San Diego’s Best Mommy & Me and Toddler Classes
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Editor’s note: We’re making every effort to provide you with the most up-to-date information. However, there are widespread closures to help flatten the curve and slow the spread of Covid-19. We’re doing our best to keep all of our stories and calendar up to date. Stay safe, and stay home!
P.S. Need some ideas on what to do with the kids indoors? Check out our complete guide to virtual events and activities here!
Covid-19 update: Many of the programs listed below are now offering online sessions!
Looking for a nearby baby class or toddler activities in San Diego that will really wow your little one? Whether your babe is a budding Picasso, tiny dancer, curious scientist, pint-sized sous chef or likes to coo and jam to music, we’ve rounded up a bunch of local classes for babies and toddlers and mommy and me classes in San Diego from North to South County that we know they’ll love! Scroll down for where to foster their curiosity during this super fun stage of their life!
Tutu School
It's time to twirl and jump. Let baby ballerinas prance the class away in the Tutu Toddler class. Tiny dancers will learn the art of ballet and use their creativity and movement during these classes. Also, they'll get plenty of exercise before nap time! Tutu Toddler classes encourage aspiring dancers to be imaginative and move to the beat. Free trial classes available.
6996 El Camino Real, #107
Carlsbad, CA 92008
Online: tutuschool.com
Little Engineers at San Diego Air & Space Museum
Future astronauts will have a blast at the Air and Space Museum's Little Engineer class. With all the creativity and fun, kids enjoy the STEM enrichment program and learn about science. From fun forces and bursting energy to exploring space and airplane adventures, you'll find a class that piques your toddler's interest. Sign-up and head out to Balboa Park today.
Dates: Wednesdays and Saturdays (ages 3-5 years old)
Balboa Park
2001 Pan America Plaza
San Diego, CA 92101
Online: sandiegoairandspace.org
Blossom Music Tree Classes
Move to the music! Babies and toddlers love playing along to tunes during class, and caregivers join in being part of their child's growth into confident music-makers. Everyone loves the toe-tapping great songs played in class. From newborn to four years-old there's a Mixed Ages class where everyone sings and plays together.
Cost: $190 for 10 weeks
Tree of Life Birth Center
617 Saxony Place, Suite 104
Encinitas, CA 92024
Trilogy Ballroom
16769 Bernardo Center Dr. #26
San Diego, CA 92128
Online: blossommt.com
San Diego Music Academy Kindermusik
A perfect mix of learning and playing. You and your littles will sing, move, play instruments and hear stories, while developing social skills, math skills and a foundation for reading. There are four different classes to choose from based on age, Level 1 (up to 18 months), Level 2 (18 months-3 years-old), Level 3 (3-5 years), and Mixed-Age (0-5 years) that will inspire kids to learn while having tons of fun!
Free Demo Classes with ages ranging from newborn to 5-year olds.
14027 Midland Rd.
Poway, CA 92064
858-218-6488
Online: sdmusicacademy.com
Good Vibe Tribe Studio
Mini-dancers will be moving and grooving to the music at the Good Vibe Tribe Studio Toddler Breakdancing or Hip-Hop class. You'll find even more options for little ones who love tropical dances––there's a Hawaiian Dance class (ages two and older), and a Hula class. Check the schedule (or call) to see what classes are going down!
Cost: $15/class (packages available too)
4228 Bonita Rd.
Bonita, CA 91902
619-995-9598
Online: good-vibe-tribe-studios.site
Little Musicians at The New Children's Museum
This Spring is all about making music together in Little Musicians! Classes will be led by the museum's early childhood specialist instructor Miss Piggy.
This 6-week session begins on Apr. 6 and will take place each Monday through May 11.
Dates + Time April 6, 13, 20 + 27 and May 4 + 11 from 9:30-10:30 a.m. (check-in starts at 9:15am)
Pricing Member Pair (1 Adult + 1 Child): $135 Member Trio (1 Adult + 2 Children): $185 Non-Member Pair (1 Adult + 1 Child): $160 Non-Member Trio (1 Adult + 2 Children): $210
200 West Island Ave.
San Diego, CA 92101
619-233-8792
Online: thinkplaycreate.org
Toddler Tuesdays With Seed & Song Music + Yoga
Om your way to a more peaceful state of being at Toddler Tuesdays with Seed & Song Music + Yoga classes. This hour-long morning class includes live music, mindful movement, active music making and enriching experiences designed to promote the development of your little one's social, physical and language skills and emotional well-being. The classes' curriculum is designed by board-certified music therapists, yoga teachers and mothers, to allow you a family space to grow together.
Classes are for kids ages six weeks-three-years-old and they take place at Pilgrimage of the Heart Yoga in Normal Heights on Tuesdays from 10-11 a.m.
$145 for all 8 classes + Guest Pass + Free Egg Shaker. Register here. Drop-in classes/$20
San Diego Youth Symphony ChIMES Program
The ChIMES program by the San Diego Youth Symphony is playing your little one's tune! ChIMES stands for: Childhood Introduction to Music Education, with Smiles, and it's designed for kids from infants to age 5. Classes provide meaningful music-making experiences that encourage family bonding, at-home learning and pave the way for future musical development. These interactive classes develop motor and aural skills by incorporating singing, movement, rhythm activities, hands-on instrument play and lots of fun. Classes often feature guest musicians and families might learn about the French Horn one week (and get up close to touch it and see how it works) and the next week they might watch a young violinist or cellist come in to demonstrate their instrument and play a few tunes.
Good to know: Babies are welcome! Although this program welcomes all young kids up to age 5, it's extremely popular with the “baby crowd.” ChIMES is one of the only music classes around that allows and encourages participation from families with very young babies. It offers a great way for new moms to get out, bond with their baby and meet other parents.
Seasonal sessions (6-8 weeks) of 45-minute classes are offered in Balboa Park for parents/caregivers and their 0-5 year olds.
Info on upcoming classes and current sessions can be found at: sdys.org/chimes.
Free Forest School of San Diego
There's no greater teacher than Mother Nature and little kids absolutely love basking in the splendor of the great outdoors. Join in the fun of San Diego's Free Forest School so your tots can unplug and enjoy some carefree childhood moments reminiscent of the good ol' days of your youth.
Click here to read our full story on the Free Forest School for more info.
Tinkergarden
Spending time with your toddler can be a walk in the park, literally. Your kiddo will love classes like mud play or bubble time. Even more, you'll love that it's at your local park. Led by a group leader these classes encourage meeting friends, exploring nature and just plain old fun. Let your little one tinker in the outdoors today.
Cost: $135+ for 6-8 week sessions
Classes available in various locations throughout San Diego. Check online for a class near you.
Online: tinkergarten.com
If I Was a Bird Toddler Yoga
Put a little om in your outing with your budding yogi with a class at this kid-friendly yoga studio. Classes for tots warm up with an art project, continue with yoga poses, song and movement. Then wind up with a healthy snack. Your tot leaves happy, calm and full.
Cost: Introductory class, $20
Locations: Flower Hill Promenade, Uptown Hillcrest, and Liberty Station
Online: ifiwasabirdyoga.com
Baby Sign Language Class
For wee ones just walking, but not quite talking, sign language is great to learn. Classes are fun and interactive with reading, songs and playtime to help you and your little learn sign language. Even more, there are tips and tricks about incorporating signing outside of class. Further, little ones meet new friends who inspire learning. If you want to check it out before signing up for a class, attend a library storytime for free!
Cost: From $156+/child for 7 weeks of signing
1947 30th St.
San Diego, CA 92102
619-987-4834
Online: babysignlanguage.net
Parent & Child Gymnastics
The Dan McKinney Family YMCA offers parent & child gymnastics classes on weekday mornings. Your minikins can have the run of the gym at this toddler only session. While Disney classics play overhead, they’ll be able to jump, roll, swing, climb, balance and dance through activity stations like the trampoline, obstacle course, mini balance beam and swinging rope. With a bouncy floor, staff on hand and moms and dads playing with their kiddos, you’ll be assured your kids have a fun and safe time.
Cost: Free with membership
Hours: Weekdays, 10-10:40 a.m. (in the gym)
8355 Cliffridge Ave.
La Jolla, CA 92037
858-453-3483
Online: ymca.org
Young Scientist Program at The Reuben H. Fleet Science Center
If you have a budding scientist on your hands, then the Young Scientist Program at the Reuben H. Fleet Science Center may just be the thing for you. This four-week program is designed to help mini science lovers (and an accompanying mom or dad) check out the scientific wonders of the world. Sessions are held around the museum and include an hour-long exploration into earth checking out water, plants, seeds, rocks and landforms. There’s also an adventure into astronomy investigating planets, moons, stars and rockets, a mighty meteorologist breakdown where you will learn about measuring weather and wet, sunny and winter weather. Lastly, there’s a cool kids chemistry lesson with radical reactions, states of matters and mixtures. Classes include access to the Fleet’s awesome exhibits and galleries so you can stay and play after the formal learning ends. The program is best suited to mini Einsteins, ages 3-5 years-old.
Cost: $75/session for members, $85/session for non-members
Hours: schedule changes; check online
1875 El Prado
Balboa Park
San Diego, CA 92101
619-238-1233
Online: rhfleet.org/events/young-scientists
YMCA Pee Wee Sports
The YMCA loves working with kids, but don’t just think that means your school-aged kiddos. The YMCA Pee Wee Sports Clinics and Leagues are especially designed for toddlers 3 and up. Held at more than 10 locations from East County, up north, all the way to the sea and down south, you can choose from a variety of classes like basketball, soccer, t-ball, football and track and field. Your active little ones will discover the basics of the sport all the while learning about sportsmanship, building confidence and of course having some good old-fashioned fun! You’ll love that participation is the name of the game, effort is praised over ability and it is most definitely a competitive free zone. Classes are separated by age and held at a variety of times and days so you’ll be able to choose what’s best for you. Non-members are able to participate but you’ll need to pay a slightly different rate. Check individual class listings for age recommendations, times and costs.
Cost: From $42/members and $56/non-members for one month
Hours: Mon. – Sun.
Various YMCA locations
Online: ymca.org/branchprograms
Dance Classes at Dance to Evolve
For some toddlers, there's nothing better than shaking to the beat, twirling those arms in the air and spinning those tootsies around. So if dancing is their thing, then check out the dance classes at Dance to Evolve. Classes range in dancing styles from a combination of ballet and tap to a parent participation class to an urban hit of hip hop. Lessons are a short-attention-span friendly 45 minutes and include a mixture of games and exercises to make learning fun. There are locations throughout San Diego County, including Point Loma, UTC, Poway, Tierrasanta and Scripps Ranch and they’re scheduled at a range of times so you’ll be sure to find something that works with your nap/school/making it work with siblings schedule! If you aren’t sure if your tiny dancer is going to want to get into the groove, you can schedule a free trial lesson before you enroll for a term.
Cost: From $100 per session (varies by location and schedule)
Hours: Check website for class schedules
Various locations
Online: dancetoevolve.com/san-diego
Story time at The Library
Your local library is a treasure trove of free classes, activities and resources––perfect for keeping busy toddlers minds and bodies active. Take for example the baby or toddler story time at the Allied Gardens/Benjamin Branch library. Baby story time is for tykes (birth to one year) and their caregivers to enjoy songs, lap-sits and rhymes that foster early literacy skills. Toddler story time is for active little ones and their caregivers will have fun singing songs, dancing and reading while laying the foundation for future reading success.
Cost: Free
5188 Zion Ave.
San Diego, CA 92120
619-533-3970
Online: sandiego.gov/allied-gardens-benjamin-library
Music Fun for Little Ones at Nightingale Music School
What tot doesn’t love dancing around to fun music, playing with puppets, jamming with instruments and playing with bubbles? Nightingale Music combines all those awesome elements into an 8-week class for toddlers (they also have classes for infants and preschoolers too). Each week, class participants learn new songs, play instruments, participate in games and dance together, all while enjoying the magical world of music. Each session is themed differently. “Hooray for the Holidays” is a theme from Oct. – Dec. Other themes include “Spring Has Sprung,” “Mother Goose Rock-N-Rhyme,” “Splash Into Summer” and “Jungle Jive.” The session fee includes all classes (and a make-up day), CD, songbook and final gift.
Cost: From $178+/session (they prorate too)
Hours: Varies by location
La Jolla
5631-C La Jolla Blvd.
La Jolla, CA 92037
858-488-3244
La Mesa
8060 La Mesa Blvd.
La Mesa, CA 91942
858-488-3244
South Park
1947 30th St.
San Diego, CA 92102
858-488-3244
Online: nightingalemusicschool.com
––Beth Shea & Nikki Walsh
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