Classes for Little Kids 0–5 Years Old: Babies, Toddlers, and Preschoolers

By:
Rachel Matuch
Updated:
Classes and Camps for Kids

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.

This article is sponsored by Mattix Music Studio and Brookfield Academy for Mini Musicians (formerly Ms. Clara’s 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
Learn one-on-one with their incredible faculty. Traditional and Suzuki Methods available 7 days a week. In-Studio, Virtual or In-Home. Register at mattixmusic.com

Music Together® (ages 0-5)
Sing, dance, play instruments and grow! Register at mattixmusic.com/music-together-registration

Rhythm Kids® (ages 4-8)
Play drums, sing, dance and learn about music from around the world! Register at mattixmusic.com/rhythm-kids-registration

Piano Play (ages 3-4, kindergarten)
Get a first taste of learning piano in a group of four. Morning and afternoon classes available. Register at mattixmusic.com/piano-play

Violin Friends (ages 3-4, kindergarten)
Get a first taste of learning violin in a group of four. Morning and afternoon classes available. Register at mattixmusic.com/violin-friends

Brookfield Academy for Mini Musicians

Brookfield Academy for Mini Musicians
9213 Broadway Avenue
Brookfield, IL 60613
(708) 704-1716
Website | Email | Facebook | Instagram

The Brookfield Academy for Mini Musicians (formerly Ms. Clara’s Mini Musicians) is one of the fastest-growing early childhood music and movement schools in the Chicagoland area. Their classes for kiddos from 4 months – 5 years are not only fun and playful, but they also grow with your child, targeting developmental milestones every step of the way.

From socialization to language development to motor skills, their one-of-a-kind curriculum inspires creativity and builds both 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 their weekly classes are offered on a month-to-month basis with no semester minimums. But classes fill up fast, so sign up today and enter KIDLIST25 for a $25 new student discount!

Classes for Little Kids 0–5 Years Old in the West Suburbs

Dance Classes for Little Kids

The western 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.

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 38 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 one of these swim programs.

  • Goldfish Swim School in Burr Ridge, Elmhurst, Glen Ellyn, Naperville, St. Charles and Plainfield offers lessons from 4 months through 12 years on weekdays and weekends.
  • The Bear Paddle Swim School in Aurora, Bloomingdale, Orland Park, and Woodridge has classes for kids as young as 6 months old, and are based on age and ability.
  • British Swim School in Naperville, Oswego, Carol Stream, Glendale Heights, and Oakbrook Terrace/Villa Park offer both group and private lessons for ages 3 months and up all year round at various pools.
  • Edward-Elmhurst Health and Fitness in Naperville and Woodridge offer private and group lessons for ages 6 months through 14 years old.
  • Max Aquatics in McCook has small group or private classes starting at age 3 and organized according to age. Baby ‘n Me class also available starting at 6 months with a parent or caregiver.
  • Bolingbrook Recreation and Aquatic Complex offers Parkie’s Starfish Swim School for lessons ages 6 months and up.
  • Aqua Tots Swim School in Orland Park and Wheaton offers swim lessons for children 4 months old and up.
  • Your local YMCA offers a variety of group and private swim lessons starting as early as 6 months. Check out Indian Boundary YMCA in Downers Grove, Elmhurst YMCA, The Greater La Grange Area YMCA, and the Fry Family YMCA in Naperville.

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
Learn one-on-one with their incredible faculty. Traditional and Suzuki Methods available 7 days a week. In-Studio, Virtual or In-Home. Register at mattixmusic.com

Music Together® (ages 0-5)
Sing, dance, play instruments and grow! Register at mattixmusic.com/music-together-registration

Rhythm Kids® (ages 4-8)
Play drums, sing, dance and learn about music from around the world! Register at mattixmusic.com/rhythm-kids-registration

Piano Play (ages 3-4, kindergarten)
Get a first taste of learning piano in a group of four. Morning and afternoon classes available. Register at mattixmusic.com/piano-play

Violin Friends (ages 3-4, kindergarten)
Get a first taste of learning violin in a group of four. Morning and afternoon classes available. Register at mattixmusic.com/violin-friends

Brookfield Academy for Mini Musicians

Brookfield Academy for Mini Musicians
9213 Broadway Avenue
Brookfield, IL 60613
(708) 704-1716
Website | Email | Facebook | Instagram

The Brookfield Academy for Mini Musicians (formerly Ms. Clara’s Mini Musicians) is one of the fastest-growing early childhood music and movement schools in the Chicagoland area. Their classes for kiddos from 4 months – 5 years are not only fun and playful, but they also grow with your child, targeting developmental milestones every step of the way.

From socialization to language development to motor skills, their one-of-a-kind curriculum inspires creativity and builds both 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 their weekly classes are offered on a month-to-month basis with no semester minimums. But classes fill up fast, so sign up today and enter KIDLIST25 for a $25 new student discount!

  • Music Together classes can also be found at The Oak Brook Park District, You and Yours in Oak Park, Wee Heart Music in Wheaton, Glen Ellyn, Lombard, Geneva, and St. Charles and Tiny Toes Music in Hinsdale, Burr Ridge, Downers Grove, and La Grange.
  • Wiggleworms from Old Town School of Folk Music can be found in Western Springs and is designed for kids two and under. There are also mixed age classes. As of July 31, 2021, no new classes were scheduled.
  • Kindermusik has classes for newborns and older. Current classes are being offered in La Grange and Oak Park; you can check their schedule to find out more locations as they pop.
  • The Academy of Music & Art in Westmont has music classes for ages 2 years and up, and piano classes starting as young as 3 years old.
  • Suzuki Early Childhood Music Classes are offered in Western Springs for parents and children birth through three years old.
  • Music with Lindsey classes in Orland Park, as well as a YouTube channel with free online courses for kids ages 0-4 years. FIX
  • Musikgarten offers early childhood music classes starting from birth. Age availability vary by location. Find a teacher in Glen Ellyn, La Grange, Lombard, Naperville, Wheaton and other suburbs through their Find a Class portion of their website.
  • Zumbini in North Riverside, Sycamore, Skokie and other suburbs is for children ages 6 months through 4 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.

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. Join their membership program for reduced rates, access to special offerings, and half-off your first private lesson. 

Soccer Classes for Little Kids

Kids with a lot of extra energy may enjoy running around on the soccer field, learning the fundamentals, and developing their teamwork skills!

  • 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.

Art Classes for Little Kids

Art classes give young minds a chance to explore their creativity, without making a mess at home.

Nature and Animals

  • Cantigny offers a rotating schedule of classes for littles, all tailored to specific ages. Subjects range from sing-a-longs to animal meet-and-greets.
  • Morton Arboretum offers special events, story times, or self-guided discovery activities.
  • Double J Riding Club has Tiny Animal Adventurers for children 18 months to 4 years old, and Junior Farmers classes for ages 3-6 years old.

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.
  • Kids Science Labs in Wheaton has a variety of programming, including hands-on STEAM classes for ages 3-6.
  • Kids in Sports Naperville offers multi-sport classes for kids starting at 12 months as does Playpen Sports Academy for ages 2-7 years old.
  • 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!

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About the Author

Rachel Matuch
Rachel is a mom to two boys (ages 5 and 7) who "certainly has her hands full," as strangers in grocery stores tell her. She's doing her best to keep up and get comfortable with the mud pies and tree-climbing her kids love. In addition to writing and editing, Rachel frequently pillages the local library, plays nerdy board games with her husband, and collapses into a tired heap at 8:30 p.m.

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