9 Weekly Workshops, Classes, and Lessons for Your Baby or Toddler
Ready to try some new (or new-to-you) activities with your kiddos? Richmond has plenty of programs geared towards even our littlest friends, from art and literacy to sports like soccer and swimming! And don’t worry, these activities are just as fun for parents. The biggest bonus? You’ll get to spend quality time with your little one and make new friends!
Here are 9 indoor classes and activities around the city to try with your crew.
— by Megan Ariail, Contributing Writer, West End Mom Blog
VMFA’s Early Childhood Art Classes
The Virginia Museum of Fine Arts has the most wonderful art program with classes and camps. Early Childhood Art Classes are offered for children at least three months old. Caregivers and grownups will love these classes. Each one is an hour long with free play, storytime, a kid-friendly tour, and a hands-on art activity. Check here for the upcoming calendar.
Why we love it: This was one of the first mommy and me classes I tried as a new mom and as a mom of two under two. They are easy to navigate with multiples, even if you’re solo parenting. The instructors are very knowledgeable, and they tailor classes perfectly for each age group.
Hours: Classes meet weekly at varying times depending on age.
Cost: Art classes start at $20 for a child/parent pair
Location: 200 N Arthur Ashe Blvd (The Museum District)
More info >>
Maymont’s Toddler Time
Maymont Park offers weekly Toddler Time classes geared toward children 18 months to 4 years old. In these grown-up and me classes, Maymont educators create hands-on learning experiences through play. Children get to explore the Children’s Farm classroom, listen to stories, work on a craft, and meet one of Maymont’s animals.
Why we love it: The educators create such a relaxed and safe learning space for kiddos, and they have age-appropriate expectations for them. It’s okay if your child chats or plays with toys during the story. This is also an easy option if you have multiples. I started bringing my son when he was almost two, and his one month old sister came with us. She was slowly able to participate, even before 18 months.
Hours: Mondays from 10am-11am
Cost: $15 child/parent pair
Location: 1001 Spottswood Rd (Byrd Park Court
More info >>
Soccer Shots
Soccer Shots is a soccer program created just for kiddos two years old to eight years old. Each program has a thoughtful curriculum that not only teaches the basics of soccer, but it also teaches the importance of confidence and teamwork. For the little kids, each practice has a different theme, like Forest Animals, and the coaches work that theme into the soccer skill, such as “dribbling fast to avoid the beavers.” The program develops and matures with the kids - by five years old, the children are playing 5 v. 5 indoor soccer. What really makes this program fantastic is the coaches - they are excellent with kids!
Why we love it: The coaches lead the entire practice, so if your kiddo is ready to try an activity without you, they can. You can relax and watch the team. But don’t worry, if your little one is a bit hesitant, you can still participate - I did.
Hours: Various program times
Cost: $100-$180 depending on age, register online in advance
Location: 4840 Waller Rd (Libbie Mill)
More info >>
Children’s Programs at RVA Libraries
Our local libraries offer free, weekly classes for the community. These classes are separated by age: Book Babies is for newborns to 17 months old, Toddler Time is for kiddos 18 months to 36 months, and Preschool Storytime is for three to five year olds. In these classes, children learn new songs, count, interact with other children, and read stories. All programs for our youngest friends (0-5 years) are grown-up and me style. Depending on your kiddo’s age, classes range from half an hour to an hour. Also, city residents can visit any of the surrounding counties’ libraries for free!
Why we love it: All of the programs are free, and most of them are drop-in style, so it fits any budget and schedule. I also appreciate that these interactive classes make learning fun and easy - children get to practice counting, letters, and rhymes.
Hours: Classes and times vary by location
Cost: Free
Location: All RVA library locations
More info >>
The Bunny Hive
The Bunny Hive is a social club for children four and younger and their grownups. They offer over seven different classes, like yoga, culinary exploration, and baby yoga. Each one is half an hour, and the schedule changes weekly. The instructors do a wonderful job of fostering a community by hosting introductions and a greeting song at the beginning of each class, singing a personalized goodbye song, and allowing free play at the end of class.
Why we love it: They offer programs for newborns, so parents can get out of the house as soon as they are ready. I also love the variety of class options - you can try everything from infant massage to culinary exploration. The Bunny Hive even offers a free Books and Bubbles class on Fridays.
Hours: Classes start at 9 am, and they vary throughout the week
Cost: Individual classes are $25 per family/per class, and memberships start at $45
Location: 401 Libbie Ave (Westhampton)
More info >>
Starfish Aquatics
This is not your typical swim program. Infant Aquatic Survival Specialist Erin Loewe teaches children as young as 6 months old how to survive in water: holding their breath, rolling over, floating unassisted, and swimming. Meeting at Weinstein Jewish Community Center, each class is about 10 minutes, and the instructor adjusts it to meet each child’s physical and emotional readiness. Within 6 weeks of lessons, children learn solid swimming skills that make them stronger swimmers than traditional swim lessons do.
Why we love it: Erin creates a performance based class, not just a time-based one. Even in a group setting, she tailors how she is teaching to each kiddo. Once your little completes the 6 week session, he will be able to survive in the water … and ready for vacation!
Hours: Meeting times vary. Courses are 6 weeks, and they meet 4 days a week with makeup on Fridays.
Location: 5403 Monument Ave (Willow Lawn)
More info >>
Stories at the Museum
Every Saturday, The Virginia Museum of History and Culture hosts a storytime for families. This program is geared towards early-middle elementary learners, but all ages are welcome. Each class is led by a VHMC educator with a read-aloud and a craft that connects to a theme. Upcoming programs feature Black History Month with Freedom on The Menu and Women’s History Month with You Forgot Your Skirt, Amelia Bloomer!
Why we love it: This is a parent & me style class, so we get to learn about new topics together. Each storytime connects with a theme, so it’s an easy way to introduce younger learners to new topics. For example, January’s class centered on Lunar New Year, so children learned about the new year and a new story Dumpling Soup.
Hours: Saturdays at 10:30am
Cost: $10 for adults, $5 for 6-17, and children 5 and younger are free
Location: 428 N Arthur Ashe Boulevard (The Museum District)
More info >>
Miss Anne’s Music and Movement
Miss Anne’s Music and Movement class now includes an indoor option. Families can participate in a 30-minute parent and me style music class for young children at West End Academy of Dance. Infants, toddlers, and preschoolers get to sing, dance and play instruments to classic children’s songs, like the “Hokey Pokey,” and to hits, like Frozen’s “Let it Go.” Unlike her drop-in style outdoor classes, families need to register in advance on The West End Academy of Dance website.
Why we love it: Miss Anne is a preschool music teacher, so her classes are perfect for little kids. She incorporates directions, counting, and colors in her seasonally themed classes. It’s such a fun learning opportunity, and it is an easy spot for children and parents to socialize.
Hours: Mondays 9:30am-10am
Cost: $15 per family; register online in advance
Location: 10420 Ridgefield Pkwy (West End)
More info >>
Sports Center of Richmond
Sports Center of Richmond offers youth soccer programs for kiddos 18 months old to eight years old. In the Lil’ Kickers program, coaches lead children in 50 minute, high energy classes where they build social, emotional and physical skills. While this is a parent and me style program, as children get more confident and independent, parents can become more of a spectator as the season progresses. It’s the perfect introduction to soccer and team sports. Not sure if it’s right for your kiddo? Sign up to try a free class.
Why we love it: These classes are 50 minutes - the longest active classes around. These are perfect for getting all your little’s wiggles out and making new friends. I love that the programs are indoor year round too - you never have to worry about the weather. SCOR also offers a $15 sibling discount if you sign up for more than one child.
Hours: Various program times
Cost: Programs start at $220
Location: 1385 Overbrook Rd (Scott’s Addition)
More info >>
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