These drop-in preschool gym classes are sure to burn off some serious energy.
If your little one loves to run, jump and climb (while scaring you half to death), bookmark these drop-in preschool gym classes for the start of the week. No term registration or commitment is required, double-check any scheduling as most casual classes only run during term time.
Read more: Christchurch Gyms With Childcare: Crèches, Play Areas and Family-Friendly Hours
Preschool gym classes:
BABY + MINI GYM
BABY GYM:
Catering for smaller babies over 12 weeks old and crawlers, Baby Gym includes age-appropriate soft play equipment, singing and dancing.
When and where: Monday mornings at Selwyn Sports Centre; Wednesday mornings at Lincoln Event Centre.
How much: $4.90
Age: Suitable for babies over 12 weeks to crawling
MINI GYM:
Tailored for older preschoolers and toddlers, learn through music and movement as classes focus on motor development and confidence. The classes are free-play but include structured time and songs with the tutor.
When and where: Monday and Friday mornings at Selwyn Sports Centre; Wednesday mornings at Lincoln Event Centre; Thursday mornings at West Melton Community and Recreation Centre
How much: $4.90
Age: Separate sessions are held for 1-2 year olds, 3-5 year olds and 3 months – 2 years.
PARENT TODDLER GYM is a 120-minute session held on Saturdays at Selwyn Sports Centre (check the winter timetable as the classes can change to make way for club sports.)
Check the respective location’s website for timing changes, which may change weekly.
More info here.
MoveX Trampoline and Ninja Park
MoveX is running extended ‘preschooler specials’ on weekdays between 9.30-1.pm for just $10. The ticket price includes access to all arena facilities and a dedicated jumping area for tots which has smaller trampolines, foam pits and toys.
When: Monday – Friday between 9.30am – 1pm
Where: 230 Maces Road, Bromley, Christchurch
How much: $10 for preschooler and parent/caregiver. Under 1’s free.
Age: Preschoolers
More info here.
Rug Rats x Welder Events: Play Pals
*CURRENTLY NOT RUNNING*
Together with Welder Events, Rug Rats is hosting regular soft play sessions for preschoolers at their gorgeous events space. Made to burn that never-ending energy and provide inclusive fun for all abilities, crawl, climb and jump away the hour while you sip on hot coffee from neighbouring Grizzly Bakery and Barefoot Eatery. There will also be specific quiet-time sessions for those with sensory needs.
When: Monday and Tuesdays. 9.15-10.15am (0-18 months only); 10.15-11.15am (0-5); 11.15-12.15pm (0-5)
Where: The Welder Events Space, 22 Welles Street, Christchurch
How much: $16 per child, non-mobile babies are free with a paying sibling. Book here.
Age: 0-5
More info here.
Tumbling Tots
A relaxed soft play session for those younger, active children between 6-18 months. Work on fine motor skills, balance and hone those crawling and walking skills in a Plunket-run gym session.
When: Tuesdays, 9.30-11am
Where: Burwood Plunket Room, 149 Burwood Road
How much: $3 per family
More info here.
The Kind Foundation: Preschool Gym
“Designed to encourage and support active participation and physical movement”, Preschool Gym at Bishopdale Recreation Centre are casual drop-in sessions that allow children to take turns with a wide array of gymnastics equipment under the guidance of an instructor.
When: Tuesdays, 11.15-12pm
Where: Bishopdale Recreation Centre, 13a Bishopdale Court, Bishopdale Mall
How much: $7
Age: 2 – 5 years
More info here.
Olympia Gymnastic Sports: Casual Preschool
Children will have the chance to participate in warm-up games, and free play using beams, bars, rings and trampolines in a 45-minute, semi-structured class guided by a coach.
When: Monday 9.30-10.15am; Friday 1-1.45pm
Where: 29 Springs Road, Wigram
How much: $10 per child, per session
Age: Walking to 5 years
More info here.
Flips & Tumbles: Toddler Tumble
Wigram’s Flips & Tumbles has revamped its Toddler Tumble sessions to include two free-roaming spaces with plenty of equipment for preschoolers to explore. Check out the upstairs Jungle Room and explore its large play space with trampolines in a two-hour slot.
When: Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday from 9.30-11.30am; Saturday, Sunday from 9-10am. Tuesdays, 12.30-2.30pm.
Where: 12 Musgrove Close, Wigram
How much: $7 per under five and $7 per adult entering the gym. There is a free-of-charge viewing platform upstairs. Check out the subscription options that allow unlimited entry all week long.
Age: Under five
More info here.
Clip ‘n’ Climb: Little Monkeys
An interactive climbing session with toys and games.
When: Wednesday & Thursday, 10-12pm
Where: 239 Waltham Road, Sydenham
How much: $7
Age: Under five
More info here.
Launch Pad: Toddler Time
A special session for under five during the week, Toddler Time runs for two hours and allows free access to the whole venue, including its scooter and bike pump track.
When: Monday, Wednesday, Friday from 10-12pm; Saturday & Sunday from 9-10am
Where: 43 Langdons Road, Papanui
How much: $12 (admits one child and one parent)
Age: Under five
More info here.
Mega Air: Just Toddlers
Mega Air’s “Just Toddlers” session runs for two hours, providing a safe space for preschoolers to bounce freely.
When: Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday from 10-12pm; Saturday 10-11am
Where: 106A Carmen Road, Hei Hei
How much: $12. Your toddler is free with a paying adult, additional toddlers are $5
Age: Under five
More info here.
Lyttelton Lyttel Tumblers
A fun-filled session of climbing, crawling, sliding and jumping.
When: Thursday, 9.30-11am
Where: The Gym, Recreation Centre 25 Winchester Street, Lyttelton
How much: $5
Age: Under five
More info here.
Tumble Times
Tumble Times is a firm fave for active preschoolers, providing plenty of gym equipment to swing, jump and slide off. There are also structured games and dancing run by a tutor.
When: Check the timetable online as available sessions change weekly.
Where: Pioneer, Linwood Pool, Cowles Stadium
How much: $4.90 and $3.80 per additional child
Age: Under five (however due to the size of the room at the Linwood location, this session best suits children under three).
More info here.
Affinity Gymnastics Academy: Drop-in Sessions
These fun, dynamic classes are designed for children aged eighteen months to five years to help develop confidence and co-ordination.
EXPLORE CLASS
When: Monday 10-10.30am & Tuesday 9.15-9.45am
Where: 80 Detroit Drive, Rolleston
How much: $5
Age: For younger little ones to see what is involved in gymnastics
STRUCTURED CLASS
When: Monday 10.45-11am & Tuesday 10-10.45am
Where: 80 Detroit Drive, Rolleston
How much: $10
Age: Under five
More info here.
Southwest Baptist Church: Play Gym
A safe space for you to engage with your child as they participate in exercises, obstacle courses, climbing and balancing activities.
When: Thursday 9.30-11am
Where: 244 Lyttelton Street, Spreydon
How much: $2 per family
Age: Under five
More info here.
Christchurch School of Gymnastics: All Stars
Develop your child’s physical and social skills in a fun and safe environment, Christchurch School of Gymnastics All Stars class is designed to be a “guided exploration of gymnastics through music and movement.”
When: Thursday 10-10.50am; Friday 9.30-10.20am
Where: Mark Treffers Drive, North New Brighton
How much: $13
Age: Walking to four years
More info here.
ICE Trampoline Rangiora: Toddler Time
This fully equipped gymnasium has endless opportunities for toddlers to have fun and work on their motor skills, coordination and balance.
When: Wednesday 12-1pm & 1.45-2.45pm
Where: 28 Edward Street, Rangiora
How much: New member registration required
Age: 1-5 years
More info here.
Pop Up Play
Popping up for four weeks at a time (so be sure to check Canterbury Plunket’s Facebook page for the new location each month), Plunket’s Pop Up Play is a half-hour session of music, stories and play for little ones and their caregivers.
When: Thursdays, 12.30-12.30pm
Where: Russley Plunket Rooms, 18 Pinehurst Cres, Russley
How much: No charge or bookings required. For more info contact [email protected]
More info here.
Yoga Play for Little Ones
A weekly session held during the term for crawlers up to 5-year-olds, Yoga Play for Little Ones invites exploration of their space featuring soft play equipment for children to develop their movement skills. There are optional circle times with creative yoga, games, storytelling, songs, and breathing activities. Casual drop-in sessions are available for $12 per class or sign up for 9-week term held every Friday.
When: Friday, 26 July, 1.30-2.30pm
Where: Empire Athletics, 5 Kingsford Smith Drive, Rangiora
How much: You can book for a 9-week block for $90 for 1 child, $140 for 2 or $190 for 3 or $12 for a casual session – register and book here.
Age: 0-5
More info here.
To the best of our knowledge, all information is accurate at the time of posting. Make sure to check the respective Facebook pages/websites before attending (in case of cancellations or schedule changes) or for more info. Most playgroups and drop-in sessions only run during term-time.
This list will be continuously updated. If you run or know of any preschool gym classes in Christchurch that we haven’t listed, please get in touch at [email protected] so that we can share it with our nook community.
Featured image courtesy of Unsplash, image #1 credited to Selwyn Sports Centre via Facebook, image #2 credited to Flips & Tumbles via Facebook, image #3 credited to Launch Pad via Facebook, image #4 credited to Affinity Gymnastics via Facebook,
