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Great Drop-in Classes for Philly Preschoolers

12/26/16 - By Lindsay Li
Entertaining a toddler isn’t easy. And with their budding skills and inquisitive nature, it can be down right exhausting. While many area classes are available, most require 6-8 week registrations, which isn’t possible for many of us. That’s where drop-ins come in to save the day. Here are a few of our favorites that offer flexibility to fit your schedule, and help you find new ways to entertain your kids in the very cold days ahead. 

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Preschoolers participate in Bookworms, where each class consists of a different book paired with theatre games, music, and creative movement to bring the story to life. Parents, grandparents, and caregivers are all invited, but not required to participate. For ages 2-4. You can sign up for an 8-week session for $100 or drop-in for $15.
 
Baby Wordplay—Graduate Hospital | Fairmount 
Conducting daily story plays, children participate in an interactive story time that includes music and dance. $12 for one adult and child, $8 for each additional child. Pop-up locations available in Queen Village - check the schedule for locations. 
 
Banana Music—Center City
Created by Anna Banana of the acclaimed Anna Banana Band, Banana Music provides educational music classes for ages 4 months to 5 years. Classes consist of music, dance, and storytelling. Drop-ins are welcome if there is space available. Drop-in cost is $16.
 
The Center on Central offers a variety of programs suited for preschoolers as well as babies and toddlers focusing on the arts. Registration for one class is $20. Schedule varies by season.
 
InMovement Studio—Queen Village
Typically offering 8-week gymnastics and dance classes for toddlers to teens, the studio also offers drop-in open play sessions. Caregiver supervision required. During this time kids can climb, jump, swing, and get out LOTS of energy with other kids aged 5 and under. There is a 15 child limit on a first-come, first-served basis.
Early Years Open Gym is $12 per child for cash; $15 for credit.
 
Once you pay the cost to enter the museum, choose from the many Family Programs available at the art museum to build your budding artist's skills. Drop-in activities range from Family Tours to Art Cart stations that provide hands-on activities.
 
PlayArts—Fishtown
Play Arts offers a variety of classes centered around the arts. Most classes are 8-week sessions. Drop-ins are available when classes are not full and typically run $17.50. Drop-ins also include an all day play pass in the main play area.
 
Romp n' Roll—Willow Grove
Romp n' Roll offers a variety of drop-in classes for your busy preschooler. From an open gym play time to classes around themed activities (such as pirates, princesses, and superheroes), your little one will learn fine motor skills while having a great time. Cost varies by class, and members pay $65 a month (for one child) to participate in unlimited classes as well as open gym.
 
Beloved Smith is a year-round sanctuary for your little explorers. Although the playground is closed in the winter, the play house is open and offers daily story times with songs at 10:30 AM for kids 5 and under. On the third Friday of each month Smith also offers a guided craft activity from 10:30 AM - noon. Registration is required for both events. Smith is free but donations are suggested. 
 
Photo courtesy of InMovement Studio.

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