More information about activities for children in the Community Activity Directory
Acorns Toddler Group (Wednesday 10:00-11:30 term time only)
|
A pre-school toddler group with activities and refreshments. All welcome.
Contact: [email protected] | Sam 07754 429055 Website: stmarysbarton.com | facebook.com/bartonstmarys |
Cost: £1 per family
Location: St Mary's Church, Barton Parking: Yes, free. Car park available on Edgecombe Road Public Transport: N8, 8, X3 bus |
Baby & Toddler Group (Wednesday 10:00-11:30 term time only)
|
Contact: Barbara 07792 491350 | Amanda [email protected]
Website: bullingdoncommunityassociation.co.uk/ Cost: £2 Location: Bullingdon Community Centre, Peat Moors |
Parking: Limited
Public Transport: 100, 10 and 15. Get off at Wood Farm Road West stop (10) or the Slade/Peat Moors stop (15 and 100 bus) and approach via Peat Moors or Dene Road, then Bulan Road and Peat Moors. 5-minute walk from the 700 Park & Ride stop at the Nuffield Hospital. |
Baby College (Thursday, various times)
|
Baby College classes are fun, weekly development classes for parents and their 0-3 year olds to enjoy including learning, movement and sensory play.
Classes include a mixture of physical, multi-sensory and cognitive games, exercises and activities including music, dancing, signing and much more, created to cover every aspect of a child's development. Pre-booking via website required |
Contact: 07779240211 | [email protected]
Website: https://babycollege.co.uk/find-a-class/ Cost: from £23.30 a month Location: All Saints Church House, New High Street Parking: Limited on-street. St Leonard's Car Park is the closes pay & display Public Transport: Yes walk from bus stop on London Road or Windmill Road |
Baby Lunchbox (Wednesday 10:00-12:00)
|
A free face-to-face drop-in session for practical feeding advice and support from Pregnancy, Birth and Beyond
- Meet and share experiences with other parents - Share tips for feeding success - Discuss any concerns and get advice Contact: Health Visitors |
Website: oxfordhealth.nhs.uk/hv/groups/infant-feeding/
Cost: Free Location: The Slade Nursery, Titup Hall Drive Parking: Limited. 15min walk from St Leonard's Pay & Display Car Park Public Transport: Number 10 bus stops outside. Short walk from the NOC stop N6 which is served by number 700, OX7, 10 and ST2 Connector |
Baby Massage (Thursday 13:00-14:00)
|
A full body baby massage sequence is taught in 4 practical sessions including songs and movements to safely practise and enjoy with your baby at home. Classes include discussion topics to support you and your new baby, relaxation and stretches for parents and informative handouts. Oil and refreshments are provided.
|
Contact: 07779240211 | [email protected]
Website: https://babycollege.co.uk/find-a-class/ Cost: £10 a session Location: All Saints Church House, New High Street Parking: Limited on-street. St Leonard's Car Park is the closes pay & display Public Transport: Yes walk from bus stop on London Road or Windmill Road |
Betty Bloom Dance Classes (Saturday morning, time depends on age)
|
9:15-9:50 Buttercups Class 1 (Toddlers/Pre-School) | 9:15-9:50 Buttercups Class 2 (Toddlers/Pre-School) | 10:00-10:40 Sweet Peas 1 (4-5years) | 10:00-10:40 Sweet Peas 2 (5-6years)
For older ages please see our youth page here Focusing on fun, imagination and creativity, using both Musical Theatre and Freestyle dance genres to engage in a wide variety of dance styles and music across the ages. |
Contact: [email protected] | +44 7785 232862
Website: https://www.bettybloomdance.co.uk Cost (per 6 week term): Buttercups (Preschoolers & Parents) £30 | Sweet Peas (4-6 years) £42 | Poppies (7-9 years) £45 | Lilies (10 years +) £48 | Tiger Lilies (12 years +) £48 Location: Sandhills Community School, Terrett Ave, OX3 8FN Parking: Yes, free Public Transport: Short walk from Thornhill Park & Ride |
Busy Bees Stay & Play (Tuesday term time and during summer holidays 10:00-11:30)
|
Barton busy bees stay and play is a toddler play group for children up to the age of 5 to enjoy toys and activities. There is usually a sensory/craft play and snacks to the children.
The group runs term time and during the summer holidays. You must be a member of the Barton Community Association to attend. You can join when you attend by filling out an online form and a £2 a year payment. Contact: Sue Holden 01865 761987 | [email protected] Website: https://www.facebook.com/ | https://fisd.oxfordshire.gov.uk/ |
Cost: 50p payment for each session which will need to paid by cash. This can done either weekly or in bulk. Membership of Barton Community Association required which is £2/year
Location: Barton Neighbourhood Centre, Underhill Circus Parking: Yes, free Public Transport: 8 City, N8, X3 City to Underhill Circus Accessibility: Accessible access and toilets |
Clockwork Music (Monday morning, time depends on age)
|
09:30 Tick tock Toddlers from 12 months
10:15 Clockmakers 1: 2 and 3 years 11:00 Clockmakers 2: 3 and 4 years 11:45 Rock around the clock Babies and toddlers Clockwork Music offer independent music classes for babies, toddlers and pre-school children. Tock the Clock and Brown Bear are at the heart of every class and they feature in core songs which provide structure. |
Contact: Karen [email protected] | 07757011539
Website: clockworkmusic.co.uk Cost: £6 a class (first trial class free, then run on a termly basis). The cost is per family where children attend the same class Location: Risinghurst United Reformed Church, Collinwood Road Parking: Yes, free Public Transport: Collinwood Road bus stop is by the URC |
Community Stay and Play (Wednesday 9:30-11:00)
|
A group for parents/carers and children age 0-4. Toys and activities for preschoolers followed by refreshments, singing and a story. Health visitors and Special needs advisory teacher also available at the same time.
Head to the main reception to be signed in and then head upstairs for a range of activities for children from birth to 5 years. Contact: Becky Howard [email protected] |
Website: sladenurseryschool-headington.org.uk/Community-Stay-and-Play
Cost: Free Location: The Slade Nursery Parking:No parking on site. 2 hour free parking in adjacent roads Public Transport: Number 10 and 15 buses stop 2/5 minutes away respectively. Short walk from NOC stop N6 which is served by 700, OX7, 10, ST2 Connector Accessibility: Fully accessible with lift access. Accessible toilet and baby change |
The Date Palm Tree (Thursday 9:30-12:30)
|
Running since January 2014, the Date Palm Tree is a comfortable space with a positive Islamic ethos for all Muslim mums, whether expecting a baby, a first time mother or a mum of many! It's a great way to meet other mums and support one another in raising children.
Contact: [email protected] Website: wilayatrust.org/community/date-palm-tree/ |
Cost: TBC
Location: Bullingdon Community Centre, Peat Moors Parking: Limited Public Transport: near stops on 100, 10 and 15 bus. Get off at Wood Farm Road West stop (no. 10 bus route) or the Slade/Peat Moors stop (no. 15 and no. 100 bus) and approach via Peat Moors or Dene Road, then Bulan Road and Peat Moors. 5-minute walk from the 700 Park & Ride stop at the Nuffield Hospital. |
Energizers (Friday, 09:30-10:30, term time only)
|
Energetic activities to introduce toddlers to exercise through fun activities. Pre-school fitness class for children 0-5 years old.
Term time only, check website/contact Stuart as it is occasionally cancelled if the University needs the hall. Contact: 07763 736001 | clubenergyholidayclubs.co.uk/contact Website: facebook.com/clubenergysports/ | facebook.com/groups/ |
Cost: £6 (additional children £3)
Location: Oxford Brookes sports hall, Cheney lane Parking: Limited on Cheney Lane Public Transport: Many buses to Oxford Brookes Headington Hill campus and then a walk, or 15 City and ST2 to Warneford or Divinity Rd |
Faye Parker School of Ballet (Monday, Wednesday, Friday time depending on class)
|
Faye Parker School of Ballet offers dance classes in Witney, Oxfordshire and Headington, Oxford to children and adults of all ages and abilities.
The Ballet classes follow the Royal Academy of Dance's (RAD) prestigious graded syllabi which is specially designed to promote correct ballet technique in a fun setting. Ballet classes for all ages starting from 2.5yrs up to adults teaching Royal Academy of Dance syllabi and optional examinations. |
Contact: [email protected] | [email protected] | 07795 512195
Website: fayeparkerschoolofballet.weebly.com/ Cost: £4.50 - £4.80 a class. Charged half termly. Adult classes: £8/class pay as you go. Location: The Coach House, Headington Quarry Parking: Yes (car park is closed for 40weeks from 9th Oct 2023) Public Transport: Short walk from Wharton Road or Margaret Road (Windmill Road) bus stops Accessibility: Ground floor. Accessible toilets with baby changing |
Fusion Dance (Day and time depending on age group, all term time only)
|
Thursday 10:00-10:45 Taster Tap/Ballet and music and movement age 2-3yrs
Saturday 9:15-10:00 Taster Tap/Ballet and music and movement age 2-3yrs | 10:00-10:45 Tap and Ballet age 4+ Keep your child active while learning a new skill and enhance their love for dance. Props and games are used to support children's learning. Students work towards exams and various performances. For younger children's classes, please see toddler activities. For adult classes, please see fitness activities. |
Contact: Jess [email protected] 07733388077
Website: facebook.com/fusiondanceacademyoxfordshire/ | fisd.oxfordshire.gov.uk/kb5/oxfordshire/directory Cost: From £4 Location: Vikings Sports Club (Thursday & Saturday) Parking: Parking at Vikings Sports Club. Headington and St Leonard's Pay and Display Public Transport: To central Headington |
Gouter Club Headington (Friday 10:30-12:30 term time only)
|
Un club francophone pour les petits et leurs familles, de la naissance jusqu’à l’âge de 5 ans. Activités : Jeux, dessins, bricolages, boissons chaudes pour les grands, chansons et comptines, déjeuner pris ensemble sur place.
Pour en savoir plus sur le programme et le lieu de rendez-vous (à la belle saison, c’est aussi dehors dans le parc!), allez jeter un coup d’œil sur la page Facebook. A French-speaking club for children and their families from birth to 5 years. Activities: games, drawings, crafts, hot drinks for adults, songs and nursery rhymes, lunch together on site. For more information about the programme and the meeting place (in the summer it's also outside in the park!), take a look at the Facebook Page. |
Contact: [email protected]
Website: petitcluboxford.org/groupes/gouter-club/ | facebook.com/gouterclub Cost: £3 per family Location: All Saints Church House, New High Street Parking: Limited Public Transport: Short walk from London Road Bus Stops |
Kingdom Tots Stay & Play (Monday 09:30-11:00, term time only)
|
A Stay & Play for babies, toddlers and their parents/carers which offers refreshments and provides a space to foster community and friendships.
Contact: [email protected] Website: bartoncommunitychurch.org/ |
Cost: TBC
Location: Barton Pavilion, Barton Park Parking: TBC Public Transport: Number 8, X3 |
Library Stay & Play (Last Friday of the month, 10:00-11:30)
|
All parents & carers with children 0-3 years are invited to Stay, Play & Learn with books and toys. Have a chat with other parents & carers!
Each session will be limited to 20 attendees. Please arrive early to avoid disappointment. No booking needed. Contact: 01865 762867 | oxfordshire.gov.uk/contactus Website: oxfordshire.gov.uk/events/headington-stay-and-play | facebook.com/HeadingtonLibrary |
Cost: Free
Location: Headington Library, North Place Parking: Limited parking in Bury Knowle Park for library users, Headington Pay & Display carpark a short walk Public Transport: London Road buses Accessibility: Lift to the left of the library when facing it for step-free access. Accessible toilet |
Little Sharks Toddler Group (Monday 09:30-11:30, term time only)
|
Little Sharks is a fun play group for pre-school children and their carers in Headington.
Contact: 07771 708178 Website: facebook.com/Littlesharks | fisd.oxfordshire.gov.uk |
Cost: £1.50
Location: All Saints' Church House, New High Street Parking: Limited, use Headington pay & display carpark if needed Public Transport: Plenty of buses |
Monkey Music (Wednesday Morning, time depends on age)
|
10.00am Heigh-Ho rising 12 mths
10.45am Jiggety-Jig 2 & 3 yr 11.30am Rock'n'Roll from 3 mths Specialist teachers have been selected for their warmth, positivity and enthusiasm to bring classes to life in such a way that will entertain, teach and nurture a lifetime love of music. The four age appropriate, progressive curricula give each parent a class which is the right fit for their child, with material that has been written especially for the stage they are at. |
Contact: monkeymusic.co.uk/contact-us
Website: monkeymusic.co.uk/ Cost: £113.75/term Location: The Coach House, Headington Quarry Parking: Yes, free Public Transport: To Headington (Margaret Road), then walk |
Musicland (Saturday mornings)
|
9:25-9:55am Junior Violin Ensemble | 10:00-10:30am Scutterbugs (for children aged 2-5) | 10:40-11:10am Choir | 11:20am -12:10pm Orchestra
MusicLand is a Saturday Music Centre taking an holistic approach to teaching the elements of rhythm and pitch through play, creative games and fun activities. Group classes are suitable for children from age 2; instrumental learning is available from 5. Book a free trial at a group session to find out more. |
Contact: [email protected]
Website: musiclandoxford.co.uk/ Cost: £6.50 per group session, private classes priced separately Location: Risinghurst Community Centre, Kiln Lane Parking: Yes, free Public Transport: N14 to Kiln Lane, short walk from Risinghurst Turn bus stop |
Music Service Stringbabies, Oxfordshire County (Wednesday, sessions between 11:20-14:25)
|
11.20-12.10, 12.10-13:00, 13:00-13:50, 13:50-14:40. The first three groups are suitable for 2 to 5 year olds, and the last group for 5+.
|
Contact: 01865 816990 | oxfordshire.gov.uk/contactus
Website: oxfordshire.gov.uk/residents/music-service/music-groups Cost: £6.20 per session invoiced termly Location: Centre for Music, Bayswater Road Parking: Yes Public Transport: 8City, 108, N8 to Barton stops or buses to Risinghurst Turn |
Oxford Breastfeeding Support (Tuesday 10:00-11:00 and 11:00-12:00)
|
Oxfordshire Breastfeeding Support provides local breastfeeding support in the community via weekly in-person support sessions, video and phone consultations, and monthly online antenatal breastfeeding education sessions for Oxfordshire families, facilitated by experienced IBCLCs and breastfeeding counsellors, supported by trained volunteers. There is also a private Facebook group where you can quickly find support.
|
Contact: oxbreastfeedingsupport.org/index.php/aboutus/contact
Website: oxbreastfeedingsupport.org/ Cost: Free (donations welcome) Location: Barton Neighbourhood Centre, Underhill Circus Parking: Yes, free Public Transport: 8 City, N8, X3 City to Underhill Circus |
Parasol Project Stay & Play (Friday term time, 09:00-11:30)
|
Every Friday morning during term time, the Parasol Project runs an inclusive Stay & Play for babies and toddlers (0-4 years) and their parents/carers to come along to play and socialise. There is a range of toys and books, a different messy play/sensory activity each session, and a sensory room. No need to book.
Alongside the Stay & Play, there is a free Swap Shop for children's clothes (0-12 years) - take what you need, give what you don't! |
Contact: 01865 742816 | [email protected]
Website: parasolproject.org/ Cost: Suggested donation of £1. Location: Tower Playbase, Maltfield Road, Northway, Oxford, OX3 9RG Parking: Free 2hr parking Public Transport: Number 14 bus Accessibility: Wheelchair accessible with accessible toilet |
Rhymetime (Thursday 11:00-11:30 term time only)
|
Rhymetime for under 5s, including nursery rhymes, songs and musical instruments. Please note that due to the popularity of this group, spaces are being limited to 20 (10 children and 10 adults) so arrive early to avoid disappointment!
Contact: oxfordshire.gov.uk/contactus/contact-headington-library Website: facebook.com/HeadingtonLibrary updates about Rhymetime are posted on the Facebook page |
Cost: Free
Location: Headington Library, children's section Parking: Limited in Bury Knowle Park for library users or use Headington Pay and Display Public Transport: Lots of buses to London Road by Bury Knowle Park entrance |
Science Oxford Centre Activities
Contact: [email protected]
Website: scienceoxford.com/whats-on/family-days/
Location: Science Oxford, Quarry Road, OX3 8SB
Parking: Parking only available at weekends on a first come first serve basis.Limited spaces, limited on-road
Public Transport: Nearest stop/service: Stagecoach 10 bus service. Stops on Windmill Road (10–15 min walk) or Old Road/Girdlestone Road (12 min walk) are serviced by buses coming in all directions
Website: scienceoxford.com/whats-on/family-days/
Location: Science Oxford, Quarry Road, OX3 8SB
Parking: Parking only available at weekends on a first come first serve basis.Limited spaces, limited on-road
Public Transport: Nearest stop/service: Stagecoach 10 bus service. Stops on Windmill Road (10–15 min walk) or Old Road/Girdlestone Road (12 min walk) are serviced by buses coming in all directions
Family Days (Saturday 10:00-12:00, 12:30-14:30, 15:00-17:00)
Lots of activities, experiments and exhibits for the whole family to get stuck into and explore STEM.
With 15 acres of woodland and ponds, there’s plenty to explore outside too. Pick up an Explorer Backpack and trail map and see what wildlife you can spot.
Cost: £7.50 per person (free for under 3s)
Lots of activities, experiments and exhibits for the whole family to get stuck into and explore STEM.
With 15 acres of woodland and ponds, there’s plenty to explore outside too. Pick up an Explorer Backpack and trail map and see what wildlife you can spot.
Cost: £7.50 per person (free for under 3s)
Sensory-Friendly Family Days (Saturday, quarterly. Session Times: 10.00am – 12.00pm; 12.30pm – 2.30pm; 3.00pm – 5.00pm)
A sensory-friendly day with a reduced visitor capacity, to better accommodate and support families who experience autism and/or have other additional needs. During your visit, please respect the space and needs of others, so that everyone can enjoy their time in a way that is comfortable for them. If you require use of a quiet space during your visit, please ask a member of staff. Noise-cancelling headphones available on request.
Cost: £7.50 per person. Free tickets available for Under 3s. Suitable for ages 3+ (all welcome)
Next dates: January 6th 2024; March 30th 2024; July 6th 2024; October 5th 2024. Booking in advance recommended
A sensory-friendly day with a reduced visitor capacity, to better accommodate and support families who experience autism and/or have other additional needs. During your visit, please respect the space and needs of others, so that everyone can enjoy their time in a way that is comfortable for them. If you require use of a quiet space during your visit, please ask a member of staff. Noise-cancelling headphones available on request.
Cost: £7.50 per person. Free tickets available for Under 3s. Suitable for ages 3+ (all welcome)
Next dates: January 6th 2024; March 30th 2024; July 6th 2024; October 5th 2024. Booking in advance recommended
Small Talk (Thursday (term time), 10:00-11:30)
|
Small Talk is a free, relaxed, drop-in group for babies (newborn up to around 18 months) and their mums, dads or carers. Free play, singing and a short Bible story, as well as the chance to meet others caring for young babies and chat over a tea or coffee. There’s no need to book in advance.
Contact: [email protected] | 01865 761236 |
Website: stebbesheadington.org/children-and-youth/small-talk/
Cost: Free Location: St Ebbe's Headington, Lime Walk Parking: Limited Public Transport: Buses to Headington, Sandfield Rd closest stop Accessibility: Wheelchair accessible, accessible toilets |
Splat! (Wednesday (term time) 10:00-11:30)
|
Splat! is a welcoming, engaging and fun messy play group for pre-schoolers and their mums, dads or carers. There are lots of fun things to do, with crafts, games, train tracks, toys, the Tuff Tray (a messy play area), baby corner and a painting easel! Begin with some nursery rhymes, songs and a short child-friendly Bible story.
Snacks and home-made cakes are provided for the children and hot drinks for adults. |
Contact: Beth [email protected]
Website: stebbesheadington.org/children-and-youth/splat-messy-play/ Cost: £2 per adult, £1 per child aged two and over, with a maximum cost of £4 per family. Or £10 for a full half term. Location: St Ebbe's Headington, Lime Walk Parking: Limited Public Transport: Plenty of buses, Sandfield Road closest stop Accessibility: Wheelchair accessible, accessible toilets |
TLC Friendship across the generations (First Tuesday of month 10:00-12:00)
|
TLC is a monthly coffee morning, bringing together the over 60s with preschoolers and their carers. Runs in term time and school holidays.
Chat, play games, sing songs and eat cake with the aim of providing companionship to all in the community. Contact: [email protected] |
Website: stebbesheadington.org/
Cost: Free Location: St Ebbe's Headington, Lime Walk Parking: Limited Public Transport: Plenty of buses, Sandfield Road closest stop Accessibility: Wheelchair accessible, accessible toilets |
Toddlers and Company (Tuesday, term time 09:30-11:30)
|
Open to children under 4 with parents & carers. It is a very popular group so currently there is a waiting list but you can be added onto it.
Contact: toddlers@hbc-oxford.org.uk | [email protected] Website: hbc-oxford.org.uk |
Cost: £2, payable by card
Location: Headington Baptist Church, Old High Street Parking: Limited, use Headington pay & display carpark Public Transport: Lots to Central Headington |
Tuesday Tots (Tuesday (term time) 10:00-12:00)
|
A friendly outdoor church gathering for babies, toddlers, preschoolers and their grownups (in or outside weather-dependent)
Contact: Laura, [email protected] Website: hthq.uk/2021/05/25/forest-church-for-tots/ |
Cost: Free
Location: Holy Trinity Church, Headington Quarry Parking: Limited Public Transport: Bus (10, 700, ST2) to Margaret Road then walk |
Woodfarm Stay & play (Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday 9:00-11:30)
|
A Toddler Group for 0-5 year olds in the Youth Centre Building on the Wood Farm Estate on the School Grounds. The activities for the older children include painting, gluing, drawing, singing, storytime etc. There are lots of toys for children of all ages.
Contact: 07806 571857 | [email protected] Website: fisd.oxfordshire.gov.uk/kb5/oxfordshire/directory |
Cost: £2 per adult and 50p per child.
Location: Youth Centre Building on the Wood Farm Estate OX3 8QQ Parking: Public Transport: Number 10 stops outside or walk from Windmill Road/Slade Accessibility: |