Looking for experiences for your little one? Check out these baby and toddler friendly activities, lessons, and services in Cairns. There’s plenty of things to do in Cairns that are not only super fun, but will aid their development too.
The Latest in February
Baby Rhyme Time
When: 1 February, 10.00am – 10.30am
Where: Manunda Library
More info: www.cairns.qld.gov.au/library
Bring your baby to Manunda Library to sing songs, rhymes, clap, move and explore books to nurture your baby’s pre-literacy, communication, language and social skills. Also enquire more about First 5 Forever by visiting one of your local Cairns Libraries.
Bubs and Bellies on the Base
When: 2 February, 10.00am
Where: HMAS Cairns – The Josephine Room
More Info: %f Defence Member and Family Support
Are you on maternity leave and feeling disconnected or are you a new parent struggling? Cairns ADF members, partners and families welcome you to join them in their new fortnightly playgroup for Defence bubs and expectant parents.
More Maternity, Baby & Toddler Activities, Lessons & Services
Tiny Tots – Inflatable Kingdom at Cairns Indoor Sports
Tiny Tots is on every weekday of the school term 9.00am until 12 midday, every weekend 9.00am until 4.00pm and every day of the school holidays 9.00am until 4.00pm. It is aimed at children 5 years and under. As long as the kids can walk they can join in the fun. They have jumping castles and a load of fun stuff all set up for the kids to enjoy. Plus they also have running races and teach the children skills such as hitting balls, kicking balls, catching and throwing. Tiny Tots is also the perfect venue for children’s birthday parties. Cost: $10.00 for children 5 and under – for two hours of fun! Don’t forget your socks.
P 4032 2844
A 164 Mayers St, Manunda
www.inflatablekingdom.com.au
Kindermusic with Nicole
Children and Baby’s Music and Movement Classes in Cairns. A good beginning never ends. Operating in Cairns since 1988, Nicole offers the full program of Kindermusik classes from Village for babies up to 20 months, Our Time for children aged 18 months to 3 years, Imagine That for 3 – 5 years and Kindermusik for the Young Child for 4 1/2 to 7 year olds – where children learn to read music and play the glockenspiel. Backed by researchers. Quality music classes are the only activity for children that stimulates every part of their brain, give your child a musical headstart with Nicole.
P 0418 772 258
f Kindermusik with Nicole
www.nicole.kindermusik.com
Cairns Children’s Festival
The Cairns Children’s Festival is an annual celebration for children aged 12 years and under. The festival will be held on 14 and 15 May in 2022 and aims to put our youngest creatives in the spotlight whilst also creating a safe and fun environment for families to explore, create and imagine. Events and activities are held across multiple locations including Cairns Performing Arts Centre, Tanks Arts Centre, Cairns Botanic Gardens and The Court House. Annually, the Cairns Children’s Festival invites local artists to design installations and activities as well as opportunities for our youngest creatives to be part of the festival. Keep an eye on the Cultural Services Facebook page for opportunities and information about the Cairns Children’s Festival as it is announced.
P 1300 855 835
Fb Cultural Services Cairns
The Benevolent Society’s Early Years Centres
The Benevolent Society’s Early Years Centres are a one-stop-shop where families come first. Providing free expert support and advice from conception, they want to help you give your child the best possible start in life. Services are offered free and include infant health checks, supported playgroups, infant massage classes, immunisation clinics, parenting programs, playgroups, toy library, family support services, community based midwifery services and a coordinated program approach to working with local early years services and allied health professionals.
P 4034 6800 / 1800 236 762
A Bentley Park, Gordonvale, Trinity Park
www.benevolent.org.au
Gymbaroo
Neurodevelopment program for children 6 weeks to 8 years. Movement is the key to learning! Gymbaroo is an Australian designed and developed, research-based, early childhood and parenting education program that has helped over half a million Australian families in the past 35 years to give their children a great start to learning and life. It’s the only parent-child program in the world that specialises in research-based, neuro-developmental, fun learning environments for babies to school-aged children and their parents. It is also the only program in the world that has integrated key developmental activities, essential for complete development in each age and stage of development, into a comprehensive and all-encompassing program. Classes are fun and engaging. Each week, join other local families and experience the wonderful socialisation, learning, and movement opportunities involved in their program.
P 0408 107 310
A 18 Charles St, Cairns
www.gymbaroo.com.au
Little Pearls Swim School
Little Pearls Swim School has passionate and caring instructors ready to guide your child through their swimming journey. Offering uniquely small class sizes, an award-winning program and a variety of classes for the little ones, it’s about more than just swimming. Baby and Toddler – Lessons for ages 4 months to 3 ½ years. Learn to Swim (Independent) – Lessons for ages 3 ½ years to primary school children. Contact the Little Pearls Swim School team for information on pricing. Private lessons are also available.
P 4038 1241
A 1 Cumberland Avenue, Smithfield
littlepearlsswimschool.com.au
South Cairns Gymnastics
There are several programs available for you and your little one at South Cairns Gymnastics.
MiniGym – 12 months to 2.5 years. The focus is on brain development, body awareness, social interaction, cross patterning, vestibular stimulation, balance, core strength, fine motor skills and the sensory system.
KinderGym – 2 to 5 years. Themed classes create a fun and colourful experience while developing children’s physical abilities and much more.
JuniorGym – Kindy kids. Kids work independently building their self-confidence, discovering body awareness, co-ordination and balance while progressively learning gymnastics skills
KindaNinja – 2 to 5 years. It’s great for building confidence, balance, coordination and body awareness while having heaps of FUN, swinging, climbing & jumping through our obstacle courses.
A 101 Robert Rd, Bentley Park
P 0432 813 446
E info@gymsportsfnq.com.au
Empower Kids Yoga
Mediation, Mindfulness, Yoga, relaxation and Stories for children of 3 + years.
P 0450 228 922
www.empower-yoga.com
Cairns Art Gallery
Cairns Art Gallery run a range of art classes and creative workshops throughout the year. The Gallery is a great place to bring children on school holidays to experience the beauty of our local culture and to experience the world of art and creativity and the importance of self expression.
Creative toddlers, 3 – 5 years. Introduce your toddler to art in a fun and creative class tailored to the very young.
P 4046 4800
A CNR Abbott and Shields St
www.cairnsartgallery.com.au
FNQ Dance Academy
Start your little one off with Placedance for 2 – 3 year olds, a social class focused on socialising as well as gross motor skills and coordination. Babies Ballet for 3 – 4 year olds and Kindy Ballet for 4 – 5 year old children both combine music, mime, movement dance basics and more, through themed weekly (and fun!) classes. The academy also offers Junior Boys Classes with a focus on young male dancers aged 3 – 6 years old.
P 4051 4888
A The City: 168 Draper St, Cairns
A The Grounds: 117 Toogood Rd, Woree
www.fnqdanceacademy.com.au
Cairns Libraries
As your baby grows up, it’s important that they have a good learning foundation. Baby Rhyme Time is offered at all the Cairns Libraries for your convenience. During these 30-minute sessions, your baby will rhyme, clap, move and explore books with other children. This is a fun opportunity for your child to enhance their developmental skills and get that head start in life. It’s also a great platform for you to get to know some like-minded parents. Other great programs you can find at your local Library include: Morning and Afternoon Storytime, Saturday Storytime, Sing a Song with First 5 Forever and Talk, Read, Sing and Play.
A Smithfield, Stratford, Cairns City, Manunda, Earlville, Gordonvale, and Babinda
www.cairns.qld.gov.au/ library
Playgroup QLD
Promoting learning through play, building parenting skills and connecting families to create strong and sustainable communities.
P 1800 171 882
www.playgroupqld.com.au
Miss Chelsea’s Dance
The perfect introduction to dance with this boutique studio specialising only in preschool and early primary dancers.
P 0448 034 902
E info@misschelseasdance.com
misschelseasdance.com
Kindy Kidz PCYC
A parent involved movement education program designed for children 1 to 4 years.
A 91 MacNamara St, Manunda
P 4053 1532
E cairns@pcyc.org.au
www.pcyc.org.au
Swimskills
Helping children learn how to swim from as early as 4 months with their Tiny Tots and Hot Tots programs.
A Cnr Bicentennial Road and Fishburn St, Bentley Park
P 4045 2782
E admin@swimskills.com.au
www.swimskills.com.au
Ready Steady Go Kids
Multi-sports for 2.5 – 6 year olds. Your toddler will be introduced to a variety of sports in a structured, safe, inclusive and non-competitive environment.
P 1300 766 892
readysteadygokids.com.au
Nurtured Fitness
Pregnancy and postnatal fitness experts – offering Bubs and Mum and Mum n Tots Fitness classes for you and your little one.
A 240 Hartley St, Cairns
E info@nurturedfitness.com
nurturedfitness.com.au
Aqua Child Mobile Swim School
Nurturing, encouraging and building confidence in every child’s learn to swim journey – in the comfort and privacy of your own pool.
P 0457 447 931
www.aquachild.com.au
Timezone Cairns
Arcade fun for the whole family. They also offer birthday parties.
A 109-115 Abbott Street Cairns, QLD, 4870
P (07) 3050 0829
Timezone Cairns
Hartley’s Crocodile Adventures
Hartley’s Crocodile Adventures offers great family fun activities and wildlife experiences for everyone to enjoy. They are open from 8.30am to 5.00pm daily. Children Under 3 are FREE.
A Captain Cook Hwy, Wangetti
P 4055 3576
www.crocodileadventures.com
Focus On Movement
Pregnancy massage, infant massage, baby swimming and swimming and water safety classes.
A 51 Lyndel Dr, Woree
P 0439 775 003
focusonmovement.com.au
Wildlife Habitat
This award-winning and advanced eco-certified wildlife sanctuary allow guests to interact with Australian animals in their recreated natural environments. Explore five spacious unique environments, Wetlands, Rainforest, Savannah, Nocturnal and Woodlands, and meet with the species that call these animals home. Children Under 4 are FREE.
A Port Douglas Road
P 4099 3235
wildlifehabitat.com.au
Cairns Aquarium
Your little ones will love looking at learning about the Wet Tropics Rainforest and the Great Barrier Reef. and the animals that call them home. Infants 2 and under FREE. You can also invest in an annual pass and pop in any time they are open.
A 5 Florence St, Cairns City
P 4044 7300
www.cairnsaquarium.com.au
Bring Your Baby – Event Cinemas
Come, relax and catch a movie at the Bring Your Baby sessions at Event Cinemas.
A Cairns, Stockland, Smithfield
P 4057 0020
www.eventcinemas.com.au
CaPTA Group Annual Pass for Locals
The CaPTA Group Annual Pass allows you to have 12 months unlimited admission to the beautiful Australian Butterfly Sanctuary, Cairns Zoom and Wildlife Dome, Rainforestation Nature Park and Wildlife Habitat Port Douglas. Locals get 20% off. Cost: $260.00 for a family, $104.00 for an Adult, $52.00 for a child. Visit the website for terms and conditions. Covid-19 restrictions apply.
www.capta.com.au
Sugarworld Adventure Park and Mini Golf
Sugarworld Adventure Park is a splashing good time for everyone involved. Offering a range of entertaining activities for the whole family to enjoy!
A Hambledon Dr, Edmonton
P 4055 5477
sugarworldwaterpark.com.au
I-Play
Family arcade / entertainment centre located in Cairns Central.
A Cairns Central
P 4243 3209
www.iplayaustralia.com.au
Muddies
Located in the heart of Cairns’ largest playground and waterpark, Muddy’s Cafe is the ultimate venue for a relaxed meal, fresh juice, or great coffee!
A 174 Esplanade
P 4051 0388
www.muddyscafe.com
Turning Pointe Dance Studios
Dance is a unique art form that has creative, physical and educational benefits for children of all ages. Turning Pointe Dance Studios offer specialised classes for children aged 2 – 5 years old including Mummy and Me, Toddler Dance, Kinder Dance and Prep Dance classes.
They promote a fun, inspirational and family-like environment. Whether your child is interested in dancing competitively or just there for fun, Turning Pointe is the place to fulfil their dreams.
Email info@turningpointe.com for enrolment information.
A 240 Hartley St, Bungalow
P 4031 3390
Fb Turning Pointe Dance Studios – Dance School
Tobruk Memorial Pool
GOswim programs for 6 months to 5-year-olds.
Offering year-round swimming lessons with the GOswim programs, a comprehensive swimming and water safety initiative of Swimming Australia. The programs are structured into seven areas of learning so that your child is assured of a balanced, comprehensive instructional approach to their aquatic education. GOswim focuses on contemporary, experiential and activity-based learning.
For more information on these programs enquire via their online form on their website or give them a call.
P 4051 2604
www.tobrukmemorialpool.com.au
Impressionable Kids
Creating detailed, high quality hand and feet sculptures.They also specialise in Name Frames, Birth Collages and Keepsake Jewellery.
P 1300 885 868
impressionablekids.com.au
Gemstone Natural Therapies
Gemstone Natural Therapies specialises in Pregnancy Massage and Emmett Therapy for Mums and Babies.
P 0417 285 303
E info@gemstonetherapies.com.au
www.gemstonetherapies.com.au
Jamie Gosling Football Academy
This academy offers the Little Goslings Program for 2 – 5 year old boys and girls, the perfect environment for the development of co-ordination, social and gross motor skills. The coaches will help your child as they practice shooting, game time, dribbling, passing and teamwork. Sessions take place weekly from 9.00am to 10.00am at Redlynch Central Sports Stadium, Redlynch Catholic Early Learning Centre and Holloways Beach, on different days of the week.
Also available is the DayCare Centre Program. Enquire online and find more information on the Little Goslings Program on the JGFA website.
A Holloways Beach or Redlynch
P 0450 181 626
E info@jgfa.com.au
Fb Jamie Gosling Football Academy
UMA Australia
UMA Australia provides easy to learn martial arts movements for individuals to practice self-defence skills. Classes cater for children from 4 – 13 years through the Children’s Program, providing them with life-long skills in a family-friendly environment while also improving general health and wellbeing.
Junior Classes take place from Monday – Thursday at 5.30pm – 6.15pm and Saturdays from 9.00am – 9.45am. Quote PakMag and receive 1 month of training and 2 belt tests FREE OF CHARGE.
A 1/21 Donaldson St, Manunda
P Master Barry Hampton 0414 782 189
E ckdadmin@pigpond.com
Fb Universal Martial Art Cairns Australia
Cairns Indoor Sports
Small children can get involved with Cairns Indoor Sports for exciting games of junior soccer (Kids Soccer Competition) after school with coaching provided by a Brisbane Roar qualified coach. Playing a team sport with Cairns Indoor Sports is the perfect way to socialise, develop skills, get your body moving and have fun. It’s game on – no matter the weather!
Cost and details: $65.00 per term, includes a soccer shirt. Kids soccer comp for both U4 and U6 age groups takes place on Wednesdays at 4.30pm. New season starts at the beginning of each school term.
A 164 Mayers St, Manunda
P 4032 2844
E admin@cairnsindoorsports.com.au
Fb Cairns Indoor Sports
Kumon Maths and English
Kumon’s Math and English programmes offer many benefits to learners 4 years old or younger, introducing them to simpler yet important skills and providing a solid foundation for their future education.
Preschoolers can take the Pencil Skills programme which develops their ability to control a pencil when writing, drawing straight lines, circles and more. This programme is usually taken as a prelude to Kumon Maths and/or English.
Cost: $100.00 initial enrolment fee. Classes are $140.00 per month (per student, per subject). Visit the website for more information and for any enquiries.
P 0414 957 844 Cairns North
E instructor@kumoncairnsnorth.com
P 0409 903 105 Raintrees
E kumonraintrees@gmail.com
Fb Kumon Cairns North Education Centre
Dancehouse Cairns Beaches
The Mummy & Me Fairytale Ballet lets you experience a magical, imaginative ballet class together. Ready Set Ballet provides a beautiful introduction to classical ballet for preschoolers, as does Ready Set Jazz, Tap, Hip Hop Music and Singing. Want to build confident kids? The Little Monkeys Circus Classes are perfect for it.
A 56 Cheviot St, Smithfield
P 0478921331
E idance@dancehouse.net.au
Sports Cairns International Tennis Centre
ANZ Hot Shots Blue Stage for 3 to 5-year-olds.
Their coaching team works hard to provide a professional program for your tiny tot with their Kinda tennis classes. As your child grows and develops their skill level, their programs are designed to meet their progress.
For coaching times and to enrol, pop into the centre, give them a call or check out their website.
P 4041 3383
www.tennis.com.au/cairnsitc
Edge Hill United Football Club
Tiger Cubs Soccer for 3 to 5-year-olds.
Their fun program for boys and girls will prepare your child for small-sided football by combining exercise and games, while also teaching them the skills of football.
The Tiger Cubs train once a week for an hour. Soccer boots are not required, joggers are fine. Cost is $100.00.
E ehufcjuniorregistrar@outlook.com
www.ehufc.com.au
Fusion Fight and Fitness
Junior Martial Arts and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu classes for ages 3 and up.
Children will learn in a relaxed environment from Cairns and North Queensland’s highest ranked instructors. Their Future Champions and Anti-Bullying Program was created to provide children aged 3 to 14 with an environment that allows them to experience and understand core values like focus, discipline, persistence, cooperation and respect. Your child will gain confidence and learn self-defense.
Although a contact sport, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu provides a safe and caring environment for your child, while challenging them mentally and physically it shapes them into real life champions both on and off the mat.
To find out more check out their website or give them a call.
P 0408 799 828
www.fusionfightandfitness.com.au
Woree Aquatic Centre
L’il Stingers Swim School at Woree Aquatic Centre offers lessons from 5 months of age.
Mini Rays – Toddlers from 2 to 3 years of age.
Mini Stingers – First stage of the Learn to Swim (LTS) program where the swimmer is unaccompanied by a parent/guardian.
If you are interested in joining, enquire online via their website, email or give them a call.
P 4054 6964
E woreepool@gmail.com
www.woreepool.com.au
Dance Backstreet Dance
Jazz/Funk and Hip Hop classes for over 3 years of age.
Their studio has air-conditioned waiting areas and oneway viewing windows so you can see your child dance.
The teachers love what they do and are nurturing, positive and encouraging. Backstreet Dance is known for its energy, passion, teaching life skills, healthy body image and self-esteem.
Teeny Tots Jazz/Funk – For 3-year-olds.
Tiny Tots Hip Hop – For 3 to 4 years of age.
Tiny Tots Jazz/Funk – For 4-year-olds.
Pre-junior Hip Hop – For 5 to 6 years of age.
Pre-junior Jazz/Funk – For 5 to 6 years of age.
You can book online and then trial your first class (first two weeks of the term only) and see if it is suitable for you.
If you would like to find out more about their classes check out their website or give them a call.
P 0407 995 182
F Facebook.com/BackstreetDanceCairns
www.backstreetdance.com.au
Dance 2XS
Ballet, Little Stars, Cheerleading and more from 18 months of age.
Get into dance the fun way! Dance 2XS classes offer a fun and nurturing environment where kids can learn the wonders of dance. No exams involved. Just fun.
Other classes offered include Hip Hop, musical theatre, aerial skills, tumbling and acrobatics and more (some may be age dependent).
To find out more about all the classes they offer check out their website or give them a call.
P 4033 5315
E dance@2xs.com.au
www.dance2xs.net.au
Dance Junction
Jazz/Ballet Classes from 3 years of age.
Dance junction has something for everyone whether you like Jazz, Tap, Ballet, Contemporary, Lyrical, Cheerleading or Hip Hop, they offer it! They have two studios, one in Edmonton and one in Caravonica.
Classes are available for boys and girls from as young as three. Their aim is to encourage students to gain confidence, motivation and self-esteem through creative dance.
Jazz/Ballet Classes – From 3 years of age.
Tap Classes – From 5 years of age.
Hip Hop Classes – From 5 years of age.
P 0403 828 785
www.dancejunction.com.au
DanceScapes
Kindy Dance classes from 3 years of age.
They are now running their classes at their beautiful brand-new boutique studio on the Mezzanine Level of the Barr Street Markets, Whole Health Complex at 532 Mulgrave Road, Earlville.
They offer Kindy Dance, Jazz, Acro Dance, Tap, Ballet Technique, Hip Hop and Contemporary Dance Monday to Saturday each week during school terms.
Kindy Dance Classes – From 3 years of age.
Jazz, Tap, Contemporary and Ballet classes – From 4 years of age.
Kindy classes commence on Saturday 3rd February at 8.00am and cost $12.50, but they do offer a $10.00 trial class to start.
P 0412 576 272
E jv@dancescapes.com.au
www.dancescapes.com.au
Step It Up Crew
Dance classes from 2 years of age for girls and boys
Step It Up Kidz Barefoot Beats (Level 1) – For 2 to 3 years of age.
Step It Up Kidz Barefoot Beats (Level 2) – For 4 years of age.
Step It Up Crew Hip Hop classes – From 5 years of age and up.
P 4057 5412
E info@stepitupcrew.com.au
F Facebook.com/stepitupcrewcairns
www.stepitupcrew.com.au
Kindermusik
Classes from 18 months of age.
Kindermusik is a children’s development program incorporating music and movement. They recognise that you, the parent, are your child’s most important educator. There are four levels of classes, depending on the age and developmental abilities of your child.
Contact Nicole for more information.
P 0418 772 258
E kindermusikwithnicole@yahoo.com.au
www.kindermusik.com
Small Steps Club at Mount Sheridan Plaza
Small Steps is a family group that offers a safe and social environment for babies, toddlers, kids and adults, providing the chance to enjoy time together.
As a member, you receive discounts at participating retailers, regular newsletters, gain exclusive access to our invitation-only events that feature entertainment, refreshments and prizes. Best of all, it’s free of charge.
Join in centre or online.
P 4036 3150
www.mtsheridanplaza.com.au
