August 2020 Update: We are in the process of updating the Weekly Classes and Playgroups pages of the site for the Autumn term. Due to Covid restrictions, this is harder than normal as class providers are still confirming details/venues. Please check all details directly with class/group providers before travelling.
Playgroups and Classes
North Leeds and the surrounding areas are a fantastic place for bringing up children and there is plenty going on for children.
Below is a list of all the local playgroups and drop in sessions throughout the week and also details of children’s activities and 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.
At Baby Swimmers we follow the Starfish Awards, so little ones can gain water confidence and build a foundation to swim unaided in the future. We play games and sing songs which are skill related and also teach water safety skills so they can learn to swim back to the side, hold on and climb out when they are strong enough.
Our structured classes work towards this and are also fantastic for bonding with your little one, as well as enjoying yourselves in a fun relaxed atmosphere, which we always ensure is at your little one’s own pace including underwater swims. Babies use their natural reflexes when they are in water, so it is always a good idea to start as soon as you can, as swimming is a great workout and helps to strengthen their muscles and also increases alertness.
For toddlers we follow the STA Stanley Awards, so again little ones can gain water confidence and build a foundation to swim unaided. For this age group we still sing songs and have fun with games and also start to teach the basic strokes, continuing with water safety skills and teaching your toddler to hold on, turn, then push off the side to swim to you independently. Classes will focus on floating, learning to tread water, rolling, push and glides, diving for sinkers and more.
Swimmers Academy is for our older swimmers where we focus on stroke technique and stamina, classes run for any age from Beginners and go through to Gold also incorporating Lifesaving Awards.
All teachers are fully qualified with specialist training for your little ones. Our classes are child led to ensure each child is taught and developed at their own pace.
We Swim at :
Wednesday & Friday: Pennyfields School, LS6 4QE
Saturday & Sunday: The Forum – Quarry Hill, LS2 7UA
Thursday & Saturday: Temple Moor High School, LS15 0PT
Wednesday, Friday & Saturday: Hilton – Neville Street, LS1 4BX
Tuesday & Thursday: Milestone School, LS28 6HL
Professional Football Coaching for Beginner to Elite Children Ages 4-13
The saying goes that you’ve not been to a kid’s football class until you’ve been to Catalan! We get kids of all levels to fall in love and stay in love with football through our inspiring weekly classes and holiday camps. We operate with small class sizes and professional coaching with plenty of 1-1 time available for when children need that little bit extra.
Expect to see inspiring activities and an exceptional level of teaching, all in a warm and friendly family atmosphere.
Monday: 4.30pm Messi Mondays Ages 7-11 & 5.45pm Ages 7-9 | 6 Classes
Tuesday: 4.30pm Ages 5-8 & 5.45pm Ages 7-9 | 6 Classes
Wednesday: 4.30pm, 5.00pm, 5.45pm & 6pm | 6 Classes Ages 4-12
Thursday: 4.30pm, 5.00pm, 5.30pm & 6.00pm Maestros | 6 Classes Ages 6-12
Friday: 4.30pm & 6.00pm Maestros | 8 Classes Ages 5-13
Saturday: 9.30am, 10.30am, 12.00pm & 1.30pm | 24 Classes Ages 4-14
Find Us: Catalan Soccer, Goals Leeds, Redcote Lane, Leeds LS4 2AW.
To find out more or book a space please visit www.catalansoccer.com.
LOCKDOWN 3 UPDATE: JOIN DANCING TOTS AT DANCINGOTSLEEDS@SKY.COM OR SARAH ON 07796 135 199 IF YOU WOULD LIKE TO TRY A RECORDED CLASS FOR JUST £3.25 A WEEK. LOTS OF DANCING, SHAKING, MAKING NOISE AND HAVING FUN!
Lively, exciting, funky toddler dance, movement and music classes for 18 month to 5 year olds with lots of props, flash cards, lights, bubbles and most of all fun!
The classes are devised to improve listening, self-control, gross and fine motor skills and confidence. With a different theme every half term the little ones are always kept on their toes with exciting new dances, songs, movement and creative props. We not only dance, we learn how to throw, kick, catch, jump, balance and play lots of games. Children are also encouraged to dance independently so don’t worry if they want to do their own thing!
Dancing Tots will give you the opportunity to meet other adults and children and also to enjoy precious time bonding with your little ones. Adults are encouraged to join in and often find the class just as enjoyable as the little ones. No need to exercise after a Dancing Tots workout !
Taster sessions are available on Monday’s and Friday’s. Class numbers are reduced so book ASAP!
Read our Mumbler review of a Dancing Tots Summer Special here (August 2020).
Monday, Friday at Alwoodley Community Association, 10am
Tuesday at St Matthew’s Church Hall, Chapel Allerton, 10am
Last Saturday of the month at St Matthew’s Church Hall, Chapel Allerton, 10.30am
Mini Professors is the first science program that has been designed specifically for preschool children!!
Our 40-minute STEM-themed sessions make science fun and enjoyable for pre-school children. With 80 different topics spanning 2 years, your child will learn something new every week ranging from germs to chromatography or making clouds, as well as all-time favourites such as dinosaurs and space. Not to mention sharing, taking turns and developing their motor skills, ready for pre-school and school!
Each session has 2 hands-on experiments, a story and a 2-minute video about the topic of the day. It’s lots of fun and there is often a ‘I didn’t know that!’ moment for the parents too!
Monday: Holy Trinity Community Hall, Meanwood, LS6 4LF
· Ages 2-5 years: 9:45am – 10:25am
Friday: Roundhay Scout and Guide Hut, Roundhay, LS8 1JN
· Ages 2-5 years: 9:45am-10.25am
Saturday: Leeds WOW Centre, Holbeck, LS11
· Ages 3-7 years: 9:30am- 10.10am Read our Mumbler review HERE For more details and to book visit the website
Are you a new parent and love the outdoors?
Join our baby walking group for no-commitment and (very) informal meet-ups with other new parents! We’re a group of like-minded parents who arrange times to walk around Leeds, Harrogate and Wakefield, including a mixture of buggy and sling walks.
Please note- we meet as friends to walk and talk! We don’t have training and are not insured, we just like to get together and walk!!
To find out more, join the Facebook group here .
Our theatre school is a friendly, fun and dynamic place to be, your child will be encouraged to play a major part in the creative process contributing ideas and making decisions about their work. Your child’s voice is important to us, including the shy and the confident alike, we will help you to build their confidence and character for whatever career the future holds. At Northern Arts Factory we are far removed from any notions of stardom or celebrity, your child’s happiness is at the heart of what we do.
Dance Classes consist of technique classes developing core physical skills, strength, stamina, flexibility and co-ordination. A range of dance styles will be explored including: contemporary, street, jazz and musical theatre.
Drama Classes consist of workshops to develop communication skills, co-operation, concentration and memory. A range of genres will be explored including: mime, improvisation, script, musical theatre and devising.
Mini Performing Arts Classes take children on a weekly adventure to a magical land developing their imagination and nurturing creativity. Using puppetry, movement, music, mime and vocal exercises children develop their communication, listening and physical skills whilst being entertained and having lots of sensory fun!
**FREE Taster sessions available, please email james@rugbytots.co.uk for locations and times and to book on.
Fun, structured play sessions take children on a journey of sporting imagination with engaging and energetic coaches supporting them every step of the way whilst teaching how to catch, pass, kick, run with the ball and play as part of a team. Deliver a specifically designed programme for each age group with energy, enthusiasm and excitement.
“Be prepared to run across the jungle, wade through the quick sand or sprint through Rugbytots Valley avoiding all the smoking boulders.”
Age 2 – 3.5: Youngest classes require full parent participation and offer a fantastic opportunity to spend quality time with your child whilst they learn new skills, meet new friends and have an exciting introduction to Rugby.
Age 3.5 – 5: These classes do not require full parent participation. Your Rugbytot will be part of a dynamic session that will develop their social and physical skills in a positive environment.
Age 5 -7: Older age group classes really start to prepare children for life after Rugbytots. The same structure is followed but these sessions involve advanced team games and ensure that the basic skills of rugby are coached in the right way by maintaining small class numbers.
Autumn Term Sessions Starting from 6th September 2020
MONDAY: Shadwell Cricket Club (outside)/Bardsey Village Hall
TUESDAY: St Edmunds Church Hall, Roundhay
FRIDAY: Shadwell Cricket Club (outside)/Bramhope Robert Craven Hall
SATURDAY: Carr Manor Community High School (outside)/or Alwoodley Primary School, Alwoodley Primary School (outside)/Alwoodley Park Methodist Church Hall, Tadcaster Grammar School or Riverside Primary School (outside, inside when allowed), Crawshaw Academy Pudsey (outside, inside when allowed)
SUNDAY: Fives Football Centre (Seacroft), John Smeaton Leisure Centre, Moorlands School, Headingley (outside, inside when allowed)
Read our Mumbler review of Rugby Tots Classes here.
Click here to book a class or contact Coach James on 0345 313 2948
The Little Gym of Leeds offers progressively structured classes and a positive learning environment to create opportunities for your child to try new things and build self-confidence, all with a grin that stretches from ear to ear. Trained instructors nurture happy, confident kids through a range of classes like parent/child classes and gymnastics, plus fun extras like parties, camps and more.
Classes start from 4th months old.
7th September 2020 – 18th July 2021 Class Schedule
Unit H, Moor Allerton Centre, LS17 5NY
Preschool dance classes for children aged 9 months – 6 years – fun and informal dance classes, teaching the basics of ballet.
Classes run: Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday, Sunday
Face-to-face classes coming soon. Check their website for details on ages, times and availability.
Tel: 07702 965932
Baby swimming with Water Babies is an exciting, enriching experience for both you and your little one. Not only does it teach vital life skills, but it also enhances the way babies and toddlers learn other skills, too.
Contact 01943 862802 or email horseyhorsey@waterbabies.co.uk
Bringing the magic of babyballet classes to children in the East Leeds & Tadcaster area.
Venues: Colton Methodist Church, Colton, St Mary’s Church, Garforth, & Riley Smith Hall, Tadcaster.
Contact Miss Lea to enquire on 07856560252
Bikeability is ‘cycling proficiency’ for the 21st century, designed to give the next generation the skills and confidence to ride their bikes on today’s roads.
To book call 07504 282133
Bubbles Swim School runs swimming lessons for children aged 2 upwards across 5 different venues in Leeds. All of our instructors are Level 2 qualified, hold a current life saving qualification and have DBS and safeguarding training ensuring your children are always in safe hands. Small swim classes with water based instructors ensure children get the most out of every lesson and make excellent progress whilst having lots of fun.
For more information or to book a place please contact info@bubblesswimschoolleeds.co.uk
Parent and toddler sessions are for toddlers to grow in confidence, and have lots of fun!
Parents must accompany the toddlers in the arena, instructors are on-hand throughout the session.
Monday – Friday 1pm -3pm, term time only. Recommended age 2.5- 4 years.
Saturday – Family Toddler Sessions, 10am. Other family members over the age of 4 can climb in these session too.
Pre-booking required.
Unit 3, Tristram Centre, Gelderd Road, LS12 6BF. Tel: 0113 245 8723
Dancebugs is a great introduction to dance, using stories and imagination the children learn fundamental skills. Balance, co-ordination and rhythm are all learnt in a fun based class. The class is a stepping stone to all other types of dance e.g ballet, tap and street dance.
Age range is from 3 to school age. First class is a free trial. Firtree Lane, Harrogate Road, Moortown, Leeds LS17 3EU.
Dancebugs is a great introduction to dance, using stories and imagination the children learn fundamental skills. Balance, co-ordination and rhythm are all learnt in a fun based class.
Age range is from 3 to school age. First class is a free trial.
Friday, Saturday
Firtree Lane, Harrogate Road, LS17 3EU. Tel: 0113 2950126
A friendly fun dance school offering expert tuition in ballet, tap, modern, musical theatre, cheerleading and commercial dance. Children taught from age 2 upwards. Believe that all students, irrespective of initial ability, should be given the opportunity to grow and develop.
Classes run: Monday, Tuesday, Friday, Saturday
Alwoodley Park Methodist Church. Tel: 0113 217 6873
Children and young people from 4 years old are offered classes in Ballet, Musical Theatre Dance, Tap Modern Jazz and Contemporary Dance. Ballet, Modern and Tap classes from Primary upwards follow the ISTD syllabus. Students are offered the opportunity to take formal exams or just dance for fun!
Classes run: Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday
The Workhouse Fitness Club, Springfield Commercial Centre, Pudsey LS28 5LY. Tel: 07772 284827
Updated Sep 2020
Spend a little time together as a family not only exercising the body but looking after our minds – learning yoga poses, acro yoga, relaxation techniques and having a lot of fun and games along the way!
2nd Saturday of each month, 10.00-11.00am, Central Methodist Church, Horsforth
Suitable from 3-10 years. £11 per family
Contact Helen 07764963312 or find online
Elevations Academy hosts over 50 classes every week for Children and Adults including: Ballet, Tap, Jazz, Musical Theatre, Contemporary, Cheerleading, Break Dance, Jazz, Gymnastics, Street Dance.
The school is fully registered with the Royal Academy of Dance and the International Dance Teachers Association. Students have the option of taking yearly examinations.
Classes run: Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday
Chapel Allerton. Tel: 07790 225385
Saturday fun football sessions for boys and girls of all abilities age 3-5years and 6-11 years. All sessions run by FA Qualified, DBS checked, enthusiastic and friendly coaches. Sessions are run on a turn up, pay and play basis and your first session is FREE!
Scholes Sports Field, Station Road. Tel: 07950 098 766
A family run school offering Ballet, Tap, Pointe and Jazz to children 3+.
COVID Update: locations for September 2020 TBC
Monday, Thursday, Saturday at Weetwood Primary School
Monday, Tuesday, Saturday at Adel & Ireland Wood Centre
Wednesday, Pre School Class at Adel & Ireland Wood Centre (Pay as you go)
Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday at St Stephens Church Hall, Alwoodley
Tel: 0113 274 8404
COVID Update; Classes still TBC for September 2020
Weekly classes include:
Visit active.leeds.gov.uk for more details and the full timetable.
Holtdale Approach, Leeds LS16 7RX. Tel: 0113 378 1301
For girls and boys aged 2- 6 years with pathways to teams and league games.
A safe and fun environment to encourage children into football.
Saturday 10-11am.
FREE sessions.
Horsforth Sports Club (behind the Old Bell)
As a National Standard, British Cycling accredited Instructor for Bikeability Levels 1, 2 and 3 I can get anyone riding in a fun and friendly way. I am also a Qualified HSBC UK/British Cycling Level 1 Ride Leader… and also being a British Cycling Level 2 Coach also helps… with plenty of tricks and resources up my sleeve.
I can get your little ones started on a life of two wheeled fun and adventures from mastering balance bikes to proper pedalling to school or for weekend exploring. If they are already riding and need to brush up on their skills/got a new bike, then an hours 1:1 tuition is perfect too.
I’m fully insured through British Cycling, a qualified Emergency First Aider and have a full and complete Enhanced DBS certificate.
Please visit www.iwanttoridemybike.co.uk/the-1-1-magic-hour/ for more information.
COVID Update: numbers are restricted, and chairs and tables have been incorporated to enable parents to watch from a seated area.
Junior Kitchen teach, make, bake and decorate with children to create fun but educational cooking workshops.
Junior Kitchen is Open for Bookings: Parties, Tots, One on One, Weekend Baking, Schools, Clubs, Team Building, Cooking Lessons, Baking Lessons. Or Pop in midweek for a Coffee & Cake at the new Bakery and cake stand.
All bookings can be made via website: www.juniorkitchen.co.uk
1D Albion Street, Morley, LS27 8DT. 0113 253 7161
Fun French and Spanish classes for children aged 0 – 11 years old in venues, nurseries, schools and private homes. Using Makaton, games, stories, drama and songs we inspire little ones to love languages.
Saturday: Popalong, Stanningley, LS28 6AT
Tel: 07872 344296
Kirkstall Valley Woodchips is an outdoor group where 3-6 year olds can learn all about nature in a hands on way through exploration and outdoor activities. The group meets on Saturdays at 10:30am at Victoria Park Grove Pocket Park (Lilac Pocket Park, Victoria Park Grove, Leeds, LS5 3DR).
For more information contact at kirkstallvalleywoodcraft@gmail.com
LittleLions-Rugby is a fun play programme based on non-contact sports skills for girls and boys aged 2.5 – 7 years. The programme encompasses rugby specific skills such as running with the ball, kicking and catching, finding space and scoring a try, developing basic core motor and social skills within a team environment.
Email info@littlelions-rugby.co.uk
Spanish classes for children of all ages.
9.15 to 10.00 for younger children
10.15 to 11.00 for older children
Saturday: Oakwood Church
Tel 0747 416 5473
Offer swimming lessons which are fun and give your children confidence in the water. Groups of 3 and 4 with water based instructors. Intensive courses available in school holidays
Saturday: Moorlands School, Headingley
Sunday: The Grammar School, Alwoodley
Telephone: 0113 414 4975/ 0778 2251970 / 0794 0917799
COVID Update: there may be timetable changes owing to COVID. Contact for further information
North Leeds Music Centre runs over 50 different music classes and ensembles for children and adults on Saturday mornings. Activities range from early years and toddler groups to advanced senior orchestras, and everything in between!
COVID Update: sessions likely to start again in October – check Facebook page for updates
Olympic Kids is sports coaching for 2 to 6 year olds at Cookridge Village Hall on a Saturday morning at 8.45am. Run by a qualified PE teacher and father Olympic Kids combines physical activity with learning. Children will experience a new sport every week and will learn numbers, colours, shapes as well as vital social skills whilst having fun with their friend
Saturday, 8.45am
Cookridge Village Hall, LS16 7ER. Tel: 07793 537234
PQA is a weekend performing arts Academy providing tuition for children and young people from 4-18 years. Students spend three hours with us, rotating through hour-long sessions in Comedy & Drama, Musical Theatre and Film & Television. Students are split into groups according to their age and are taught by specialist teachers.
Saturday
Woodhouse Grove School, Apperley Lane, Calverley, Bradford, BD10 0NR. Tel: 07936 271868
Temple Moor High School, Field End Grove, Selby Road, LS15 0PT . Tel: 07751 085292
Free call 0800 531 6282
Offer a high standard of swimming tuition in a safe environment for children of all abilities from 4 years of age. Aim is to produce confident safe swimmers with the skills required to enjoy water based activities. All lessons are taught in small classes by experienced, water-based swimming teachers.
TeL: 01977 671755
COVID Update: Sessions currently suspended
Join Rory the Tiger on a Saturday morning for different free craft activities.
Every week from 11am – 12.15pm.
Recommended age 5 to 11 years and families.
Leeds City Museum, Cookridge Street, Millennium Square, LS2 8BH. Tel: 0113 3785001
Rugrats Kids Rugby is a non-contact rugby specific play programme for boys and girls aged 2-7. Your child will experience rugby skills such as running with ball, finding space, catching, kicking, scoring a try as well as working in a team and taking turns.
Saturday
Stainbeck Community Hall, Chapel Allerton. Email: hannah.kevill@rugratsrugby.co.uk
Saturday drop – in football sessions, 10.30am
“£2 a session really popular with 4 teachers and 4 small groups. No commitment just turn up and pay it is at Adel on Saturday 10:30” Mumbler May 18
21 ST Helens Gardens, Adel, LS16 8BT
Junior coaching available for children 4-11 years, from afterschool club, mini tennis, performance sessions, coaching, social play and match practice.
Monday, Friday, Saturday, Sunday
Shadwell Tennis Courts, LS17 8JD. Tel: 07966987744
SOCATOTS’ teach basic movement patterns, balance and motor coordination. Most importantly, we ensure that physical activity is fun. Everything we do is centred around helping children develop first as people, then as sports enthusiasts.
Thursday: Alwoodley
Thursday, Friday & Saturday: Roundhay
Friday: Headingley
Saturday: Calverley, Tadcaster
Sunday: Horsforth
Early Stages (4-6) and Main Stages (6-18 years) where young people learn new skills in each of the complementary Musical Theatre disciplines of singing, dancing & drama.
Friday at Horsforth School, Lee Lane East, Horsforth, Leeds LS18 5RF
Saturday at Robert Craven Hall, Old Lane, Bramhope, Leeds, West Yorkshire, LS16 9AZ
Saturday (Early Stages only) at The Froebelian School, Clarence Road, Horsforth, Leeds LS18 4LB
Principal Heather Salvador. Tel: 01943 817414
Early Stages (4-6) and Main Stages (6-18 years) where young people learn new skills in each of the complementary Musical Theatre disciplines of singing, dancing & drama. Nurture the shy and apprehensive, until they find their feet and voice, whilst at the same time developing and channelling those with bundles of talent, confidence and energy.
*Offer two week trial *
Wednesday (for Early Stages only), Saturday
Roundhay School, Old Park Road, Leeds, Yorkshire, LS8 1ND. Tel: 0113 361 2393
COVID Update: Lessons to re-start October 2020
Starfish offer swimming lessons from the age of 4 years. Teach 1-4 children ratio. Will assess children at all times and move children to the appropriate group when needed. Run the amateur swimming association award scheme.
Monday & Friday: Scholes Primary School, LS15 4BJ
Wednesday & Saturday: Leeds Grammar School, LS17 8GS
For more information contact Julie on 0113 265 1161/ 07787192113
Learning to swim should be an enjoyable experience within a pleasant and safe environment. Swimbrite offers a wide variety of swimming lessons for all ages (from 6 months) and abilities operating the ASA’s National Plan.
Classes for all abilities:
Monday – Sunday at The Village Hotel, Headingley
Monday – Friday at The Leeds Mercure Parkway Hotel
Wednesday & Thursday at The Grammar School , Alwoodley
Sunday at Woodhouse Grove School, Calverley
Saturday and Sunday afternoons The Forum, Quarry Hill, LS2 7UA
Tel: 07527 615736
Totally Tennis Tots program led by Luke Davis aims to introduce children into tennis and build their skills and confidence. Tots classes are ideal for children aged 2-4 years.
Monday – Alwoodley Community Hall
Wednesday, Thursday – Adel Memorial Sports Club (2-6yrs)
Saturday – Moorlands School
Tel: 07753 800723.
A not for profit club delivering professionally run martial arts classes. Their mission is to help each member reach their full potential as martial artists, while developing good character and promoting good health. Age 3-6 years.
Monday – Saturday
Unit B19-B20 Wira Business Park, West Park. Tel: 07917 006645
YMCA Lawnswood offers Gymnastics and Tumbling classes from 3+.
Classes include: 3-4 Years Gymnique, general gymnastics 4-6years and 7+ and Tumbling classes from 7+
Monday, Tuesday, Friday and Saturday.
YMCA Leeds: Otley Road, Lawnswood, LS16 6HE. Tel: 0113 261 2484
Saturday Superstars is a programme of dance classes and courses for young people. A brilliant place to learn from very experienced teachers in a friendly, safe and fun environment.
2-4 Years: the perfect introduction to dance using the basics of ballet movement and language.
4-6 Years: achieve basic intermediate ballet skills in a creative fun environment – fall in love with ballet and with dancing.
6-9 Years: build on technique without the pressure of exams in this creative session.
3 St Peter’s Buildings , St Peter’s Square , Leeds, LS9 8AH. Tel: 0113 243 8765
