Playgroups and classes
Ryedale 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.
Early Stage 1
Our multi-award winning classes will introduce your baby to a world of sensory exploration. Where the two of you can relax, have fun and share in each other’s delight. For ours is magical world, full of glowing balls, light shows, puppets, bubbles, rainbows, petals, massage, signing and songs. The sessions are designed specifically from birth so we’d encourage you to join as soon as you feel able. We’ve done the research; so you can enjoy the fun.
Wednesdays – Dance Expression, Norton, Malton
1000 – 1100 6 to 13 months
1115 – 1215 Birth to 6 months
Thursday – Sutton upon Derwent Village Hall, YO41 4BN
10:00 – 11:00 6 to 13 months
11:15 – 12:15 Birth to 6 months
Contact Jo Magson by emailing eastyork@babysensory.co.uk or phoning 07581 300149. Alternatively, visit their website for more details and to book a trial. Check them out on Facebook
Our multi-award winning classes will introduce your baby to a world of sensory exploration. Where the two of you can relax, have fun and share in each other’s delight. For ours is magical world, full of glowing balls, light shows, puppets, bubbles, rainbows, petals, massage, signing and songs. The sessions are designed specifically from birth so we’d encourage you to join as soon as you feel able. We’ve done the research; so you can enjoy the fun.
Thursdays in Thirsk
Thirsk and Sowerby Town Hall, West Gate, Thirsk, YO7 1QR
0945-1030 Birth to 13 months
1045-1130 Birth to 13 months
Fridays in Northallerton
The Forum, Bullamoor Road, Northallerton, DL6 1LP
0945-1030 Birth to 13 months
1045-1130 6 to 13 months
1145-1230 Birth to 6 months
With Gemma and Judith
Email: northallerton@babysensory.co.uk
Phone: 07793 763419
Our multi-award winning classes will introduce your baby to a world of sensory exploration. Where the two of you can relax, have fun and share in each other’s delight. For ours is magical world, full of glowing balls, light shows, puppets, bubbles, rainbows, petals, massage, signing and songs. The sessions are designed specifically from birth so we’d encourage you to join as soon as you feel able. We’ve done the research; so you can enjoy the fun.
Mondays – Newby and Scalby Community Hall, Scalby Road, Scarborough YO13 0RA
10.30am: 6 – 13 months
11.45am: 0-6 months
Thursdays – Cayton Jubilee Hall, Main Street Cayton, Scarborough YO11 3TF
10.30am: 0-13 months
11.45am: 0-13 months
Contact Leila Hogg by emailing Scarborough@babysensory.co.uk Alternatively, visit their website for more details and book a trial. Check them out on Facebook
Grove Street
Norton
YO17 9BG
01609 533072.
Children’s centres aim to give children the best possible start in life and enable parents to support their child and family.
Download the Programme of Activities HERE
Little Cricket is a fun NEW cricket activity class for girls and boys aged 2-4, but it’s more than just bats and balls!
Cricket develops nine of the ten Fundamental Movement Skills, more than any other sport, and Little Cricket classes cover all nine. They are throwing, catching, running, jumping, batting, bowling, balance, agility and coordination.
When a child is confident and competent in the Fundamental Movement Skills they can more easily develop other sport specific and complex movement skills that allow them to enjoy broader sports and physical activities as they grow.
Each Little Cricket session focuses on a different Fundamental Movement Skill, using a combination of fun games and cricket activities to engage and teach the children.
Each session lasts for 45 minutes and is delivered by trained coaches to ensure that every child gets the most that they can out of every class.
Our weekly classes run in York on:
Thursdays at Huntington Memorial Hall:
12.30 – 1.15pm: Maxi (3-4 year olds)
1.30 – 2.15pm: Minis (2-3 year olds)
Thursdays at Piglets Adventure Farm:
10.15 – 11am for Maxis (3-4 year olds)
11.15 – noon for Minis (2-3 year olds)
Fridays at Poppleton Road Memorial Hall:
12.30 – 1.15pm: Maxi (3-4 year olds)
1.30 – 2.15pm: Minis (2-3 year olds)
We look forward to seeing you at a class soon!
T: 07511 046890
E: info@little-cricket.co.uk
W: www.little-cricket.co.uk
FACEBOOK
Westfields
Kirkbymoorside
YO62 6AG
01609 533072.
Children’s centres aim to give children the best possible start in life and enable parents to support their child and family.
Download the Programme of Activities HERE
‘Nurture’ is a new suite of enrichment classes for babies and toddlers (0-30 months) with their Parents/Carers.
A range of natural and stimulating materials are used to promote infant and child curiosity, encouraging them to use their senses when exploring.
A certified Montessori teacher will provide developmentally appropriate activities.
Monday at 10:15 AM – 11:45 AM for 0 – 30 months
Afternoon session for those who have outgrown the morning session. Not for babies. Monday 1:00 PM -2:30 PM.
Thursdays 10.15 AM – 11.45 AM for 0 – 30 months
Captain Barney’s, 14 Railway Street, Malton YO17 7NR
Facebook
nurture.enrichment@gmail.com
07949 008887 or 01653 696232
The Old Court House
Malton Road
Pickering
YO18 7JJ
01609 533072.
Children’s centres aim to give children the best possible start in life and enable parents to support their child and family.
Download the Programme of Activities HERE
Swimming with Linzi is all about having fun in a safe environment, from gaining water confidence to great stroke technique.
I offer baby, toddler and Pre-school lessons, 4 weeks – 4 years of age at Carr Junior School in Acomb, York on Monday, Thursday and Friday mornings. It is a small pool and warm at 31 degrees, perfect for little ones!
I also run classes on Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday for children 2 -10 years at Robert Wilkinson School, Strensall, York, from 3.30-6.30 pm.
When children are confident enough, they can go in by themselves without their primary caregiver. This is a natural progression and one where there’s no age limit. The important thing here is, it’s when the child is ready.
Classes are fun based and relaxed with only 7 children in each class. With the whole pool to ourselves, children really enjoy their lessons and thrive learning to swim. I get to know all the children individually and adapt my teaching accordingly. There is only 1 class running at a time so little distraction from other swimmers.
With over 10 years teaching experience, including my own 3 children, I am fully qualified STA Swimming Instructor, STA baby and pre-school teacher, RLSS lifesaving and recently completed Level 3 Diploma in Aquatic Teaching for Baby and Pre-school. Do check out my recommendations on Facebook!
Please feel free to contact me for more information:
Contact: Linzi 07583 936246
Email:linzifitness@gmail.com
You can book directly by clicking this link to the Booking Site
The Woodland Adventure Company run adventures on the following dates! There are many different adventures to choose from, all of which will provide your child/children with an unforgettable magical experience, as well as the added health benefits of being outdoors and connecting with nature.
Thursday 7th February
Friday 8th February
Wednesday 13th February
Thursday 14th February
Friday 15th February
Tuesday 19th February
Thursday 21st February
Friday 22nd February
Primrose Hill, Buttercrambe Road, Stamford Bridge, YO41 1AW
T: 07788713393 (Marie)
E: woodlandadventureco@gmail.com
Our award-winning toddler 
development classes will introduce your child to a galaxy of magical worlds. Each week has a unique theme, meticulously constructed to stimulate your child’s brain, co-ordination and physical development. Imagine zooming through space, partying like pirates, diving through a magical sea. Or would you like to climb a snow mountain, boogie under disco lights, hunt for dinosaurs or tame a fiery dragon?
Thursdays – Dance Expression at Norton, Malton
10.30: 13 months to 2 years
11.30: 2 years to 5 years
New members should MENTION RYEDALE MUMBLER and get an amazing 4 classes for the price of 2
Friday – Pocklington Cricket Club, Burnby Lane, Pocklington, YO42 1UJ
09:30 – 10:20 13 months to 2 years
10:30 – 11:20 18 months to 3 years
11:30 – 12:20 2 years 6 months to 5 years
Contact Steph Pears by emailing eastyork@toddlersense.co.uk or phoning 07725 481334 or visit the website to book a trial. Toddler Sense Facebook
Tumble Tots from 6 months to 4 years
Gym Bobs from 4 to 7 years
A programme that has been going for over 37 years! Tumble Tots and Gym Bobs sessions use unique equipment and are run by staff specially trained to get the best out of your child, structured according to the different ages/stages of a child’s development.
Sessions include climbing, balancing, agility and coordination as well as song time for language development.
Child psychologists/educators agree that a structured programme in movement should be part of every child’s education.
Enjoy quality time with your child teaching them ‘skills for life’.
Class information is as follows:
Monday – The Regen Centre, Riccall
Tuesday – Huntington Memorial Hall
Thursday – The Poppleton Centre
Friday – Acomb Parish Hall
Saturday – St Wulstans, Fossway
Call 01904 412381
Visit www.tumbletots.com/york
Facebook Tumble Tots York
Mention RYEDALE MUMBLER for a free taster
Turtle Tots North Yorkshire is a unique Swimming School starting with Mummies-to-be with Aqua Natal Yoga through to Baby, Toddler and Pre-school classes and School age children, so your child’s swimming journey doesn’t need to end at Pre-school stage with us, they continue into our Academy classes where they can feel safe and happy with familiar surroundings.
We pride ourselves on being a very different and holistic swim school and class emphasis is on nurturing the parent & child bond in the water at all stages. We start with gentle water massage and closeness with your baby in the early stages, whilst also teaching through play/word association. Our toddler and pre-school classes we teach them water safety skills, basic stroke skills, while keeping their attention span stimulated with lots of fun activity play and progression into independent swimming, but most importantly at their own pace. Our Turtle Swim Academy classes are suitable from 3.5 years old (confidence and ability assessed) open to existing swimmers from the Turtle Tots programme, children starting for the first time with swimming classes or transferring from other swim schools.
Our York Classes:
Monday Morning- Novotel, Fishergate, YO10 4FD; Baby and Toddler Classes
Tuesday Morning- Kilima Hotel, Holgate; Baby Level 1 and Toddler Intro
Wednesday Morning – Kilima Hotel, Holgate; Baby, Toddler and Pre-School classes
Thursday Morning – Kilima Hotel, Holgate; Baby, Toddler and Pre-School classes
Friday Morning- Novotel; Baby Level 1, Older baby and Pre-School
Saturday Afternoon – Archbishop Holgate School, Hull Road; Intro to swimming for Older babies and Toddler Classes
Sunday Morning- Kilima Hotel; Baby, Toddler and Pre-School classes
We also deliver classes on Saturdays in Harrogate and Sunday in East Leeds.
Free taster classes are also available and a 10% first term discount when you mention Mumbler.
Contact: Paula Stewart
T: 01423 210214
E: northyorkshire@turtletots.com
💥EMPOWER YOUR CHILD💥
At UMAC we provide a safe structured environment for your child to learn and develop.
✅ENJOY EXERCISE
✅BUILD CONFIDENCE
✅HAVE DISCIPLINE
✅LEARN TO RESPECT OTHERS
✅HAVE FUN and MAKE FRIENDS
2/3yr
Saturday 9 am (weekday classes coming soon)
3/6yr Little Dragons
Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday 4.30pm
Saturday 9.30am
7/12yr Ninja Kids
Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday 5.15pm
Saturday 10.15am
Website
Facebook
56 Castlegate, Malton, YO17 7DT
07956 612667
Thursday 10.30am at Westow Cricket Pavilion
For 18 months to 4 years.
A fun introduction to music where we will sing songs, play real instruments and start writing tunes together! It will be great preparation for learning an instrument when your child is slightly older. Read the Mumbler Review here
Tea and coffee will be available. £4 a session. Booking essential.
Call Vanessa on 07850 422155
Facebook
Email vanessasimmonsmusic@gmail.com
Baby swimming with Water Babies
is an exciting, enriching experience for both you and your little one. As the UK’s leading swim school, not only do we teach vital lifesaving skills but we always incorporate lots of bonding, fun and socialising, so you can be sure that a Water Baby is a happy one! Our number one priority is to make sure you feel both happy and safe in the water.
Mondays: 10.00 – 13:00 New Earswick, Haxby Road, York, YO32 4AQ
Mondays: 09:30 – 12:00 Weighton Wold Pool, Beverley Road, Market Weighton, YO43 4NE
Tuesdays: 09:00 – 10.30am Aldwark Manor, Aldwark, YO61 1UF
Tuesdays: 09:00 – 11:30 Marriott Hotel, Tadcaster Road, York, YO24 1QQ
Tuesdays: 10:00 – 11:30 Palm Leisure Club, Carnaby, Bridlington, YO16 4UJ
Tuesdays: 12:30 – 15:00 The Pheasant Hotel, Harome, Helmsley, YO62 5JG
Wednesdays: 10:00 – 12:00 Palm Leisure Club, Carnaby, Bridlington, YO16 4UJ
Wednesdays: 10:00 – 11:30 Weighton Wold Pool, Beverley Road, Market Weighton, YO43 4NE
Thursdays: 13:00 – 14:00 New Earswick, Haxby Road, York, YO32 4AQ
Thursday: 10:30 – 11:30 Marriott Hotel, Tadcaster Road, York, YO24 1QQ
Fridays: 09:00 – 12:00 The Pheasant Hotel, Harome, Helmsley, YO62 5JG
Fridays: 9:30 – 11:00 Weighton Wold Pool, Beverley Road, Market Weighton, YO43 4NE
Fridays: 11:00 – 12:30 The Kilima Hotel, 129 Holgate Road, York YO24 4AZ
Fridays: 13:30 – 15:00 Marriott Hotel, Tadcaster Road, York, YO24 1QQ
Fridays: 16:00 – 18:30 Energise, Cornlands Lane, York, YO24 3DX
Saturdays: 09:00 – 15:00 Energise, Cornlands Lane, York, YO24 3DX
Saturdays: 10:00 – 12:30 The Kilima Hotel, 129 Holgate Road, York YO24 4AZ
Saturdays: 13:30 – 16:00 Robert Wilkinson, West End, Strensall, York, YO32 5UH
Sundays: 09:00 – 15:00 Energise, Cornlands Lane, York, YO24 3DX
Sundays: 11:00 – 12:00 Palm Leisure Club, Carnaby, Bridlington, YO16 4UJ
Contact 01904 607110 or littlefish@waterbabies.co.uk for more information.
For any Mumblers that book onto a course, just quote RYEDALE MUMBLER and we will send them a free Splashabout Happy Nappy (required for the lessons) with their starter pack – worth £10.99.
Join us for a fun and engaging weekly art club session, which gives young people the change to get involved with a wide range of arts and craft activities.
Our sessions run term time on a Thursday from 4-5.15pm which are for young people aged 5-18 and on a Saturday there are two sessions for different age groups. Saturday from 10-11.15am is for young people aged 5-10. Saturday from 11.30am-12.45pm is for young people aged 11-18.
4 Westgate, Thirsk, YO7 1QS. Tel: 01845 526536
Babies can start at Baby Swimmers as soon as you and baby are ready and happy to do so.
Swimmers Academy run classes for children whatever their age and ability from beginners at 4 years old.
Tuesdays – New Earswick & Roko
Wednesday – Roko & Pocklington
Thursdays – New Earswick & Stamford Bridge
Fridays – Roko
Saturdays – Pocklington, Stamford Bridge & Strensall
Contact on:
0808 1 33 44 55 (Landline Free phone)
0333 8008 345 (Mobile Friendly)
Thursday 4pm – 5pm from age 4
We offer classes in Street, Gymnastics, Tap, Acro, Modern Jazz, Freestyle Jazz, Ballet (both RAD and IDTA), Musical Theatre, Contemporary, Drama, Speech & Drama, Private Singing lessons, Zumba and Pilates, toddler dance (Mini Movers) and toddler Gymnastic’s (Gym Beans).
Dance Expression. Ryedale Indoor Bowling Club, Bowling Lane, Scarborough Rd, Norton, Malton, YO17 8EG
Phone 01653 691102 or 07849 865736
57 Market Place, Malton
01653 694999
A lovely atmosphere. Children friendly. Amongst other things, delicious cakes, often a great deal to be had and the home of the “unicorn” hot chocolate
#allhomemadeinmalton
Mother and Toddler Mornings on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday 9.30am – 11.30am
Free cupcake with every coffee for parents. Free milk and biscuits for children.
Dog friendly too!
Children’s Story time Thursday 10am – 10.45am at Norton Hive – Library and Community Hub
Commercial Street, Norton, YO17 9ES
Phone: 01653 692960
Mondays:
4.30-5pm Tiny Tigers (3-5 year olds)
5-5.30pm Tigers ( 6-8 year olds)
5.30-6pm Junior Karate/Kickboxing (8-13 years)
6-7pm Junior Judo (8-13 year olds)
Wednesdays:
4.30-5pm Tiny Tigers (3-5 year olds)
5-5.30pm Tigers ( 6-8 year olds)
5.30-6pm Junior Karate/Kickboxing (8-13 years)
Thursdays
5-5.30pm Tiny Tigers (3-5 year olds)
5.30-6pm Tigers ( 6-8 year olds)
6-6.30pm Junior Karate/Kickboxing (8-13 years)
Our classes are held at our full time training centre in Easingwold
Unit 20, Shires Bridge Business Park
York Road
Easingwold
YO61 3EQ
01347 811351
Energi Toddlers is the ultimate place in York to bring your 2 – 5 year olds. With dozens of interconnecting trampolines, foam blocks, Disney soundtrack and our super friendly staff, your little one will be grinning ear to ear. Best of all, we let you jump for free, so the fun’s not limited to your little ones!
Energi Toddler runs every weekday at 10am and Saturdays at 9am. Our huge café is the perfect place to refuel after your session with our freshly brewed coffee, Ringtons tea and delicious homemade cakes and sandwiches.
Sessions cost £4.95 per toddler and adults get to jump free of charge, so what are you waiting for?!
3-7 Rose Avenue, York Business Park, York, YO26 6RU
01904 360 500
Wednesday and Thursday 3.30pm – 4pm
A mini gymnastics which gets toddlers rolling, jumping and turning.
Dance Expression.
Ryedale Indoor Bowling Club, Bowling Lane, Scarborough Rd, Norton, Malton, YO17 8EG
Phone 01653 691102 or 07849 865736
Thursday 1pm
Gymnastics for 2 years plus
Kirkham Henry Performing Arts Centre, Horsemarket Road, Malton, YO17 7NB
Tel : 01653 693310
Stay and play session on a Thursday afternoon, term time 1.15 until 2.45pm.
£1.50 for up to 14 mths, £2.50 for 14mths +
Includes snack and a cup of tea/coffee for mum.
Parish Hall, Hallgarth, Pickering, YO18 7AW
Mobile number: 07910 147095
1.30pm – 3pm Thursday (term time only).
£1.50 includes cuppa, cake and snack for little one.
Also incorporates Breast Friends Malton peer support drop in for all things breastfeeding.
Rillington Church Rooms – just on the traffic lights in the centre of village opposite the church
MY BABY CAN DANCE is an award winning movement to music pre school activity class which follows the development stages for the little ones. Ideally birth to 4 years old. For children with additional needs there is no upper age limit.
School term time paid in set blocks of 5.
TUESDAY
10.45 – 11.30 Piglets Adventure Farm, Towthorpe YO32 9ST
THURSDAY
9.30 – 10.15 St Johns Catholic Church, Long Street, Easingwold, YO61 3JB
KATHERINE PEAK
T: 07714 210814
Baby yoga, massage, songs and a snack!
Thursday 10am (term time only) at Viriam Studio, 5a South Lane, Haxby YO32 3DJ
In addition, Jade will do blocks of sessions in a clients home if there is a group of 4+. The host then only pays half price.
Phone to find out more information: 07429 269154
These sessions are for children aged 2 to school age, unaccompanied by adults, sessions run from 9.10 until 11.40 am – Tuesday to Friday (inclusive) and the session cost is £8.50 on those days we also offer a lunch club from 11.40 until 12.55pm where children eat a packed lunch supplied by parents with the staff. The lunch club cost is £3.50
Potter Hill, Pickering. YO18 8AA
07837 306460
Pre School Dance 3 years plus on Thursday 4.00pm – 4.45pm at the Kirkbymoorside Memorial Hall
Our pre-school classes are devised especially for boys and girls aged 3 – 4 years. The emphasis is on the development of co-ordination, discovery of mime and musicality, and group participation.
Sarah-Louise Ashworth School of Dance
07801 885044
FUN, EDUCATIONAL & AWARD-WINNING Baby & Toddler music classes in and around York.
Our specially created music-based activities will stimulate all their senses AND help develop their COMMUNICATION, SPEECH, CONFIDENCE, LITERACY, LISTENING SKILLS, PHYSICAL DEVELOPMENT and SOCIAL SKILLS – all whilst having fun to music!
Thursday morning @ Dunnington Reading Rooms
Thursday afternoon @ Copmanthorpe
Friday morning @ St Aelreds Community Centre, Tang Hall.
Call Rachel 07847717403
Thursday mornings Term Time only
9:45-11:45
Sheriff Hutton Village Hall, Finkle Street , Sheriff Hutton
A warm welcome awaits all parents, grandparents and carers with babies, toddlers and preschool children. The room is laid out attractively with art and craft activities, small climbing toys, water play and a baby area. Staff are on hand to chat with you, make you a cup of tea and introduce you to other parents. We have snack time, where we share a plate of healthy snacks and end the session with singing circle.
The health visitor attends on the first Thursday of every month. No need to book an appointment with her just turn up at the hall and you will be able to drop in and see her with your child.
We charge £3.50 per family (£2.00 if you only have a baby) to cover the cost of the hall hire, but no charge is made if you would struggle to pay this. Tea/coffee and biscuits are provided. We hope to see you there and get to know both you and your child.
Thursday 1.45pm
Story time at Stamford Bridge Library for toddlers and pre-schoolers
FREE
Church Road, Stamford Bridge, YO41 1BP Phone: 01759 372487
Tuesday 10am – 11am
Wednesday 10am – 11am
Thursday 10am – 11am
Friday 9.30am – 11am
held at the Flower of May Holiday Park, Lebberston Cliff, Scarborough YO11 3NU
for babies 8 Weeks old up to toddlers 4 years old.
10 week courses.
Call Claire on 07837472428
Playtime fun, bible stories, cheerful songs and its all free! Including a drink and a snack.
First Thursday of every month
1.30pm – 2.45pm
St Mary’s Community Centre, Old Malton
