Classes for little kids ages 0–5 years old help keep kids playing, learning, exploring, and engaging with other children. With countless classes offered for children at this stage in life, there’s something for everyone! Almost as important as the benefits for the kiddos: parents can meet and connect with other parents in this same stage of life. Check out all the options in this list for things to do with a baby, toddler, or pre-K child.
You can also search our full guide to kids’ classes to find specific interests, but this list is an easy way to find places that gear offerings specifically towards the younger crowd. Enjoy!
This article is sponsored by Mattix Music Studio and Brookfield Academy for Mini Musicians.
Mattix Music Studio
Mattix Music Studio
Grand Avenue Community Center
4211 Grand Avenue
Western Springs, IL 60558
(708) 638-3027
Website | Email | Facebook | Instagram
Join Mattix Music Studio for musical fun for all ages and abilities in Western Springs!
Private Lessons (age 3+)
Piano, Violin, Viola, Voice, Trumpet, & Guitar
Learn one-on-one with their incredible faculty. Traditional and Suzuki Methods available 7 days a week. Register at mattixmusic.com/private-lesson-registration/
Music Together® (ages 0-5)
Sing, dance, play instruments and grow! Register at mattixmusic.com/music-together-registration
Exploring Music Level 1 & 2 (PreK, K-2)
Level 1 is a perfect introduction to music education, designed specifically for your preschooler’s age and skills. Students will learn the order of the musical alphabet, black and white notes on the piano, sing songs, and learn to count rhythms, all in a play-based setting. Graduate to Level 2 when you’re ready for more of a challenge. No home piano required. Register at mattixmusic.com/exploring-music/
Exploring Singing (1st and 2nd)
Love to sing? Come explore singing in a fun small group setting. You’ll love our fun songs and community of friends. 8 week sessions available. Register at mattixmusic.com/exploring-singing.
Brookfield Academy for Mini Musicians & Chicago Mini Musicians
Brookfield Academy for Mini Musicians: 9213 Broadway Ave, Brookfield
Chicago Mini Musicians: 3317 W. Irving Park Rd, Chicago
(708) 704-1716
Website | Email | Facebook | Instagram
What’s the secret to being the #1 music school for 0-5 year olds in the western suburbs? 12+ years of happy families who can’t bear to go anywhere else! And recently, the Brookfield Academy for Mini Musicians opened up a satellite location in the Irving Park neighborhood of Chicago as Chicago Mini Musicians.
From socialization to language development to motor skills, their one-of-a-kind curriculum inspires creativity and leads to an explosion of musical and non-musical skills that extend far beyond the classroom. But most importantly, nothing beats the pure joy seen on little ones’ faces as they master a tricky drum pattern, giggle uncontrollably as they sing a silly song, and make new friends.
$5 demo classes are offered year-round, and weekly classes are offered on a month-to-month basis with no semester minimums.
Classes fill up fast, so sign up today and let the music and giggles begin!
Dance Classes for Little Kids
Chicago’s suburbs have a lot of great options for your young dancer. Some programs start with independent classes, while others focus on parent/tot experiences first. Your little one can practice balance, rhythm and movement through a dance class. For young dancers, it might not be a bad idea to inquire about a free trial class to make sure the teacher, program and studio are the right match for your family.
Nearly all of the dance studios on our list of dance classes for kids offer lessons for young children, often starting at age 2 or 3.
Twinkle Stars at Jo’s Footwork Studio
Jo’s Footwork Studio
1500 Walker Street
Western Springs, IL 60558
(708) 246-6878
Website | Facebook | Instagram
Jo’s is celebrating 41 years of dance in the community! They offer many classes for kids 2-6 years old, including Twinkle Stars, ballet, ballet/tap combo, jazz, poms, hip hop, and jazz/poms combo. Classes are available during the week and Saturday mornings. Jo’s mission is simple: to provide a creative environment for all ages that allows dancers to excel and enjoy forever memories.
Indoor Swim Lessons for Little Kids
Just because summer is ending doesn’t mean that fun in the pool has to stop! Help your child become comfortable in the water or keep momentum going by enrolling in a swim program.
Check out our list of indoor swim lessons to find lessons for very young children. Our guide includes the youngest age lessons are offered for each location, so you’ll be able to see at a glance if your child qualifies. Many swim schools begin teaching adult-child classes for infants at 3, 6, or 9 months old.
Music Classes for Little Kids
Mattix Music Studio
Mattix Music Studio
Grand Avenue Community Center
4211 Grand Avenue
Western Springs, IL 60558
(708) 638-3027
Website | Email | Facebook | Instagram
Join Mattix Music Studio for musical fun for all ages and abilities in Western Springs!
Private Lessons (age 3+)
Piano, Violin, Viola, Voice, Trumpet, & Guitar
Learn one-on-one with their incredible faculty. Traditional and Suzuki Methods available 7 days a week. Register at mattixmusic.com/private-lesson-registration/
Music Together® (ages 0-5)
Sing, dance, play instruments and grow! Register at mattixmusic.com/music-together-registration
Exploring Music Level 1 & 2 (PreK, K-2)
Level 1 is a perfect introduction to music education, designed specifically for your preschooler’s age and skills. Students will learn the order of the musical alphabet, black and white notes on the piano, sing songs, and learn to count rhythms, all in a play-based setting. Graduate to Level 2 when you’re ready for more of a challenge. No home piano required. Register at mattixmusic.com/exploring-music/
Exploring Singing (1st and 2nd)
Love to sing? Come explore singing in a fun small group setting. You’ll love our fun songs and community of friends. 8 week sessions available. Register at mattixmusic.com/exploring-singing.
Brookfield Academy for Mini Musicians & Chicago Mini Musicians
Brookfield Academy for Mini Musicians: 9213 Broadway Ave, Brookfield
Chicago Mini Musicians: 3317 W. Irving Park Rd, Chicago
(708) 704-1716
Website | Email | Facebook | Instagram
What’s the secret to being the #1 music school for 0-5 year olds in the western suburbs? 12+ years of happy families who can’t bear to go anywhere else! And recently, the Brookfield Academy for Mini Musicians opened up a satellite location in the Irving Park neighborhood of Chicago as Chicago Mini Musicians.
From socialization to language development to motor skills, their one-of-a-kind curriculum inspires creativity and leads to an explosion of musical and non-musical skills that extend far beyond the classroom. But most importantly, nothing beats the pure joy seen on little ones’ faces as they master a tricky drum pattern, giggle uncontrollably as they sing a silly song, and make new friends.
$5 demo classes are offered year-round, and weekly classes are offered on a month-to-month basis with no semester minimums.
Classes fill up fast, so sign up today and let the music and giggles begin!
Our list of music classes for kids begins with an entire section dedicated to music classes for little kids! Check it out to find options that introduce music to kids through play, song, and movement.
If you’d like your child to begin more formal lessons, check out that same list for instrument lessons, which many spots will begin for children as young as 3 years old.
Gymnastics Classes for Little Kids
Gymnastics and tumbling are the perfect way to burn off energy as we head into the colder months. Some locations will allow a free first lesson to make sure it’s the right fit, too!
Check out our list of tumbling classes for kids to find a gym near you. Almost all of the gyms on our list offer classes for young children, often starting with an adult-child class for tots.
Tiny Twistars at Gemini Gymnastics Academy
Gemini Gymnastics Academy
330 Washington Avenue
La Grange, IL 60525
(708) 352-2977
Website | Facebook | Instagram
The Tiny Twistars program at Gemini Gymnastics Academy is for children kids ages 2 through kindergarten. They use child focused teaching practices incorporating fun themes with gymnastics skills to create a positive experience that fosters healthy learning attitudes as well as the joy of movement. In their program, gymnastics skills are used as tools to teach learning attitudes while skill mastery is a secondary goal.
Classes include Twinklers (Co-ed, Ages 2 and 3, 30 minutes), Sparklers (Co-ed, ages 3 and 4, 45 minutes), Super Stars (Co-ed, 4-5 year old preschoolers & kindergartners, 45 minutes).
Classes are offered 7 days a week.
Our list of ninja classes for kids is also a great place to look! These classes let little ones swing, run, and jump to their hearts’ content, often with soft obstacle courses for little ones. The list includes the youngest age the gym offers, and includes classes for kids as young as 2.
Soccer and Sports Classes for Little Kids
Kids with a lot of extra energy may enjoy running around on the soccer field, passing the basketball to their grown-up, and developing their teamwork skills through sports!
In addition to your local park district, check out these classes catered specifically to the younger crowd:
- Playpen Sports Academy focuses on classes for kids ages 2-7 years old to help introduce sports in a positive way. They offer classes in Arlington Heights, Aurora, Chicago Ridge, Downers Grove, Elgin, Evanston, Geneva, Glenview, Mundelein, Naperville, Schaumburg, Wheaton, and other locations.
- Hot Shot Sports offers adult-tot soccer, basketball, baseball, and football programs for kids ages 2-4 in locations across the northwest suburbs, including Bartlett, Des Plaines, Elk Grove Village, Mount Prospect, Prospect Heights, and Streamwood. They also have classes like Lil Dribblers and Pee Wee Soccer for ages 3-5.
- Little Kickers offers soccer for children 18 months and older in McCook, Lombard, St. Charles, Oak Park, Roselle/Schaumburg, and Plainfield.
- Naperville Yard begins their soccer programs at 2 years and up.
- Westmont Yard tailors their youngest classes for 18 months and up.
- Soccer Shots introduces children 2 and up to soccer basics. Check their website for enrollment options in Addison, Burr Ridge, Lombard, Downers Grove, Hinsdale, Aurora, Lisle, Naperville, Wheaton, Westmont, and Woodridge.
Language Classes for Little Kids
When it comes to learning a new language, children can’t start too early. Whether you want to introduce a second language spoken in your family or give your child a head start on becoming bilingual, check out these classes.
- The German Language School in Naperville that has classes for children ages 1 year and up.
- The Language and Music School in Oak Park offers music and movement, language, or a combination of both for children as young as 18 months old and up. Spanish immersion preschool is also available
- Children’s Montessori Language Academy in Hinsdale offers classes for children ages 2 – 6.
Art Classes for Little Kids
Art classes give young minds a chance to explore their creativity (and get a little messy!). Our list of art classes for kids includes the youngest age taught at each location.
Kidlist Tip: Sign up for emails from the art studios near you. This is often the best way to find out about workshops and classes!
Nature and Animals
- Morton Arboretum offers special events, story times, or self-guided discovery activities.
- Double J Riding Club has parent-child classes focusing on nature and play for kids as young as 1.
- Many local nature centers also offer classes and programs to introduce kids to nature and animals. Check their calendars or your local park district guide to find options.
Safety Villages
Learn about traffic rules, fire safety, railroad crossings, and more in a safe environment. Most of these safety towns are programs for incoming kindergarteners, but there are options for other ages as well. See our full article on Safety Towns.
Parent-Child Classes
Parent-child classes are a gentle way to introduce young children to a structured class environment. Our list of local parent-child classes includes music, dance, swimming, preschool programs, and more.
Kids Day Out Classes
Kids Day Out or Parents Day Out classes offer a more casual introduction to a classroom environment than traditional preschools. They often have more flexibility with the number of days available, allowing parents and caregivers to have a break while children play.
Other Resources
Just a few more ideas for finding fun for the littlest children!
- Local children’s museums may offer drop-in classes and programming aimed at the younger crowd.
- Park districts are full of resources for young families, including classes for young children. In a physical guide or PDF, there is often an Early Childhood section. If you are looking on a registration website, you can often filter by age.
- Almost all libraries have free story times, classes, and kids’ programs for residents.
- Our list of places to go with a baby or toddler features many places geared towards little ones. Some spots may also offer drop-in classes or programming.
Our giant guide to classes and teams for kids has even more great resources for children’s offerings in the west suburbs!
