Classes and playgroups
Norwich and the surrounding areas are a fantastic place for bringing up children and there is plenty going on for pre-school age children.
Below is a list of all the local playgroups throughout the week and also details of all the children’s activities and classes available across our district. 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. For information on featured listings and advertising rates please click here.
Beebops Sensory Music and Dance classes are: 
*suitable for babies, toddlers and preschoolers
*a lively mixture of singing, dancing, playing percussion instruments, exploring props and sensory free play
*a mixture of structure and free play
*an aide to your child’s development
*a parent child interactive class
*great value for money
*lots of fun
Classes in Dereham, Lowestoft, Salhouse, Wymondham, Belton, Gorleston, Beccles, East Harling, Hellesdon, Horsford, Filby and Burston (near Diss). See our full timetable here: https://www.beebopsltd.co.uk/classes
(Correct August 2019)
Facebook: www.facebook.com/beebopsltd
Email enquiries@beebopsltd.co.uk
Web: www.beebopsltd.co.uk
JUMP ’N’ LUNCH
Every Thursday and Friday 11am-2pm (Term time)
Arrive anytime during the session and stay until 2pm
Trampoline court can be accessed anytime during the session and toys will be on court
Craft activities including messy play will be available throughout the session
Free use of soft play facility
ONLY £12 for 2 people: includes trampolining, activities and lunch for toddler and parent
Not eating? No problem, standard rates of £5 per toddler & £2 per adult for 1 hour still available.
Call 01603 567200 or visit https://highaltitudepk.co.uk/booking/ to make a booking
ADULT LUNCH
Tea or Coffee with a choice of one of the following:
Jacket potato and beans
Homemade pizza with garlic bread
Cheese and onion/tomato panini
Slice of cake or muffin
KIDS LUNCH
Beans on toast & Squash OR
Sandwich with: ham/cheese spread/strawberry jam
Pom Bear crisps, Cucumber sticks or grapes
Orange or black currant squash
Correct as of August 2019
Mondays – The Belvedere Centre, Belvoir Street, Norwich, NR2 3AZ
9:30am Mixed Monkeys (6 mths-5 yrs)
10:30am Mixed Monkeys (6 mths-5 yrs)
No classes 16th sept or 4th November 2019
Tuesday – Swanton Morley Village Hall, Manns Lane, Swanton Morley, Norfolk, NR20 4NP
10am little Monkeys (6 mths-18 myths)
11am Mixed Monkeys (6 mths – 5 years)
No classes 24th Sept or 12th November
Wednesday – Taverham Scout Hut, Sandy Lane, Taverham, NR8 6JR
10:00am Mixed Monkeys (6 mths-5 yrs)
11:00am Little Monkeys (6-18 mths)
No classes 2nd October or 20th November
Thursday – Eaton Park Community Centre, South Park Avenue, Norwich, NR4 7AZ
10:00am Mixed Monkeys (6 mths-5 yrs)
11:00am Mixed Monkeys (6mths-5 years
No classes 10th October or 28th November
Friday – Roxley Village Hall, Yarmouth Road (close to Thunder Lane) Thorpe St Andrew, Norwich, NR7 0QF
9:30am Little Monkeys (6-18 mths)
10:30am Mixed Monkeys (6 mths-5 yrs)
11:30am Funky Monkeys (3-5 yrs)
No classes on 18th October or 6th December
We are physical play, sensory and music rolled into one… At Mini Monkey Gym we have unique soft obstacle courses to explore which support a weekly movement theme and physical skill. Mini monkeys enjoy jumping off blocks, balancing on beams, crawling through tunnels, rolling down slopes and sliding! We use different sensory and musical props each week to compliment the movement theme such as, ribbons, beanbags, hula hoops, scarves, maracas and bells.
Mini Monkey Gym classes follow the same structure each week. This promotes recognition for your child and builds their confidence to join in with the circle time activities, songs and parachute play. Our circle times are full of fun active songs and rhymes, utilising sensory and musical props. These engage your child and develop their language skills, sense of rhythm and movement. Our sensory movement activities encourage exploration, creativity and self awareness.
Our classes are very relaxed and friendly so children join in when they are ready and are free to explore in their own way! Our classes are fun and social; offering parents a wonderful opportunity for special one-on-one time with their child and a chance to meet other like-minded families. Classes are £7 each, paid termly
Email: norwich@minimonkeygym.co.uk
Phone: 07749 040 812
Website
Music Bugs Norwich recently won the Loved By Parents Platinum award in the Best Baby/Toddler class category. We provide sensory, play-based music and singing classes for children aged newborn to 4 years of age. Classes feature traditional nursery rhymes, silly songs, action songs, knee bouncers, finger play rhymes and wonderful sensory play for babies.
Puppets, pom-poms, scarves, rhythm sticks, parachutes, balls, bubbles, hobby horses and lots of wonderful percussion instruments are available for the children to play with and many of the sessions are themed. Our classes encourage many important skills for children of preschool age including numeracy, language and literacy, fine and gross motor control as well as social skills and independence.
Music Bugs also provide birthday party entertainment for children aged 1-5.
Contact Michelle Bircham via email at norwich@musicbugs.co.uk
Or contact the Facebook page. If you are new to Music Bugs you are welcome to book either 3 consecutive classes for £12 or a one-off trial session for £5. You can view the class schedule on the website.
Classes: Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday.
Note:
The way that Sure Start and Children’s Centres are organised in Norfolk is changing from October 2019.
Please check with the individual centre.
We will update this information as soon as we can.
St Francis Church, Rider Haggard Road, Norwich, NR7 9UQ
Babblers Parent & Toddler Group- 1 month to 5 years
Thursday
9.30am-11am. Term time only.
£1.50 session
Contact 01603 434753 for more information.
The Dojo Norwich, 3 Burton Rd, Norwich NR6 6AX
Baby Sensory- Thursday
Contact Suzy on 07813 978370 for more information.
(Correct August 2019)
St Cuthbert’s Centre @ St Cuthbert’s Church, Wroxham Road, Sprowston NR7 8TZ
Thursday
9.30am-11am.
£1.50 per child (under 6 months free)
Refreshments and craft activities included in the price.
(Checked August 2019)
Independent Children’s Book store with activities through the week. 41-43, Timber Hill, Norwich NR1 3LA
Monday
Baby bounce and rhyme: 1-2pm
Tuesday
Grown up and toddler art: 10am-11am
Wednesday
Toddler Drama: 11.30-12.30
Thursday
Pre-school book craft: 1-2pm
Friday
Inclusive play: 11.30-12.30
Saturday
drama (age 5-8) 11.30-12.30
Sunday
Sunday sessions, 11.30-12.30
1st Thursday of the month, bedtime stories hour, 6.30-7.30pm
Programme for September to December 2019.
BookStart Toddler Time
Norfolk and Norwich Millennium Library, The Forum, Norwich NR2 1AW
Thursday
10.30am-11am. Term-time only.
Rhymes, songs and book aimed at toddlers from 15 – 30 months.
Contact 01603 774774 for more information.
(Checked August 2019)
Toddler time for ages 18 months to 3 years
Thursdays 10.30-11
Norwich Millennium Library, The Forum, Millennium Plain, NR2 1AW
Free to attend, just pick up a sticker 30 mins before the session begins.
From 1st October 2019 there will be a new service for 0-5 years olds in Norfolk. How and where you get support will depend on what you need.
For more införmation, email ECFS-Families@actionforchildren.org.uk
Or Norfolk County Council.
Norwich Central Baptist Church, Duke Street , Norwich, NR3 3AP
Wednesday & Thursday 10am-12pm (term time)
Welcome to Cafe Tots at NCBC. Come and enjoy watching the kids play and meet new parents and grandparents. £1.50 per family.
Contact 01603 760497 for more information.
(Correct August 2019)
Cantley Village Hall Thursdays 9-11.30am.
£2 per family of 2 children, 50p extra child. Unlimited tea and coffee for adults and fruit snack time for children.
Contact Becci Cook 07920422151 for more information.
(Checked August 2019)
From 1st October 2019 there will be a new service for 0-5 years olds in Norfolk. How and where you get support will depend on what you need.
For more införmation, email ECFS-Families@actionforchildren.org.uk
Or Norfolk County Council.
Mulbarton Scout Hut, Mulbarton, Norwich NR14 8AE
Thursday
10.30am- 12 noon 8 months -5 years
A messy play and sensory experience for babies, toddlers and children. With a different theme each week and over 10 activities for your little tinker to explore. From jelly play to shaving foam car washes, dinosaur small worlds to waterwalls your child will be able to play, imagine and create in a completely new experience.
£4.50 per child, £1.50 for siblings, babes in arms free of charge.
Contact 07931 657120 for more information.
Mulbarton Scout Hut, Mulbarton, Norwich NR14 8AE
Crafty Little Tinkers- Baby Explorers. 8 months – 18months.
Thursday
10.30am- 12pm
Come and join us for messy play and sensory fun and singing to end the session.
£4.50 per baby, £1.50 for siblings, babes in arms free of charge.
Friday
Baby Explorers will run every Friday morning starting on September 23rd at Mulbarton Scout Hut, Norwich from 10.30am-11.30am. Suitable for ages 8 weeks to 12 months. With over 10 stations your baby will experience sensory and messy play exploration thats sure to bring those first smiles and giggles. Book online.
Saturday 19th October, 10am-11.30am and 1pm-2.30pm
Thursday 24th October, 10am-11.15am
Friday 25th October, 10.30am-11.45am
Saturday 26th October, 10.30-12 noon
Saturday 2nd November, 10am-11.30am and 1pm-2.30pm
The Garage, 14 Chapel Field North, Norwich, NR2 1NY
Thursday 11am
Creative Dance Pre-school (Age 3-4)
Our fantastic selection of Pre-School Classes are designed to help little ones build their confidence in a creative environment, developing physicality, musicality and simple techniques to build upon. Creative Dance covers a range of styles, so participants can find out what they enjoy before moving on to our children’s classes.
email: takepart@thegarage.org.uk
(Checked September 2019)
Cringleford Church Hall, Newmarket Road, Cringleford , Norwich, NR4 6UE
Thursday
9.30am-11.30am
We are a friendly group for parents, carers and pre-school children run jointly by our members and St Peter’s Church. £2 per family.
Contact St Peter’s Parish Office. Phone 01603 259138 for more information.
(checked August 2019)
Thursday
The Willow Centre, Roundhouse Park, Cringleford, NR4 7JJ
4pm – 4.45pm Beginners: age 3 – 5 years
4pm – 5.00pm Improvers (Debbie’s Class)
4.45pm – 5.45pm Juvenile B: age 7 – 9 years
5.45pm – 7pm Juvenile A: age 9 – 13 years
Colman Infant School, Norwich, NR4 7AQ
5.30pm – 7.00pm Juniors: age 13 – 16 years
7.00pm – 8.55pm Intermediates: age 16 – 18 years
7.00pm – 8.55pm Seniors/Students: age 18 + years
Contact Julie Gibbon 01603 261769 or Debbie Hawkins 01603 819036
(Correct August 2019)
From 1st October 2019 there will be a new service for 0-5 years olds in Norfolk. How and where you get support will depend on what you need.
For more införmation, email ECFS-Families@actionforchildren.org.uk
Or Norfolk County Council.
Notcutts Garden Centre, Daniels Road, Norwich , NR4 6QPOpen every day
At Gymboree Norwich we have fantastic play & learn and sensory baby play classes for under 5s and we are open every day at our brilliant location at Notcutts garden centre.
Contact 01603 250585 for more information.
(New class timetable not yet out, August 2019)
Musical classes for little ones from newborns to 4 years old.
Happy House: Toddlers and their younger siblings. Baby Beeps: Babies sitting to toddling. Baby Bells: newborn babies to sitting.
Monday
Taverham Village Hall, Taverham, Sandy Lane, NR8 6JR
Tuesday
Saints Event Venue, 217 Yarmouth Road, Norwich, NR7 0SQ
Thursday
Willow Centre, Willowcraft Way, 1-13 Cringleford, NR4 7JJ
Friday
Limelight Studios, 113 Aylsham Road, Norwich, NR3 2HY
Contact: Valentina, 07414030169, email: Valentina@hartbeeps.com
High Altitude Parent and Tots bounce session (cafe with free soft play available after session)
91 Whiffler Road, Norwich, Norfolk, NR3 2AW
Timetable subject to change regularly, please check ahead.
Parent and tot: Tuesday 1-2pm
Jump and Lunch: Thursday and Friday 11-1pm
Special needs sessions: Tuesday 10.15 – 1pm and Saturday 5-6pm
Bounce and Tone Fitness: (trampoline creche available) Tuesday 9.30-10.15am – additional £2 for creche if required.
Contact 01603 567200 for more information.
(Listing checked August 2019)
Learn Play Grow is a children’s health and fitness programme for ages 3-11. We work to give children a positive start to life!
Check out the FB page or contact Sheila Hunter here on 07780 557784
(updated Sept 2019)
Tuesday
Gymboree at Notcutts
Wednesday
Norwich Millennium Library
Wednesday at St Peter’s Church Hall, Cringleford, fortnightly
Wednesday at The Pavilion, Aylsham
Thursday, The Tithe Barn, Horstead
Thursday, Aylsham Library
Monday
Norwich Millennium library
Friday
The Jubilee Centre, Aylsham
Dussindale Community Centre, Pound Lane, Norwich, NR7 0SR
Monday 9.30 & 10.15 (term-time)
White House Farm, Wroxham Rd, Rackheath, Norwich NR13 6LB
Thursday 10am
‘Little Feets’ 40min class in Norwich, will warm up your toddlers and get them moving to familiar nursery rhymes and fun action songs. Musical instruments will help with coordination and developing their motor skills. £6. First lesson free.
Contact Philippa on 07837 967908 for more information.
Mini Studio at the Sainsbury Centre for Visual Arts, University of East Anglia, NR4 7TJ
Thursdays
April 2nd ‘Let’s go outside’
May 7th: ‘Tiny, Bigger, Big’
June 4th ‘Meet the Animals’
July 2nd ‘Taking a Line for a Walk’
10.15am – 11.30am (arrival from 10)
£8 full price / £5 concessions, free for accompanying adults.
Booking essential. 01603 593199 or SCVA@uea.ac.uk
Belvedere Centre, Belvoir St (off Dereham Rd ) NR2 3AZ
Eaton Park Community Centre
Contact Mary on 07913 911310 for more information.
(Correct as of August 2019)
Eternity Church, 171 Earlham Green Lane, Earlham, Norwich, NR5 8RF
Friday 10am-12 noon (term time only), cost £1 per family.
Thursday (fortnightly): 9:30am-11am. £2 per family up to 2 children, 50p additional child.
Our Parent-Toddler groups run at both campuses. They are a great place to meet and chat with other parents, grandparents, carers, etc and gives your babies and toddlers an opportunity to interact and play. We provide you with toys and playing facilities to keep your toddlers and babies occupied. Tea/coffee and snacks are available.
(Checked August 2019)
Broadland Youth and Community Centre, Stalham Road, Hoveton, NR12 8DJ
Pre-school class for 1-3 year olds active children with a sense of adventure. We offer a fun environment to ignite children’s curiosity and enthusiasm for learning.
1st Norwich Sea Scout Hall, 13 Old Lakenham Hall Drive, Old Lakenham, Norwich, NR12NW
Thursday
Norwich Nappuccino
10am-12pm
A community group of like minded parents who follow a more child-led approach to raising their children, chatting about babywearing, cloth nappies, gentle discipline, elimination communication, breastfeeding, co-sleeping, bedsharing etc.
Meeting once a month, every 2nd Thursday of the month.
(August 2019)
Oak Grove Community Church, Catton Grove Road, Norwich, NR3 3NT
Thursday
9.30am-11.45am. 1 month – 3 years.
Call 01603 403388 for more information.
(Checked August 2019)
Monday Sprowston Diamond Centre
Tuesday Silver Road Community Centre
Wednesday St George Morse Park
Thursday Eaton Park
Salhouse Jubilee hall, Lower Street, Salhouse, Norwich, NR13 6RH
Thursday
10am-11.30am (term-time)
Activities include a bouncy castle, painting, playdough, outside play area, lots of toys, book corner and there is also snack time for the children with healthy snacks and a tea/coffee for parent/carer.
£2 per family
(August 2019)
Thursdays 10am-11am, once a fortnight
Sew Tired welcomes creative parents (with or without their little ones) who don’t have the time/opportunity at home to indulge themselves. An hour with like minded souls and coffee and cake. Bring your own craft or empty hands & I’ll get you started on something.
Cost: £5
Contact Zoe on 07889699406 for venue details or request to join facebook group Sew Tired.
Spinning Tots Norwich is a fun interactive Music and Movement Sessions for little ones (and grown ups) aged 6 Months – 5 Years.
Monday: Window to the Womb, 14 Timber Hill, Norwich NR1 3LB
Thursday: Taverham Village Hall, Sandy Ln, Taverham, Norwich NR8 6JR
Friday : Hethersett village hall, Back Ln, Hethersett, Norwich NR9 3JJ
Age range: Baby spinners: 6 months – 1 year. Toddler spinners: 1-2 years Mini spinners: 2-5 years. Multi spinners: 6 months to 5 years
Release your mini artist with a stART studio art class!
Exige Way, Wymondham NR18 9ND
Tuesday: 9.30-10.45: Coffe and craft, 1-4 years
Wednesday: 11.30-12.15 ‘Dough Disco’ 1-4 years
Wednesday: 3.30pm-4.45pm: ‘Youth Start’ 6-16 years
Thursday: 9.30-10.30: ‘Mini Artists’ 1.-4 years
To book either visit our Facebook page or call 07985405703
(Correct August 2019)
Salhouse Village Hall, Lower St, Salhouse, Norwich NR13 6RH
Stay and Play group, refreshments available.
Thursday: 9.30am-11.30am, entry is £3.50, ages 0-5 years.
Stay & Play Together Parent & Toddler Group, Owen Barnes Room, Breckland Road, Norwich, NR5 0RNB
Thursday
9.30-11.30am
Breckland Babes is open so that parent and carers can meet others, while their children can play in a safe environment. £2.50, additional child 50p.
Contact 01603 749901 for more information.
(August 2019)
Taverham Village Hall, Sandy Ln, Taverham, Norwich NR8 6JR
Thursday 0-4 years 11 months.
1pm-2.30pm. Term time only.
TEC Toddlers is a great place to bring your little ones for a fun-filled afternoon with lots of toys, games and songs.
£1.50 per week, which includes coffee/tea and biscuits.
Contact Gill Ready on 01603 860192 for more information.
(ENDING SEPT 2019)
Come and join us every Thursday 11-2:30 The Willow Centre (Cringleford, NR4) for a chat and a chill 💘
We’ve got you and your little people covered with toys a plenty, high chairs, baby change, coffee, tea, cold drinks, cake, BLW snacks, ciabattas and a WHOLE LOTTA LOVE
The Hamlet Charity – Little Bees (play and stay sessions)
All our stay and play sessions are FREE of charge. Donations are very welcome, especially for tea and coffee.
Our Morning Stay and Play Sessions (Term time only):
Monday 10-11am Outdoor Bees
Explore the big outdoors and nature in this fun session for pre-school aged children aged 2 and upwards, but will be suitable for younger children’s parents/carers to participate in if they so wish.
Including the use of our fully accessible sensory garden, activities will include bug hotel making, nature trails and den building! Sessions will be aimed at all abilities and made adaptable to suit individual needs.
Tuesday 10.30-11.30am Sensory Bees
Sticky, crunchy, sparkly and sometimes messy play is on offer! Stay and play in our fantastic sensory room and play activities! Explore sensory stimulation through specialist equipment as well as displaying ways to create sensory experiences at homes with everyday household items.
Wednesday 10.30-11.45am Nurture Group
This supportive group for families with babies discharged from the NICU until they are 6 months old. We provide the opportunity for parents to meet others who have experienced a similar journey, reducing feelings of isolation. Working together with health professionals offering parents and carers a nurturing environment filled with opportunities.
Thursday 10-11am Active Bees
Play and pursue physical strengths through rocking, rolling, climbing and jumping – our activities help develop balance and coordination! The sessions are exciting and high energy with soft play and climbing equipment available each week. We have a ball pool to create fun and opportunities to throw into targets. We offer priority to children who have suspected or a diagnosis of Autism or ADHD, but we also welcome children who have lots of energy or are active!
Friday
Friday 10-11am Sing, Shake and Sign
Play and explore movement and music through signalong in this vibrant stay and play group. These sessions will explore communication through the use of singing and dance in a fun and creative way. Children and their families will be supported by our experienced staff to access our excellent sensory room and play resources.
For more information about any of our Little Bees services please contact The Hamlet, Johnson Place on 01603 766566 or email admin@thehamletcharity.org.uk
(Correct as of August 2019)
Long Stratton Village Hall, Ipswich Road, NR15 2TA
Thursday, 10-11.30am (including holidays)
For children ages 0-8 years. £3 per family (adult and child, 50p per extra child), including drinks and snacks, toys, messy play and creative activities.
Find This Little Piggy Group on FB.
(August 2019)
TinyTalk Baby Signing, Singing & Sensory classes. Sing and bounce along to favourite nursery rhymes while learning educational baby sign language. Fun sensory activities linked to language development. Then it’s playtime for the little ones, and social time for you with refreshments. TinyTalk has everything your Baby needs!
£5 per family per class.
Contact: Louiseta@tinytalk.co.uk
TinyTalk Norwich (North)
Baby signing classes for babies up to 2yrs with classes for crawlers/walkers or pre-movers
Drayton Village Hall Pond Lane Drayton NR8 6ZN
Old Catton Pavilion Recreation Ground, Church Street Old Catton NR6 7DS
Queen’s Hills Community Centre Poethlyn Drive West Costessey NR8 5GT
Sprowston Diamond Centre School Lane Sprowston NR7 8UA
Contact Leigh 07538238975
(Correct as of August 2019, from website)
The Garage, 14 Chapel Field North, Norwich, NR2 1NY
Toddler music for 18 months to 3 years.
Thursdays 10am
Fridays 11am
A musical class for toddlers and their big people to enjoy together. These classes use sound, song, percussion and rhythm in a creative way, introducing stories, songs, and play to stimulate your toddler’s musicality.
Email: takepart@thegarage.org.uk
Bowthorpe Church Centre, Bowthorpe Hall Road, Bowthorpe, Norwich, NR5 9AA
Tots on Thursday
10am-11.30am. Term time only.
50p per family, inc refreshments.
Contact the Church Centre on 01603 749614 for more information.
(AUGUST 2019)
Station court, 4 Station Ln, Hethersett, Norwich, NR9 3AY.
Believable play for Under 7’s- open all week.
75 minute sessions.
9.15am-10.30am
11.15am-12.30pm
1.15pm-2.30pm
3.30pm-4.45pm
Child (walking, 1+yrs) £6.50. 1 free adult per paying child.
Additional adult: £2.50
Bring/wear socks or tights. Booking essential.
Contact: 01603 928080 for more information.
(Correct as of August 2019)
Garvestone & Thuxton Village Hall, Norwich, NR9 4AD
Thursday
Walking to 2 years- 10am-10.45
2-3 years- 11am-11.45
Contact Toni Tinker on 07754 180253 for more information.
(Correct as of August 2019)
Great Wood, Blickling, Norfolk, NR11 6NF
Wild by Nature.
A new pre-school group offering stay and play sessions with a forest school ethos.
Thursday term time 10 – 12.
£7 per child, siblings £3.
For more information call us on 07900783412 / 07941868613, or find us on facebook Wild By Nature Norfolk.
