It’s not always easy being at home with your little one. Bored of visiting the same, old local parks? Get out of the monotony of feeding, sleeping and changing nappies with the best toddler classes around Sydney! Not only will your bub learn new things and make new friends but you’ll get to hang out and meet other parents too.
First, let’s get messy! Have you seen all those awesome activities for babies and toddlers on social media but haven’t been game to do it because of the mess? Then you need to check out Messy Makers. They have toddler classes all over Sydney for children as young as 5 months. Your child can enjoy all of the fun activities involving bubbles, foam and sand alongside a Messy Maker educator and there’s no cleaning up afterwards. Each week has a different theme. There’ll be a new week of exciting activities and a different learning environment that they’ll love.
Nature play is amazing for all areas of early childhood development – physical, cognitive, social and emotional. Engaging in nature-based play helps kids learn resilience, develop self-confidence, show initiative and improve gross-motor skills. Children are encouraged to explore the natural environment and use natural resources such as rocks and sticks, clay and tools. There are weekly Nature Bub, Nature Play for Toddlers and Nature Play for Preschoolers classes at Ku-Ring-Gai Wildflower Garden in St Ives. Wild Earthlings has natural play sessions at Sydney Park, Cumberland State Forest and Glenorie. Bush Kids is run by Lane Cove Council and Wild Kindy offers play sessions in East Ryde and Chatswood.
Informal music education in early childhood plays an important role in supporting the cognitive and social development of children. So why not try out a fun, interactive music class with your little one? They’ll love the live music and getting their hands on percussive instruments such as maracas, rhythm sticks and tambourines. Check out Einsteinz Music and Lady Bug Music for great toddler classes in Sydney.
Next up, we’re hopping into the water. You might think swimming is for when they’re a bit older but I promise that it’s something that you don’t want to miss out on doing. There are so many benefits to getting your little one into the pool early. Being in the water engages their body in a completely unique way, and billions of new neurons are created as they kick and splash in the water. Swimming helps promote important muscle development and control, in addition to improving their coordination and balance. It’s a great way to bond and have fun, quality time with them. Carlile, Sydney Olympic Park Aquatic Centre, Jump, Puddle Ducks and Duck and Dive all offer swimming classes around Sydney for toddlers.
Have you thought about a gymnastics class? They’re filled with movement, music and lots of learning and laughter. Your child will make new friends, reach their developmental milestones and build a strong sense of self confidence while having lots of fun. There are many toddler gym classes around Sydney including Little Gym, My Gym and GymKidz.
Dance the morning away! What could be better than watching your little tike dance around with other cuties? But seriously, there are some solid benefits to be gained when your child attends dance classes. They’ll learn to coordinate and control their bodies and the movement helps them develop spatial awareness. I recommend the Ready, Set Move program for boys and girls which is at dance studios all over Sydney.
Join a Montessori class. It’s an educational play group with activities that aim to meet the intellectual and social needs of your toddler at this developmental stage. The environment is prepared to help your child’s growing independence, self-esteem and and concentration. There is a strong focus on self-help skills and supporting their social and emotional growth. Have a look at Hills Montessori or the Inner Sydney Montessori School to learn more.
One of the best toddler classes in Sydney is located at your local library. They’re free which is awesome! Story Time at your local library is a great way to socialise with your child, help them learn listening skills, expose them to great books, and meet like-minded local parents. It’s a win-win all around. Below is a list of some Sydney Council libraries that host Story Time:
Don’t miss out on capturing your toddler at this age! Let’s have a photography experience that’s relaxed and enjoyable. We’ll follow your child’s lead, no pressure or forced smiles. You’ll spend quality time together playing, cuddling and laughing. It doesn’t always feel like it but the good old days are right now so get in touch to learn more about fun photography sessions. There’s something so special about being able to relive precious moments for years to come.