Our city guide to Nottingham’s most-loved local classes, activities, parks, farms, businesses and services for babies, toddlers and parents
A Bit About Nottingham
Thanks to the familiar English folktales that we all grew up with, Nottingham is often associated with the famous Robin Hood and his merry men. Excitingly, you can still visit their hideout, “The Major Oak”, in Sherwood Forest, estimated to be between 800-1100 years old. Other than Robin Hood, Nottingham has an endless amount of hidden history and places to explore. Including the founding location of one of the UK’s biggest pharmacy retailer, “Boots”. Or the fact that Wollaton Hall was filming locations for one of the most famous masked heroes of all time (The Batman himself) in “The Dark Knight Rises”.
Known for having lots of “proper” villages around and a strong sense of community, it’s not that surprising that so many people are choosing Nottingham to raise their families. We wanted to know some of the best picks of things to do in the area, and reached out to the young families of Nottingham. After receiving many many many recommendations, we gathered together a list of activities, destinations and services for you and your little ones.
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.
Nottingham best… Soft Play & Roleplay Centres
When in doubt, go for a play center! Little ones can keep entertained for hours at these colourful venues, and all of the below have all the proper facilities you’ll need, including a cafe nearby for when you need your that well-needed tea break.
Learning and playing – Robyn’s World is a great roleplay center where your little one’s can act out all sorts of different adventures. There’s plenty of toys and fancy dress costumes, and a whole world of fun waiting.
Robyn’s World, Dunkirk Community Centre, Nottingham, NG7 2JW
Hocus Pocus Indoor Play & Party Venue
Izzy Wizzy, lets get busy! This soft play and cafe is fantastically magic themed. They are a walk-in business, so no need to book! Just keep an eye on their Facebook page for any updates.
131 Queens Road Beeston, Nottingham NG9 2FE
From a mini grocery store, to an indoor park for a “teddy bear’s picnic”, this spot is a wonderful place for tots to roleplay. The toys and rooms are all painted in subtler, muted colours compared to other soft plays, making for a slightly more relaxed environment.
Ollerton Road, Tuxford, Newark, Nottinghamshire, NG22 0PQ
Both a nursery and a soft play, Kidz Kaboom is a great soft play for 0-6 year olds. It’s a safe and stimulating place where children can develop their skills and have fun!
Unit 2A Ash Court, Millenium Way East, Phoenix Centre, Nottingham NG8 6AR
This independent little town has all the hustle and bustle that a tiny townie needs! There are 12 roleplay areas in total, and they may choose to be a vet, firefighter, hairdresser, builder and much more! They have props, costumes and individually built spaces to bring the town alive!
249 Radford Road, NG7 5GU
Nottingham’s best… Family Friendly Cafes
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!
With a brand new play area opened recently, this is one to check out. Made with young families in mind, Beanblock offers practical solutions to those worries that so many parents and carers have when taking babies and toddlers to a cafe. No more do you need to worry about if your pushchair will fit, or if your toddler has a meltdown. You’re surrounded by the right company here!
St Marks Place, Newark, Nottinghamshire, NG24 1XT
Looking for somewhere to sit and grab a chocolate babyccino? Rumbletums is a great option for you. All of their food is homemade, and they offer dietary options for you too, with Gluten-free options available.
2A Victoria Street, Kimberley, Nottingham, NG16 2NH
Chocks Away! Nottingham City Airport
Tasty bites that send you sky high! This is a great cafe with some strong recommendations – offering a pleasant atmosphere and a chance for you and your kids to watch the planes come and go.
Nottingham Airport Tollerton Lane Tollerton Ln, Nottingham NG12 4GA
Nottingham’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:
“Twisty shaky fun!” This cute music and movement class is the perfect pick for any parents wanting to get their groove on. If you’re into funky rhythms and funny puppets, this will be a great class for you.
Multiple Venues.
This community-based activity is a great pick for babies and for parents/carers who are looking to find their tribe. Each session includes a story and music time, toys for little ones to play with, followed by some time to have a hot drink and a chat.
129-131 Derby Road, Long Eaton, Nottinghamshire, NG10 4LL
Lullababy approaches child development one little step at a time. They offer baby massage, yoga & more, and they run their groups based on specific age groups (0-5 months, 5-13 months, and 13-24 months), meaning that the activities you attend will be perfectly catered to your little one. You’ll have tons of fun attending these classes week-by-week.
Multiple Venues
Picks for parents and carers
What are you in need of for a more mindful day? Casa Lunar offers a variety of different sessions, including postnatal or pregnancy yoga, Mum & baby yoga, a stay & play group, and a variety of therapies to give you a bit of TLC.
Various Locations.
Annnd breathe out… Mama Baby Bliss offers a good variety of yoga classes across the Nottingham area. No matter whereabouts you are in pregnancy and parenthood, you’re bound to find a class suited to you here.
Multiple Venues:
Mama Baby Bliss Nottingham (Sherwood)
This independent class provider has really hiit the ground running! Offering a variety of different class types at affordable prices, this is a fun hidden gem for new mums looking to get a sweat on.
Carr Bank Park, NG18 2AL
JL Studio Botany Commercial Gate NG18 5NF
Happity is the UK’s biggest platform dedicated exclusively to baby & toddler classes. We’re expanding in Nottingham 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!
Nottingham’s best… Support and Charities
Organisations that are built for the sake of supporting others deserve more for what they do. We hold a warm place in our hearts for those who do it, and here’s just a few of the support networks that we were recommended in Nottingham.
A programme to create a better start for little ones, this organisation offers activities and support for those in need of it. They run fun groups, and also provide “Family mentors” for those who would like the advice from thosehave been there.
Runs at Multiple Venues.
Mini First Aid Nottingham and Derby
A multi-award winning franchise that offers the crucial training that could save a little life. Taught in a relaxed and non-judgemental environment, these classes give you the confidence to know what actions to take if faced with a medical emergency.
Multiple Venues.
Founded and run by a community that wanted to be proactive about making a positive impact, they provide opportunities for people from disadvantaged, socially isolated groups of all ages in Nottingham. Including a parent and child group called “Eden Softplay”
Multiple Venues.
Nottingham’s best… Kids Shops
It sparks something special in all of us when we feel like we’ve found a hidden local gem. Here’s a couple of local shops to nab yourself a Nottingham-unique find!
An adorable clothing brand by a lovely mumprenuer. Snuggles and Kisses is founded by a mum with a real passion for design and fashion. She started dressing her daughter in her own designs at local baby groups -and she immediately began receiving orders!
39b&c Chilwell Road, Beeston, Nottingham, NG9 1EN
A great sustainable brand, filled with all things baby! Here you can find all sorts of wonderful items for your baby (clothes, storage solutions, toys and more). Not only that, but with an instore coffee shop, it’s a great location for coffee and cake too!
23 Plains Road, Mapperley, Nottingham, NG3 5LG
Nottingham’s best… Parks and Farms
Happity are definitely big fans of outdoor spaces so here’s a couple of recommendations to get your little ones out and about in the fresh air:
Little Jack’s Farm and Garden Centre
Family-run Family-fun, Little Jack’s farm is a great place to spend some time feeding the friendly animals including sheep, chickens, rabbits, goats. ponies and more.
Orston Lane, Bottesford, Nottinghamshire NG13 0AU
A lovely local farm to visit for free (donations welcome). There’s tons to do, lots of animals to see and a lovely playground to visit too. They also run activities and groups throughout the week and have an onsite Cafe.
Stonebridge Road, Nottingham, NG3 2FR
This great country park not only has a lot of green spaces to explore, but has a wide range of engaging activities to get involved in. There’s a sensory trail with lots of interactive games, instruments and activities, a great playground and a bug trail.There’s also a skate park and mountain bike track for older children too.
Mere Way, Loughborough Road, Ruddington, Nottinghamshire, NG11 6JS
Wollaton hall and deer park has a wonderful playground and cafe. The grounds are full of rich history and are beautifully kept. The hall itself runs seasonal events and runs dinosaur exhibitions (free entry or £5 including the dinosaur exhibition).
Wollaton Hall & Deer Park, Nottingham, Nottinghamshire, NG8 2AE
There’s a lot of different activities set up at this park, including adventure play equipment (nets, bridges, platforms, slides and poles), interactive play equipment, and a great range of other facilities (playground, picnic area, climbing wall and more).
17 Lothian Rd, Tollerton, Nottingham NG12 4EH
Would you consider yourself a local expert?
Happity is the UK’s biggest platform dedicated exclusively to baby & toddler classes.
We’re expanding in Nottingham and are keen to hear about more classes and activities for little ones – get in touch if you can help!
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