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Best Classes for Preschoolers and Toddlers in Los Angeles

Language and music in the same class is a sweet harmony. Photo courtesy of Baila Baila
Language and music in the same class is a sweet harmony. Photo courtesy of Baila Baila
9/10/23 - By Kylie Williams

There is no shortage of classes for preschoolers, especially in a sprawling city like Los Angeles, where class options come in droves. Schedules can be jam-packed with back-to-back classes for preschoolers and toddlers every day of the week. 

Nothing brings as much joy as helping my wiggly two-year-old dress in her leotard and tutu for dance class or lacing up my four-year-old's soccer cleats for his Lil' Kickers soccer class. Read on to learn about some of our favorite classes for preschoolers and toddlers in Los Angeles. 

Looking for more class options? We also have a fantastic list of classes for babies in LA, the best swim classes in LA for kids, dance classes for children in Los Angeles, and top preschools in LA. Go to our Classes for Los Angeles Kids Guide to check out all the various offerings in the city. 

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Toddlers can start soccer as young as 18 months! Photo courtesy of Lil' Kickers
Toddlers can start soccer as young as 18 months! Photo courtesy of Lil' Kickers

Gyms and Sports Classes for Preschoolers and Toddlers

Lil' Kickers

Multiple Locations
Lil' Kickers introduces footballers with the tiniest feet to the biggest game. Kids can learn soccer skills through interactive games and drills at various locations throughout LA. Most sessions last 8-10 weeks and involve a weekly, 45 minute to 1 hour class. "Bunnies" start learning the game at 18-24 months, with Thumpers, Cottontails, Hoppers, and Jackrabbits offering classes for kids up to 4. (Courses for bigger kids are available as well.)  READ MORE

Hugo's Gymfitness

Santa Clarita
Little tykes can find their footing at Hugo's on the tumble trampoline, play in the foam pit, navigate obstacle courses, and stretch with an instructor in a class strategically created for early childhood development. As kids get bigger and more confident, they can graduate from a parent and me course to GymBuddies, where mom and dad watch from the stands while kids shine.  READ MORE

Bounce LA

Santa Monica, Cheviot Hills, Holmby Hills, Studio City, and Mid-Wilshire
Bounce LA is a "portable gym" with energetic coaches that can take your little one who is "bouncing off the walls" and channel that into some purposeful bouncing off their trampolines. Classes take place at various parks around LA including Woodbridge Park in Studio City, the Annenberg Beach House in Santa Monica, and De Neve Square in the Holmby Hills area. Sessions last eight weeks and are divided by age range and ability.  READ MORE

Wild Child

Culver City
Wild Child Gym is an LA favorite, and can be spotted "in the wild" at playtimes all over the city, including at the Grove and Americana. From toddling tots to energetic "bruisers " (2-3.5 year olds), kids can get their energy out at this unique kids gym with a distinctly Hawaiian vibe. Wild Child also offers classes for "advanced" movers up to 7. Staff theme each of their classes with a creative and fun focus, giving kids variety while teaching them coordination, strength, and more.  READ MORE

My Gym

Multiple Locations
Babies can move from aggressive crawling to running, while also learning skills like stacking blocks, kicking a ball, and riding a tricycle at these fitness-focused caregiver-and-child classes. Kids move at 18 months from the Waddlers program to the Gymsters class (from 18-30 months) and finally attend the Terrific Tots program, where grown-up involvement is reduced. READ MORE

Zooga Yoga

Culver City & Calabasas
Zooga is a yoga studio dedicated to babies, kids, teens, expecting moms, parents, and families. Classes are playful, taught in the branded Zooga Yoga style, and studios are environmentally friendly. Classes are available both online and in parks in Culver City and Calabasas (coming soon). READ MORE

The Little Gym

Multiple Locations
You can learn gymnastics before you can even walk at The Little Gym. Once you have an active toddler that is bouncing off the walls, set them free in this safe, padded, guided environment to learn more about body awareness, coordination, overcoming obstacles, and more. Kids can advance all the way through grade school classes if they discover a love for gymnastics during their time at The Little Gym.  READ MORE

Kidz Love Soccer

Multiple Locations
The score is always "fun" to "fun" at Kidz Love Soccer, a noncompetitive soccer program that teaches kids soccer skills in a clinic format at local parks. Kidz Love Soccer classes last about 45 minutes, and involve plenty of game-cased drills to teach kids the basics of the sport. Beginner classes (Mommy and Me) start at 2 to 3.5 years old, with classes broken down into 2 year age groups all the way until 12 years of age.  READ MORE

SuperTots Sports

El Segundo, Lakewood, and Buena Park
Little athletes can learn how to play basketball, football, baseball, hockey, soccer, or cheer at this enrichment program designed for kids from 18 months through five years. SuperTots Sports aims to develop motor skills while also motivating kids to love all things athletic and appreciate different sports.  READ MORE

Kim's Hapkido Jang Mu Won

Alhambra, Arcadia, and South Pasadena
Junior Hapki focuses on kids ages 4-5, teaching them valuable listening skills and motor skills. Martial arts is used to teach these preschoolers discipline, focus, teamwork, balance, memory, respect, confidence, and more.  READ MORE
Creative storytelling turns into a work of art. Photo courtesy of RAZ Land Art Classes
Creative storytelling turns into a work of art. Photo courtesy of RAZ Land Art Classes

Art Classes for Preschoolers and Toddlers

Purple Twig

Eagle Rock
Get ready to get creative at Purple Twig. This studio offers art lessons for kids ages two to ten. Whether you want to play with fingerpaints, recycled materials, process art, or more, Purple Twig has it all. This creative space also offers summer day camps with plenty of art, plenty of outdoor play, scavenger hunts, storytimes, and library visits.  READ MORE

Cayton Children's Museum

Santa Monica
Let your kids get artistic, creative, and maybe a little messy without having to clean up after them at the Cayton Children's Museum. This world-class kids museum has an incredible art studio where toddlers and preschoolers can (literally) paint the walls using safe and washable paint. Make sure to wear clothes that can stand a bit of extra color.  READ MORE

Totally Art Studio

Woodland Hills
Totally Art Studio holds weekly art classes and special events for children ages 1-12. Totally Art is a process art studio where children discover and learn through process art and sensory play. Children lead the way in their own creations. The Art Playgroup is a local favorite where kids can paint on the oversized wall, enjoy sensory stations, mould playdough, or engage in various science and art projects.  READ MORE

RAZ Land Art Classes

Beverly Hills
Located near Beverly Hills, RAZ Art Center is a unique studio with the purpose of inspiring children and adults to tell their stories through art while unlocking their creativity with unique techniques and various mediums. Kids can start taking classes her at age 3. Each class is a part of the unique RAZ curriculum which focuses on making art through storytelling.  READ MORE
Start their love of music at a young age. Photo courtesy of Ladybug Music
Start their love of music at a young age. Photo courtesy of Ladybug Music

Music and Dance Classes for Preschoolers and Toddlers

Minibop Music

Glassel Park
Located in Northeast LA, Minibop's goal is to create a fun environment for children to develop, engage, and socialize through music. Minibop is dedicated to sourcing, hiring, and training the most talented teachers to bring music into children's lives. Minibop offers group classes, private music lessons, birthday parties, and more. READ MORE

LoveBug & Me Music

Multiple Locations
Voted the "Best Baby & Toddler Music Program in Los Angeles," LoveBug & Me Music is a local mom-owned small business. Owner Mary Arden Gorman puts a lot of love into this popular program for kids 0-6 years old, and it has grown to offer 90 weekly indoor, outdoor, online, and private group classes all around Los Angeles. READ MORE

PLAY Music

Silver Lake
PLAY Music doesn’t just offer Parent and Me music and movement classes, it gives new parents (or new again parents) a whole community. Before or after class, families can hang out in the retail area, browse in the little library, play with toys, make new friends, and drop in for messy art.  READ MORE

Ladybug Music

Studio City, Beverly Hills, Orange County, and Camarillo
Professional musicians guide parents and babies through these lively classes focused on introducing little ears to rhythm, pitch, dynamics, and tempo. Mom or dad can cuddle, laugh, sing, and dance with their baby while enjoying this educational and foundational course, while toddlers and preschoolers can play along and begin their jouney into the world of musical instruments.  READ MORE

Baila Baila

Westlake Village, Santa Monica, and Woodland Hills
Learn Spanish and music together at Baila Baila. In a variety of classes, kids begin learning Spanish in a total immersion experience through music and art. Teachers use visual cues to help kids and parents alike learn new words and sounds.  Music, movement, arts and crafts, sensory activities, and story time are used to reinforce what kids are learning. READ MORE

The Family Room

San Marino & Toluca Lake
Thousands of parents have benefitted from the support and instruction offered at The Family Room. This center provides pregnancy classes, infant CPR and first aid, music classes, parent and me classes, baby yoga courses, and more. Classes range from prenatal to toddlerhood. Kids between two and four especially enjoy the music classes, which develop a basic understanding of rhythm, tone, tenor, and melody. The 3 & 4 year old class even features real keyboards and preps children for formal piano lessons. READ MORE

Sing, Sign, and Play

Santa Clarita
For over 20 years, Miss Moira has been teaching the babies, toddlers, and preschoolers of Santa Clarita how to sign, sign, and get creative. These fun courses involve a lot of laughter, music, and fun. They are structured in mixed-age groups in order to teach kids the value of respecting those older and younger than them.  READ MORE

Bach to Rock Santa Monica

Santa Monica
Bach to Rock is Santa Monica's diverse music school, with classes available for even the smallest musicians. Toddlers 1-3 can participate in weekly music classes, getting a handle on the elements of music that will help them excel in formal lessons as they get older.  READ MORE

Bloom School of Music & Dance - Dance/Music Classes

Eagle Rock
Dance enthusiasts as young as three can learn to move and groove at this studio with classes in ballet, hip hop, Broadway, and tap.  READ MORE

Twinkle Toes Dance LA

Highland Park
Preschoolers can learn the art of ballet at the preschool dance classes at this highly reccommended studio.  READ MORE

Little Movers and Shakers

Sherman Oaks
Little Movers and Shakers' award-winning engaging early childhood music program sparks imaginations, opens minds to deeper learning, and provides a wonderful bonding experience for young families. It's highly educational, but it feels like fun; they bring musical concepts to life. READ MORE
Splash into swimming lessons! Photo courtesy of SwimRight Academy
Splash into swimming lessons! Photo courtesy of SwimRight Academy

Swim Classes for Preschoolers and Toddlers in Los Angeles

Water Otters

Winnetka
Water Otters in Winnetka operates on the assumption that swimming is 10% learning to swim and 90% comfort in the water. The school's private outdoor pool is heated and shaded. Lesson options range from Baby & Me to toddler classes or stroke courses for older kids, to kids of all ages with special needs. READ MORE

Water Wings Swim School

Northridge, Agoura Hills, Canoga Park, Encino, and Sherman Oaks
Even the tiniest swimmers can learn to glide independently for three to five feet. Parent and Me classes at Water Wings Swim School start at just three months old and stretch all the way into adulthood. Classes are offered all year round in the indoor facilities, and the pool water is temperature controlled to 90 degrees (bathtub warm!).  READ MORE

The Jim Herrick Swim School - Kids Swimming Lessons

Valley Village
Valley Village families sing the praises of Jim Herrick Swim School, a swim school that’s been in the neighborhood for multiple generations. Herrick's personal, laid back, stress-free method is taught by everyone at the school. Classes include private, parent and me, and pre-swim team. READ MORE

kidSwim

Cheviot Hills & South Bay
kidSwim is a developmental swim school for kids 5 months and up, offering parent-child classes, one-on-one lessons, and in-home lessons. The unique program teaches motor, sensory, and communication skills aligned with the American Academy of Pediatrics guidelines.  READ MORE

SwimRight Academy

Mid-City & West Hills
The inland side of the 405 has long been the territory of swim school impresario and Olympic gold medalist Lenny Krayzelburg, whose academy location at the JCC on the Miracle Mile boasts a patented learn-to-swim method developed by the Olympic star himself. Classes include private, group, parent and tot, as well as pre-swim team training. READ MORE
Outdoor learning taken to a whole new level. Photo courtesy of Tinkergarten
Outdoor learning taken to a whole new level. Photo courtesy of Tinkergarten

STEM and Nature Classes for Preschoolers and Toddlers

Tinkergarten

Multiple Locations
Introduce your kids to the outdoors with an expert-led active and engaging curriculum. This multi-age class helps parents learn how to set up outdoor activities and learning experiences on their own, and gets them out of the house once a week to meet other families who love the outdoors! READ MORE

Outside the Box

La Crescenta
Outside the Box is a multi-sensory class experience created for "brainy babies" and toddlers. Instructive encourage cognitive development through easy motor skills, visual tracking, audio tracking, and more. Classes are specifically geared to maximize learning for children at different stages in their development, and always involve plenty of sensory play, cognitive exercise, problem solving, and learning to share and be kind.  READ MORE

What a Babe

Sherman Oaks, Valley Village, Encino, and Hollywood
Color mixing, taste-safe painting, and baby & toddler DIY crafting (like scented “beach sand” and “snow”) are just some of the hands-on and project-based ways parents can explore sensory learning with their tots. Music classes are also offered for parents and their babies & toddlers. READ MORE

Little Thinkers Center

West LA
The Little Thinkers Center is a leading child learning and enrichment center in Los Angeles specializing in the use of thinking games that are tailored to enrich each child's unique developmental path. The Little Thinkers Center strives to empower children of ages 2-18 with tools to reach their fullest potential and achieve cognitive growth academically, socially, and emotionally.  READ MORE

Gymboree Play & Music Encino

Encino
Kids can giggle, dance, wiggle, climb, and play at this colorful spot. Gymboree offers a wide variety of classes for babies and toddlers, including art courses, explorers courses, music classes, and more.  READ MORE

Acorn & Oaks at the LA Arboretum

Arcadia
Nature is magical, and the Acorn & Oaks nature course at the LA Arboretum channels that truth by immersing tots in the beauty of the outdoors. Kids can thrive in nature immersive classes with singing, storytime, crafting, and exploring.  READ MORE

Places featured in this article:

Annenberg Beach House + Multiple Locations
Kidz Love Soccer - Multiple Locations
PLAY Music at the Silverlake Conservatory