guides

Under 5 Guide

Keep those babies, toddlers and preschoolers busy this school year!

By Christina Skeldon August 30, 2023

Are the big kids back in school and you find yourself searching for things to keep your toddlers and preschoolers busy? Here is Mac Kid South Shore's round up of all the local events, classes and activities to keep those little ones entertained and happy!

Cohasset Learning Studio is the premier education center for academic instruction and intervention on the south shore. We offer early childhood enrichment classes, private academic tutoring, speech therapy, occupational therapy, and summer camps. Our small group classes are designed to target key early literacy, number sense, and motor skills. The learning environment is motivating, warm, and designed with kindergarten expectations in mind. 

Enrichment classes meet once a week for 1-2 hours. Classes can be booked online through the website. Or, families can request a certain day/time to be added to the schedule to suit the needs of a group of kids. Private speech and OT meet weekly. The timing is arranged with a therapist after an intake call. 

$50 off enrollment with code MACKID23 for group classes before 10/31/23








Hingham - Norwell - Marshfield - Duxbury 

Nature-Based Toddler Playgroups. Our play groups are designed to support young children in their play skills, development and connection to the outdoors. We aim to provide guidance and educational nuggets to the caregiver so they can feel more confident in their parenting abilities during the ever-changing toddler years. These groups are ideal for a child who is already receiving early intervention services or has graduated from EI, is experiencing a developmental delay, requires additional small group peer engagement opportunities, has a speech/language delay or is experiencing social-emotional challenges. This group is appropriate for ages 20 months -4 years old. This group is ideal for children who are receiving early intervention services, have a diagnosis or suspected one, are experiencing a speech and language delay, need additional guided support for peer play, have social-emotional challenges and more. 

Monday - Norwell, Norris Reservation 10:00a-11:00a

Tuesday - Marshfield, Daniel Webster Wildlife Sanctuary 10:00a-11:00a

Wednesday - Hingham, Weir River Farm 10:00a-11:00a

Thursday - Duxbury, Howland's Landing 9:30a-10:30a

10% off for Mac Kid followers






Cohasset & Norwell

Whether you're looking for a fantastic Parent and Me program or high-energy classes for bigger kids – you've come to the right place! My Gym’s award-winning classes are not only tons of fun, but they help develop your child’s physical, cognitive and social skills. For children 0y3m to 3y6m, My Gym has four unique classes designed to be age appropriate as your child grows. Classes include music, dance, early gymnastics, puppet shows, swings, games, adventures, rides, and more! For children ready to be in classes independently (3y6m to 8y0m), My Gym has three different classes that are guaranteed to keep your child moving and smiling while they are challenged appropriately and lavished with positive praise. Every class is taught by two teachers in clean state-of-the-art carpeted gyms.

My Gym's are open seven days a week with a wide variety of class times. Enrolled children may attend more than one class a week and also enjoy our open gym times.

Try My Gym for 1 Week for Just $29! Offer is available on website!  







Goldfish Swim School offers an incredible swimming experience in the safest and most fun environment possible. Our different Goldfish Swim Levels are specially designed to make learning fun through guided play for beginners to advanced swimmers from 4 months to 12 years old, including infant swim lessons, toddler swimming lessons, and more.

Promo code 'UNDER5' will waive the registration fee for any new member enrollments!






Quincy

Capella Yoga has a beautiful studio right on the boardwalk in Marina Bay. Enjoy amazing views while meeting new moms and keeping your little busy in one of their class offerings tailored to moms and children. Capella offers a variety of classes including Mom Support Group, Story Time Yoga, Mommy and Me Sculpt and Mommy and Me Yoga. Head to their website for more information and descriptions on all of their class offerings!







North Scituate

ABC Reading is now enrolling for our Pre-K Reading Readiness Program, for ages 3-5.  During each session early phonics skills, reading and writing are developed using the Handwriting Without Tears program and various multi-sensory phonics based programs and activities. Hands on and fun filled class for all. Perfect to ready your little learner to prepare for Kindergarten and beyond. 

Private and semi-private sessions are only offered so we can really focus on the needs of each student and tailor each lesson to the skills and level that they are working on. ABC Reading Adventure is the winner of the Best Tutoring Service on the South Shore!  We have been helping students for over 10 years and have loved serving everyone in the South Shore Community. 

A free 30 minute session will be given to Mac Kid followers! 









 

Hingham

Kids World is an indoor play area where kids ages 1-6 can jump in a bounce house, take a ride on a kid coaster, or play their way through the huge selection of age-appropriate toys. But it’s not just fun and games - Kids World helps develop motor coordination, fosters relationships and social skills with other children, and encourages imaginative play. Kids World offers discount passes or drop-in rates.  Don't forget about the free coffee and wifi for caregivers! Kids World will be opening in October. Check back for updates on opening day!

Tuesdays in October for Mac Kid friends:  $10/1st child and $5 each additional child








Hingham

Select appreciates that parents are looking for youth soccer programs that offer flexibility, convenience, and fun. Their Dev Program for boys and girls aims to meet these needs. Tots is for toddlers (ages 2-5) who are introduced to basic soccer skills in guided soccer classes offered seven days a week. Players graduate to Futures (ages 4-8) and train once or twice a week (your choice) and participate in seasonal jamborees. Drop-in and try a class!

Tots is held mornings, 7 days a week.  Futures is held Monday-Thursday afternoons and Saturday and Sunday mornings.  








Hanover

Celebrate your next birthday with a Movie Party! Showcase Cinemas offers custom movie parties for up to 25 guests. Celebrate your big day by seeing the latest releases on the big screen! Our party planers will work with you to create the best birthday party ever! Showcase Cinemas offers customizable invites, an on-screen happy birthday slide, 1-2-3 GoBox's for each child, dedicated cake time in the party room and a special party favor for each guest!









Hingham + Duxbury

Every child is an artist. The need to create and express is inherent in all of us. When this need is nurtured, learning occurs, and wonderful things happen.  For children 0-6, South Shore Conservatory offers an arts-integrated Preschool, PreK, and Kindergarten program, Music Together, Creative Movement, Music in Motion, Hip Hop, Primary Ballet, Keys and Sticks, FUNdamentals classes in piano, singing, and ukulele, plus Music Therapy, Dance Therapy and Yoga for the Special Child.







Norwell

We teach Enrichment, Art, Music and Movement Classes and one-time Specialty Themed Classes (for infants - toddlers to enjoy with their caregiver!); Parent Workshops; and Drop-off Toddler Playschool (2 - 3 year olds) and Preschool Enrichment Class series, including our popular "Itty Bitty Bookclub" and "Pixie Playtime" (3- 6 year olds). We also teach Prenatal Classes; New Mom Groups, Mom & Baby Yoga, and New Dads Group.






Hanover + Quincy

SWIM PROGRAMS

Swim Starters (Parerent/Child): Accompanied by a parent, infants and toddlers in YMCA swim lessons learn to be comfortable in the water and develop swim readiness skills. Open to children ages 4 months - 3 years. Available in Quincy & Hanover. Parent Child Swim Lessons are FREE for South Shore YMCA Family Members this fall, $208 for non members.

Swim Basics (Preschool): SWIM BASICS swim lessons for preschoolers build confident swimmers for life! Preschool-age swimmers start at their own level and advance at their own pace. Open to children ages 3 - 5 years. Available in Quincy and Hanover.  SSYMCA Members: $208 | Non Members: $416




TENNIS PROGRAMS

Little Champs Youth Tennis (Ages 4-5): Fun-filled introduction to tennis with smaller courts and foam balls. Features stroke development, games, and hand-eye coordination drills in a social setting. South Shore YMCA Members: $195 per session | Nonmembers: $342




GYMNASTICS PROGRAMS

Parent and Child | Ages 1-3 | A fun, interactive class where parents/caregivers help their children develop balance, strength and confidence while exploring all the gym has to offer. 

SSYMCA Members $65, Nonmembers $110

Ages 4-3 | A fun-filled introduction to fundamentals, working on basic gymnastics skills to improve hand eye coordination and balance while enhancing overall motor skill development. 

SSYMCA Members $65, Nonmembers $110




SPORTS PROGRAMS

SPORTS MANIA (HALE FAMILY YMCA) Sports Mania introduces preschoolers the basic skills of sports such as basketball, soccer, and more. This class focuses on selfesteem, hand-eye coordination, teamwork and sportsmanship while having the comfort of their Family there with them. Open to children ages 4-6. South Shore YMCA Members: $180 | Nonmembers: $360

SKILLS AND DRILLS (HANOVER + QUINCY)Young players will learn to improve their footwork, dribbling, passing, and shooting through exciting drills, games, and activities. We will focus on working hard, improving our skill set and having fun. Basketball instructors will break down each skill and give scenarios for players to understand. Instructors all have experience at the high school, college and club level. Available in Hanover and Quincy. Preschool age classes open to children ages 4-5. 

$210 | Nonmembers: $420



ARTS & EDUCATION

Children's Art Classes: Join us at the Laura’s Center for the Arts for weekly art projects,as well as creative opportunities that your child will get to explore and engage with. Mini Monets, ages 3-5 years old. SESSION COST: SSYMCA Members $80 | Nonmembers $160. DROP-IN RATE: SSYMCA Members $20/Class | Nonmembers $40/Class

Pre-school Explorers: Play and explore! Join us for 8 weeks jam packed with of music, sports, art, science, farming, nature, and more! Each week this class will explore a new theme, fun activities to pairs with the theme. Open to children ages 3-5. 

SESSION COST: SSYMCA Members $80 | Nonmembers $160. 

DROP-IN RATE: SSYMCA Members $20/Class | Nonmembers $40/Class

Enrichment Story Time: Join us for a weekly story time experience where your child will have an activity based story to read as a class followed by a coordinating project. We’re so excited to share our favorite books with you and all of the fun that goes with! Open to childrens ages 3-6. 

SESSION COST: SSYMCA Members $80 | Nonmembers $160. 

DROP-IN RATE: SSYMCA Members $20/Class | Nonmembers $40/Class

Music Classes: Our music classes open doors for young musicians to explore musical concepts, songs, instruments, and movement activities in a fun environment. Parent/child classes open to children ages 1.5 - 3, Preschool classes open to children ages 4-5. 

SESSION COST: SSYMCA Members $80 | Nonmembers $160. 

DROP-IN RATE: SSYMCA Members $20/Class | Nonmembers $40/Class

Dance Classes: These beginner classes introduce your child to free movement and simple ballet steps. We incorporate simple dance exercises, stretches, and movement while emphasizing body awareness in a nurturing, creative, and fun environment. Parent/child classes open to children ages 1.5 - 3, Preschool classes open to children ages 4-5. 

SESSION COST: SSYMCA Members $80 | Nonmembers $160. 

DROP-IN RATE: SSYMCA Members $20/Class | Nonmembers $40/Class


JOIN OUR Y FAMILY! With South Shore YMCA Family/Household Membership, you and your family will enjoy early registration and 50% off Swim Lessons and substantial discounts on all other Y programs, including Camp, Tennis, Gymnastics, Sports, Health and Wellness - and more. And, Y members receive preferred registration dates to help you find the right programs for you and your family. Plus, when you refer a friend to join our Y family, you will both receive 20% off your Y monthly membership fees! Financial Assistance is available based on individual need.