One of the most frequently asked questions in our Community Groups is fun things to do with infants and toddlers. And any experienced mama will probably tell you a trip to Target or a stroll around the zoo is all the stimulation a kid might need for the day. However, there's actually LOTS of fun groups that dedicate time to "Mommy and Me" time, enriching the relationships between child and caregiver!
We’ve compiled this list based on suggestions from moms in our community groups and from some of our Memphis Moms contributors. Some classes are free, but some do require a fee or membership. Note: As with all things, schedules can change so be sure to contact the organization to confirm the dates and times of the activities.
Music and Arts
Zumbini
Meet Sigi, a local mom super excited to bring Zumbini to Memphis (or online!). Sigi is a pediatric occupational therapist specializing in sensory integration. Zumbini is for children ages 0-5years old. Through the fun experience of music, dance and play, we will work on developmental skills as well as cognition, language, emotional and social skills all while having that special bonding time and fun with your little ones!
Check out here all that Zubini has to offer!
Baby & Mama + Drama
Join the fray at Playhouse on the Square (Midtown) for little ones (0-36 months) and their mamas. Ever heard of Baby Mama Drama that’ll bring a big smile? Each class is a dream with a unique theme, offering guided music, expressive movement, and dramatic play!
Click here to learn more
Musik Adventures Studios
(Kindermusik with Miss Annette)
In every Kindermusik class, the children are divided into age appropriate levels — birth thru 8 year olds. Your child is welcomed into a playful and nurturing environment where they will sing, move, play instruments, and hear stories—all while developing social skills, problem-solving skills, pre-math skills, language skills and music skills to last a lifetime.
Click here to register
Music for Aardvarks
Music for Aardvarks is a refreshing alternative to the traditional music class for kids ages 6 months to 5 years old. Song, dance, and rhythm combine for a rockin' good time. It's a foot stomping, jingle shaking, drum drumming hullabaloo for both kids and their caregivers! Music for Aardvarks was voted Best After School Arts Program and Best Birthday Party four years in a row by Memphis Parent magazine.
Click here for class options
Sprouts Class (ages 12 months until 2) or Mini Masters (ages 2 - 4)
Come explore the Dixon Gallery and Gardens! This parent-child workshop encourages toddlers to explore shape, texture, color, and other sensory possibilities by making art and exploring the gardens. Each week offers a fun learning experience for you and your child. Members free, $8 non-members. Registration required since space is limited.
Register here!
Music Time @ CMOM
Inspire children to explore, image and create. The Children's Museum of Memphis offers additional programs and activities in addition to just what the museum has to offer. There's story time, music time, sensory play and more!
Click here for details. Included in CMOM entry fee.
The Art Project, Baby Art
We are pushing the tables out of the way, laying out paints and paper and letting the littles (ages 6 months to 18 months) have their own time in the Art Project. This time offers an exploratory, stimulating, and safe environment for you, your baby, and/or toddler to become familiar with basic art materials. We will use an array of art media to offer sensory play - including non-toxic paints, paper, sand, and water. This class is great for babies who can sit unassisted. Also, we suggest that you bring a towel for easier clean up at the end. Come prepared to get messy!
Book a class here.
Bounce & Bond
Get ready to groove and bond like never before with our newest addition to the Collage Dance Adult Class lineup: Bounce & Bond! This 45-minute class takes place on Mondays and Wednesdays from 10:00 - 10:45am from May 6th to May 29th.
Parents and caregivers will be led through gentle choreography and movements while wearing their baby in a front carrier. This series is taught by dance instructor and new dad, Mr. Dorian, and ideal for parents with newborns to 12 months who are not yet walking. Baby carriers are not provided.
Health & Fitness
Born to Bloom Infant Massage Classes
In this 4 week series you will learn massage techniques for the face, chest, stomach, back, arms, and legs as well as techniques to help relieve gas and colic and promote sleep. This class is a great way to meet other moms and bond with your baby postpartum. We also include a little development support throughout as well.
Click here for calendar of classes and how to register!
Mom and Toddler Yoga
Bartlett Recreation Center
Tuesdays at 12:15
My Mama Body "Mom & Baby" Yoga
Local mom Emily specializes in teaching yoga for the childbearing years, but she loves to teach diverse bodies in vinyasa, slow flow, and gentle yoga group and private classes. Emily is a Registered Prenatal Yoga Teacher in addition to many other certifications.
Call (917) 331-9643 or check out her website for classes.
Tinkergarten Outdoor Classes (ages 1 - 8)
Tinkergarten’s outdoor, play-based classes and curriculum are designed by experts and loved by families in in Memphis. Kids ages 1-8 and their families learn through outdoor play all year round, no matter the weather! Hike, explore, create crafts, sing songs and read books -- all having to do with nature and seeing the outdoor world through little eyes!
Check out the website for ways to get involved!
Lori's Swim School, Parent/Child Swim Class
WSI certified, Lori has been teaching swim for over 10 years and has experience teaching infants through adults. Come have her teach YOU how to handle your child in the water! The parent/child class covers learning 4 different holds, underwater exploration, singing and water play. Kids learn to jump off the side of the pool, introduction to floating, safety skills and more. Lori covers infant rescue the last day of class. Classes are M-F at either 10:30am or 5:30pm, summer months only.
Text 270-227-8106 to register or check out her Instagram
Move Water Swim, Parent/Child Swim Class
Summer Months
Click here for information
YMCA, Parent/Child Swim Class
The YMCA is the nation’s favorite swim instructor, and we have been teaching people how to swim for 100 years. We believe that swimming is an important life skill that children should have the opportunity to learn early in life. Research shows that formal swimming lessons can reduce the risk of drowning by 88% among children ages 1-4 years.
Click here to register
Rattled Postpartum Depression Support Group
Free
Virtual | Tuesdays 12:30 - 2:30 pm
901.227.9873 or Beautiful.Beginnings@bmhcc.org
Fit4Mom, Stroller Strides
Germantown & East Memphis locations
Stroller Strides is a 60-minute total-body workout with strength, cardio, and core training -- all while engaging the little ones in their stroller. No more excuses for not exercising, not only are you allowed to bring you child - you HAVE to! You’ll leave class feeling strong, empowered, connected, and energized plus your kid will leave having had so much fun!
Click here for class schedules and location options.
Story Time + Play Time
Our Village Playgroup (all ages)
Fit4Mom is more than fitness -- it's also a community moms striving for friendships and opportunties to hang out with their child(ren). Our Village Playgroup is an excuse to gather and do just that -- PLAY!
Find the schedule of playtimes here!
Story Time + a craft
(intended for infant through age 5, but all welcome)
Free
Belltower Coffee + Memphis Moms have teamed together to offer bi-monthly story time at Shelby Farms Park coffeehouse location. Kids will enjoy a book or two and then complete a complimentary craft afterwards while mom enjoys an actual hot cup of coffee. Story times are both indoors and outdoors (weather permitting) and are the second and fourth Saturdays of each month at 10:30am.
Follow this Instagram account for details or follow this Facebook.
Story Time
(ages 2 - 3 years)
Free
Germantown Community Library
Story Time
(ages 0 -3 years)
Free
Head into locally owned Novel. Memphis (don't you just LOVE the smell of a bookstore?) and join story time offered every Wednesday and Saturday at 10:3am!
Click here for the calendar of events.
Story Time
Free
Memphis Public Libraries (multiple locations)
Early On Program
Free!
This program serves children with special needs from birth to 5 years of age and their caregivers. Each child and caregiver will work with experienced pediatric therapy professionals in a small group setting. A licensed nurse is also a member of the team to provide ongoing medical advice and support. During this time parents learn teaching and therapy techniques that they can use daily while caring for and playing with their children.
Meets every Thursday from 10-11am at Covenant United Methodist Church.
Check out SRVS's website for details.
