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
At Kixx our goal is simple:
To have a positive impact on every child at every opportunity.
We do this through an innovative programme which offers a high energy, fun, age-appropriate introduction to physical activity through football.
Our programme has been carefully designed for both boys and girls between the ages of 2 and 9 years of age.
Kixx Academies
Our academies are 40 minute sessions run weekly. We do a block of 8 weeks, then a 1 week break, then another block and so on. You pay a one-off membership fee of £19.95 which covers your child’s football kit (shirt, shorts, socks) and then a direct debit of £24 per month. In effect it works out at around £6 per session. The bookings have a full money back guarantee – if after your first session you think it really isn’t for you, then you can get a full refund, plus your child keeps the football kit as a “thank you” for trying us.
Our Venues
We are adding more venues all the time. Currently we have academies at:
Loddon Jubilee Hall
NR14 6NB
Goals (Hall Road)
NR1 2GB
Framingham Earl High School
NR14 7QP
Sprowston Community Academy
NR7 8NE
For more info and bookings visit our website. To contact us, just send us a message on Facebook. We look forward to welcoming you to the Kixx family!
@KixxNorwich
01302 618080
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.
AWOL Buggy Bootcamp
Wednesdays 10am-11am
Acle Recreation Centre, War Memorial, Acle, Norwich NR13 3RA
A class aimed at mums who either want to start up or get back into exercise after having a baby. Your child can be any age up to school reception, as long as you have been signed off by your health visitor to start exercise.
Contact Catherine: 07737 383454
info@awolfitness.co.uk
£6 per class, prepaid option available
The Garage, 14 Chapel Field North, Norwich, NR2 1NY
Wednesdays 12pm-12.45pm
Baby Ballet, aged 18 months to 3 years
A fun and lively class that combines nursery rhymes, action songs, props and toys to help with your little one’s confidence, communication, social and emotional development.
Email: takepart@thegarage.org.uk
Costessey Library, Breckland Road , Costessey, NR5 0RW
Wednesday 10.30-11am (term time)
Contact 01603 742 669 for more information.
(Correct August 2019)
Fairland Church Centre, Fairland Green, Wymondham, NR180AW
Wednesday
10.00 am- 11.00am 7 to 13 months
11.30am – 12.30pm Birth to 8 months
1.00pm – 2.00pm Birth to 13 months
Contact Suzy on 07813 978370 for more information.
(Correct August 2019)
Wednesday 10am-11.15
Postnatal Core Recovery – Thorpe End Village Hall – Suitable from approx. 6 weeks post birth.
Babies welcome until crawling
Booking essential.
The Garage, Chapel Field North, Norwich, NR2 1NY
Wednesdays 1-1.45pm (3-4 years)
4-5pm (Reception: 4-5 years)
5-6PM (Y3 and Y4)
5-6pm (Y5 and Y6)
The start of basic classical ballet and movement to music.
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.
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)
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.
Clover Hill Village Hall, Humbleyard, Norwich, NR5 9BN
Wednesday 9.30am-11am (term time)
Mums, Dads, Grandparents,Childminders & Carers welcomed. A selection of toys available to play with from birth to school age. Run by volunteers. First session is free, no need to ring, drop in and give it go. £2.00 per family which includes a drink & biscuit.
Contact 07905 655242 for more information.
(Checked August 2019)
Little Explorers is a creative crafting class which aims to inspire the imaginations of children aged 18 months to 5 years old.
Monday 12 noon to 12.50pm at Sprowston Diamond Centre
Wednesday 10.30am-11.15am: Daddy Donuts, Stalham (Jan 29th, Feb 12th, Feb 26th, March 11th, March 25th)
Friday 11am-11.50am at Lingwood Village Hall
Contact Eleanor: 07421 234 055
Please book online.
St Cuthberts Church, Wroxham Road, Sprowston, NR7 8TZ
Wednesday 9.45am-10.15am. 1-3 years.
Diddy Dynamics is a fun street dance class for 1 to 3 year olds and their mummies (or daddies of course!)
£3.50
Contact Carly on 07828456106 for more information.
(Checked August 2019)
Lion House, Muspole Street, NR3 1DJ
Wednesdays 12.30-2.30
DIY Kids Art Lab
Under 5s
The Workshops:
Dotty Painting Music/Mini Cardboard Builders/The Picture Factory/The Great Sumo Match/The Big Traffic Jam
Cost: £5.00 per child/Parents free
(August 2019 – check ahead, group on facebook)
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)
Stoke Holy Cross Church Hall
Wednesday, 9.30am-11am Term time only
A free, non for profit, friendly infant feeding cafe, ran alongside our community cafe. Offering advice and support for all your feeding concerns or questions. Our team consists of ABM trained nurses and a midwife. Free tea/coffee and cake available, and a chance to meet other mums and families. We welcome mums, mums to be, dads, grandparents etc. All welcome.
The King’s Centre, King Street, Norwich, NR1 1PH
Wednesday
10.30am-12pm (term time)
King’s Toddler Group is a great place for parents and carers to bring their children for a fun morning, enjoy a cuppa and meet new friends. There are a range of activities during the morning to cater from birth to 4yrs. The first taster session is free. After that, there is a small charge of £1.50 per session per family.
There is a waiting list for this so please get in touch in advance if you’d like to attend.
Contact Julia Harris on 01603 765795 for more information.
(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
Aspire Dance – Little Divas and Dudes Baby Street (3-7 years)
Wednesday– 4pm-4.45pm
Great Plumstead Village Hall, CHURCH ROAD, Great Plumstead, NR13 5AB
Friday– 4pm-4.45pm
Ingham Village Hall, Ingham, NR12 9TD
Baby street is designed to work on your child’s coordination, strength and concentration whilst having fun. The class consists of various exercises and routines which will help develop the student’s movement memory.
Contact 07795421273 for more information.
(Checked August 2019)
St Mark’s Church, Hall Road , Lakenham , Norwich, NR1 3AT
Wednesday
9.30am-11.15am
Little Lions is a free activity for babies and children under five with their parents/carers. It meets every Wednesday of the year (apart from two weeks at Christmas). We offer a friendly welcome with free play, story time, assorted toys and refreshments. Free!
Contact 01603 449156 for more information.
(Checked august 2019)
Location: The Garage, 14 Chapel Field N, Norwich NR2 1NY
Monday: Age 2- 3 years 10.15am-11am
Monday: Age 3-4 years 11.15am-12pm
Saturday: Age 4-6 2.15pm-3pm
Saturday: Age 5-7 3.15pm-4.15pm
Location: Theatre Royal Norwich, Theatre St, Norwich NR2 1RL
Wednesday Age 2-3 10am-10.45
Wednesday: Age 3-4 11am -11.45am
Wednesday: Age 4-6 4.30pm-5.15pm
Wednesday: Age 6-7 5.30pm-6.30pm
Location: The Willow Centre, 1-13 Willowcroft Way, Cringleford, Norwich NR4 7JJ
friday: Age 3-4 9.30am-10.15am
Friday : Age 2-3 10.30am-11.15am
(Correct August 2019)
Little Melton Village hall, Mill Road, NR9 3NX
Wednesdays 1.30-3pm, term time
£2 per session, 1st session free
Everyone welcome!
Contact: Sarah Fung 07858 364441
Post natal relaxation, recovery and baby bonding class
Wroxham Hub, 114 Norwich Road, Wroxham , NR12 8SA
Mondays: 1.30-2.30pm
Sprowston Diamond Centre, School Lane, Sprowston,
Wednesdays 11.30-12.30
(Was bliss baby yoga – checked August 2019)
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)
Wednesdays 9.30-11am
St Barnabas Church, Russell Street, NR2 4QT
A morning of free-play, story, snacks and songs. Plus, cake, tea & coffee for parents and carers.
Find us on facebook: @stbarnabasnorwich
£1 optional donation
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
Phoenix Tiny Tots
Wednesdays 9.30-11am
Phoenix Centre, 132A Mile Cross Rd, Norwich NR3 2LD
Friendly playgroup aimed at 0-5 years, based at Phoenix Centre.Every Wednesday, 9:30-11am. 50p donation towards light refreshments. Find us on Facebook for more information.
01603 403814
Blofield Church, Church Road , Blofield, Norfolk , NR13 4NA
Wednesday
1pm-3pm
Our parent and toddler group, “Play Church”, meets in Blofield Church. Parents, grandparents and childminders are all welcome to come along and meet new friends in a caring and welcoming environment while the children and babies have fun playing and learning.
Free, donation welcome.
Contact 01603 715213 for more information.
Monday Sprowston Diamond Centre
Tuesday Silver Road Community Centre
Wednesday St George Morse Park
Thursday Eaton Park
Saxlingham Village Hall, Steward Close, Saxlingham Nethergate, Norwich, NR15 1AN
Wednesday 9.30-11.30am (term-time)
Come along to a friendly group for fun and chatter (and lots of cake!)
Arts and crafts * Music * Toys and play
Healthy Snacks, coffee and cake for the grown-ups.
(Checked August 2019)
The Garage, 14 Chapel Field North, Norwich, NR2 1NY
Wednesdays
10am: Pre-walkers
11am: Walkers
Saturday
1.15pm: Walkers
Singing, Sensory and Movement Pre-Walkers (Age 3 months+) is a class for mum, dad or carer and baby to explore creativity through music, singing, senses and movement.
Singing, Sensory and Movement (Walkers-3 years) is a great way to bond and play creatively with your little one, helping to support their sensory development as they start to explore the world around them
Email: takepart@thegarage.org.uk
Soul Church, 4 Mason Road, Mile Cross, Norwich, NR6 6RF
Wednesday, Thursday, Friday (term-time)
10am-11.45am
Every Wednesday 10am-11.30am
Spixworth stay and play, includes snacks, crafts, sensory time along with music time to finish the morning.
Contact: Lisa Nobbs.
St Thomas’ Church Hall, Earlham Road, Norwich, NR2 3RL
Wednesday
9.30am-11.30am (term time)
A friendly group for pre-school children from birth to 4 years. We have a wide range of toys and activities, most weeks we provice an art or craft activity, and we always finish by having a singing session.
The entrance fee includes free tea, coffee, & biscuits for parents and healthy snacks (fruit, breadsticks, raisins, etc) and a drink for the children.
£2.50 for one child, then £1 for siblings over 6 months.
To contact search for St Thomas’ Parent & Toddler group on Facebook.
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)
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)
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
Set in private woods, Rectory Road, NR35 2BP
Little Explorers, Topcroft Forest School.
Wednesday
10.30am-12pm
Topcroft Forest School offers weekly groups for toddlers and pre-school children. An opportunity to play in the woods and take part in nature activities. £8 session.
Contact Amy on 07766704376 for more information.
(Needs updating)
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)
The Dussindale Centre, Pound Lane, Thorpe St Andrew, Norwich, NR7 0SR
Saturday
Contact Toni Tinker on 07754 180253 for more information.
(Correct as of August 2019)
Twinkle Toes Cafe, 63 Sussex St, Norwich, NR3 3DG
Wednesdays 10.30am and 12pm: Baby and Me Time, Baby bonding and sensory class.
Fridays 10.30am: Little Adventurers toddler active class.
Contact Lianne on 0771774972 to book your space.
(Correct August 2019)
