A local guide for little explorers
Things to do with toddlers in Nottingham.
Looking for ways to fill a morning, make new friends or help your toddler explore? From playgroups to story time and fresh-air adventures, there are plenty of lovely ways to spend time together.
We've put together a few easy ideas for families in Watnall, Kimberley, Hucknall and the wider Nottingham area — including our own friendly Tot-Shots Stay & Play sessions.
Big smiles. ✦
Three ideas for your next outing
Simple ways to make their day.
You don't need an elaborate plan. A little movement, a new story or some time playing alongside other children can turn an ordinary day into something special.
01 • Social play
Find a local toddler playgroup.
Choose a relaxed parent-and-child session where your toddler can explore, try activities and get used to new faces. Tot-Shots Stay & Play runs right here in Watnall for ages 1–4.
See Tot-Shots Stay & Play →02 • Stories and songs
Make time for library fun.
Local libraries are a great place to browse picture books and find under-fives activities. Nottingham City Libraries lists children's areas and regular sessions, including Totstime. Check your chosen branch before travelling.
Explore Nottingham City Libraries ↗03 • Fresh-air discovery
Take play outdoors.
Visit a nearby park, go on a short nature walk or look for leaves, clouds and birds together. For more local family days out, browse the official Nottinghamshire visitor guide and check age suitability before you go.
Explore Nottinghamshire days out ↗
Our local toddler session • Watnall
A regular little adventure, twice a week.
Tot-Shots Stay & Play is a welcoming space for children aged 1–4 and their grown-ups. Enjoy an hour of play, movement and chances to connect with other local families — without needing any previous experience.
PAYG attendance is subject to available spaces. Parents and carers stay for the session.
Which activity suits their stage?
Find their kind of fun.
Choose by your child's interests and age, rather than worrying about a perfect milestone. These are starting points, not rules — every little one is different.
Discover their senses.
For younger babies, gentle sounds, textures, colours and one-to-one time can be a lovely way to explore. Our Little Ones and Movers Sensory sessions run on Tuesdays.
See our sensory classes →Play, move and make friends.
As children become more independent, try playgroups, outdoor exploring, movement games and simple imaginative play. Stay & Play offers a regular local session.
Discover Stay & Play →Try their first cheer class.
For older little movers who love music and activity, Tiny Cheer4Fun introduces teamwork and beginner cheer skills in a friendly setting, with the first session free.
Meet Tiny Cheer4Fun →For rainy Nottingham days
Easy toddler activities at home.
Not every activity needs a ticket or a journey. Here are four ideas to try between your outings and weekly classes.
Make a mini movement trail.
Place cushions and a blanket on the floor for stepping over, crawling around or pretending to explore an island. Keep the route low and supervise throughout.
Dance to their favourite song.
Put on some music and move together. March, sway, clap or play follow-the-leader — no special equipment required.
Try a texture treasure hunt.
Look for safe everyday textures such as a soft towel, smooth spoon or crinkly fabric. Avoid small or detachable pieces that could be choking hazards.
Build a cosy story corner.
Let your toddler choose a book, name things in the pictures and add silly voices. Re-reading a favourite is absolutely fine.
More ideas nearby
Find activities across Nottinghamshire.
Class schedules, park facilities and seasonal events change, so it's always worth checking directly with organisers. The independent resources below can help you discover more family-friendly options.
Notts Help Yourself
Search Nottinghamshire family services, baby and toddler groups, green spaces, libraries and local activities.
Visit Nottinghamshire
Look through places to visit, family days out and seasonal activity ideas across Nottinghamshire.
Close to home, full of possibilities
Your local Tot-Shots community.
Tot-Shots is the early-years programme from Notts Hotshots Cheer & Dance Academy in Watnall, welcoming families from Kimberley, Hucknall and the surrounding Nottingham area.
Choose sensory discovery for babies, Stay & Play for toddlers or Tiny Cheer4Fun for children aged 4–6. All are designed as welcoming introductions for little ones.
Explore All Tot-Shots Classes →Where to find us
Notts Hotshots Cheer & Dance Academy
Unit 12, Headstocks Industrial Park
Merchant Way, Watnall
Nottinghamshire NG16 1AA
Helpful answers
Questions from local parents.
What can I do with a toddler in Nottingham on a rainy day?
Indoor parent-and-toddler sessions, local library activities and simple movement games are all options. Tot-Shots Stay & Play takes place indoors in Watnall on Tuesdays and Fridays; please enquire about places before arriving.
Are there activities for one- and two-year-olds near Kimberley or Hucknall?
Yes — families can explore local parent-and-child groups, library sessions and outdoor activities. Tot-Shots Stay & Play in Watnall is designed for ages 1–4, with Tuesday afternoon and Friday morning sessions.
How much does Tot-Shots Stay & Play cost?
A six-week term costs £24 or a single session costs £5, subject to availability. Tuesdays are 1–2pm and Fridays are 11am–12pm.
Do parents stay for Tot-Shots Stay & Play?
Yes. Stay & Play is a shared session for children and their parent or carer.
What if my child is younger than one or older than four?
Our Little Ones Sensory and Movers Sensory classes cover birth to 12 months. Children aged 4–6 can explore beginner Tiny Cheer4Fun. Visit the Tot-Shots homepage to see all available sessions.
Little sparks. Big futures.
Make their next little adventure a Tot-Shots one.
Ask about a place at our Watnall sessions.