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Fun things to do with under 5's
Finding fun, simple activities to enjoy with your child is a wonderful way to support their early development while strengthening bonds with the adults around them. From messy play and outdoor adventures to singing, storytelling and sensory exploration, everyday moments can become meaningful learning opportunities that boost communication, confidence and curiosity.
See below for a range of groups you can access with your little ones. Groups are open to all children and all parents/carers. Please check the age groups for the sessions and whether prior booking is required.
Information may be subject to change.
Activities and links (see below)
Baby Babble and Bond
Baby Babble and Bond is a parent-child interaction group. It is a fun and interactive drop-in group, for families with babies 0-12 months. The session is run by our Family Hub Practitioners. During the group you can enjoy songs, rhymes and sensory play with your baby, as well as topic chats on subjects such as: building relationships, weaning, play and oral health.
Bolton Toy Library - Baby Group
Join a weekly drop-in stay and play group for families with children 0-2 years. Come along and meet other families. This session is run by Bolton Toy Library, term time only.
Bumps, Boobs and Buggies Walking Group
Getting out for some fresh air is a great way to improve well-being and to meet other mums. This gentle walk is suitable for prams, toddlers and slings. Bring your family and friends along. No need to book!
Find out where and when 'Bumps, Boobs and Buggies Walking Group' takes place
Chat, Play, Read
Come to one of our interactive groups for families with children 12 months+. This session is run by our Family Hub Practitioners. Enjoy songs, stories, sensory play and craft activities to help build your child’s communication, language and literacy skills.
Bolton Toy Library - Stay and Play
A stay and play session for children aged 0-5 years, with messy, sensory and free play activities both indoors and outdoors. Sessions are term time only. No need to book!
Find out where and when 'Bolton Toy Library - Stay and Play' takes place
Proud 2 b Parents
A family stay and play for LGBT+ parents and carers and their children. Sessions are term time only.
Proud 2 b Parents also organise a Saturday event several times a year, as well as meetups in the school holidays. To find out more, see their website: www.proud2bparents.co.uk or join the mailing list: info@proud2bparents.co.uk
Bolton Wanderers in the Community (BWITC) - Stay and Play
Stay and play for children aged 0-5 years with messy, sensory and free play activities both indoors and outdoors. Sessions are term time only. No need to book.
Find out where and when 'Bolton Wanderers in the Community (BWITC) - Stay and Play' takes place
Wiggle Tots and Wiggle Worship
Join a toddler group where you can enjoy songs, stories, free play and refreshments. Sessions are term time only.
Find out where and when 'Wiggle Tots and Wiggle Worship' takes place
Little Bats Learning: Stay and Play
Stay and play the forest school way, outdoor sessions to build your tots confidence to play in nature. The session is aimed at children aged 1-5 years (younger siblings welcome to accompany).
See www.littlebatslearning.org/sessions for more information or call Elanor on 07818 925678 or drop into a session
Lancashire Wildlife Trust: Nature Club for Tots
A fun drop-in session for families with children aged 1-3 years, facilitated by Lancashire Wildlife Trust. This session is term time only.
Email Ruth: rireland@lancswt.org.uk or call 07740 419183 for more information.
Find out where and when 'Lancashire Wildlife Trust: Nature Club for Tots' takes place
Shake, Rattle, and Roll!
Join an active music and movement session for babies and children aged 0-5 years. This session is term time only. No need to book.
Find out where and when 'Shake, Rattle, and Roll!' takes place
Flowhesion: Parent and Tots
Drop-in stay and play for families with children aged 0-4 years. Friendly practitioners are available who speak multiple languages. This session is term time only.
Find our where and when 'Flowhesion: Parent and Tot' takes place
Toddler Tales with Bolton Libraries and Museum Services
Storytelling sessions for young children, mums, dads and carers. Ideal for toddlers aged 2-5 years. No need to book and sessions continue during the school holidays.
Find out where and when 'Toddler Tales with Bolton Libraries and Museum Services' takes place
Family Fun Time
A drop-in group for families with children of all ages. Read, play, craft and connect in our indoor and outdoor spaces, with free snacks and the opportunity to chat with a Family Hub Practitioner.
Explore Smithills Hall
The hall and grounds are free to enter and explore.
Fish Feeds at Bolton Aquarium (Bolton Central Library)
Chat with the Aquarium staff and watch the vibrant fish enjoy their meal.
Find out where and when 'Fish Feeds at Bolton Aquarium' take place
Saturday Storytime
Love Storytime? Come to Bolton Central Library at 2pm, every Saturday and enjoy a storytelling session with your little one.
Find out when and where 'Saturday Storytime' takes place