YOUR GUIDE TO THE BEST ACTIVITIES FOR TODDLERS AND PRESCHOOLERS
Things to Do for Toddlers & Preschool Age Children
In Easingwold, Boroughbridge, Ripon, Knaresborough, Thirsk, Masham, Bedale, Leyburn, and North Yorkshire
Browse our directory of classes, events, parties, drop-in sessions, and family-friendly experiences aimed at toddlers, preschoolers, parents, and care givers.
Guide to Toddler and Preschooler Activities, Classes, and Events
Looking for fun things to do with toddlers and preschoolers in Ripon, Boroughbridge, Thirsk, Easingwold, Knaresborough, Bedale, Masham and the surrounding areas? You’re in luck as North Yorkshire is full of family-friendly adventures perfect for little ones! Enjoy hands-on fun at local farm parks, indoor play centres, and soft play areas, or explore beautiful parks, nature trails, and child-friendly cafes ideal for playdates. In and around Ripon, visit Newby Hall Gardens and the Ripon Spa Gardens for outdoor play. Boroughbridge and Thirsk offer lovely riverside walks and welcoming playgrounds and Easingwold and Knaresborough have plenty of toddler-friendly events and open spaces to explore. In addition, Bedale and Masham boast scenic picnic spots and child-focused attractions. Whether you’re local or visiting, there’s always something exciting to keep young children entertained across the charming towns and villages of Yorkshire.
PLATINUM FEATURED LISTING
Learn a skill for life with the UK’s leading provider of swimming lessons for ages 0 – 12 years. Our baby and toddler programme teaches water safety in fun lessons aimed at developing the whole child whilst our immersive ‘Swimvincible’ programme (4-12 years) covers not only Swim England stages but also water polo, snorkelling, paddle sports, and rookie lifeguard skills. We have classes every day across North Yorkshire.
Baby Swimmers Yorkshire
Baby Swimmers is a family-run award-winning baby & toddler swim school that teaches babies from 6 weeks across North & West Yorkshire. Our Swimmers Academy for older children follows the STA International Award Scheme. Email info@babyswimmers.co.uk for more information.
Born of the Forest, Harrogate
Popular provider of forest school sessions. Offering adult and child preschooler forest school sessions (0-5 years), age 5-11+ forest school classes, and therapeutic forest school sessions for additional needs. Also offers parties. Contact Born of the Forest for more information.
Boroughbridge Tennis Club – EVM Coaching Sessions
The tennis club in Boroughbridge hosts junior ‘red ball’ sessions for children aged 3+ on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Fridays at 4.00 pm, as well as Saturday mornings at 9.00 am. The sessions last an hour. A free trial is available before paying per half term. Discounts available for members of the club. Contact Ellie at EVM Tennis Coaching to find out more.
Children’s Church (Mustard Seeds), Ripon
A group for 0-6 year olds and their families that involves singing, storytelling, and crafts. Meetings are held in Ripon Cathedral Library after the first hymn on Sundays. Contact Ripon Cathedral for more information.
Diddikicks Football, Harrogate & York
Junior parent and toddler football classes for children available for 18 months to 6 years on Saturday mornings at Rossett Sports Centre in Harrogate and Yeadon Methodist Church, or Sunday mornings at Carr Junior School in York or Horsforth School.
Forest Church, Lower Dunsforth
On the second Sunday of every month at 4.00 pm, there is a free forest school activity session followed by outside worship at St Mary’s Church, Lower Dunsforth. This is currently not running but is hoping to return when the church vacancy has been filled. Contact Boroughbridge Churches for more information.
Generation Dance, Boroughbridge
Toddler dance classes are available on Thursday mornings, 11.15 am on The Coronation Hall in Boroughbridge and on Saturday mornings at 11.25 am at the Generation Dance Studio in Roecliffe. Contact Generation Dance for more information.
Grass Roots Muddy Boots, Boroughbridge
Offering preschool forest school sessions for 0-5 years at Yolk Farm in Minskip, Boroughbridge on Thursday mornings at 9.00 am and 10.30 am. Also offers 5-12 years and adult sessions. Contact Grass Roots Muddy Boots for further details.
GW Football Academy, Topcliffe
Offering a tots football session for 3-6 years at 5.30 pm (arrive from 5.15 pm to settle) on Friday evenings on the astroturf pitch at Queen Mary’s School in Topcliffe, near Thirsk. Free trial available and then approximately £20-25 per month on a direct debit. Contact Graham at GW Football for further information.
Hartbeeps Sensory Play Classes, Near Knaresborough & Pannal
Fun, themed, musical story telling with multi-sensory play for new movers to preschoolers involving music, singing, lights, baby yoga, and plenty of sensory objects to explore. Sessions run on Monday mornings at Calcutt Village Hall, near Knaresborough, as well as Wednesday and Friday mornings at Pannal Village Hall. Contact Hartbeeps for more information.
Imagine and Play, Knaresborough
Imagine and Play is a fun session for under 5’s and their carers. Sessions are held on Tuesdays between 2:15 pm to 3.00 pm at Knaresborough Library. Contact the library for more information.
Kidslingo in Ripon, Knaresborough, Wetherby & More
Fun Spanish classes for little ones age 0 – 11 years in Harrogate, Ripon & Wetherby. Classes for 0-4 years available at Chain Lane Community Hub on Thursdays from 9.15 am. Contact Kidslingo Harrogate, Ripon & Wetherby for more information.
Little Birds Forest School, Hovingham
A home based Early Years setting offering year round, full time Forest School childcare as well as classes for ages 2-11 years and a summer holiday camp. Contact Little Birds for more information.
Little Kixx Football in Ripon, Knaresborough & Harrogate
A football academy for children that inspires fun and joy through sports. Friday evenings at Ripon Grammar School, Saturday mornings at Harrogate Ladies College, and Sunday mornings at Knaresborough Community Centre. Saturday morning classes are also available at Millthorpe School Academy in York and York St Johns Sport Centre Academy. Sunday classes also run on Sunday mornings at York Sports Village Academy. All classes cost approximately £34.00 /per month. There is a joining fee that includes a kit. All sessions last approximately 40 minutes.
Little Nest in Ripon, Ouseburn & Boroughbridge
Provides pop-up soft play sessions as well as events such as mummy and baby brunches. Popular event locations include Little Ouseburn Village Hall and The Crown Hotel, Boroughbridge.
Little Rascals Music, Ripon
This pre-school music group, run by Prima Musica, offers music tuition classes for preschoolers on Monday mornings at the Ripon Operatic Hall.
The Little Yorkshire Dance Academy in Whixley, Pannal, Wetherby & Poppleton
Magical, creative performing arts classes for little people across Yorkshire. The Mixed Mini Movers classes for 11 months to 4 years and 11 months happen on Mondays at 9.30 am at Whixley Village Hall, Tuesdays at 1.00 pm at Pannal Village Hall, Wednesdays at 9.15 am at The Cub Modern Nursery in Wetherby, and Wednesdays at 9.30 am at The Poppleton Centre. Contact The Little Yorkshire Dance Academy for more information.
The Log Circle, Wharfedale
Offering forest school sessions for babies, toddlers, children, teens, families, and adults from a forest location in Wharfedale, West Yorkshire. Contact the forest school for more details.
Make Time for Music, Boroughbridge
Every term-time Thursday at 9.30 am, there is a mini music makers class for 0-5 year olds held at St. James’ Church, Boroughbridge. This pre-school group is donation-only and has social time with tea, coffee, and refreshments from 10.00 am. No need to book. Visit Boroughbridge Churches on Facebook for more information.
Messy Church Art Club, Boroughbridge
This free creative art session happens every third Sunday of each month at 4.00 pm, excluding July and August. It is hosted at St James’ Church, Boroughbridge. Anyone is welcome to attend. Most of the creative art and crafts activities are aimed at children and young people 0-13 years but we always make sure there is something for teenagers and adults too. Free to attend and no need to book.
Messy Makers, Thirsk & Northallerton
Experience fun, themed messy play for children aged 6 months to 4 years. The sessions happen on Tuesdays at 10.00 am at Twiggy’s Play in Thirsk, as well as Wednesdays and Thursdays at 10.00 am at Crazy Kingdom, Northallerton. Classes are pay as you go, costing approximately £5.50 per 45 minute session.
Mini Swimmers, Boroughbridge
We offer baby and toddler swimming classes from birth to age 5 years at The Crown Hotel, Boroughbridge, on Thursday and Saturday Mornings. Contact info@miniswimmers.co.uk for more information.
Minskip Minis Playgroup, Near Boroughbridge
Monday mornings at 9.30 am – 11.00 am, you will find friendly and fun playgroup sessions for 0-5 years at Minskip Village Hall. The £2.00 entry includes hot drinks for aduts and snacks for the children.
Moo Music, Ripon, Thirsk & Boroughbridge
Preschool music classes for 0-5 years held across Harrogate, Ripon, Thirsk and Boroughbridge. Contact Moo Music for more information.
The Mum Club, Harrogate
A community of women connecting locally who just happen to be mums. Become a member to meet, laugh, learn, support, build genuine friendships, and have fun at coffee dates, brunches, baby-friendly events. Find out more on The Mum Club’s Facebook or Instagram pages.
Netball4All – Netball Coaching Sessions, Boroughbridge & Poppleton
Netball 4 All offer fun netball sessions for tots (3 – 4 years) on Sundays, 4.00 – 5.00 pm at Boroughbridge High School and Sundays, 9.00 – 9.30 am at The Poppleton Centre near York. The weekly sessions deliver consistent netball skill based training in a safe and inclusive environment, hoping to encourage everyone into the great sport of netball. Contact Vicky at Netball4All for further information.
Number Train, Wetherby & Harrogate
Number Train offers preschool (2+ years) classes designed to help children grow in confidence, learn new skills, and prepare for school through music, making, movement and maths! Classes available in Wetherby, Collingham, Harrogate, and Osbaldwick (York). Contact Number Train for more information.
Outdoor Adventures Forest School, Ripon
Runs forest school toddler groups, forest school holiday clubs, school setting forest school provision, birthday parties, and events. Contact Outdoor Adventures for further details.
Phonics with Robot Reg in Boroughbridge, Easingwold & More
Opening children and their parents to a world of literacy, Phonics with Robot Reg run classes for 0-4 years in Boroughbridge, Ripon, Thirsk, Easingwold, Harrogate, Northallerton, Wetherby, and York. Contact Phonics with Robot Reg Central North Yorkshire for more details.
Puddle Ducks Yorkshire
The perfect inDUCKtion to swimming for ages 0-10 years. We offer classes throughout Yorkshire. For more information, visit the Puddle Ducks Yorkshire website.
Pure Swim Yorkshire
PureSwim Yorkshire are proud to provide gentle and fun swimming lessons for little ones aged approximately 8 weeks to 11 years. Our baby and pre-school lessons focus on water confidence, parent and child bonding and important water safety skills in small groups. Visit Pure Swim Yorkshire’s website to find out more.
Ready, Set, Learn at Queen Mary’s School, Topcliffe
Free monthly Stay and Explore preschool classes to prepare toddlers and preschoolers for school. Covering a wide range of activities, Montessori methods, free play, and social time for both children and parents. Held at Queen Mary’s School near Thirsk. Visit their website for more information.
Relaxed Storytime, Knaresborough
A children’s relaxed storytime is held every Friday from 10.30 am to 11.00 am at Knaresborough Library. The sessions are free with no need to book. Contact the library for more information.
Rhythm Time in Ripon, Boroughbridge, Masham & More
Offering preschool music classes for 0-5 years across the area, with c lasses on Mondays and Tuesdays for Ripon, Wednesdays in Boroughbridge, and Thursdays in Masham. There are also classes in Knaresborough, Wetherby, Rufforth, New Earswick, York, Harrogate, and more. Contact Rhythm Time via their website for more information.
RugbyTots, Ripon
Fun, energetic sessions teaching multiskills and basic rugby skills. The Rugby Tots sessions happen on Saturday mornings for ages 2+ years at Ripon Grammar School. Contact RugbyTots for more information.
Songbugs Singalong in Ripon & Boroughbridge
There are toddler singalong music sessions for new movers to preschool children happening on Mondays, 9.45 am at St. Wilfred’s Community Centre in Ripon and on Thursdays, 9.45 am at The Coronation Hall in Boroughbridge. Contact Songbugs Singalong for more details.
Story and Rhyme Time, Ripon
Ripon Library hosts ‘story and rhyme time’ sessions on Wednesdays from 10:30 am to 11.00 am and on Fridays from 10:30 am to 11.00 am during term-time. The free, drop-in sessions are aimed children 0-5 years and are delivered by a library volunteer. Contact Ripon Library for more information.
Storytime at Bedale Library
Storytime sessions for pre-school children (0-5 years) happens every Friday afternoon from 2.15 pm – 2.45 pm. Contact Bedale Library for more information.
Storytime at Boroughbridge Library
Join on Wednesday mornings 10.15 am – 10.45 am for interactive storytelling and singing. For all children aged under 5 and their carers. It’s free with no need to book. Contact Boroughbridge Library for more information.
Storytime at Easingwold Library
Easingwold Library hosts a free preschool storytime session on Thursday mornings 10.15 am – 11.00 am. It caters for all children aged under 5 and their carers. No need to book. Contact Easingwold Library for more information.
Storytime at Knaresborough Library
A storytime for children under five is held every Monday from 10:30 am to 11.00 am at Knaresborough Library. Attendance is free and no booking is required. Contact the library for further details.
Studio 3 Dance Workshop, Knaresborough
Offering classes for 0-18 years in ballet, jazz, riverdance, tap, lyrical, commercial, street, and musical theatre from the Studio 3 Dance Workshop. Contact Studio 3 Dance Workshop to find out more.
Swim Tots, Harrogate Area
From first kicks through to confident strokes, Swim Tot classes provide a pathway for aquatic learning to develop from birth. Our classes not only provide the teaching of a valuable life skill, but also ensures that your child’s needs are expertly fulfilled to empower them to navigate the water with confidence. Email sophie@swimtots.org for details of our Harrogate area baby and toddler swimming lessons.
Toddler Sense, Staveley, Knaresborough, Harrogate & Wetherby
At Toddler Sense Harrogate, Wetherby & Knaresborough there’s a range of classes for toddlers and preschoolers who need to burn off some of that seemingly endless energy. We have obstacles, slides, soft play, and weekly themed activities all within our fun 45-minute weekly sessions.
Yorkshire Forest Folk, Near Thirsk
Offering preschool and toddler forest sessions on term-time Mondays and Tuesdays as well as holiday camps at Kilburn Woods near Thirsk. For more information, contact the provider.