Playgroups and classes
Doncaster and the surrounding areas are a fantastic place for bringing up children and there is plenty going on for pre school aged children.
Below is a list of all the local playgroups and drop in clinics throughout the week and also details of all the children’s activities 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.
If you know of any other classes or groups which are not already listed, then please contact us here. Basic listings are free. ’Featured’ listings are £15 per month. For our full advertising rates then please click here.
We have an exciting and varied timetable of classes from Monday to Saturday. Download our latest timetable on our website and grab one of our limited places in group or your very own one to one sessions.
Oak Tree Lodge, Woodfield Park, Tickhill Rd, Doncaster, DN4 8QN
Call 07800 753204
Come along and join us at our sensory, play-based music and singing classes for babies, toddlers and preschoolers (newborn to 6 years of age) in Doncaster.
Mondays at Kilham Hall in Branton: 9:30 & 10:30 (Mixed Age)/11:30 (Babies)
Tuesdays at St Paul’s Catholic Church Hall in Cantley: 9:30 & 10:30 (Mixed Age)
Fridays at Kilham Hall in Branton: 9:30 & 10:30 (Mixed Age)/ 11:30 (Babies)
Contact Anna to book your place
The play area provides an enjoyable playtime experience for children aged 0-12 years old with a dedicated toddler soft play area. There is a cafe here too offering a variety of hot and cold dishes.
Two hour play sessions are available throughout the day from £1.50 (Under 1’s and adults) and £4.50 (1-12 years), 7 days a week. Tickets are available at a lower price if pre-booked online.
Doncaster Lakeside, Bawtry Road, Doncaster DN4 7PD
Please check our website for the most recent class timetable.
Puddle Ducks Doncaster’s Baby & Pre-School programme (0-4) provides a wonderful bonding experience and our progressive lesson plans instil a water confidence and love of swimming. Our nurturing teachers – the most highly qualified in the business – tailor activities to your child’s abilities and needs and we make learning to swim fun! Our baby & Pre-school programme is offered through five levels Floaties (0-6months), Splashers (6-15months), Kickers (15 to 30 months), Little Dippers (30 months- 4 years) and Dippers (3 & 4 year olds who are ready for the next stage).
For older children, whether they have come from a pre-school class or never been in the water before, Swim Academy (4-10 years) will take your child from ‘getting their faces wet’ to being an independent swimmer and who knows, maybe a future Olympic champion.
Call 07884 933789 for more information or email doncaster@puddleducks.com
A unique, fun, rustic DIY workshop based at the Yorkshire Hive.
Create beautiful pieces of wall art yourself, getting creative with colours, stains and finishes. No skills required, suitable from any age (children with parental supervision).
We use hand made, raw wood created on site and will guide you through the easy process of staining and painting your design. Take your new masterpiece home with you to hang proudly or give as an extra special gift.
Open everyday, you’re welcome to drop in anytime, but at weekends it may be busier with parties so do send us a message to check.
For full details on all of our events and workshops please visit our website.
Social Media
The Twisted Knot, The Yorkshire Hive, Hurst Lane, DN9 3HQ
Toddler Sense Doncaster opened its doors in April last year. An award winning multi-sensory adventure toddler class for children aged 13 months to 5 years old, Toddler Sense is a whole new world of sensory stimulation, play, fun adventures and learning for your children.
Monday – 9.30am- 10.30am (13 months- 2 years) & 11.15am- 12.15pm (13 months- 4 years)
Wednesday – 9.30- 10.30am (13 months- 2 years) & 11.15am- 12.15pm (13 months- 4 years)
Thursday & Friday – 9.30am- 10.30am (13 months- 4 years)
Our award-winning classes are delivered in our purpose equipped location on Woodfield Rd, Balby (Not far from Baby Sensory Doncaster).
Individual classes are £8 and places are booked and paid for in advance via block bookings. Blocks run in line with Doncaster school term times. A 10% sibling discount is also available.
To book a class please visit our website
To find out more information please follow us on Facebook and Instagram
Facebook @totsplaydoncastereast
Here in Doncaster you can take advantage of the award winning baby/toddler and pre-school lessons provided by Water Babies. Teaching babies here for over 11 years in various locations across the town and wider county.
We’ll teach you to teach your baby to swim. From lesson one, we’ll get your little one used to the sensation of the water, developing their natural instincts and transforming these into core aquatic skills. By the end of our programme, your little one will be swimming freely using different strokes and be able to keep themselves safe in and around the water. We use carefully considered swim positions and activities to help your baby gain their confidence in the water from the get-go.
We work closely with Swim England, the national governing body for swimming and we’ve woven their learn to swim framework through our fun filled programme, you will be simply amazed at the progress they make.
We currently hold classes at Heatherwood School, Quest Park and Rossington Hall so pop along to our website to find your nearest class and to get in touch!
Visit the Water Babies website
Water Babies South Yorkshire 01909 776660
Professional Instructor Team running classes at various locations in Doncaster. Our Children’s Program Multi Skilled Martial Arts is one of the most unique and diverse Martial Arts Children’s programmes available in the UK. It’s a blend of Tae Kwon Do, Self Defence, Kick Boxing, Weapons Training, Wrestling, Ju-Jitsu and Kenpo Karate.
Call 01302 858335
Parent & Toddler sessions for 0-5 years
Not only are our toddler sessions loads of fun for both the parents and toddlers, but they’re great for learning motor skills, adventure and increasing both social skills and confidence. Plus the Haus is safe and full of soft landings. £5 per child (2 adults go free).
Mon- Fri 10:00-12:00*
Weekend 9:00-10:00
*Subject to change during school holidays.
Air Haus, Meadowhall, Sheffield, S9 1EW
Mondays, Wednesdays & Fridays during term time.
10am- 11:30am Toddler Time
Lots of fun and play for your little one.
£4.50 per child which includes a tea or coffee for the adults and a snack & juice for the little ones. £3.50 for additional children. 0-11 months only £1.
0- 4 years
Ali Bongo’s at Pastures Lodge, Pastures Road, S64 0JJ
Fridays from 8:30- 11am
Under 6 months £1/ 6 months- 4 years £2.50/ siblings £1
Price includes unlimited tea, coffee and juice, unlimited biscuits and cakes, toast before song time. We also have some baby scales available for those who would like to weigh their little one.
Kirk Sandall Assembly Hall, Dentons Green Lane, Doncaster
Monday- Friday (term time only) from 9:30am- 12:30pm
Additional activities for little ones included in your usual admission price e.g. craft activities, messy play, games and dancing.
Mondays 10am- Biscuit decorating & playdoh
Wednesdays 10am- Dino picnic
No booking required.
Unit 6, Crompton Road Business Park, Wheatley Hall Road, Doncaster, South Yorkshire DN2 4PA
Fridays 10- 11am (term time only)
Join us at our interactive, exploration and sensory play session every Friday.
Only £3 which includes refreshments and a morning snack.
The Copper Pipe Cafe, situated in The Bridge, Barnby Dun Road, DN2 4RG
07938 999166
Baby and Toddler Singalong and Sign provides fun and interactive sessions for babies, toddlers and their carers where we sing and sign (using Makaton) a range of different songs and nursery rhymes using sensory resources and materials.
07549 890853
singalongandsignweebly.com
Baby Massage, Baby Yoga, Bouncing Buggies, Balance Bike classes throughout the week.
Contact: Nichola Caughey
Tel: 07748 668634
I am a qualified nurse and a certified infant massage instructor offering baby massage courses that can be tailored to you.
I also offer private sessions in your own home or these sessions can be shared with your friends and their babies at your house.
Contact Sara for more information on 07956 683912
Sorrel Lodge, Tickhill Road, Doncaster, DN4 8FD
Mondays & Fridays from 9:15- 11am
A safe, friendly environment to bring your toddler and make new friends over a cuppa.
Barnburgh Village Hall, Barnburgh Lane, Barnburgh, Doncaster, DN5 7HN
Community Fund Toddler Group
Mondays at Norton Community Hall from 9:30- 11:30.
Fridays at Campsall Village Hall from 9:30- 11:30
Term Time Only
Sessions are free but if you can manage a £1 voluntary donation for refreshments that would be helpful.
Age range is any child below school age.
Our carefully planned classes include multi-sensory props, puppets, instruments and engaging themes ensuring that each session has the “wow factor” along with lots of lovely surprises to enchant and excite. There really is something for everyone in our 40-minute classes.
Classes currently based in Retford & Gainsborough.
Contact Penny on 07523 435345
Delivery of effective martial arts for the whole family from the novice to the elite athletes. We pride ourselves in safe quality martial arts classes.
Mezzanine Floor, Civic Quarter Car Park, College Road, Doncaster, DN1 3JH
We are a voluntary run Stay and Play group in Everton, Doncaster for children from birth to school age. Here you’ll find play time, snack time and singing too!
Fridays from 9am-11am during term time.
Please find us at Everton Village Hall, DN10 5BB
Tuesdays, Wednesdays & Fridays
Hello from Diddy Explorers! A brand new multi-sensory storytelling class for babies and toddlers in Doncaster and Retford.
Doncaster sessions run at Sprotbrough 28th St Edmunds Scout Group Hall, Anchorage Lane, DN5 8DT and The Yorkshire Hive.
Retford sessions run at Ordsall Parish Hall, 1 Church Lane, DN22 7TU
The North Family Hub includes Bentley, Askern, Adwick, Carcroft, Highfields, Scawsby and Sprotbrough.
The Family Hubs provide a range of free/ low cost activities for little ones. Please see their latest timetable below.
Bentley Family Hub, The Avenue, Bentley, DN5 0NP, 01302 737350
Adwick Family Hub, Central Avenue, Woodlands, DN6 7RU 01302 737717
Askern Family Hub, Spa Pool Road, Askern, DN6 0HZ 01302 737099
Here is the up to date North Locality Family Hub Timetable:
North Family Hub Timetable for January/ February
The South Family Hubs include Denaby, Conisbrough & Edlington, Mexborough and Rossington
The Central Family Hub includes Central Doncaster, Balby, Wheatley, Cantley, Bessacarr, Intake and Belle Vue.
The Family Hubs offer a range of free/ low cost activities for little ones. Please see their latest timetable below.
Wheatley Family Hub – 01302 737790
Central Family Hub – 01302 737995
Balby Family Hub 0 01302 736880
Central Family Hub Timetable for January/ February
The East Family Hub includes Stainforth, Moorends, Armthorpe, Duscroft, Hatfield, Barnby Dun, Edenthorpe, Kirk Sandall and Thorne. They offer a range of free/ low cost activities for little ones.
East Family Hub Timetable for January/ February
Classes every day of the week (except Sundays), from 4 to 13 years old
Unit C1/C2 Railway Court,
Sandal Stones Road,
Doncaster
Call 07971 562834
We teach Muay Thai, Grappling BJJ and the Russian Jacket Wrestling sport of Sambo to both children and adults. There are so many benefits to kids training in martial arts, plus it’s fun, in a positive environment.
Doncaster Sambo, 61a Carr House Road, Top Floor, Doncaster, DN1 2BY
Telephone 07847 438675
East West Martial Arts teaches an exciting and fun curriculum incorporating self defence, performance and body combat whilst massively promoting life skills, character building and self esteem.
Age 4+ with classes available Monday- Saturday
52 Mill Street, Armthorpe, DN9 2ET
01302 300000
Elmfield Gymnastics Club provide good quality, fun, gymnastics lessons to children aged 18 months – 18 years.
Classes available Monday- Saturday.
Unit 16, Oakleaf Industrial Estate, Bankwood Lane, New Rossington, DN11 0PS
Fridays from 9:30- 10:30am during term time.
For parents with children aged 0-4.
You don’t need to have a child at the school to attend this group, everyone will be warmly welcomed.
Run by experienced early years staff and only £1 per child.
Shaw Wood Academy, Mere Lane, Armthorpe, DN3 2DG
Non-competitive football for girls aged 5- 11 who want to give it a go for the very first time or want to play with other girls their own age.
Sessions available across multiple days of the week across the Doncaster area. See the website below to find a class near you:
www.englandfootball.com/play/youth-football/weetabix-wildcats
Frog Phonics is a fun, multi-sensory approach to learning letter sounds. It is suitable for children from 2 years old. We sing, dance, play games and listen to stories.
Contact Jayne 07788 414318
Monday- Friday during term-time
Take your youngsters along to Toddler sessions where they can take part in all of the activities that the park has to offer.
Go Bounce SEND Sessions also run term time.
Contact 01302 965465
Unit 13, Shaw Lane Industrial Estate, Doncaster, DN2 4SQ
Mansfield Road, Rotherham
Fridays 9:30- 11:30am (term time only)
Hatfield Woodhouse Village Hall
hatfieldwoodhouseplaygroup@gmail.com
Monthly session for home educating families. We discover a new theme every month, going with the seasons.
Fridays 10.30am- 12pm
All sessions to be booked online. Check out the YWT website for specific dates.
YWT Potteric Carr Nature Reserve, Mallard Way, Doncaster, DN4 8DB
01302 325736
We train at two venues across Doncaster and classes are suitable for all ages from 5+
Mondays and Fridays at the Scout HQ behind the Sun Inn, Scawsby.
Thursdays and Saturdays at Armthorpe Community Centre.
Please get in touch with us on facebook for more information: IMA Tae Kwon Do Centres of Excellence.
Kidz Hub have their own weekly programme of activities and classes so please see their facebook page for more information.
On Tuesday & Wednesday they offer a ‘Midweek Meal Deal’ from 11am- 3pm.
Child entry with a sandwich and a treat for £5.
On Monday- Thursday during term time (from 3pm) they offer entry for £6.75 and you can add a child’s meal for £1.
Kidz Hub, Unit 1 Harworth Business Park, Harworth, DN11 8DB
Light is a charity working to support the emotional wellbeing & mental health of mums and their families in Sheffield and beyond, during pregnancy, birth and afterwards.
Light Pre and Postnatal Support Doncaster (formerly Doncaster Pandas) support groups are informal, relaxed and geared towards building a support network. Groups in the Doncaster area are as follows (updated January 2023):
Tuesday 10:30- 11:30am at Bentley Family Hub
Friday 9:30– 11:30am at Rossington Family Hub
Spaces are limited for groups so all attendees need to be registered with LIGHT beforehand and book a space.
If attending a peer support group is not for you then Light can also offer face to face support from trained peer volunteers and staff. We can meet you 1:1 at our drop in facility, or meet you for a coffee, at a park or local children’s centre. Contact us if you would like more information on 0114 438 8962 or email contactus@lightpeersupport.org.uk.
Our latest support service is the new LightForum. This is a place for peer-to-peer support and discussions. The Forum is moderated by staff and volunteers from Light Peer Support.
To access the LightForum you must be registered with Light Peer Support. You can do this by phone, email or in person https://lightpeersupport.org.uk/get-in-touch
Call us on 0114 438 8962 or email contactus@lightsheffield.org.uk for more info.
For more information about Light visit their website here
Bring your little finns for a splash in our award winning interactive play area Barnacle Bay!
All sessions are 90 minutes long and include access to Barnacle Bay and the main leisure pool (no flumes).
Calypso Cove, Barnsley
Fridays (during term time) from 9:15- 10:45am
Come along for a morning of fun!
Drinks and refreshments provided for adults and children.
£2.50 per child
Millbaulk Road, Walkeringham, Doncaster, DN10 4LL
The Kixx programme offers a high energy, fun, creative and age-appropriate introduction to physical activity through football for ages 18 months – 10 years.
We have sessions across the Doncaster area and run classes 7 days a week.
Contact 01302 618080
Contact Lucy on 07583 422252
Friday 12:30- 2:30pm
Parents/ Grandparents/ Carers- all welcome!
Come along and enjoy a chat with other adults while your little ones enjoy play time.
£2 per family
Mexborough Community Hub, New Oxford Road, Mexborough, S64 0JU
Fridays (during term time) from 1:15- 2:30pm
Come and join the fun at our toddler group… everyone welcome!
Dame Lane, Misson, Doncaster, DN10 6EB
This playgroup runs on Fridays during term time from 9:15- 10:45 and welcomes parents, grandparents and childminders with 0-4 year old children.
£2.50 per child
Walkeringham Village Hall. Stockwith Road, Walkeringham, DN10 4JF
Monthly sessions which run on Fridays from 10:30am- 12pm (usually the first Friday of every month).
Our sessions in the woodlands look at woodland wildlife, woodland crafts and campfire cooking in a friendly and inclusive environment.
Tickets to be booked online.
YWT Potteric Carr Nature Reserve, Potteric Carr Visitor Centre, Mallard Way, DN4 8DB
Fun climbing for toddlers (up to 5 years) in our colourful arena assisted by our super friendly team.
An hour of climbing followed by fun in our super soft play. Separate baby area available.
Call Rock Up Sheffield to book.
The Atrium, Meadowhall Shopping Centre, Sheffield, S9 1EP
Scorpion Taekwondo are a group of clubs that provide quality and professional tuition in the martial art of Taekwondo and lessons for all ages and abilities. We teach classes every day of the week at various venues across the Doncaster area.
24-26 Scot Lane, Doncaster, DN1 1ES
Eat and Play After School Club
Pay to play (£7) and you can choose any children’s meal from the children’s menu for just £2
3- 6pm Monday- Friday (term time only)
01427 754835.
99A Akeferry Road, DN9 2NF
Classes can be booked online or contact Jenny at jenny@robotreg.co.uk
Rossington Hall, Doncaster:
Baby/ toddler swimming lessons take place every day except Saturday.
Swimming lessons from 2.5 years of age take place Monday- Saturday.
Super Swimmers of Dinnington
Baby/ toddler sessions take place every day of the week.
Swimming lessons from 2.5 years of age take place Monday- Saturday.
Rossington Hall 01909 561269 / Dinnington 07801 810384
Go Swimstars provides a unique Learn to Swim experience, from birth with small class sizes, state of art family friendly facilities and fun, innovative lessons. We have small classes free of distractions, expert swimming instructors, and a state of the art indoor pool. Every child feels safe and at home as we begin their swimming journey.
Fridays from 4- 5:30pm
A playgroup for children with special educational needs and disabilities in Doncaster.
Children £1, adults free.
Booking is essential- see our facebook page ‘ The SEN Den Doncaster’
Cantley Community Centre, DN4 6DF
