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
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.
9.30-11.30am, first Tuesday of the month during term time
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.
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.
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.
(August 2019)
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
(Correct August 2019)
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)
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.
Bop Tots Music & Movement classes for under 5’s at Lincoln Hall, Hingham, NR9 4HW
Classes are fun, friendly & energetic. Focusing on moving to the music using various instruments & props, followed by a relaxed social time with refreshments. Spaces Limited – Booking Essential (Pay As You Go/Half Term Bookings)
Contact Karen – 07510024273
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.
Busy Bees Playgroup
Every Tuesday starting 4th November 2019 for 8 weeks. 10am-11am
FREE baby group at the Busy Bees nursery at Norwich Airport, no obligation to book. Just turn up to our parent connection group.
Contact: Victoria Houlston, 01603 788814.
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.
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.
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.
Drop in every Tuesday until 17th December 2019, 9.30am-11am
Free family community cafe
Spixworth Infant School, Ivy Road, Spixworth, noRWICH, nr10 3px
Come along for a free cuppa and a chat.
Contact: 01493 891150
spixworth@steppingstonesdaynursery.org
Magdalen Gates Primary School, Bull Close Road , Norwich, NR3 1NG
Tuesdays – 9am-11am (term time)
Drop in baby and toddler group for 0-4’s- all welcome. Art activities, music and singing session, age appropriate toys, books, puzzles etc.
There is a charge per adult and up to 3 children.
Contact Nicky Hudson / Vicki Chenery on 01603 465513 for more information.
(Checked August 2019)
Hethersett Village Hall, Back Lane
Tuesdays 9.45am-11am term time.
For babies to pre-school children.
£2 for the 1st child, £1 for additional siblings/children in your group. Price includes stay and play with a variety of toys and unlimited fruit, biscuits, tea and coffee. All funds raised go straight back into running the group. We are a team of volunteers.
Facebook – ‘First Steps Hethersett Stay & Play Baby Group for 0-5 year olds’
Contact: sarahlawrence87@live.co.uk
Parent Toddler Sessions
Gravity Trampoline Park
Riverside Entertainment Centre, Wherry Road, Norwich, NR1 1WX
The parent and toddler sessions are for ages 18months- 5years.
Check with website.
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.
(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
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.
(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
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.
(Correct,August 2019)
Little Ducklyngs Stay and Play, Lyng Village Hall, Richmond Pl, Norwich NR9 5RF
Tuesday mornings, during term time 9.15am-11.15am
Fun and activities for babies and preschool children. £2.50 per week to stay and play, including tea/coffee for grown ups and a healthy snack for the children.
Those without little ones are also very welcome to drop in for a cuppa, for just a small charge towards the costs. As well as being an enjoyable, welcoming and supportive playgroup, we hope that Little DuckLyngs will be a great opportunity for people to meet and get to know each other across the generations.
Spring Gymnastics, Hewett School, Norwich, NR1 2PL
Little Springers Structured (parent and toddler)
Little Springers Independent (3+ years)
Little Springers free play
(Times correct as of August 2019)
Mini Professors Preschool Science Classes (ages 2-5 yr)
Join us for a fun-filled scientific adventure! Every week we cover a new and exciting topic and each lesson is packed full of experiments, stories and fun.
Our sessions are aligned with EYFS and we encourage your little one to socialise, share, take turns and improve their fine and gross motor skills.
Tuesdays, St Anne’s Church Hall, Colman Road, Norwich, NR4 7HA
Friday
Hayman Lodge, Oak Lane, Old Catton, NR6 7DB
10.30am – 11.10am. 2 years to 3 years 6 months.
11.30am – 12.10pm. 3 years 5 months to 5 years 11 months.
Saturdays, (Monthly) Eaton Park Community Centre, South Park Avenue, Norwich, NR4 7AZ
(Checked August 2019)
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
(Correct, August 2019)
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
(Correct, August 2019)
The Salvation Army, 24 Boundary Road, Norwich, NR6 5HT
Tuesday 9.30 – 11.30am
£1 session.
Contact 01603 402703 for more information.
(Correct August 2019)
Sanctuary Coffee Stop, Grove Walk, NR1 2QF
Tuesday, sing and rhyme
Arrive at 9.30am for a prompt 9.45am start.
Please note the time change from last term.
This group is for any preschool little ones who are toddling around.
Tuesday, babies sing and rhyme
join Karrie and the team for one of our favourite times of the week.
Arrive at 10.15am for a prompt 10.30am start.
Please note the time change from last term.
This group is for any little ones who are not yet toddling around.
For bigger ones, please check out our slightly earlier Sing and Rhyme session.
Wednesdays, pilates
Creche provided. 9.15-10am
(Checked August 2019)
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.
(Checked August 2019)
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)
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)
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.
Sprowston Sports and Social Club, Blue Boar Lane. NR7 8RJ
Monday
Tuesday
Wednesday
Saturday (Hethersett)
Saturday (Thorpe Marriott)
Sessions are £7 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.
(Correct as of August 2019)
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)
7th January -25th March 2020: Spring booking.
Baby signing and toddler talking
Tuesdays 10.30am, Long Stratton
Wednesdays, 10.30am, Trowse
Contact: Francescaw@tinytalk.co.uk for more information
07490712854
Toddler Dance
THE GARAGE 14 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
(Correct August 2019)
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.
(Checked 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)
Queens Hill Community Centre, Poethlyn Dr, Costessey, Norwich NR8 5GT
Tumble Tots.
Tuesday
Contact Toni Tinker on 07754 180253 for more information.
(Correct as of August 2019)
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.
(Checked August 2019)
