Classes for preschoolers and toddlers offer an exciting progression from parent-tot sessions. If you’re a parent in Des Moines and your little one is eager to explore their interests, even if it’s just for a short 30-45 minutes each week, this list is tailored for you! We’ve curated a diverse selection of engaging activities for children who haven’t started kindergarten yet but are ready to spend some quality time away from their caregivers during the day. Whether their passions lie in music, movement, swimming, or the arts, we’ve got something special for every young learner.
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Here’s some of the best classes for toddlers and preschoolers in Des Moines:
Art Classes
Des Moines Art Center
The Des Moines Art Center extends its educational offerings to young children between the ages of 3-6 years old. Their thoughtfully crafted programs provide young learners with a one-of-a-kind opportunity to delve into the captivating realm of art within a supportive and inspiring setting.
Kids Create
Kids Create presents a Wednesday morning Paint & Play class tailored for 4 and 5-year-olds. In this engaging session, young students not only enhance their social skills but also gain knowledge about nature, explore a range of artistic mediums, and craft their very own masterpieces.
The Art Spot
The Art Spot preschool class, which is offered on Wednesdays, offers children a creative exploration of painting, drawing, and 3D art, accompanied by captivating storytelling and calming classical music to inspire their creativity.
Dance, Gym & Movement Classes
Ninja U Ankeny
Preschool Ninja, designed for ages 3, 4, and 5, offers an exciting opportunity for your young ninjas to engage in play, training, and energetic fun. At Ninja U Ankeny, children will master fundamental ninja skills such as jumping, climbing, running, hanging, and safe falling techniques.
Pointe Academy
The Pointe Academy of Ballet and Contemporary Dance offers dance classes tailored for young dancers. Their Mini Movers program is designed for children ages 3 and 4, and their Pre-Ballet program for ages 5 and 6. These classes focus on nurturing a love for dance, developing coordination, and instilling a passion for artistic expression in even the youngest dancers.
Sapphire Gymnastics Academy
Sapphire’s Preschool Gymnastics program is dedicated to fostering holistic development in young gymnasts. In addition to teaching fundamental tumbling skills, their program places a strong emphasis on nurturing five key areas of growth: Balance & Strength, Fine Motor Skills, Gross Motor Skills, Cognitive Abilities, and Social Skills.
Early Education
Blank Park Zoo
Explore the animal kingdom at the Blank Park Zoo with age-specific early childhood classes. From Zoo Tunes & Polliwogs for 1 to 2.5-year-olds, to Zoo Tots and Zoo Tots Cooking for 2 to 4-year-olds, and engaging programs like Zoo Juniors and Zoo Chefs for 5 to 6-year-olds, they offer exciting learning adventures in a vibrant zoo environment.
Science Center of Iowa
Pint Size Science classes serve as essential building blocks for young learners to delve into science concepts while empowering parents and caregivers to become confident STEM coaches for their children. These workshops are designed for children aged 3 to 5, along with a caring adult, and are held every Thursday in October at the Science Center of Iowa.
Tinkergarten
Tinkergarten outdoor classes are thoughtfully crafted for young children and their grownups. Led by dedicated local Tinkergarten teachers, these monthly sessions weave together storytelling, movement, exploration, and purposeful play, providing families with an enriching experience in the great outdoors.
Music Classes
Music Class for Tots
Music Class for Tots offers music education for children from birth to preK, partnering with various childcare centers across the Des Moines metro area for daytime sessions. They also provide family evening music classes in Norwalk, West Des Moines, and Waukee, ensuring that the joy of music is accessible to everyone.
Pied Piper Studios
Pied Piper Studios is a renowned Kindermusik program, recognized globally, and beloved as Des Moines’ premier hub for early childhood music education. Their in-person classes are a delightful way to fill your days with music and create cherished memories with your little ones.
Songs & Signs LLC
Music Together offers a delightful and joyful approach to making music with your infant, toddler, or preschooler. This award-winning program provides families with a unique opportunity to bond through singing, dancing, and playing rhythm instruments in a relaxed, playful, and non-performance-focused environment.
Swim Classes
Aqua Tots
Aqua Tots in West Des Moines welcomes children as young as 2.5 to embark on independent swimming lessons. Their carefully structured swim program is dedicated to nurturing children’s skills and fostering their confidence, ultimately helping them become proficient swimmers.
Foss Swim School
At Foss Swim School, lessons are tailored to each student’s unique combination of age, prior water experiences, existing skills, and optimal learning pace. Advancement is based on mastering essential skills, not on arbitrary age or fixed timeframes. Their classes are open to children as young as six months old, ensuring a personalized and skill-focused approach to swim instruction.
Goldfish Swim School
At Goldfish Swim School – Urbandale, they believe it’s never too early to introduce children to the pool. Their programs cater to infants, toddlers, and children, emphasizing safety and joy in the water. Through The Science of SwimPlay, their trained instructors help students of all levels build confidence and progress quickly.
