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Post Category - LearnLearn
Post Category - Parties & PlayParties & Play - Post Category - IndoorIndoorPlaygroups are where you create those special bonds, meet new mum friends and help your little ones learn to socialise and have fun. Thankfully, there are loads of options for Hong Kong playgroups, including ESF playgroup, Pebbles playgroup, Tutor Time playgroup and many more options all over the city.
It’s playgroup time! If your kids are not old enough for preschool yet and you feel like you’re all going a little stir-crazy these days, why not get out and spend some time with other parents while also allowing your toddlers to play and socialise or explore and learn? There are plenty of playgroups in Hong Kong for babies and toddlers. From casual coffee gatherings to more formal centres with big play areas and learning activities. Many preschools also offer playgroup programmes for younger children. To help narrow down the options here are some of the best playgroups in Hong Kong, suitable for every babe under three and their family.
Jump to:
Featured Hong Kong Playgroups
Children’s Playgroups With Centres Across Hong Kong
Playgroups For Babies And Toddlers On Hong Kong Island
Kids Playgroups In Kowloon
Playgroups In The New Territories
Editor’s note: With the current COVID-19 situation, some of these playgroups may be closed or operating with reduced capacity. Please reach out and contact the playgroup that you’re interested in to confirm availability.
Read more: Your Guide To Preschools, Nurseries And Kindergartens In Hong Kong
Featured Playgroups In Hong Kong
Casita – Combining Zumbini by Zumba with Play Oriented Discovery Session (PODS)
A well-known playgroup amongst Mamas, Casita is the only playgroup that combines Zumbini with sensory play, thoughtfully designed to introduce children and their families to early literacy, numeracy and school readiness skills in a holistic experience (suited for babies and young children aged up to 3 years). For October, Casita is hosting Halloween Spooktacular Events on Sunday, 30 October. Highlights include Spooky Sensory Activity, Trick or Treat surprise, Zumbini dancing plus you kids get to decorate their own Halloween treats! Find out more about the various events here.
Sassy Mama Tip: Use code CASITATRIAL for a free trial and receive a loot activity bag that contain healthy snacks and activities for the little ones (valid from Monday, 24 to Friday, 28 October)
Playgroup opening times: Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm; 10am to 12pm on Saturdays
How much: $300 per class; $280 per Zumbini class
Enter code SASSYMAMA to get 10% off full term classes, valid until Saturday, 30 September, 2023.
Casita, 2nd Floor, Workington Tower, 78 Bonham Strand, Sheung Wan, Hong Kong, 6291 0128, info@casita.com.hk, Instagram: @casitahk, Facebook: Casita Hong Kong, www.casita.com.hk
Tutor Time – Pushing the boundaries of early education
Originating in the US, Tutor Time is a bilingual early education provider with four convenient locations across Hong Kong. Taking inspiration from Howard Gardner’s Multiple Intelligences, the programmes prioritise the development of the whole child and support your child throughout their education at their own pace, whether they are 6 months old or 6 years old. Tutor Time prides itself on its attention to detail which is evident through their facilities, curricula, and staff. Plus, you can expect smaller group classes that give your child plenty of attention and room to learn and grow.
Sassy Mama Tip: Book a tour for its Mid Levels location (on Caine Road) and redeem one free children’s book!
Playgroup opening times: Monday to Saturday, 9am to 6pm
How much: Prices vary by programme
Tutor Time, various locations across Hong Kong, 2529 2288, WhatsApp: 9123 6889, info@tutortime.com.hk, Instagram: @tutortimehk, Facebook: Tutor Time International Nursery & Kindergarten, www.tutortime.com.hk
My Gym WCH – Gymnastics-based development classes
With 19 years in Hong Kong and counting, My Gym WCH offers gymnastics-based development classes for young children, combining sports, dance, early childhood development, kinesiology and gymnastics. Build your child’s confidence through meaningful play in a safe and child-friendly play-gym environment. As it’s important for babies and toddlers to get moving to develop their bones and muscles, each program at My Gym caters to different age groups, from 6 to 12 months to 3.5 to 5 years old. WhatsApp My Gym to know more about the Term Timetable.
Playgroup opening times: Tuesday to Saturday, 9am to 6pm
How much: $360 per class
My Gym WCH, 6/F, Marina 8, 8 Heung Yip Road, Wong Chuk Hang, Hong Kong,
BabySteps – Premium international playgroup and early education centre
As the name suggests, BabySteps believes in slow and steady wins the race – that is, letting children grow and learn at their own pace whilst leaving plenty of room for curiosity and movement. Every child will feel loved through its nurturing environment with friendly staff and its holistic programmes. Classes include Funky Zumba, arts, drama, storytelling, baby gym and more, so there’s plenty of room for socialising, developing cognitive skills and just having fun. And here’s the catch, BabySteps offers multiple programmes under one membership and unlimited access to its indoor play area!
Playgroup opening times: Monday to Saturday, 9am to 6pm
How much: Varies per programme
Use code SassyMama for a free demo session (30 mins) and receive an extra credit when signing up for membership on the same day. Valid until Saturday, 31 December, 2023.
BabySteps, 2501-02, Universal Trade Centre, 17-19 Caine Road, Central, Hong Kong, 2887 7585, enquiries@babysteps.com.hk, Instagram: @babysteps_hk, Facebook: BabySteps, www.babysteps.com.hk
International Montessori School (IMS) First Steps – Bilingual Montessori playgroup for 12 to 24 months
As your baby starts to walk the walk and talk the talk, IMS’ Montessori First Steps supports you and your child on a journey of self-discovery and joyful development in a nurturing environment. Two teachers work alongside a maximum of eight children and parent/caregiver pairs, providing attention to your child in English and Putonghua, in a small-group setting. Parents can expect their child to grow through practical tips and deep learning via sensory play and problem solving, whilst learning to be independent and confident. Montessori First Steps is best suited for toddlers aged 12 to 24 months.
Playgroup opening times: Monday to Friday, 8:15 to 9:45am or 10:45am to 12:15pm
How much: $3,300 for two-day programmes; $4,950 for three-day programmes
IMS South Horizons Campus, G/F, Blocks 23 to 23A, South Horizons, Phase III, Ap Lei Chau, Hong Kong, 2772 2468, info@ims.edu.hk, Facebook: IMS, Instagram: @imshongkong, www.ims.edu.hk
Woodland Pre-Schools – A playgroup to build your child’s confidence and self-esteem
Raising an independent child might be tricky, but it helps build their confidence and self-worth for years to come. With this in mind, Woodland Pre-schools offer playgroups for children from 18 months to 2 years old that shape their character and self-esteem while teaching them to make independent choices. With a learn-through-play curriculum, it teaches classroom routines and rituals to prepare children to transition smoothly from accompanied to unaccompanied classes in preschool.
Playgroup opening times: Weekdays, 8am to 5pm
How much: Varies by days and locations
Woodland Pre-Schools, various locations around Hong Kong, 2526 9478, admissions@woodlandschools.com, www.woodlandschools.com
Children’s playgroups With Centres Across Hong Kong
Kindermusik – Music playgroup in Hong Kong for babies
This is an internationally renowned music and play programme for kids of all ages. The Foundation stage is meant for babies starting from birth to the age of 18 months with Levels 1 and 2 taking the kids up to the ages of three. There are a variety of locations and venues offering Kindermusik programmes.
Playgroup opening times: Varies depending on location
How much: Varies depending on location
Kindermusik, various locations across Hong Kong, www.kindermusik.com
Malvern Playgroup – Accompanied Reggio Emilia-inspired playgroup in Hong Kong
Malvern offers adult-accompanied playgroup sessions for children from 6 to 24 months. These are held in the premises of Malvern College Pre-School (at both campuses – Island West and Coronation Circle). The Malvern Playgroup is inspired by the Reggio Emilia approach which believes that the “environment is the third teacher”.
Playgroup opening times: Various times during the week, with one to three sessions (1.5 hours each)/week according to the age group
How much: Starting at $2,300/month
Malvern Playgroup, various locations across Hong Kong, 3898 4699, info@babyloneducation.com, www.malvernplaygroup.hk
Read More: Montessori, Waldorf And Reggio Emilia, Which Is Right For My Child?
Other playgroups across Hong Kong
- Kidznjoy – English kids playgroup in Hong Kong with early years education from birth to 4 years old. www.kidznjoy.com.
- Victoria Playpark – Early years childhood development centre with a playgroup in Wan Chai and TST. www.victoriaplaypark.com.
- Guidepost Montessori — Montessori playgroups across Hong Kong. www.guidepostmontessori.com
Read More: The Best Indoor Play Centres And Playgrounds In Hong Kong
Playgroups for babies and toddlers on Hong Kong Island
Baumhaus – Kindermusik programmes and playgroup in Hong Kong for children and parents
A familiar name with parents in Hong Kong, Baumhaus has a lot to offer Hong Kong kids (and their parents). It has a great location, a nice playroom area as well as a great Kindermusik programme for toddlers and kids. What parents enjoy is its coffee lounge. It’s a space where parents, kids and families can come together and hang out and play with the kids. Baumhaus offers an affordable daily rate for its playrooms in Wan Chai.
Playgroup opening times: Monday to Sunday, 9am to 6pm
How much: Coffee lounge and play area rates – $120/child and $60 for each additional child, Kindermusik classes available at $300/class
Baumhaus, 1/F Kar Yau Building, 36-44 Queen’s Road East, Wan Chai, Hong Kong, 2321 5898, www.baumhaus.com.hk
Read More: Indoor Playrooms With Restaurants And And Coffee For Parents
ESF Playgroup – EYFS playgroup from 6 months to 2.5 years
The Language & Learning Centre at ESF follows the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) framework for its Playgroup classes for kids from 6 months to 2.5 years. The curriculum is split into three levels, each tailored to the needs of your child’s age with English as the medium of instruction.
Playgroup opening times: 8:45am to 4:15pm, classes for different levels available at various times and days through the week
How much: Prices vary, starting around $1,200/month
ESF Language & Learning Centre, 2/F Prime Mansion, 183-187 Johnston Road, Wan Chai, Hong Kong, 2838 2276, languagecentre@esf.org.hk, www.esflearningcentre.org.hk
St John’s Cathedral – Volunteer-run well-known playgroup within the Hong Kong community
This long-standing weekly playgroup in Hong Kong runs every Thursday. The group was organised to bring parents and families together and offer an opportunity for both parents and kids to socialise and interact (at a very reasonable cost!). It welcomes families who have children up to the age of two with a play area and toys provided. Due to COVID, the playgroup had been suspended until further notice. However, there are whispers that it could be reopening in early November 2022.
Playgroup opening times: Thursdays, 2:30pm to 4:30pm
How much: $20 for entry
St John’s Cathedral Playgroup, Fanny Li Hall, St John’s Cathedral, 4-8 Garden Road, Central, Hong Kong, 2855 7074, www.stjohnscathedral.org.hk
Read More: Christmas Church Services In Hong Kong: Carol Singing To Christmas Eve Mass
St Stephen’s Chapel – Playgroup for children and parents to meet together
Supporting families and kids under three, this playgroup offers great indoor and outdoor play areas for kids, as well as snack and song time. The playgroup offers an enriched environment for the kids and a great time for parents to socialise.
Playgroup opening times: Mondays and Thursdays, 9:15am to 11:15am
How much: $65 for entry
St Stephen’s College, 22 Tung Tau Wan Road, Stanley, Hong Kong, 2813 1047, ststephensplaygroup@gmail.com, www.ststephen.org.hk
Other playgroups on Hong Kong Island
City Kids Little Stars – Playgroup in Mid Levels for children age 10 months to 3 years. www.citykidshk.org/little-stars.
Mulberry House Academy (Mandarin Playgroup) – Parent-accompanied multi-sensory playgroup in Hong Kong. www.mulberryhouseasia.com.
Parent Infant Program (PIP) – Child development classes and playgroup for for infants in Hong Kong. www.intparentinfantprogram.asia.
Spring Learning – Neurosense, Neurosteps, Discoverer, Discoverer Plus and Kindermusik early years development playgroup. www.spring-learning.com.hk.
Pods Kindergarten & Preschool – Pre-nursery playgroup in Tin Hau. www.pods.com.hk.
Read More: Mandarin Lessons For Kids In Hong Kong: Chinese Classes, Playgroups And Tutors
Kid’s playgroups in Kowloon
Baby Brain – Reggio Emilia inspired playgroup in Hong Kong
Inspired by the Reggio Emilia approach, Baby Brain offers pre-nursery playgroups that incorporate play, arts and crafts, music, food sciences, cookery, movement and more.
Playgroup opening times: 9am to 6pm
How much: Prices vary by programme, free trials are available
Baby Brain, Shop D, G/F, Block 5, Cronin Garden, 20 Shun Ning Road, Cheung Sha Wan, Kowloon, Hong Kong, 2940 6066, babybrain.adm@gmail.com, www.babybrainhk.com
Lifehouse Church Kids – Online children’s playgroup and in-person Church playgroup
The playgroup at Lifehouse Church has managed to keep up with all the craziness of the pandemic by offering online Bible-based Zoom playgroup gatherings every Sunday for parents and kids aged 1 to 3 years. The programme has restarted in-person get-togethers too now that restrictions have eased. Prior registration and a vaccination pass is required for in-person but it’s a great opportunity for kids to play and parents socialise.
Playgroup opening times: Every Sunday at 10:30am (online), 11:30am (in-person, prior registration required)
How much: Free
Lifehouse Church Kid’s Programme, Lifehouse Church, 11/F, Hub 8, 239 Temple Street, Jordan, Hong Kong, www.mylifehouse.com/hongkong
Read More: COVID Vaccination Booking Hong Kong: Updates On COVID Vaccines For Kids And The Vaccine Pass
Pebbles Playgroup – Baby and toddler playgroup in Kowloon
At the Pebbles Playgroup, you’ll find the Pitter Patter programme specifically for kids aged 15 to 22 months. This all-encompassing play class hopes to stimulate all areas of a child’s development.
Playgroup opening times: 8:50am to 5pm (times vary), Tuesday to Saturday
How much: $500/class, packages available
Pebbles Playgroup, Shop 1A, G/F Commercial Block, Harbour Place, 8 Oi King Street Hung Hom, Kowloon, Hong Kong, 2769 1308, www.pebbles-hk.com
YMCA Playgroups – Three different playgroups for babies, toddlers and parents
The Toddler’s World programme at the YMCA runs a few times a week at two locations in Kowloon, as well as a YMCA Parent’s and Toddlers group, and Saturday playgroups. Activities include a relaxed and safe environment for the kids to play in with plenty of different activities for kids to enjoy while the parents supervise and mingle.
Playgroup opening times: Times and dates vary by age and programme
How much: Prices vary by programme and session length
YMCA (for Toddler’s World Playgroups), 373 Po On Road, Cheung Sha Wan, Kowloon, Hong Kong
YMCA, 3/F, 41 Salisbury Road, Tsim Sha Tsui, Kowloon, Hong Kong, 2268 7755, pes@ymcahk.org.hk, www.ymcahk.org.hk
USRC Playgroup – Casual baby playgroup in Kowloon for tots and parents alike
Run and organised by fellow parent Nicola Barguss, the USRC playgroup is a chance to meet other parents in the area in a very casual and fun environment. The play area for kids includes a kids playground, as well as an area for colouring, play dough, puzzles, reading, dress up/role play, etc. It’s a great opportunity for kids to socialise and play with those their age.
Playgroup opening Times: Tuesday mornings only (previously Fridays as well); 9:30am to 11:30am
How much: Entry $88 for one child and one parent; additional $35 per extra child/parent
USRC Playgroup, United Services Recreation Club, 1 Gascoigne Road, King’s Park, Kowloon, Hong Kong, www.facebook.com/pages/USRC-Playgroup
Other playgroups for babies and toddlers in Kowloon
The Little Gym – Bugs, Birds and Beasts playgroup classes for parents and children. www.thelittlegym.com
Read More: 101 Things To Do With Kids In Hong Kong
Children’s playgroups in the New Territories
Kangaroo Babycare – Cantonese playgroup in Hong Kong
If you’re looking to expose your young one to Cantonese, Kangaroo Babycare has a variety of playgroup options. From Little Koala to Little Explorers, Kangamusic (created by former Kindermusik teachers) and Storyland, there is something for kids eight months and up and their parents. They accept babies from 8 to 36 months.
Playgroup opening times: Monday to Sunday, 9am to 6pm
How much: Prices vary by programme
Kangaroo Babycare, Room E, 10/F, Phase I, Kings Wing Plaza, 3 On Kwan Street, Shek Mun, Sha Tin, Hong Kong, 5406 2640, www.kangaroobabycare.com
Kids Corner – Baby and toddler playgroup in New Territories
For a variety of programmes for kids of all ages, Kids Corner has two specifically for babies and toddlers. One is the Baby & Me playgroup for parents and children (0 to 1 year) and the other is Little Tots for parents and toddlers aged 1 to 2 years. Baby & Me focuses on children having their first musical experiences while Little Tots is aimed at kids who are learning to walk and move around while getting to interact and socialise with others.
Playgroup opening times: Monday to Friday, 8:30am to 6:30pm; Saturdays and Sundays, 9:30am to 6:30pm
How much: Prices vary by programme
Kids Corner, Shop B, Sun Shun Fuk Centre, 12-18 Wang Yip Street South, Yuen Long, New Territories, Hong Kong, 2646 0628, info@kids-corner.com.hk, www.kids-corner.com.hk
Teddy Bear Club — Baby and toddler playgroup in Sai Kung
This baby playgroup has become a fast favourite among Sai Kung mamas! Babies and toddlers are split between three groups – Crawlers (from 6 months), Walkers (around 1 to 2 years) and Jumpers (from 2 years). The affordable sessions include singing and nursery rhymes, messy play and sensory experiences. We love that you can book the full term, but also have the option of walk-in classes if there’s space available.
Teddy Bear Club (by Stage Right Drama Studio), 1/F, 14 Wan King Path, Sai Kung, New Territories, Hong Kong, 9225 8924, info@stagerighthk.com, www.stagerighthk.com/teddy-bear-tea-club
Read More: Sai Kung Neighbourhood Guide For Families
Other playgroups in the New Territories:
- Hong Kong Academy – Early years education playgroup for 2 to 3 year olds. www.hkacademy.edu.hk.
- Mulberry House International Kindergarten – Reggio Emilia United Kingdom’s Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) curriculum playgroups. www.mulberryhousekg.com.
- Jingle Jangle — Music-based playgroup in Sai Kung. www.facebook.com/jinglejanglemusic
- Kids Playhouse — Baby playgroup in Tseung Kwan O. www.kidsplayhouse.com.hk
Read More: Sensory Play: Getting Your Hands Dirty
Editor’s note: “Playgroups In Hong Kong For Babies And Toddlers” was originally written in March 2016 by LTThomas, updated by Danielle Roberts in May 2021, and again in September 2022 by Sassy Mama.
