Thanks to Michael Bland at Guardian Counsel for sponsoring our guide to classes in the East Bay for babies, toddlers and preschoolers. Contact Michael at 415.548.1865 to take advantage of his offer of a free guardianship plan for minor children.
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| Dance & Yoga | Play & Learn | Art | Science | Team Sports | Gymnastics | Swimming | Language & Culture
Music classes for babies and older
Music Together (Albany, Rockridge, Montclair, Elmwood, North Berkeley, and more)
Children and their adults will learn songs, fingerplay, and rhythmic rhymes. Appropriate for birth through Kindergarten. 10-week sessions begin four times a year. Visit website > or read 510families Music Together review.
GO! Mandarin music class (Albany, Oakland)
A special music class provided kids age 0-6 to learn Mandarin and Music at the same time. The class speaks Mandarin, sings Mandarin songs, and makes music based on Orff and Kodaly method. Sessions of 45-minute classes are 10 weeks long. Visit website >
Crowden Center for Music in the Community (North Berkeley)
Crowden Music Center offers fun and inspiring 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-style lessons for string instruments begin at age 3. Sessions take place in the fall and spring. Visit website>
Gymboree (El Cerrito, Oakland)
Music classes develop love of music through song, dance, movement games and instruments. With an array of styles, Gymboree music classes explore the power of rhythm, melody, tonality and beat. Classes are free to members. Print a first-class-free pass when you visit the website >
Jingle Jamboree (Albany)
Jingle Jeff teaches music classes in groups to infants, toddlers, preschoolers and elementary children through after-school programs and camps. Jingle Jamboree Music offers Kodály music classes with fun music activities and games; drums and percussion to accompany the songs. Visit website>
Jon’s School of Music (Berkeley)
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. Visit website >
Little Folkies (Berkeley, Oakland)
Acoustic, Folk & Bluegrass music class for babies, toddlers and preschoolers (ages 0-5), with their grown-ups. Program designed to be enjoyable for children and parents alike. Semesters are 12 weeks long. Visit website >
Music With Melita (Berkeley)
Musician and mom Melita is a member of local kids band Octopretzel. She leads engaging and interactive music classes that integrate music with movement, puppets, felt boards and instrument play. Participative sing-alongs and booty-bumping dance-alongs. 8 week series start throughout the year. For children 2-5 years old. Email Melita with the age of your children: gaiamelita@yahoo.com
Multicultural Music & Movement (Albany, Berkeley)
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 English and Italian to kids ages 2-5 and their caregivers. Visit website > or read description on 510families.
Musically Minded Academy (Rockridge)
Group and individual music instruction is offered for older children, but group piano does start at age 4-6. Visit website >
{back to top}
Play and learn classes
TerraTech Fitness (Alameda)
Children’s holistic physical development classes and recreational open play for ages 6 months through 12 years. Visit website >
Studio Grow (Berkeley and Danville)
Weekdays at Studio Grow include circle times for stories, music and parachute activities. All included with the price of admission. Classes include music, yoga, and parachute activities, and you don’t need to sign up for a session. Visit website for times at each location > or read 510families description.
Perachim Flowers at the JCC (Berkeley)
Learn and explore with your 12 to 30 month-old child through play, art, music, stories and Jewish rituals. Sessions offered in the Fall, Winter, and Spring one morning per week for 90 minutes each class. Free trials available. Visit website >
Nitzanim Buds at the JCC (Berkeley)
Join us for an intimate and informal group where parents with infants and young babies can share and learn in a Jewish community. One day per week, for 90-minute sessions. Free trials available. Visit website >
Rec Room Cafe (Berkeley)
The Rec Room is a family friendly spot offering children’s classes for all ages: from baby music and yoga to toddler dance through preschooler crafts and older kid sciences. Healthy organic food & drink options available. Visit website >
Baby Signs (Oakland)
First take the Intro class, a one-time workshop for parents with babies 4-18 months old at Then Comes Baby in Oakland. Then, a longer series of Baby Signs playgroups are available at the same location. More info >
Belly Babies (Oakland)
This Tummy Time class is for pre-crawling babies and takes place over 4 weekly sessions at Then Comes Baby in Oakland. More info >
Berkeley Playhouse Makebelievers (Berkeley)
Weekly classes for ages 4-5; Treasure Trunk Theater Adventure inspires the day’s class. Children use their voices, bodies and imaginations in these six week sessions. Visit website >
Epworth Playgroups (North Berkeley)
Register for a multi-week session to secure your spot. New parents and their toddlers connect in a relaxed social environment over two hour playgroup meetings. Visit website > or read 510families description.
Gymboree (El Cerrito, Oakland)
Play & Learn classes encourage gross motor development in a program designed to support your child’s growth at his or her own individual pace. Beginning as young as 0-6 months with tummy time and continuing through school skills from ages 3-5 with five stages in between. Music and Art classes also offered. Classes are free to members. Print a first-class-free pass when you Visit website >
Habitot Children’s Museum (Downtown Berkeley)
Weekday morning, parent-child classes in cooking, art, music (bilingual) and puppets are offered fall, winter and spring. Week-long, half-day camps for 3-5 year olds are offered spring and winter break, and summer. Seasonal workshops like Gingerbread House Making are scheduled throughout the year. Drop-in classes are 10:30 – 11:15am most weekdays for $8 per child (adults free). Visit website >
Kindergym with Dawn (Oakland)
Children younger than 3 can enjoy Dawn’s facilitated toddler classes or drop-in kindergym playdays. Lots of play equipment in a large, well-lit room with other families. Many opportunities each week. Visit website > or read 510families review of kindergym.
Parent-Child classes at Berkeley Rose (Berkeley)
Offering classes for older babies and toddlers, the Berkeley Rose School signs up families in 10-week sessions. Parents explore topics such as nourishment; reading and understanding baby’s cues; the importance of ritual, rhythm, and routine; child sleeping and waking; and silent child observation. Visit website >
Sweet Pea (El Sobrante)
Parent-child play classes introduce families to Waldorf concepts. Each week, different themes will focus on the foundations of movement development, the importance of rhythm, working with the senses, and building healthy habits. Multi-week sessions begin every few months. Visit East Bay Waldorf website >
Tiddlywinks (Piedmont)
Tiddlywinks is a pre-pre school program for 2-3yeas olds. The curriculum is play-based and teachable moments are utilized throughout the days. Tiddlywinks is offered M/W/F or T/Th from 8:45-11:45 through Piedmont Parks & Recreation. More info >
Together Wee Play Drop-In Program (Frances Albrier Auditorium, Berkeley)
This drop-in group provides a safe, fun, and exciting place for parents to play with their children age 1 to 5. Staff will facilitate with ideas and techniques for skill-building. One adult caregiver is required for every three children. (510) 981-6641
Tum e time (Rockridge, North Berkeley)
Creative ways to play with your baby including infant massage, baby yoga, baby signs, tummy time games & songs. Babies ages one month to pre-crawling are invited to join in. The cost is $100 for the 4-week session, includes a 39 page handout packet, baby signs/songs video and massage oil. Visit website > or read 510families tum e time review.
Wee Play (Alameda)
Come and experience Alameda’s play center for infants and toddlers ages 6 months to 3 years! Activities include developmental and exploratory play, music time, and coloring. Activities are minimally structured which allows children to enjoy and explore on their own terms. Pay for drop-in or buy a multi-visit pass. Visit website > or Read 510families wee play description.
{back to top}
Dance & Yoga classes
Berkeley Ballet Theater (Berkeley)
Classes introduce your child to music, creative movement, and dance to encourage the imagination and self-expression. Through gentle guidance, the little dancers are taught the fundamentals of ballet. Parent-child classes and independent tiny dancer classes available for ages 2.5 and up. We Dance Together are parent/child classes for 3-4 year olds held in 10-week sessions. Pre-ballet starts at age 4. Visit website >
Alameda Ballet Academy (Alameda)
Dance with Me classes are for 3-4 year olds and Pre-Ballet is for 4-5s. Visit website for details on times, fees, and registration details >
Berkeley City Ballet (Berkeley)
Dance with Me (Ages 2-4) classes teach toddlers about music, movement, and ballet alongside their parents. Exercises cultivate students’ sense of coordination and rhythm. Students use their imaginations, and their parents’ help to learn basic movement skills. Next step is Pre-Ballet for ages 4+ where students build on preliminary ballet techniques. Visit website >
East Bay Dance Center (Oakland)
Dance Introduction is for 3-5 year olds, while “Angelina Ballerina” ballet classes for 3-6 year-olds are inspired by the book character of the same name and includes audio narration from the PBS character. Visit website>
East Oakland Sports Center (Oakland)
Creative Movement for children 2-5 is one of many classes offered through Oakland’s Parks and Rec department. Visit website>
Jelly Jam Time (Albany, Berkeley)
Story dancing classes with Risa Lenore are run through the City of Albany and City of Berkeley for children 3-5. Classes are run in cycles of 7-week sessions. Dance and drama are used to explore storytelling. Visit website >
Luna Dance Institute (Berkeley)
Age-appropriate movement classes for toddlers, waddlers, and threes — and also? Infants! (with parent participation) Creative Dance Improv class for 4 year olds and 5s not yet in kindergarten. Visit website >
Montclair Recreation Center (Oakland)
Magic Movement, a parent participation class for 2-3 year olds, is offered weekly, and pre-ballet and pre-tap, are too. All registrations go through Oakland Parks & Rec. Visit website>
Piedmont Ballet (Piedmont)
4-year olds can take an 18-week class through the preschool division, while 5 year olds can begin pre-ballet. Visit website>
Piedmont Recreation Department (Piedmont)
Pre-ballet and Pre-tap is a combination class for 2-4 year olds who will learn the basic steps and rhythmic patterns of both styles of dance. Polkadots Princess ballet is for ages 3-9. (510) 420-3070. See the latest catalog from Piedmont Rec here >
Shawl-Anderson Dance Center (Elmwood)
Taught in weekly classes in a session format: Twinkle 2s; Pre-ballet for 3-4 year olds; Hip Hop and Modern dance for 3-4 year olds and 4-5 year olds, boys welcome. Available to drop-in for a weekly fee: Dance with Me for walkers up to age 4 with parent participation. Visit website>
Van der Zwaan Dance Studio (Berkeley)
Pre-ballet for 3-5 year olds with Teacher Paula is a well-loved class, taught several times per week in 8-week sessions. Visit website >
YMCA (Downtown Berkeley)
Dance classes at the Berkeley Y include Parent/Child Ballet Together and Ballet Essentials for ages 2.5-5. Classes are held in sessions for Y members and non-members with an extra fee. Visit website >
Yogalayam (South Berkeley)
Drop-in yoga classes for toddlers is a combination of yoga and playtime for both of you. Visit website > or read description of toddler yoga on 510families.
{back to top}
Art classes for toddlers & preschoolers
Richmond Art Center (Richmond)
Small and supportive classes provide a haven for kids, ages 3+, to enjoy various art-making activities such as painting, drawing, sculpting, and puppet-making. A short story begins each class and a little snack ends it. Classes meet weekly in 8-week blocks. Occasional free workshops also available. Visit website > or see 510families spotlight on Richmond Art Center.
Gymboree (El Cerrito, Oakland)
Gymboree art classes inspire imagination and self-expression with hands-on art activities such as painting, sculpture, drawing, collage, and dramatic play. Beginning at 18 months through 5 years. Music and Play&Learn classes also offered. Classes are free to members. Print a first-class-free pass when you visit website >
Habitot Children’s Museum (Downtown Berkeley)
Weekday morning, parent-child classes in cooking, art, music (bilingual) and puppets are offered fall, winter and spring. Week-long, half-day camps for 3-5 year olds are offered spring and winter break, and summer. Seasonal workshops like Gingerbread House Making are scheduled throughout the year. Drop-in classes are 10:30 – 11:15am most weekdays for $8 per child (adults free). Visit website >
Kids N Clay (West Berkeley)
Classes for 3 and 4 year olds meet one afternoon per week for one hour. Parents are encouraged to stay and help their little ones explore the joy of clay. Instructors help to insure personal attention as the children explore their creativity. Monthly tuition includes clay, finishes, and firing. Visit website >
Monart Drawing Studio (Berkeley)
For 4-6 year olds, Monart teaches realistic drawing skills among a wide variety of subjects and media, while providing every student enough structure for success and enough freedom for individual creative expression. Visit website >
Sticky Art Lab (Berkeley)
Family Clay Class for children 3-6 takes place three weeks in a row. You will explore different building techniques for clay and clay-like materials. Pinch, coil, squish, and fire it in the kiln. Repeat for deeper mastery of clay techniques learned in class. Visit website >
University Village (Albany)
Classes in this community for UC Berkeley families are open to the public and include a parent participation art class for 2-3 year olds and “Messy Art” for 3-4 year olds. Visit website>
Young Artists Workspace (YAWS) (Totland, Berkeley)
Children age 4 and up become familiar with fine art techniques such as painting, drawing, collage, sculpture and printmaking. All materials provided. Pay by the session or pay for the year. Read our post about YAWS or visit their website >
{back to top}
Team Sports (soccer, baseball, basketball) for toddlers and preschoolers
Bladium (Alameda)
This indoor facility is both a fitness center and a sports complex for kids of all ages. Lil Sluggers baseball goes from ages 2 to 6 and Lil Kickers soccer goes from 18 months to age 5. Visit website >
El Cerrito Parks and Rec (El Cerrito)
Little Kicker Soccer for ages 3-5 takes place at Canyon Trail Lower Field. Download the brochure for El Cerrito Activities >
Frances Albrier Community Center (Berkeley)
At San Pablo Park, this program brings the Challenger soccer curriculum from the UK to kids 2-5 in the form of a Mini Kickers class. (510) 981-6640
Live Oak Community Center (Berkeley)
A city-run sports program that offers preschool basketball for kids 2-3.5 and 3.5-5 years old; soccer for 18 months to age 4 with parent participation and ages 4-5 as “Pee-Wee” soccer. (510) 981-8150
Montclair Tot Soccer (Oakland)
Through City of Oakland, this class for 3.5 through 5-year olds is held in the outdoor play area of the Montclair rec center. (510) 482-7812
Piedmont Recreation (Piedmont)
Make Me A Pro soccer class is for 2.5-3.5-year olds and 4-5-year olds. See the latest catalog from Piedmont Rec here >
Soccer Basics (Berkeley)
Classes for 4-5-year olds meet at the King track next to Hopkins Park. This class is affiliated with the Mersey Soccer League. Visit website >
Tot Sports (Piedmont)
2 to 6-year olds will be exposed to three sports for three weeks each in this nine-week class: soccer, basketball, and baseball. Depending on the time of year, single sport programs offered in golf, soccer, baseball, tee-ball, and basketball. Call for current schedule (510) 420-3070 See the latest catalog from Piedmont Rec here >
University Village (Albany)
Half-hour weekly soccer classes teach basic skills to 3-5 year olds in the Cubs Soccer Class, open to non-residents. Visit website >
YMCA (Downtown Berkeley, Albany, Oakland)
Pre-K basketball for 3-4 year olds; T-ball for 3-4 year olds; and a general toddler sports class for ages 1.5 to 5 are offered on a session basis for both Y members and non-members. Visit website for Berkeley and Albany locations > Visit website for Oakland >
{back to top}
Science for toddlers and preschoolers (including nature and technology)
Curiosity Hacked (Oakland)
Curiosity Hacked offers Tiny Tinkering, Sparks, and family Open Labs for our youngest makers! Tiny Tinkering is a session-based class for 3-5 year olds. Visit website >
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 4, out for an exciting morning at the farm. Each day we’ll 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 5 year-old child.
Outdoor Discoveries @ Sunol: Children 3 to 6 years old and a parent are invited to make playful and scientific discoveries in exciting outdoor classrooms. Programs meet rain or shine. Siblings Welcome.
Lawrence Hall of Science Little Explorers (Berkeley Hills)
Children age 3 to 6 (and a participating adult) can sign up for seasonal hands-on workshop series on Saturday mornings. This series of workshops is designed to capitalize on the excitement and curiosity of the young chemist by exploring cool concoctions. Discounts for members. Visit website > or read our description on 510families.
Oakland Zoo ZooKids (Oakland)
ZooKids is a weekend 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. Discounts for members. Visit website >
Tyke Explorers Workshop at Chabot Space & Science (Oakland Hills)
Children age 3 to 5 get to bring a special grown-up to share in the excitement of science and space each week. Classes are a combination of instructor-led lessons and self-guided, hands-on experimentation and exploration with posted themes. Discounts for members and siblings. Visit website > or read our description on 510families.
{back to top}
Swimming classes for babies through preschoolers
Aquatech Swim School (Alameda)
Indoor warm-water swimming pool with both drop-in and ongoing lessons. The Tadpole level is an interactive lesson designed for babies and toddlers to participate in the pool together with their parents or caregivers from ages 6 months to 3 years. Parent and baby bonding in the water is offered once per week. Visit website >
Canyon Swim School (El Sobrante)
Outdoor swimming school with emphasis on water safety and skills for all ages. Classes for infants, babies, toddlers, and young preschoolers are determined based on demand. Sessions take place in the Spring and Summer beginning in March. Visit website > or read our description on 510families.
El Cerrito Swim Center (El Cerrito)
Parent/tot water safety pre-swimming classes are for 6 months to 2 1/2 year olds. Pre-swim classes are for ages 2 1/2 to 3 year olds. Youth learn-to-swim classes are for ages 4 and up. Sessions are for 4 lessons of 25-45 minutes each. The pool is outdoors and classes may not be offered year-round. Reduced rates available to residents. Visit website >
King Pool (North Berkeley)
Preschool level classes are for ages 3 to 6. No experience necessary. Evening classes throughout the year. Private lessons also available. Reduced rates available to residents Visit website >
Piedmont Community Pool Swim School (Piedmont)
American Red Cross-certified instructors will teach a Parent and Tot class for those with toddlers 1-3 and a Guppie class to 3- to 5-year olds. See the latest catalog from Piedmont Rec here >
Tim Oliver Swimming (Oakland Hills)
Year-round outdoor swimming thanks to the “winter dome”. Parent/child classes are for babies age 3 months to 3 years. Each class is available as a drop-in or as part of a full series to teach swimming to very young children. Group lessons begin where parent classes stop. Visit website > or read our description on 510families.
YMCA (Oakland, Berkeley)
Parent/child swim lessons begin at six months old. Plan to get wet until your child turns 3 when youth swim lessons start. Private, semi-private, and group lessons available several times per year in 8-week terms at three indoor pools. Reduced rates available to members. Visit Oakland website or Visit Berkeley website >
{back to top}
Gymnastics classes for 12 months & up
Head Over Heels (Emeryville)
The curriculum utilized in Head Over Heels preschool classes has been specifically designed to develop motor skills while introducing basic gymnastics moves and terminology. Gym Tots, the class for toddlers aged 18 mos – 3 years requires parent involvement; Gym Tumblers is for 3-year olds; Gym Kids is for 4-year olds; and Gym Stars is for 5 year olds. This busy gymnastics facility offers “open gym” as well during non-peak times. Visit website for class details and open gym hours > or read our description of open gym.
Bay Island Gymnastics (Alameda)
Junior Explorers is a parent participation class that is for babies who have begun to walk through 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 4.5 to 6-year olds. Visit website >
Cal Golden Bears Gymnastics (Berkeley)
Bear Cubs 1 classes start at 18 months and are offered at many timeslots throughout the week. Bear Cubs 2 and 3 do not require parent participation and are for ages 3-4 and 4-5. Visit website>
Flips and Flops (Richmond)
Me and My Parent classes are for 18 months and older, while Mini Flippers is for 3 and 4 year olds. Some classes are held in the evenings. Visit website >
Kinetic Arts Center (Oakland)
Pre-Circus classes focus on the development of coordination and large motor skills. Through the use of music, games, obstacle courses, and equipment like the trapeze, this class encourages both movement education and social development. Circus arts instruction is for 18 months and older. Visit website >
Ruby’s Tumbling (Alameda)
With different classes for babies 12 months and up through toddlers (with parent participation) and preschoolers, Ruby’s Tumbling is a fun space that offers children an opportunity to use their big muscles, develop balance, jump their energy out and practice following directions. Visit website > or read about drop-in childcare for preschoolers.
Trapeze Arts (Oakland)
General Circus Skills class are open to children starting at age 3. A Tots Circus class introduces little ones to tumbling, trampoline and static trapeze. View website >
University Village Gymnastics (Albany)
Classes in this community for UC Berkeley families are open to the public and recommended by many readers. Gym Cubs gymnastics begins at 15 months and there are classes for every age of toddler and preschooler, some with a focus on Circus or Aerial arts. Visit website >
{back to top}
Language & Culture classes for toddlers & preschoolers
GO! Mandarin music class (Albany, Oakland)
A special music class provided kids age 0-6 to learn Mandarin and Music at the same time. The class speaks Mandarin, sings Mandarin songs, and makes music based on Orff and Kodaly method. Sessions of 45-minute classes are 10 weeks long. Visit website >
Viola’s Notes (Albany, Berkeley, Oakland)
Native Italian-speaker Viola teaches Orff-based music and movement classes at preschools across the East Bay. Classes for the public are multicultural music and movement for children 0-5. Italian-immersion is one of the options. Visit website > or read description on 510families.
EBI Spanish Language Enrichment Classes (Oakland)
Independent school, Escuela Bilingue Internacional, invites non-students to participate in enrichment classes from cooking, soccer, and dance, all inclusive of Spanish language instruction. Visit website >
{back to top}
Thanks again to Michael Bland at Guardian Counsel for sponsoring our guide to classes in the East Bay for babies, toddlers and preschoolers.
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 ads@510families.com for information.
The post Classes for Preschoolers, Toddlers & Babies in the East Bay appeared first on 510 Families.