Breastfeeding Mothers – 0300 330 5453
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
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
Fridays 2:00pm – 3:00pm, The Den, The Ridings Shopping Centre, Wakefield, WF1 1DS
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
Tots Coaching’s Tiny Tots sessions have been designed for Walkers to 3 year olds and aims to help young children develop their fundamental movement skills through structured games and activities and through fun and interactive play.
The 30 minute parent participated session includes passing, catching, try scoring, cone kicking, and games in a fun positive learning environment.
Local classes
Wednesdays 9:15am & 9:45am at The Cluntergate Centre, Horbury, WF4 5DA
Fridays 9:30am at Kirkhamgate Village Hall, Brandy Carr Lane, WF2 0RJ
Saturdays 9:00am & 11:00am at Wakefield City Academy Sports Hall, Eastmoor, WF1 4RX
Contact
Call Anthony or Mick 07517 119230
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
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
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.
