We all have fond childhood memories of getting arty and crafty for the first time. Now, it’s time to let your little one’s imagination run wild.
Whether it’s clay moulding, sculpting or even slime-making that your toddler enjoys, you’ll find lots of fun activities here that can help with their development.
Let’s take a look at the very best of what North London has to offer.
1. Mini Picassos
Area: Kensal Rise, NW10
Ages: 15 months – 16 years old
Reviews: 4.9/5 stars from 15 reviews on Google
It’s time to roll up your sleeves! Mini Picassos is an independent art school that runs weekly classes from Monday to Saturday. They also run workshops during the holidays. Their classes for toddlers are suitable for those between 15 months and three years of age, and they’re a wonderful way for your little one to get creative. Activities include cutting and sticking, drawing, colouring – and perhaps most importantly of all, a Play-Doh table! Mini Picassos also offers classes for those aged 4-16.
Your child will also get something to take home with them at the end of each day – a fine way to start their very own portfolio!
Mini Picassos reviews: what parents have to say
Mini Picassos received a review rating of 4.9 out of 5 stars from 15 reviews on Google and 5 out of 5 stars from 15 reviews on Facebook. Here is what one parent has to say:
Thank you Patricia and team for a fantastic art class today. Josh loved it and wants to come back. Brilliantly run .
~ Victoria Maskens
Where to book Mini Picassos creative activities
Find a Mini Picassos class on Loopla here or visit their website for more information and to book.
2. Bach to Baby Concerts
Areas: Islington, West Hampstead, Notting Hill (+ more around London)
Ages: Suitable for all ages
It’s no secret that introducing your child to classical music can offer a number of benefits. These could even include improved spatial reasoning skills. It has also been shown that playing Beethoven and Mozart can induce a calming effect in newborns by reducing their stress levels and pain perception. (1, 2)
We’d struggle to think of very many better ways to bring the magic of music to your toddler than through Bach to Baby, which offers a series of classical music concerts to families with children under five.
These concerts have garnered well-deserved acclaim for allowing children to appreciate the wonder of live music, often for the very first time.
Bach to Baby reviews: what parents have to say
Here is what one parent has to say:
We all enjoyed our first Bach to Baby experience and if you love music and still want to attend with your children, these are perfect! They may even inspire your children to get involved more with music and play an instrument.
~ Sarah
Where to book Bach to Baby creative activities
Find a Bach to Baby concert on Loopla here or visit their website for more information and to book.
3. Hartbeeps
Areas: Primrose Hill, NW1; Islington, Highbury Fields, N5 and Finchley, N3
Ages: 0 – 4 years old
Reviews: 4.9/5 stars from 53 reviews on Facebook
There’s nothing quite like a good story. Hartbeeps specialises in telling young children stories through music and multi-sensory play.
Their classes use gorgeous puppets, lights and feathers to create a truly interactive experience for little ones, ensuring that there’s never a dull moment.
Hartbeeps offers a range of classes, including Baby Bells (0-8 months), Baby Beeps (8-18 months) and Happy House (18 months – 4 years).
Hartbeeps reviews: what parents have to say
Hartbeeps received a review rating of 4.9/5 stars from 53 reviews on Facebook. Here is what one parent has to say:
Thursday Hartbeeps with Jenny is my little boys favourite group. We have been going since he was 5 months old and Arthur absolutely adores Jenny. With a different theme every session, no two classes are the same, but each week we are encouraged to teach our babies through singing and signing, sensory and different ways of play to develop their skills.
~ Alice
Where to book Hartbeeps creative activities
Visit the Hartbeeps website to book and for more information.
4. ZEBRA Ceramics
Area: Muswell Hill, N10
Ages: Suitable for all ages
Reviews: 4.7/5 stars from 39 reviews on Google
ZEBRA Ceramics offers an ideal venue for people of all ages to create ceramic objects and gifts. It’s particularly well-suited to toddlers, with a small outdoor play area for those under five. Young children have the opportunity to get creative and make hand and footprints in the form of a ceramic imprint.
Toddler Storytime and Paint
ZEBRA Ceramics offers a Toddler Storytime and Paint session every Monday at 10:30 a.m. In these sessions, children are read a story before being given the chance to paint a piece of pottery that relates to the story. These sessions cost £10 and last for approximately one hour. A range of biscuits, coffees and cakes are served on-site whilst your little ones get busy.
ZEBRA Ceramics reviews: what parents have to say
ZEBRA Ceramics received a review rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 39 reviews on Google. Here’s what one parent has to say:
A really nice experience with the kids. Went in to get a baby hand and foot print. My kids also ended up painting a unicorn and dinosaur made of clay. They enjoyed it very much in a pleasant environment. The staff were lovely and very helpful from the moment we walked in. Will be recommending this place. Thanks again!!
Where to book ZEBRA Ceramics creative activities
Visit the ZEBRA Ceramics website to book and for more information.
5. Little Angel Studios – Family Workshops
Area: Islington, N1
Ages: 2 – 5 years old
Reviews: 4.7/5 stars from 182 reviews on Google
Little Angel Theatre has made lots of engaging shows for babies and toddlers, including a range of magical puppet shows. Little Angel Theatre is located on Dagmar Passage, a three-minute walk away from Little Angel Studios on Sebbon Street.
Little Angel Studios provides an excellent range of workshops for children aged 2-5. Children can make arts and crafts in these creative sessions, and they’re shown how to bring puppets to life and take them on adventures. It’s a fantastic way for young children to explore colours, sounds and textures. Toddlers are encouraged to take these puppets home with them at the end of each workshop.
Adults are required to accompany their children, and each child and adult will need their own ticket.
Little Angel is close to a couple of tube stations, which makes getting there very easy indeed. The nearest of these stations are Islington (Victoria Line) and Angel (Northern Line)/Highbury.
Little Angel Studios reviews: what parents have to say
Little Angel Studios received a review rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 182 reviews on Google. Here is what one parent has to say:
Been around since the 60s and offering a fantastic selection of productions and children’s workshops over the years. They even host a free summer festival in the area. Our kids have loved this place and it is great to see such a traditional medium such as puppetry still entertaining and engaging children (and adults) in a wired, screen obsessed world!
~ Z HO
Where to book Little Angel Studios creative activities
Visit the Little Angel Studios website to book and for more information.
6. Artburst
Area: Risinghill St, N1
Ages: 18 months – 4 years old
Reviews: 5/5 stars from 5 reviews on Google
Artburst runs a series of innovative workshops for toddlers. Their early years workshops use songs and actions to help children broaden their vocabulary, and they are also designed to assist with coordination and mobility. Each of these workshops are run by qualified art and drama professionals.
Artburst’s classes include Make & Paint, which lasts 45 minutes and caters to those between 18 months and 4 years, and Artburst Boogie, a half an hour session for those between 0 – 4 years.
These educational sessions provide lots of fun for the little ones – and they’ve impressed the parents too.
Artburst reviews: what parents have to say
Artburst received a review rating of 5 out of 5 stars from 5 reviews on Google. Here is what one parent has to say:
Really amazing activities. Kids loved it!
Where to book Artburst creative activities
Visit the Artburst website to book and for more information.
7. Pickled Pepper Books
Area: Crouch End, N8
Ages: 18 months – 12 years +
Reviews: 4.3/5 stars from 63 reviews on Facebook
Pickled Pepper Books is a children’s bookshop that runs storytime sessions for young children.
These Little Pickles sessions are aimed at those between the ages of 18 months – 5 years. They do a marvellous job of bringing classic children’s stories and new books to life through the use of colourful clothing, dancing and musical instruments.
Pickled Pepper also provides activities for children aged 5-11. These include LEGO workshops and science workshops.
Pickled Pepper Books reviews: what parents have to say
Pickled Pepper Books received a review rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars from 63 reviews on Facebook. Here is what one parent has to say:
So much more than a book store! Great events, wonderful books, a true family place!
Where to book Pickled Pepper Books
Visit the Pickled Pepper Books website to book and for more information.
8. Zip Zap Kids
Areas: Crouch End, N8; Highgate, N6; Islington, N1; Kentish Town, NW5 and Muswell Hill, N10
Ages: 0 – 5 years old
Reviews: 5/5 stars from 17 reviews on Facebook
Zip Zap Kids uses traditional nursery rhymes and lively pop music to keep toddlers engaged and entertained.
Zip Zap Kids runs award-winning Baby Zappers classes for babies up to 18 months. They also host Little Zippers classes for children between 12 months – 5 years. Zip Zap Kids uses rhythms, music and melodies in these sessions to help toddlers learn how to speak and read.
Zip Zap Kids reviews: What parents have to say
Zip Zap Kids received a review rating of 5 out of 5 stars from 17 reviews on Facebook. Here is what one parent has to say:
My little one loves the classes and each week she gained more and more confidence. There a really good mix of new songs and weekly favourites. Highly recommend.
Where to book Zip Zap Kids creative activities
Visit the Zip Zap Kids website to book and for more information.
9. Les Aventures de Martin Avril
Area: Islington, N1
Ages: Suitable for all ages
Reviews: 5/5 stars from 32 reviews on Google
Thinking of treating your children to something a little different? You might want to consider giving them the magic of a live music puppet show from Les Aventures de Martin Avril! Les Aventures de Martin Avril invites children to travel the world with Martin Avril, a French monkey-bear from France.
Martin is a puppet, as you might have guessed, and his magic suitcase has more than enough surprises to keep your little ones entertained. A mixture of English and French is spoken during these performances. In each show, talented musicians from all around the world perform a variety of songs.
Les Aventures de Martin Avril reviews: what parents have to say
Les Aventures de Martin Avril received a review rating of 5 out of 5 stars from 32 reviews on Google. Here is what one parent has to say:
We, my 2 children and I, love Martin! Such a beautiful class. My youngest now sings in French. They also learn about music by being introduced to new instruments every week. Each child is given personal attention and Donia has such a lovely voice to listen to. I highly recommend.
Where to book Les Aventures de Martin Avril creative activities
Visit the Les Aventures de Martin Avril website to book and for more information.
10. Curiouser
Area: Hampstead, NW3
Ages: 6 months – 6 years old
Reviews: 4.6/5 stars from 22 reviews on Google
Curiouser offers a range of classes that help children learn through play. This approach aims to nurture each child’s inner voice, and it offers an interesting alternative to traditional forms of learning.
Curiouser’s Messy Monkeys classes are designed for children aged 6 months – 4 years, and they run throughout the working week. Every week, children are provided with nine sensory activities, each with their own theme. Toddlers are encouraged to make arts & crafts and explore different textures. Such activities can help children develop their language skills and form friendships with other children.
The Messy Monkeys classes run alongside other classes in music and drama. Curiouser Music is for children between 6 months – 6 years, and it provides an early introduction to rhythms and the different instruments. Curiouser Drama is for those between 2-4. These classes build confidence and teach teamwork skills with weekly activities and adventures.
Curiouser reviews: what parents have to say
Curiouser received a review rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars from 22 reviews on Google. Here is what one parent has to say:
We love this place! Honestly the best teachers and clean space.
The atmosphere is always warm and friendly, with good energy. The classes are excellently structured and change every week. Highly recommend
Where to book Curiouser creative activities
Visit the Curiouser website to book and for more information.
11. Paint the Town
Area: Enfield, N14
Ages: Suitable for all ages
Reviews: 4.6/5 stars from 81 reviews on Google
If your toddler is keen to have a go at pottery decorating, it’s highly likely that Paint the Town will have the sorts of activities that you have in mind.
Paint the Town offers a couple of art workshops, including a toddler group. Their toddler groups run between 10:30 a.m. – 11:30 a.m. from Tuesday – Friday. Each day brings something different: on Tuesday, it’s Play-Dough fun, whilst it’s all about the Messy Paint on Friday! Sessions cost £10 each, but you’ll need to pay £12 for Thursday’s Clay Play session.
This lovely pottery painting studio has proven very popular with both the children and their parents over the years.
Paint the Town reviews: what parents have to say
Paint the Town received a review rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars from 81 reviews on Google. Here is what one parent has to say:
Really lovely, wonderful choice of things to paint, amazing service and delicious cakes
Where to book Paint the Town creative activities
Visit the Paint the Town website to book and for more information.
12. Messy Hands London
Area: Hampstead Heath, N6
Ages: 6 months – 2 years old
Reviews: 5 out of 5 stars from 2 reviews on Google
We all know that toddlers love to make a mess – and this may well explain the success of Messy Hands’ sessions for babies and toddlers!
Messy Hands provides classes for those aged between six months – two years. These Little Mess Makers classes are on Tuesdays at 11 a.m., and they encourage toddlers to interact with a variety of sensory materials. Rather than simply provide the materials, Messy Hands encourages children to make a mess and explore their imaginations. There’s a new theme every week, ensuring that children will be introduced to a range of different concepts and ideas.
Messy Hands reviews: what parents have to say
Messy Hands received a review rating of 5 out of 5 stars from 2 reviews on Google. This is what one parent has to say:
One of the very best baby/toddler class!
Where to book Messy Hands creative activities
Visit the Messy Hands website to book and for more information.
13. Diddi Dance
Areas: Kentish Town, NW5; St John’s Wood, NW8 and Muswell Hill, N10
Ages: Walking age – 5 years old
Reviews: 5/5 stars from 6 reviews on Facebook
Next, it’s Diddi Dance! Diddi offers a range of funky dance classes for children of walking age up to five years. These classes are 45 minutes in length and encourage your little one to get up and groove to the beat in a fun, safe environment. Toddlers are encouraged to put their enthusiasm and energy into the medium of dance in these parent-toddler lessons.
Diddi Dance reviews: what parents have to say
Fantastic fun classes. I attend with my 5 year old who is home educated & my 3 year old who has Down syndrome & they have so much fun but also gain so much from the classes. I love how inclusive the classes are & how caring & fun the teachers have been
Where to book Diddi Dance creative activities
Visit the Diddi Dance website to book and for more information.
14. The Artz Kidz
Area: Enfield, N2
Ages: 2.5 – 11 years old
Reviews: 5/5 stars from 102 reviews on Google
The Artz Kidz provides classes for preschool children (2.5-4.5 years) that feature a mixture of stories, games and music. Once the kids have been taken on a storytelling adventure, they are encouraged to bring these stories to life through the medium of art and drama.
A number of devices are used in each class to keep kids entertained and engaged, including script work, improvisation and characterisation. It’s a wonderful way to build your little one’s confidence and get them mixing with kids their own age in a fun, energetic environment.
Artz Kidz reviews: what parents have to say
Artz Kidz received a review rating of 5 out of 5 stars from 102 reviews on Google. Here is what one parent has to say:
Artz Kidz is great. My daughter is quite fussy about clubs, but has loved Artz Kidz from day 1. She attends their holiday clubs and now also attends the Saturday classes too. She skips in and always comes out excited to tell us what she’s made. She loves the different teachers who clearly bring a wealth of skills and personalities and are always fun and attentive to the children at pick up/drop off.
Where to book Artz Kidz creative activities
Visit the Artz Kidz website to book and for more information.
As we have seen, there’s really no end to the amount of creative fun that toddlers can enjoy in North London these days.
If you’d like to find out more about the activities that your little ones can enjoy in your area, consider searching for other events on Loopla for free and take a look at the creative activities that are available in your area.
References
- “The Role of Music in Brain Development”, The University of Georgia
- “Music reduces pain perception in healthy newborns: A comparison between different music tracks and recorded heartbeat”, Andrea Rossi, Anna Molinaro, Eleanora Savi, Serena Micheletti, Jessica Galli, Gaetano Chirico, Elisa Fazzi – Early Human Development
