Playgroups 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 playgroups including ESF Wu Kai Sha playgroup, Pebbles playgroup, Victoria Playpark playgroup and many more 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? 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 baby under three and their family.
Jump to:
Playgroups For Babies And Toddlers On Hong Kong Island
Kids Playgroups In Kowloon
Playgroups In The New Territories
Children’s Playgroups With Centres Across Hong Kong
Read More: International Pre-Nursery, Kindergarten And Preschools In Hong Kong
Playgroups For Babies And Toddlers On Hong Kong Island
Baumhaus – Hong Kong’s best Kindermusik program, officially accredited by Kindermusik International
Home to Hong Kong’s number one Kindermusik program, Baumhaus is a family centre offering classes for infants and toddlers along with unlimited access to its playroom and café. It combines progressive early childhood knowledge with strong pedagogical roots in music (something that very few playgroup centres specialise in) and offers plenty of support and education for parents. The Baumhaus teachers know how to introduce musical competence to babies and toddlers in the most engaging way. As a bonus, they are professionally trained musicians themselves and have wonderful voices. You can enrol your child at its main centre in Wan Chai, its satellite locations or even book private home classes.
Playgroup Opening Times: 9am to 6pm
How Much: Starting at $330 per class (All term classes include unlimited weekday playroom access to the Baumhaus playroom and café)
Baumhaus, 1/F, Kar Yau Building, 36-44 Queen’s Road East, Wan Chai, Hong Kong, 2321 5898, Facebook: Baumhaus, Instagram: @baumhaushk, www.baumhaus.com.hk
Casita – Playgroup that allows children to learn through music, exploration and play
Casita is a one-of-a-kind family playgroup in Sheung Wan that nurtures children and their families through open-ended play, holistic playgroup classes and community partnerships. The playgroup program is thoughtfully designed to allow children to flourish through music, exploration and play while fostering creativity, confidence, independence and school-readiness skills from an early age. It has regular full-term enrollment, plus special class packs to allow for flexibility for many different family situations, from parents who want to share their Casita classes across their children and friends to those who want their child to have multiple classes in a week. Check out the fall term calendar here.
Playgroup Opening Times: Monday to Saturday, 9am to 5:30pm
How Much: A class pack of 20 classes costs $5,700 ($285 per class), 1 play session costs $120
Use code SASSYMAMA to enjoy 10% off when booking a full term at Casita. Valid until Tuesday, 30 September 2024.
Casita, 2/F, Workington Tower, 78 Bonham Strand, Sheung Wan, Hong Kong, 6291 0128, Instagram: @casitahk, www.casita.com.hk
ESF Explore – EYFS playgroup in Wu Kai Sha, Tung Chung, Tsing Yi and more
ESF Explore 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, www.esflearningcentre.org.hk
Read More: The Best Extracurricular Activities And After-School Classes In Hong Kong
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.
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
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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, www.ststephen.org.hk
Trybe Kids – Gymnastics playgroup for kids as young as 4 months old
A ninja obstacle course meets gymnastics program, kids start as young as 4 months all the way up to 3 years old. It has an open-ended play curriculum with versatile obstacle courses to encourage creativity and problem-solving skills, soft play, acrobatics, parkour and more.
Playgroup Opening Times: 9am to 9pm from Monday to Friday and 10am to 2pm from Saturday to Sunday
How Much: Four session package for $1,140 per child; ten session package for $2,700 per child
Trybe Kids, Shop 10B, G/F, Nam Hung Mansion, 5H Belcher’s Street, Kennedy Town, Hong Kong, 2796 1112, www.trybehk.com
Read More: Hong Kong Gymnastics – Baby Gym, Recreational And Competitive Gymnastics Classes For Kids
Other Playgroups On Hong Kong Island
- Highgate House School – Playgroup running for over 25 years that prioritises caring and authentic relationships between child, teacher and parent. www.highgatehouse.edu.hk
- City Kids Little Stars – Playgroup in Mid Levels for children aged 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 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.
- My Gym WCH – Gymnastics-based playgroup development classes in Wong Chuk Hang. www.mygym.com.hk
- BabySteps – Premium international playgroup and early education centre. www.babysteps.com.hk
Read More: Mandarin Classes And Playgroups For Children In Hong Kong
Playgroups in Kowloon
Lifehouse Church Kids – Online children’s playgroup and in-person Church playgroup
The playgroup has restarted in-person get-togethers too now that restrictions have eased. 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, Kowloon, Hong Kong, www.mylifehouse.com/hongkong
Read More: Your Guide To Montessori Education – Top Montessori Schools In Hong Kong
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, www.ymcahk.org.hk
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 per 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
Other Playgroups For Babies And Toddlers In Kowloon
- The Little Gym – Bugs, Birds and Beasts playgroup classes for parents and children. www.thelittlegym.com
- USRC Playgroup – Casual baby playgroup in Kowloon for tots and parents alike. www.usrc.org.hk
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, New Territories, 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, www.kids-corner.com.hk
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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.
Playgroup Opening Times: 9am to 10am for Walkers and 10:15am to 11:15am for Jumpers playgroups
How Much: Prices vary by programme
Teddy Bear Club (by Stage Right Drama Studio), 1/F, 14 Wan King Path, Sai Kung, New Territories, Hong Kong, 9225 8924, www.stagerighthk.com/teddy-bear-tea-club
Read More: Sai Kung Neighbourhood Guide For Families In Hong Kong
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: 7 Messy Play Ideas – Get Your Hands Dirty With Sensory Play
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, check out opening times here.
How Much: Varies depending on location, check out the full price list here.
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, www.malvernplaygroup.hk
Read More: Montessori, Waldorf And Reggio Emilia, Which Is Right For My Child?
Little Nature Wanderlust – Messy play playgroup in Hong Kong
A Reggio Emilia-inspired playgroup, Little Nature Wanderlust offers a child-led messy play curriculum that encourages children to work in groups and develop knowledge through communicating with others.
Playgroup Opening Times: Vary by location, check out the full schedule here.
How Much: $2,000 per child on weekday and $2,400 per child on weekends.
Little Nature Wanderlust, various locations across Hong Kong, www.littlenaturewanderlust.com
CPDA – Playgroups for various developmental needs
The Child Psychological Development Association (CPDA) offers playgroups, parent-child playgroups and sing & playgroups to meet the different psychological needs of a child at various developmental stages.
Playgroup Opening Times: Vary by location, check out the full schedule here.
How Much: Vary by age group, check out the full price list here.
CPDA, various locations across Hong Kong, www.cpda.com.hk
Victoria Playpark (VPP) – Early years playgroup in Wan Chai and TST
Victoria Playpark (VPP) has a purpose-built, play-based curriculum for kids from 8 months to that teaches children to become curious, confident and well-balanced learners.
Playgroup Opening Times: Vary by location, check out the full schedule here.
How Much: From $510, refer to the full list of fees here.
Victoria Playpark (Wan Chai), Room 305-8, 3/F, Harcourt House, 39 Gloucester Road, Wan Chai, Hong Kong, 2117 4218
Victoria Playpark (Tsim Sha Tsui), B230 and B232, B2, K11 MUSEA, Victoria Dockside, 18 Salisbury Road, Tsim Sha Tsui, Kowloon, Hong Kong, 2130 3918, www.victoriaplaypark.com
Read More: Top Language Schools In Hong Kong For Kids
More Playgroups All Across Hong Kong
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- Kidznjoy – English kids playgroup in Hong Kong with early years education from birth to 4 years old. www.kidznjoy.com.
- Tutor Time – Pushing the boundaries of early education through playgroups. www.tutortime.com.hk
- Guidepost Montessori — Montessori playgroups across Hong Kong. www.guidepost.hk
- International Montessori School (IMS) First Steps – Bilingual Montessori playgroup for 12 to 24 months. www.ims.edu.hk
Read More: The Best Indoor Play Centres And Playgrounds In Hong Kong
Editor’s Note: “Playgroups In Hong Kong For Babies And Toddlers” was most recently updated in September 2023 by Sassy Mama. Special thanks to LTThomas and Danielle Roberts for their contribution.