Playgroups and classes
Doncaster and the surrounding areas are a fantastic place for bringing up children and there is plenty going on.
Below is a list of all the local playgroups in Doncaster 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.
These multi award winning development classes are for babies from 0 – 15 months old.
Caterpillar Club – For babies 6 weeks to 6 months old. This is a gentle class focusing a lot on physical development to help strengthen core and neck muscles. We end every class with a baby massage, so babies are ready for a long nap!
Busy Bees – For babies 6 months to 15 months old/ mobile. Highly interactive class with bespoke music to encourage motor skills and body awareness.
All activities have been researched in line with EYFS to engage your little ones, while promoting the bond between parent and baby. Each week is also a different theme so no class is ever the same!
Limited spaces available so book now here.
You can also contact Josie if you have any questions: phone 07896651198, email josie@bloombabyclasses.com, or follow on facebook 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
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
Tuesday 9:30- 11:30am
Acro Bees is a unique adult and child activity using story, yoga, acrobatics and physical movement to develop early years milestones & socialisation skills.
St Nicholas Church Hall, Bawtry (next to the gym).
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
Tuesdays in Thorpe Audlin (WF8 3HB) – 9:30- 10:30am Family ARTventurers (6 months- 5 years) & 11:10am- 12:00pm Baby ARTventurers (6 months- 18 months)
All children are individual and the free flow element of our ARTventurers classes allows children to explore and create at their own pace and in their own time.
Find me on facebook- ARTventurers Doncaster North
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
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
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
07845 150489
Toddler sessions run every Tuesday during term time from 9:30- 10:30am.
Sessions are suitable for toddlers up to around 3 years of age.
Park View, Church Street, Doncaster, DN3 3AG
Debutots uses original stories and characters to provide fun, interactive drama sessions.
Sessions include drama games, acting exercises, original stories, dramatic retellings and much more.
Tuesdays
Stephen House, 40 Chapelgate, Retford
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
Every 2nd and 4th Tuesday of the month from 4- 5pm
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
Doncaster Lawn Tennis Club offers coaching all year round for all ages and abilities.
LTA accredited coaches, DBS checked and first aid trained.
Private lessons are also available.
DLTC, Saxton Avenue, DN4 7AY
01302 536134
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
Tuesday, Wednesday & Thursday
From 1 year+
£7.50 per child (adults free)
A member of staff will guide you around our petting zoo so that you can learn about our animals.
You can also interact and cuddle one of our adorable fluffy animals.
Please book on 01302 751698
North View, Doncaster, DN11 9HA
Tuesdays from 9:15- 10:15am (term time only)
An outdoor, hands-on learning experience for little ones and their parents/ carers.
Park on the street outside the school and walk down through the school car park to the bottom.
Nina Garner Outdoor Education- 07412 441037 or see facebook for more information.
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
Tuesdays 4:15- 5pm
New zumba class for kids at Gringley Village Hall. Learn catchy rhythms from all over the world in an inclusive and non-competitive environment where the focus is on fitness and fun!
Children aged 5- 11 welcome.
West Wells Lane, Gringley on the Hill, DN10 4QY
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
Little Explorers Parent & Toddler Group runs twice a week on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 10.30am – 12:00pm every week during term time.
The Salvation Army Lakeside Community Church, Booth Avenue, Doncaster, DN4 5NJ
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
The first 1001 days of your little one’s life (from conception, to age 2) are SO important for infant development. Through pre-natal support with hypnobirthing, pregnancy relaxation, exercise and nutrition guidance, Little Rosebuds can support expectant parents to feel empowered from pregnancy to birth and beyond. With baby massage, baby yoga, and post-natal nutrition and exercise, Little Rosebuds offers a warm and welcoming space to support both parents and baby through love, connection and nurturing touch.
The following courses are available:
Mondays, Tuesdays & Wednesdays
Magical Baby Massage- a 4 week course for babies 6 weeks old+
Magical Baby Yoga- a 4 week course for babies 10- 12 weeks old+
Combined Baby Massage & Yoga- an 8 week course at a discounted rate
Tuesdays & Thursdays
The Nurture Circle- Mummy & Me with biscuits & tea
Mummy & Me as Strong as Can Be- Fitness Classes for new Mum’s and their babies
Wednesday Evenings
Pregnancy Relaxation Classes
Little Rosebuds also offers Hypnobirthing classes and Pre/ Postnatal fitness classes where you can take your little one along.
All courses are delivered in special one to one sessions or intimate small groups in Hannah’s beautiful home based studio in Auckley.
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
Tuesday (term time only) 11:30am- 1pm
Fancy some history-inspired crafting with your little one or ones? The Museum Mini Makers is a drop in session aimed at under fives (but open to older children too) and their parents or carers.
Go to the Museum space on the first floor at Danum Gallery, Library & Museum, Waterdale, Doncaster
A free infant feeding support group for Doncaster mums, designed to provide a relaxed and friendly environment to meet other mums and access skilled support from an NCT Breastfeeding Counsellor.
If you would like support breastfeeding, formula feeding, mixed feeding, expressing, stopping breastfeeding, introducing solid foods or preparing for feeding your baby please register for a free ticket
This Baby Cafe runs online via Zoom on Tuesdays 10am-11.30am.
Tuesdays & Thursdays- First Friends (0-12m)
Tuesdays– Messy Play (babies- pre-school)
Wednesdays & Thursdays- Parents and Toddlers (babies to school age).
Sessions can be pre-booked or you can pay cash/ card on the door. £3.50 per session.
Facebook- Northgate Community Hub.
Northgate Community Hub, Northgate, Tickhill, Doncaster, DN11 9HZ
Mondays and Tuesdays from 9:15- 11:15am
We have a brilliant range of activities for preschool children at Wheatley Park Baptist Church. Please come and join us if you are looking after a baby, toddler or preschool child. The cost is £2 per family and free to foster carers.
Winchester Avenue, Wheatley, DN2 4JE
Tuesday 9:15 – 11am
Our toddler group provides a place where parents and carers can bring their young children to enjoy play activities and socialise.
The group is for parents and carers and their children aged 0-3 years.
Epworth Baptist Church, Station Road, Epworth, DN9 1JZ
Tel: 01427 875839
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
Every Monday (term time only) between 4pm and 6pm.
A safe space for children and young people (8-25 years) with Special Educational Needs to come to learn and have fun!
Based at Bentley My Place Youth Hub.
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
A group for 0-3 year old children and their parents takes place on Tuesdays from 9.30am – 11:30am and Thursdays from 1.00pm – 2.30pm during term time.
£1.50 per session for one child and 50p for each additional child which includes a snack and a drink.
St Norbert’s Catholic Academy, Fieldside, Crowle, Scunthorpe, DN17 4HL
Classes can be booked online or contact Jenny at jenny@robotreg.co.uk
Tuesdays from 9:30- 11:30
All parents/ carers and toddlers are welcome to Little Lambs. Relax in a safe environment for fun, food, friendship & refreshments.
St Nicholas Church Hall, Bawtry (next to the gym).
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.
Tuesday, Wednesday & Thursday
The Point have various creative sessions available for children and young people. Please see their website for more information.
The Point, 16 South Parade, Doncaster, DN1 2DR
Tuesdays and Thursdays from 9:30am- 11am.
Bring your little ones to meet and play in a safe and friendly environment.
64 King Street, Thorne
Tuesdays 9:30- 11:15am
Join us for a cuppa and a chat while you watch your children play. There’s a craft activity, story and singing. The group is FREE to attend though some like to contribute towards the cost of tea and coffee.
Doncaster Evangelical Church, Beckett Road, Wheatley, Doncaster, DN2 4AY
A unique role play centre experience, Tiny Town is a place where children can come together, and use imaginative play to grow and discover the world around them.
See our facebook to find out about Toddler Tuesday and Grandparents Day Wednesday.
Ryton Rd Lower Ground Office, Sheffield S25 4DL
YMCA Doncaster offer a range of FREE classes for children aged between 5 and 17 years:
Monday
Performing Arts (5-8 years and 9-12 years)
Art & Craft (5-8 years/ 9-12 years/ 13- 17 years)
Musical Theatre (9- 13 years)
Tuesday
Musical Theatre (5- 9 years)
Dance (5- 8 years)
Art & Craft (5- 8 years/ 9-12 years)
Motion Animation (9-12 years)
Classes can be booked via our website.
YMCA, 31 Wood Street, DN1 3LH
