Our city guide to Leicester’s most-loved local classes, activities, parks, farms, businesses and services for babies, toddlers and parents
A Bit About Leicester
If you’re looking for things to do with a baby or toddler, then you can’t go wrong with Leicester. One of the oldest cities in the UK, boasting about 2,000 years of history, Leicester is the home of much greatness, from the National Space Centre, to Walkers Crisps. It has a diverse culture, host to the largest Diwali celebrations outside of India each year, as well as the Caribbean Carnival and Leicester Pride. And when it comes to historic facts, Leicester has a truly unique one! The main figure that comes to mind is King Richard III. He was brought back to Leicester after his final battle and his remains were recently discovered in Leicester city centre… Under a car park. So clearly it’s not just the living who struggle to find where they parked!
When it comes to having fun in Leicester, the very youngest members of the population (and their carers) have their pick of things to do. We received a lot of recommendations from the mums and dads of Leicester, making this guide the longest we’ve made so far! We’ve honed in on some of the most-loved activities, destinations and services for little ones. (And for you!)
We firmly believe that nobody knows their community better than the parents and carers pounding the pavements every day, so if there’s anywhere on here we’ve missed, let us know – we’re always keen to hear about great classes, activities and businesses for babies and toddlers. Better still, if you’re a class provider, we would love to feature you in our listings – you can sign up below.
Leicester’s best… Soft Play & Roleplay Centres
Whether it’s a colourful soft play that allows your tots to bounce off the walls safely, or a roleplay centre that allows them to explore the expanse of their imagination, these centres are fantastic for the under 5’s. And, FYI, all of the below have a cafe nearby for when you need your that well-needed tea break. We’ve checked for you!
Designed for the whole family, and a great activity in Leicester for your baby or toddler. This venue is a spacious fun day out for both the big kids and the little ones. There are seating areas throughout the venue that allow you to move around the centre and watch your children having fun, whilst also giving you plenty of places to rest. Enjoy their toddler zone, outdoor area, and their very cute roleplay zone, “360 street”.
Meridian Leisure Park, Lubbesthorpe Way, Leicester, LE19 1JZ
Cute, amazing, and oodles of fun! Not only are they a brilliant roleplay centre for your little one, offering a huge play space for them to explore their imagination, but they run seasonal events too. Easter, Christmas, Halloween: they have you covered. And they cater to different needs (including SEN sessions).
Rushfield Farm, Tilton Road, Billesdon , Leicester, United Kingdom
Possibly the youngest establishment on our list, this play centre has certainly made a splash amongst the parents of Leicester. This cute small business allows your little ones to explore and live out their imaginary professions as a vet, doctor, hair stylist and more! Open 7 days a week, running 3 sessions a day, and regular SEN sessions. What’s not to love?
Stoughton Grange, Gartree Road, Oadby, Leicester, LE2 2FB
This mobile pop-up village is a great addition to our list, for those looking for a place to visit, and those looking to hire for an event. Beautifully designed wooden equipment that you can hire for use at home, book for a party, or attend a pop-up sessions throughout the year.
Various Locations
Leicester’s best… Family Day’s Out
If you’re looking for a treat that could occupy the little ones as well as any big kids in the family (yes, this could include spouses), then these are some great day-trips out for you.
Theme park, farm, and waterpark: there’s a hefty helping of everything at Twinlakes! Dare ye enter Buccaneer Island? Will you come face to face with the birds of prey? Or maybe your little ones will meet their idols (including characters like Paddington Bear)? Whether you have a baby or toddler, this theme park in Leicester offers plenty of things to do for everyone.
Twinlakes Park, Melton Spinney Rd, Melton Mowbray, Leicestershire, LE14 4FF
Explore beyond the stars and discover all the joys of space! Winner of the Travellers Choice award 2022, the National Space Centre is an ideal pick for young families. They run small space days when they’re closed to school groups and have special tailored activities to under 5s. Sounds out of this world!
National Space Centre, Exploration Drive, Leicester, LE4 5NS
Leicester’s best… Baby and Toddler Classes
Do you fancy sampling a class that will help your little one develop a new skill? Or maybe you’re looking for somewhere to relax and find your tribe? Try some of these!
Picks for babies and toddlers:
Diddi dance Loughborough, Glenfield, Oadby & Surrounding
Multi-award winning franchise, and tons of fun, you can be guaranteed a fun and energetic time from a Diddi Dance class. They pack enthusiasm, energy, and action into a 45 minute dance class, which is just the perfect length when you have a little one in attendance. Hop along to a Diddi Dance class today.
Various Locations
A lovely class that comes highly recommended as a thing to do by the parents of babies from Leicester. The parents and guardians we spoke to said that they really saw how much energy and thought was put into each individual session, and absolutely loved the enthusiasm that the people running the activity offered. Some absolutely glowing reviews for a lovely class.
Various Locations
Story Imagin-ory South Leicestershire – with Sam
Story Imagin-ory is a Storytelling class that brings their tales to life through activities, singing, sign language, simple phonics and traditional storytelling and play. They have a strong focus on early learning development, and keep play fun for the little ones!
Various Locations
My Baby Spa and My Toddler Spa are two different businesses under the same pampering umbrella. They provide a luxurious spa experience (and a lot of fun!) for both you and your children, as well as plenty of cute photo opportunities.
Various Locations
Little Glow Enderby, Braunstone and Surrounding Areas
Glowing, luminescent, and very pretty to look at! This magical looking class will leave both you and your child fascinated by the atmosphere that Little Glow has created. Check out their page, and see what kind of sensory delights you’d be in for here.
Various Locations
Picks for parents and carers
Breastfeeding Support for families in Leicester: Mammas aims to promote the health and wellbeing of mothers and babies, through the support, protection and promotion of breastfeeding, and through creating a better understanding of mother-baby relationships.
Various Locations
Bosom Babies Breastfeeding Support – Blaby, Oadby, Wigston
Recommended by multiple mothers across multiple Facebook Groups, Bosom Babies offers a kind and welcoming environment for those looking for breastfeeding support.
Various Locations
Circuit based fitness class for mothers (expecting and postnatal) where you can work on your own health. These classes cater towards your abilities, whatever stage you’re at, and if you’re not sure where that is, then you’ll receive plenty of guidance along the way. Your baby is welcome to come along for this thing to do in Leicester, so no need to panic about childcare for this one!
Various Locations
Happity is the UK’s biggest platform dedicated exclusively to baby & toddler classes. We’re expanding in Leicester and are keen to hear about more classes and activities for little ones – get in touch if you can help! We’re always open to recommendations!
Leicester’s best… Baby Friendly Cafe’s & Stay and Plays
One of the most stressful ventures out as a parent with a little one can be visiting a cafe or restaurant. Worried about pushchair access or if your little one makes too much noise? Don’t worry, these venues are the best place to sit in a judgment-free zone!
The pancakes come highly recommended at this cafe! One mother said that she took her baby and toddler to this Leicester location and found the food to be a really cool thing to do! Nicely decorated, and child friendly, this is a great pick to eat some breakfast in a zero-judgement zone.
10, Swan Yard, High St, Leicester LE8 6LQ
Delicious coffee, and yummy food, Jenno’s’ menu doesn’t hold back! Plus a free Babycino for those tiny guests visiting. That sounds like a win for us!
21 Leicester Road, Blaby, Leicester LE8 4GR
Everards Meadows, Cooper Way, Leicester, LE19 2AN
There’s also a number of Stay & Play’s run by community groups (churches and libraries) that we’d struggle to rank or put in a specific list. We love any community group that offers a cheap or free place for parents to meet and have a hot drink. Check them out!
13 Crossways Houses, Blaby, Leicester LE8 4DD
Cosby Community Library – Stay & Play
1 Park Rd, Cosby, United Kingdom, LE9 1RN
1 Connaught St, Highfields, Leicester LE2 1FJ
Whetstone Baptist Church, Springwell, Dog & Gun Lane, Whetstone, LE8 6LJ
Leicester’s best… Baby Shops
Want to shop locally? Say less. These are the kids’ shops that we were signposted to!
Everywhere We Grow is a Pre Loved Baby & Children’s Clothing Pop Up event that runs regularly in Leicester. They are passionate about bringing all families access to great quality clothing for our little ones, focussing on making clothing affordable and sustainable for young families.
Various Locations (Pop-up)
Pre-loved, and pre-pared for you! This shop offers beautiful sustainable clothing and toys for your little one, as well as bundles and books for every occasion and conversation. Check them out. You’re bound to fall in love the moment you walk through their door.
Unit 3, The Fairway Centre, 9-13 Coventry Road, Burbage LE10 2HL
Leicester’s best… Parks and Outdoor Activities
The great outdoors is sometimes all you need to keep your kids entertained. It’s a brilliant thing to do in Leicester, or any location, for you, your baby, toddler, or any member of the family! And it does a world of good to breathe in that fresh green air. Here are the recommendations of the best parks, and the best activities, in the wild outdoors
A lovely green park to visit, with everything you might need with your visit, including a park, changing facilities, cafe and picnic benches. If you’re looking for an ideal place to clear your lungs, then this would be a great pick for you.
Broughton Astley Cricket Club, Recreation Ground, Frolesworth Rd, Broughton Astley, Leicester LE9 6PF
Another great choice with tons to do with your kids (for free!) They have two play areas, paths suitable for bikes & trikes, a shallow stream running through, a large green space for ball games where you can get out all your loud energy, and tons of quieter areas also dotted around all around the area.
Palmerston Way, Leicester LE2 3RE
Paradise Found Educational Farm Park
This lovely animal farm and is a great place to take your little one, with no bookings required to join in the fun. Feeding, petting, and soft play are all available at this great little farm.
Paradise Educational Farm Park, Leicester Road, Sapcote, Leicestershire, LE9 4JF
A lovely charity, offering a delightful experience. They have just started offering a coffee and chat group to combat loneliness and Isolation for adults. Added bonus, you get the chance to see their amazing herd or gorgeous horses.
66 College Rd, Leicester LE8 6JE
A fun little Leicester-based nature school for your baby or toddler, and a highly recommended thing to do from the parents we asked. There’s various stations providing different sensory experiences, including small world play, imagination time and messy play. The environment is an important factor at Nature’s Play, a large selection of the equipment and resources are either pre-loved or homemade, keeping this business environ
Would you consider yourself a local expert?
Happity is the UK’s biggest platform dedicated exclusively to baby & toddler classes.
We’re expanding in Leicester and are keen to hear about more classes and activities for little ones – get in touch if you can help!
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