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, Spixworth, Wymondham, Belton, Gorleston, Beccles, East Harling and Long Stratton. See our full timetable here: https://beebops.class4kids.co.uk/
Facebook: www.facebook.com/beebopsltd
Email enquiries@beebopsltd.co.uk
Web: www.beebopsltd.co.uk
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)
Tuesday – Swanton Morley Village Hall, Manns Lane, Swanton Morley, Norfolk, NR20 4NP
10:30am Mixed Monkeys (6 mths-5 yrs)
11:30am Funky Monkeys (3-5 yrs)
Wednesday – Taverham Scout Hut, Sandy Lane, Taverham, NR8 6JR
10:00am Cheeky Monkeys (18 mths-3 yrs)
11:00am Little Monkeys (6-18 mths)
Thursday – Eaton Park Community Centre, South Park Avenue, Norwich, NR4 7AZ
10:00am Cheeky Monkeys (18 mths-3 yrs)
11:00am Little Monkeys (6-18 mths)
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 Cheeky Monkeys (18 mths-3 yrs)
11:30am Funky Monkeys (3-5 yrs)
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.
9.30-11.30am, first Tuesday of the month during term time
(7 May, 4 June, 2 July, 1 October)
Lower ground mall, outside Boots
Bring your little one to intu Chapelfield on the first Tuesday of every month during term-time for free fun and games. Specially designed with children aged 18 months-4 years in mind, there’ll be free soft play plus other activities such as story-telling, DIY puppet shows and other toys to play with. Activities will vary month to month.
It’s a great chance for the children and the grown-ups to make new friends and spend some quality time together.
The event is for Family Club membersonly and it is free to sign up! Simply visit the website HERE. You will receive a welcome email, which you can show at the information desk to collect your joining pack including membership cards for access to the event.
More event details at intu Chapelfield – Toddler Tuesdays
Other info: Parents and guardians of children younger than 18 months are very welcome. Event entry is on a first come, first served basis. Events will not be on during the school holidays, nor in November and December.
Notre Dame Prep School, 147 Dereham Road, Norwich, NR2 3TA
Tuesday and Friday 9.30am-11am (term time)
0-4 years.
Each session provides opportunites to discover crafts of differing kinds, a variety of large and small play, and play outside when the weather allows. We use the school mini bus to go on exciting and fun trips each term and generally have a lot of fun all year round. First session free.
Contact Mary Taylor on 01603 625593 for more information.
Thorpe End Village Hall, Plumstead Rd, Thorpe End, Norwich NR13 5BU
Tuesday
45 minute sessions
9.30, 10.30 and 11.30am
BABY JACKS is a “fun 4 baby” programme put together on behalf of the British Amateur Gymnastics Association by my tutor who is a health visitor, paediatric nurse and midwife as well as a B.A.G.A. coach.
Classes cost £4.90, payable half termly. There are no joining fees.
For more information or to book, please contact Dawn on 07799053140 or 01603 436764
St Cuthbert’s Church Hall Annex, 2 Wroxham Road, Sprowston, NR7 8TZ
Baby Sensory- Tuesday
10.00am – 11.00am 7 to 13 months
11.15am – 12.15am Birth to 8 months
12.30pm-1.30pm Birth to 13 months
Contact Suzy on 07813 978370 for more information
Rowan House Health & Wellbeing Centre, 28 Queens Road, Hethersett, Norwich, NR9 3DB
Tuesday 10.45am-12pm
Best from 10-12weeks until crawling
Contact info@babyfit.me.uk for more information
Booking is essential.
(Checked August 2019)
Currently on maternity leave until September. Please follow www.boptots.co.uk for class restart dates.
(Checked August 2019)
Costessey Methodist Church, Norwich road, Costessey, Norwich.
Tuesday
9.30am-11.30am (term time) Ages 0-5
Caterpillars is a fun and friendly toddler group with plenty of indoor and outdoor space. We also have a little sing song and the children get to play with some instruments during the morning.
Contact Jenny Walker on 07867302019 for more information.
I can’t find an updated version of this timetable, please let me know if you come across it. Katrin
Parent Toddler Sessions
Gravity Trampoline Park
Riverside Entertainment Centre, Wherry Road, Norwich, NR1 1WX
The parent and toddler sessions are for ages 18months- 5years. And the sessions are:-
Monday 10-11
Tuesday 1-2
Wednesday 10-11
Thursday 11-12
Friday 11-12
Sat& Sun- 9-10
£5 per person, £1 per pair of socks.
Contact 01603 964949
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.
All classes at Hempnall Village Hall, Bungay Rd, Norwich NR15 2NG
Tuesdays : 9.15am -11am (stay and play playgroup)
Fridays: 10.15am – 11.45am (sing and play session)
Suitable for ages 0-4 years old. Term time only.
(Listing checked August 2019).
Contact Katie on 07940436805 for more information.
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)
Langley Preparatory School Parent & Toddler Group
Langley Preparatory School at Taverham Hall, Taverham, Norwich, NR8 6HU
Tuesday 1.45pm-3pm (term time)
£2 for block booking. Book your FREE trial session. Open to babies and toddlers aged 0 – 2 years .
Contact Mrs Julie Berry on 01603 433 055 for more information.
Learn Play Grow is a unique, fun fitness programme exclusively designed to encourage your little ones to have fun getting fit and healthy and confident.
Tuesday (term-time)
Wymondham Leisure Centre, Norwich Rd, Wymondham, NR18 0NT
Family sessions: 1-2pm 0-2 years
2-3pm 3-5 years
3.30-4.30pm 5-7 years
4-5pm As above
Thursday (term-time)
Hayman Lodge, South Lodge, Oak Ln, Norwich, NR6 7DB
9.30-10.30am, 2-5 years. Siblings welcome, under 1’s FREE.
£5 a session.
Parties- Our LPG parties our designed to guarantee that every child taking part has a day to remember. Each of our LPG activities have been effectively advanced to have a special party touch.
Spanish for 0-12 years old
Tuesday
Gymboree at Notcutts
12.45-1.15 and 1.30-2pm for 0-3 years
2.15-2.45pm for 3-5 years
Wednesday
The Pavillion, Aylsham
3.45-4.15pm Ages 4-7 (KS1)
4.15-4.45pm Ages 7-11 (KS2)
Friday
The Jubilee Centre, Aylsham
9.30-10am for 0-3 years
10.15-10.45am for 3-5 years
Spixworth Hub, Ivy Road
12.45-1.15 for 0-3 years
2.15-2.45pm for 3-5 years
(After October Half Term – Wednesday morning at Millennium Library in the Forum).
Lingwood Village Hall, Station Road, Lingwood, Norwich, NR13 4AU
Tuesday 9.30am-11am.
Friendly toddler group. Lovely big hall, lots of toys, a craft activity, snacks for the little ones, tea coffee and cake for the grown ups.
Cost is £2 per session but first week is free.
Contact 07789 968622 for more information.
The Garage, 14 Chapel Field North, Norwich, NR2 1NY
Monday
10.15am – 11.00am (2 to 3 year olds)
11.15am – 12.00pm (3 to 4 year olds)
Tuesday
11.00am – 11.45am (3 to 4 year olds)
Saturday
9am – 9.45am (4 to 6 year olds)
10 – 10.45am (4 to 6 year olds)
11 – 12pm (6 to 7 year olds)
Norwich Theatre Royal, Norwich
Wednesday
10 – 10.45am (2 to 3 year olds)
11 – 11.45am (3 to 4 year olds)
4.30pm – 5.15pm (4 to 6 year olds)
5.30pm – 6.30pm (6 to 7 year olds)
The Willow Centre, Cringleford
Friday
9.30 – 10.15am (3 to 4 year olds)
10.30 – 11.15am (2 to 3 year olds)
We keep class sizes small so places must be reserved in advance.
Contact 01603 283382 for more information.
Hewett School, Norwich, NR1 2PL
Tuesdays (Term-time)
10am-10.45am Adult and toddler, structured
11am-11.45am Independent & structured
12pm-12.45pm Adult and toddler, unstructured
Fun and progressive introduction to gymnastics, with British Gymnastics qualified coaches. For children walking – 4 years.
£3.50 per adult and toddler session
£4 per independent session
Belvedere Centre, Belvoir St (off Dereham Rd ) NR2 3AZ
Tuesday 10.15 – over 1’s
Thursday and Friday 9.30 – over 1’s
Eaton Park Community Centre
Wednesday 10am – over 1’s
11am – 0-12 months
Contact Mary on 07913 911310 for more information.
Term time Tuesday morning from 10-12 in Chantry Hall (the offices of St Peter Mancroft, NR2 1QZ) behind Wagamama.
Lovely friendly group, £2 per family including tea, coffee, squash and biscuits. There’s usually a craft activity, story time and singing at the end.
General enquiries 01603 610443
Pre-school class for 1-3 year olds active children with a sense of adventure.
Our classes have been specifically designed to follow the Early Years Foundation Stage and are designed for children aged between 1-3 years. We offer a fun environment to ignite children’s curiosity and enthusiasm for learning.
Norwich Gymnastics Club, Sale Road, Norwich, NR7 9TR
Monday, Tuesday & Wednesday
Pre-school with parent, 10.15am-11am
Pre-school without parent, 11am-11.45am
Telephone 01603 502976
St Thomas’s Church, Earlham Road, Norwich, NR2 3RG
Monday, Tuesday and Friday at 9.30am
Extra sessions Tuesdays at 10.35am
pete@sargassotrio.com
The Salvation Army, 24 Boundary Road, Norwich, NR6 5HT
Tuesday 9.30 – 11.30am
£1 session.
Contact 01603 402703 for more information.
Sprowston Methodist Church, Wroxham Road, Norwich, NR7 8AD
Tuesday 1.30pm-2.45pm (term time)
A playgroup for all children 0-5 years old and their parents, grandparents or childminders.
It uses the local church hall and garden, includes a “ride on” room, small world room with reading books and variety of baby and toddler toys.
Everyone is welcome.
£1 weekly per family, plus £1 per term time period.
50p per visitor.
Contact Pauline Butler on 01603 466084 for more information.
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
Contact 07803 363675 for more information.
Thorpe St Andrew Village Hall, Yarmouth Rd. NR7 0QF
Tuesday 1-3 years: 2.00pm – 2.45pm
3-5 years:1.00pm – 1.45pm
1 free taster session. Sessions are £6 each, payable half-termly in advance. Siblings attending in same session will receive a 50% session fee discount.
Contact Jo Marchant on 07821 030106 for more information.
TinyTalk Norwich (North)
Baby signing classes for babies up to 2yrs with classes for crawlers/walkers or pre-movers
Drayton- Mondays 09:45/11:00
Sprowston- Tuesdays 09:30/10:45
Queens Hills- Thursdays 09:45/11:00
Old Catton- Fridays 10:00
Contact Leigh 07538238975
Every Tuesday 10.30am-11.15am
The Garage, Chapel Field North, Norwich, NR2 1NY
Toddler Dance (18 months – 4 years), is a popular, fun and creative class for toddlers to dance with mum, dad or carer. A great class for early development. The classes are open to all levels.
Contact: wayne.savage@thegarage.org.uk
The Garage, Chapel Field North, Norwich, NR2 1NY
(18M-4YRS WITH ADULT)
Dussindale Centre, Pound Lane, Norwich NR7 0SR
Tuesday (term-time)
9.45-11.45am
Friendly and informal mother and toddler group (& baby). Included is song time and a drink and a biscuit. £2.
Contact Kerry Giles on 07900 904128 for more information.
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
1.30pm-2.30pm
3.30pm-4.45pm
Child (walking, 1+yrs) £5.75. 1 free adult per paying child.
Additional adult: £2.50
Bring/wear socks or tights. Booking essential.
Contact: 01603 928080 for more information.
Thorpe Marriott Village Hall, Norwich, NR8 6XE
Tumble Tots.
Walking to 2years- 10am
2-3 years- 11am
Contact Toni Tinker on 07754 180253 for more information.
Trinity Church Centre, The Square, Thorpe Marriott, NR8 6XE
Tuesday & Thursday
10am-11am. Term-time only.
Contact Christine on 01603 868234 for more information.
Twinkle Toes Cafe, 63 Sussex St, Norwich, NR3 3DG
Tuesday – Teeny Tots at Twinkle’s Town at 10am. A 90 minute play session including the Town and Sensory Room. Each week is themed and includes a music and singing session
Wednesday – at 10.30am is Baby and Me Time. A Sensory Class for babies age 3 months to crawling. A Sensory Adventure based around a book and uses lights, sounds, bubbles and music to explore the Sensory world
12.30pm is our Brand New Sensory Newborn Class for birth to 3 months. This again uses our Sensory props and instruments and is based around massage and exploring the senses. This class has totally Free!
Friday – 10.30am is Free Baby Massage. A 4 week course learning a new skill and bonding with baby
Contact Lianne on 0771774972 to book your space.
Wensum Valley Nursery School, Wensum Road, Lyng, Norwich, NR9 5RJ
Tuesday 1pm-2.45pm (term time)
Our group is for babies, toddlers and children up to school age and their families/carers. Many toys and activities to enjoy, and a large outside area. Refreshments provided for all.
Regular visits from a NHS Health Visitor for baby weighing and family support.
Just £2 per family with refreshments provided.
Contact 01603 872252 for more information.
