Newbury, Thatcham and the nearby villages are jam packed with loads of fun things to do with under 5’s. If you’re looking for baby and toddler groups and classes, then look no further. They’re grouped by day of the week with classes first and the traditional stay & play style groups have their own section if you keep on scrolling.
Class dates and times often change and sometimes groups stop running, so don’t forget to click on any of the links for more info and check directly with the group if it’s on when you want to go.
FEATURED – THE JOLLY MELODIES MUSIC COMPANY
The Jolly Melodies programme will take your child on a musical journey from birth to school age. With wonderful unique music, as well as the traditional songs, the carefully structured weekly sessions provide the very best in early music education and exploration. As well as singing each class is packed full of instruments, musical games and engaging props. In addition, the programme is carefully designed to target child development and early learning across other areas too
Baby & Toddler Classes in Newbury and Thatcham
There are so many classes to choose from in and around Newbury, whether you’re looking for something arty, sporting, creative or a mix. Some classes will have pay as you go options while others require a term sign up.
Monday
Boogie Mites (Newbury)
Boogie Mites is all about helping you & your child weave the brain-boosting power of active music-making into everyday life! Using engaging catchy songs, homemade instruments, actions & movement, and exciting themes to support all areas of your child’s development.
Sweaty Mama (Newbury)
Sweaty Mama is a fab, fun workout with your child. Enjoy exercise while you bond with your baby, toddler or pre-schooler. Sessions incorporate Low and high-intensity options for all tracks to suit your level of fitness and age of the child.
- Hartbeeps (Thatcham)
- Moo Music (Newbury)
- KD Gymnastics Open Play (Newbury)
- Fitter Mother mums & baby yoga (Newbury)
Tuesday
Boogie Mites (Newbury)
Boogie Mites is all about helping you & your child weave the brain-boosting power of active music-making into everyday life! Using engaging catchy songs, homemade instruments, actions & movement, and exciting themes to support all areas of your child’s development.
Jolly Melodies Music Company (Newbury)
The Jolly Melodies programme will take your child on a musical journey from birth to school age. As well as singing each class is packed full of instruments, musical games and engaging props.
- Sweaty Bootcamp (Newbury)
- Little Quavers (Thatcham)
- Naturally Curious Play (near Padworth)
- Moo Music (Boxford)
- KD Gymnastics Open Play (Newbury)
Wednesday
- Hartbeeps (Newbury)
- Baby Sensory (Newbury)
- Moo Music (Thatcham)
- Fitter Mother buggyfit (Newbury)
- Baby College (Padworth)
- KD Gymnastics Open Play (Newbury)
Thursday
Jolly Melodies Music Company (Newbury)
The Jolly Melodies programme will take your child on a musical journey from birth to school age. As well as singing each class is packed full of instruments, musical games and engaging props.
Boogie Mites (Hungerford)
Boogie Mites is all about helping you & your child weave the brain-boosting power of active music-making into everyday life! Using engaging catchy songs, homemade instruments, actions & movement, and exciting themes to support all areas of your child’s development.
- Hartbeeps (Thatcham)
- Sing and Sign (Newbury)
- KD Gymnastics Open Play (Newbury)
- Glow Tots Sensory (Thatcham)
- Moo Music (Kingsclere)
Friday
Jolly Melodies Music Company (Newbury)
The Jolly Melodies programme will take your child on a musical journey from birth to school age. As well as singing each class is packed full of instruments, musical games and engaging props.
Sound Seekers (Thatcham)
These sessions at the Thatcham Discovery Centre use engaging catchy songs, homemade instruments, actions & movement, and exciting themes to support all areas of your child’s development. A fun and engaging way to explore nature and make new friends too, check out our class review.
Sweaty Mama (Thatcham)
Sweaty Mama is a fab, fun workout with your child. Enjoy exercise while you bond with your baby, toddler or pre-schooler. Sessions incorporate Low and high-intensity options for all tracks to suit your level of fitness and age of the child.
- KD Gymnastics Open Play (Newbury)
- Naturally Curious Play (near Padworth)
- Splat Messy Play (Newbury)
- Moo Music (Thatcham)
- Little Quavers (Thatcham)
Weekends
Trainmaster (Thatcham) PAYG – usually once a month on a Saturday
Imagine a hall full of track and lots of little Thomas the Tank Engine trains and all his friends to play with.
Start your musical journey with Mini Maestros! You are never too young to develop a love of music, and singing with babies and young children is a natural part of human life that happens in every culture across the world.
- Mini Maestros (Thatcham)
- Footy Skills 4 Kids (Thatcham)
- Little Kickers (Newbury, Thatcham, Kingsclere)
- Rugby Tots (Newbury)
Baby & Toddler Groups in and around Newbury & Thatcham
Baby and toddler groups are a great low cost activity. When you’re just starting out, they’re a great place to meet other Mums with babies, make friends and gives you a focus to get out of the house. The baby & toddler groups usually involve a mix of music, crafts, toys and refreshments which is perfect for when your little one is looking for a bit more stimulation. There’s something on each day of the week in and around Newbury. Have a look further down at the classes section too as some of them are pay as you go.
Monday
Stay, Play & Learn at Thatcham Family Hub (Thatcham)
Running from 9:30-11am. The stay & play is aimed at families/carers with children aged 0-4 years old to socialise with others, exploring a variety of play activities and crafts to support your child.
Tuesday
Baby & Toddler Group Rainbow Activity Centre (Newbury)
The sessions are for children aged 0-5 and their parent or carer. Sessions run from 10-11.30am. Price per ticket is £1.50 which includes all activities and snacks (under 6 months free) book in advance
Stay, Play & Learn at Victoria Park Family Hub (Newbury)
The stay & play session runs from 9:30am to 11am and provides an opportunity for you and your child aged from 18months – 4 years to socialise with others, exploring a variety of play activities and crafts to support your child’s early learning.
St John’s Baby & Toddler Group (Newbury)
A friendly baby & toddler group that meets at St John’s Church. They run Tuesday 9:30-11am during term times only and have a facebook page to check for regular updates.
Kingsclere Village Bunnies (Kingsclere)
The baby & toddler group meet from 9.00-11.00am on Tuesdays including during the school holidays but do have some dates they close e.g close to Christmas so do check their facebook page in advance. Bunnies still meets on a Tuesday at Kingsclere village club from 9-11am. However at the moment the village club main hall is shut for works to the floor. During this time they have been meeting in the garden if the weather allows. All communication is being posted on Whats App – check facebook for more information
St Mary’s Baby Cafe at Bluecoat School (Thatcham)
The baby cafe runs during term time from 10:30am – 12pm. A chance to relax and chat. Free and no need to book, just turn up.
Wednesday
Cruisers & Crawlers at Central Family Hub (Thatcham)
Running from 10-11:30am this an interactive session for parents/carers with babies who are on the move up until their first steps.
ABC Playgroup at St Mary’s Church (Thatcham)
ABC is a lively and welcoming baby & toddler group with Play, Chat, Crafts, Singing, Refreshments, Stories, Friends and FUN! The stay and play group meets every Wednesday 10.30am – 12.00pm, including during the holidays. And it’s FREE!
Baby & Toddler Group Rainbow Activity Centre (Newbury)
The sessions are for children aged 0-5 and their parent or carer. Sessions run from 10-11.30am. Price per ticket is £1.50 and each person attending requires a ticket which is bookable via the links on the Facebook page.
Thursday
Baby & Toddler Group Rainbow Activity Centre (Newbury)
The sessions are for children aged 0-5 and their parent or carer. Sessions run from 10-11.30am. Price per ticket is £1.50 and each person attending requires a ticket which is bookable via the links on the Facebook page.
Victoria Park family hub baby group (Newbury)
A weekly group from 10-11am for parents/carers of non-mobile babies to socialise and gain support on baby development. Unfortunately we are unable to accommodate older siblings at these sessions. Places must be booked in advance.
TBC Toddlers (Thatcham)
TBC Toddlers meets every Thursday in term time from 10 to 11:15am for fun, craft, chat and snacks
Friday
Bucklebury Baby & Toddler Group
Bucklebury Baby & Toddler group runs every Friday 9.30-11:00 during school term time. Held at The Memorial Hall in Upper Bucklebury, there is lots of space inside and outside. Each week there are themed craft activities, toys for all ages, play dough and ride on toys outside. Check out my review of Bucklebury Baby & Toddler Group. The Fred Dawson Playground is just behind Memorial Hall and a great way to extend a trip out.
Cruisers & Crawlers at Victoria Park Family Hub (Newbury)
Running from 10-11am this is a weekly group for parents/carers with babies who are just on the move up until they are 18 months old.
Baby Group at Thatcham & Central Family Hub (Thatcham)
A weekly group for parents/carers with non mobile babies running from 9:30am-11am. Max one adult per baby
Giggles & Wiggles toddler group at Newbury Baptist Churc (Newbury)
Giggles & Wiggles session include toys to play with, craft to do, singing and snack and friendly people to meet.
URC Baby & Toddler Group (Thatcham)
A friendly, welcoming Baby and Toddler Group who meet each Friday,10.00-11.30, during term time at the British School Hall, Church Lane, Thatcham. RG19 3JL- next to the United Reformed Church. The group offers a relaxed drop in for all families and carers in safe and spacious surrounding for pre-school children. The hall is laid out with a variety of toys and activities including themed craft & sensory play. £2 donation per adult
You might also be interested in where all the best soft play centres are near Newbury
Parks & Outdoor Spaces
Newbury has some lovely open spaces to enjoy with kids.
Victoria Park Playground – There is a play section for younger children including swings and ride on bouncers as well as swings for children with additional needs and in the warmer months, a splash pad too.
The Nature Discovery Centre (Thatcham) – With two adventure playgrounds, a lake with a track suitable for walks or biking, an indoor visitor centre with lots of interactive displays and a cafe, it makes a great place for a family trip out with kids of all ages. Best of all, it’s free!
4 Kingdoms – With a large multi-level outdoor play zone, bouncy castles and forts to explore, it’s particularly good on a sunny day. However there is also a large indoor play space and loads of animals under cover to look at, handle and feed so there is also plenty to do when it’s raining or when the ground is very muddy.
Bucklebury Farm – There’s a great mix of outdoor and indoor activities so suitable for all weather. With a large area to explore and a variety of activities all included in the ticket price, it’s easy to spend a whole day there with kids of all ages.
Thatcham to Theale Bike Ride – If you’re feeling active, try this fab Thatcham to Theale bike ride along the Kennet and Avon canal.
Indoor Fun
Thatcham Garden Centre soft play is small and sweet and ideal for younger children.
4 Kingdoms – With a large multi-level outdoor play zone, bouncy castles and forts to explore, it’s particularly good on a sunny day. However there is also a large indoor play space and loads of animals under cover to look at, handle and feed so there is also plenty to do when it’s raining or when the ground is very muddy.
The Living Rainforest – Inside, it’s warm and tropical. Walk through the rainforest and check out tropical plants and flowers as well as lots of unusual birds and animals. It’s a great spot to spend an hour with a toddler, although it can get busy with school trips.
Newbury Corn Exchange – a lovely theatre in central Newbury which regularly has great family theatre for all ages.
Blue Beetle Ceramics (Thatcham) – Paint your own pottery. Perfect for making keepsakes with baby and young childrens hand and footprints and letting the children have a good too!.
