Parent-Child Classes in Milwaukee's North Shore

Parents seeking activities to enjoy alongside their children will find abundant options across Milwaukee's North Shore communities. This guide covers only programs where parents actively participate with their child—not drop-off classes—spanning infants through teens across Shorewood, Whitefish Bay, Fox Point, Bayside, River Hills, Glendale, Brown Deer, and neighboring areas.

The North Shore offers particular strength in early childhood programming, with exceptional options in parent-baby music, parent-tot gymnastics, and family swimming. Most programs operate on 8-12 week session schedules with pricing typically ranging from $100-$200 per session. Many offer free trial classes, making exploration risk-free.

Music and movement programs lead the way

The North Shore excels in parent-child music education, with several nationally recognized curricula available locally.

Music Together North Shore

Address: 151 E. Silver Spring Dr., Whitefish Bay, WI (The Creator Collaborative) Phone: (414) 213-7081 | Website: musictogetherns.com

This program offers the gold standard in parent-child music education for families with children birth to age 5. Mixed-age classes allow siblings to attend together for 45-minute sessions featuring call-and-response singing, instrument play, and movement activities. A specialized Babies Only class (0-8 months) creates an intimate setting for new parents—nursing and diaper changes welcomed. The Rhythm Kids program (ages 4-7) introduces djembe drumming for older children.

• Schedule: 8-10 week sessions

• Pricing: Contact for rates; includes CD, songbook, and app access

• Special features: Free trial classes, make-up scheduler, seasonal outdoor classes at Old Schoolhouse Park

Wisconsin Conservatory of Music — Smart Start

North Shore Location: 333 W. Brown Deer Rd., Suite S, Bayside, WI 53217 Phone: (414) 276-5760 | Website: wcmusic.org

As the first U.S. institution to offer the Smart Start™ curriculum (developed by Toronto's Royal Conservatory), WCM brings research-backed music education to the North Shore. Classes are structured by developmental stage:

• Babies A (birth-12 months): Rhythm, movement, listening with caregiver

• Babies B (12-24 months): Coordination, memory, social skills

• Toddlers (24-36 months): Singing, drumming, and play

• Threes (36-48 months): Pitch, rhythm, and dynamics exploration

Pricing: $225 for six 30-minute lessons (new student discount); $45 annual family fee. Financial aid available.

Mr. Will's Music Together

Locations: Bay View, Wauwatosa, Oak Creek Phone: (414) 617-2138 | Website: mrwillsmusictogether.com

Folk musician Will Branch offers mixed-age family classes (infants to 5 years) with a distinct, engaging style. Pricing: $170 per 8-week session; siblings $85; infants under 9 months free. Free trial class available.

Dance and gymnastics for the youngest movers

Parent participation is essential in early gymnastics and dance, building physical literacy while strengthening the parent-child bond.

Flips 4 All — Fox Point

Address: 8643 N. Port Washington Rd., Fox Point, WI 53217 Phone: (414) 687-5862 | Website: flips4all.com

This all-inclusive gym specializes in serving children of all abilities, including those with special needs. Parent-tot classes feature small group sizes, personalized instruction, and a positive, non-competitive atmosphere. Located directly in the North Shore community.

• Schedule: Session-based (example: May 20-June 28)

• Hours: Mon-Sat 9:30am-7:30pm; Sun 9:30am-11:30am

Infinite Gymnastics — Brown Deer Area

Address: 8989 N. 55th St., Milwaukee, WI 53223 Website: infinitegymnastics.com

The Gym Babies program (18 months-3 years) requires parent participation and combines academic learning with physical activity. Children learn colors, shapes, and numbers alongside stretching, games, and basic gymnastics.

• Pricing: $50/year registration; monthly tuition ~$103

• Open Gym: Fri 10:30am-12pm, Sat 4-5:30pm (parents must stay within arm's reach for ages 6 and under)

North Shore Academy of Gymnastics — Cedarburg

Address: W59 N270 Cardinal Ave., Cedarburg, WI 53012 Website: northshoregymnasticswi.com

Tumble Buddies (ages 1-3) requires parent participation and introduces gymnastics movement for growth and development. Serves Milwaukee, Shorewood, Whitefish Bay, Glendale, Brown Deer, and Mequon families.

North Shore Dance Studio — Mequon

Address: 10433 N. Baehr Rd., Mequon, WI 53092 Phone: (262) 242-4077 | Website: northshore-dancestudio.com

Two parent-child offerings stand out at this established studio (founded 1986):

• Tot Time (ages 1-3): Music and movement with singing, finger plays, parachute play, and instruments

• Dance With Me (ages 2½-3½): Creative movement and basic ballet, including princess dances and freeze dances

Five specialty-floored studios and an on-site dance boutique enhance the experience. Neither program participates in recital, removing performance pressure.

Milwaukee Turners Gymnastics

Address: 1034 N. 4th St., Milwaukee, WI 53203 Website: milwaukeeturners.org/gymnastics

Gym Babies (18 months-3 years) allows families to follow teacher activities or their child's interests through balancing, climbing, and rolling. Pricing: $150/8-week session (non-members); $135 (members). Sibling discounts available.

Sports programs build early athletic skills

Lil' Kickers Soccer — Glendale

Address: Delta Sports Performance, 2920 W. Vera Ave., Glendale, WI 53209 Phone: (872) 259-8270 | Website: lksoccer.com

The most established parent-child soccer program in the area offers three participation levels:

• Bunnies (18 months-2 years): Parachutes, bubbles, goal scoring with parent

• Thumpers (2-3 years): Organized games developing listening and balance

• Cottontails (2½-3½ years): Transition class building independence

Schedule: 50-minute weekly classes; 4 sessions annually Pricing: Open enrollment with prorated fees; free trial and jersey for first-timers

Playpen Sports Academy

Website: playpensports.com Locations: Various Milwaukee-area venues

Multi-sport programming with required adult participation for youngest ages:

• Tiny Tot Kickers (age 2): Soccer with full parent participation

• Tiny Tot Hoopers (age 3): Basketball fundamentals

• Tot Shot Sluggers (ages 3-4): Baseball basics

• PlayActive Minis (age 2): Multi-sport exposure including dance, movement, obstacles

Pricing: ~$124 per 5-week session; free jersey included

Swimming lessons start in infancy

Parent-child swim programs are among the most popular offerings in the North Shore, with several excellent facilities.

Goldfish Swim School — Bayshore

Address: 540 W. Silver Spring Dr., Glendale, WI 53217 Phone: (414) 404-5010 | Website: goldfishswimschool.com/bayshore

The Mini Classes (ages 4-35 months) keep parents in the 90-degree "shiver-free" pool alongside babies and toddlers. The Science of SwimPlay® curriculum focuses on water comfort and safety. Special offer: 4 free classes for 4-5 month olds. Maximum 4:1 student-teacher ratio with free make-up lessons.

JCC Milwaukee — Peck Aquatic Center

Address: 6255 N. Santa Monica Blvd., Whitefish Bay, WI 53217 Phone: (414) 964-4444 | Website: jccmilwaukee.org

American Red Cross Learn-to-Swim program in UV-filtered pools (easier on eyes and skin). Parent-child classes available for early childhood (0-3) through dedicated teaching pool (2'6"-3'6" depth). Membership not required.

Wisconsin Athletic Club — North Shore

Address: 7601 N. Port Washington Rd., Glendale, WI 53217 Phone: (414) 228-2800 | Website: thewac.com

Parent/Tot classes (ages 0-3) require parents in the water for interactive games, songs, and supported movements. 7-week sessions; class size limited to 4-5 participants. Both members and non-members welcome.

Elite Sports Clubs — River Glen

Address: 2001 W. Good Hope Rd., Glendale, WI 53209 Phone: (414) 352-4900 | Website: eliteclubs.com

Parent-Child Water Class (6 months-3 years) covers water adjustment, parent holds, submersion, and assisted floats through games and songs. Three saltwater pools including outdoor option. Membership required. Additional location in Mequon (11616 N. Port Washington Rd.).

YMCA Rite-Hite Family — Brown Deer

Address: 9250 N. Green Bay Rd., Brown Deer, WI 53209 Phone: (414) 354-9622 | Website: ymcamke.org

Swim Starters program includes Stage A (Water Discovery) and Stage B (Water Exploration) for infants and toddlers with parents. Olympic-quality facilities at Walter Schroeder Aquatic Center. Financial assistance available.

Art and creative exploration flourish here

Lynden Sculpture Garden — River Hills

Address: 2145 W. Brown Deer Rd., River Hills, WI 53217 Phone: (414) 446-8794 | Website: lyndensculpturegarden.org

This 40-acre sculpture garden offers exceptional nature-art programming:

• Tuesdays/Wednesdays in the Garden (ages 1-3): Outdoor adventures and open-ended artmaking

• Let's Make Together! (ages 3-5 with adult): Hands-on creative projects

• Creative Time for Families: Monthly workshops for all ages

Pricing: $16/$12 members per adult-child pair; 8-class card $104/$40 members

Little Sprouts Cafe + Play — Shorewood

Address: 4606 N. Wilson Dr., Shorewood, WI 53211 Phone: (414) 563-7529 | Website: littlesproutscafeandplay.com

This beloved indoor play cafe (ages 0-6) offers extensive parent-child programming:

• Little Mondays: DIY sensory activities built together

• Sensory Programs: Monthly themed workshops

• Social Playgroups: 6-week sessions with consistent families

• Cook & Play (with More Happy Kitchens): Cooking for preschoolers

Open Play: $15/child (drop-in after noon: $12). Allergen-safe environment with free coffee for parents.

Neighbor Art Studio — Bay View

Address: 2120 E. Rusk Ave., Milwaukee, WI 53207 Website: neighborartstudio.com

Little Explorers Class (18 months-3 years) brings parents and toddlers together for creative play. Pricing: $29/class or 4-class pack starting at $110. Founded by a licensed art therapist.

Cloud 9 Workshop — Milwaukee

Address: 5205 W. North Ave., Milwaukee, WI 53208 Phone: (414) 702-5465 | Website: cloud9workshop.com

Weekend Artventures (Sat-Sun 9am-noon) welcome families for drop-in art creation with recycled materials. ArTogether with Tots provides structured parent-toddler workshops. First visit: $15 (50% off regular price).

Cream City Clay — West Allis

Address: 7105 W. Greenfield Ave., West Allis, WI 53214 Phone: (414) 249-5902 | Website: creamcityclay.com

Family Handbuilding and Family Wheel classes (ages 5-12 with parent) offer hands-on pottery experience. Monthly sessions; new schedule released every 8-9 weeks. All supplies included; projects fired and ready in weeks.

Vibez Creative Arts Space — Bayshore

Address: 5706 N. CenterPark Way, Glendale, WI 53217 Phone: (414) 628-5168 | Website: vibezcreativeartsspace.com

Paint parties and workshops designated for "adults and kids together." Wed-Sat 11am-7pm; Sun 11am-6pm.

Cooking classes teach kitchen confidence

Little Kitchen Academy — Whitefish Bay/Bayshore

Website: littlekitchenacademy.com/locations/lka-whitefish-bay

Toddler's First Taste keeps caregivers present throughout 75-minute Montessori-inspired cooking classes. Children make recipes from scratch, learning kitchen safety and food prep. Nut-free recipes accommodate food allergies.

Sur La Table — Bayshore

Address: 480 W. Northshore Dr., Space P-114, Glendale, WI 53217 Website: surlatable.com

Family Fun Classes bring parents and children together to cook with professional chef instruction. Groups of up to 4 share workstations; recipes and at-home instructions provided.

STEM and science spark curiosity

Schlitz Audubon Nature Center — Bayside

Address: 1111 E. Brown Deer Rd., Milwaukee, WI 53217 Phone: (414) 352-2880 | Website: schlitzaudubon.org

This 185-acre nature center with 6 miles of trails offers outstanding family programming:

• Family Owl Prowl: Night hikes discovering local owls

• Craft a Puppet Storytelling Time: Create puppets with animal ambassador visits

• Illuminated Hike: Decorate lanterns and stroll lit trails

• Raptor Saturday: Story hour with raptor program

• Nature Ambassadors (Sundays): Free guided hikes with admission

Pricing: Admission $10/adult, $7/ages 3-17; special programs $12-$26/ticket

Betty Brinn Children's Museum

Address: 929 E. Wisconsin Ave., Milwaukee, WI 53202 Phone: (414) 390-5437 | Website: bbcmkids.org

Baby Beginnings (free) brings caregivers and newborns together to explore the five senses through stretches and tummy time activities. Sensory-Friendly Sessions (2nd and 4th Sundays) provide calmer exploration time. BAM Space workshops engage families in maker projects together.

Admission: $14/person (1+); free under 1. Community Access Day (3rd Thursday) offers free admission.

Discovery World

Address: 500 N. Harbor Dr., Milwaukee, WI 53202 Website: discoveryworld.org

Kohl's Design It! Lab enables families to create take-home projects together. Touch tanks and interactive exhibits throughout the 120,000 sq ft facility engage all ages.

Pricing: Day tickets $15-25; Family Membership $130/year. $7 Access Admission for families receiving FoodShare, WIC, or similar benefits.

Language learning creates lasting bonds

Spanish Immersion Workshop — Chiquitos Program

Website: spanishiw.com

The Chiquitos (Mommy and Me) Spanish Program designs parent-child learning as a shared family experience. Exclusive Spotify playlist continues learning at home. Free demo class available.

Library Story Times (Free)

Shorewood Public Library: 3920 N. Murray Ave., (414) 847-2670 40-minute sessions with music, movement, books for ages 2-6 with adult. Tuesdays at 4pm; no registration required.

Whitefish Bay Public Library: 5420 N. Marlborough Dr. All-ages storytime with songs and activities for families together.

Martial arts welcome family participation

JK Lee Blackbelt Academy

Phone: (262) 547-5425 | Website: jkleeblackbelt.com Service areas: Milwaukee, Fox Point, Germantown, Brookfield

Family Martial Arts Program trains parents and children together in taekwondo-based curriculum covering character development, physical fitness, and self-defense. Free one-week trial; $59 first month special.

North Shore Martial Arts Club

Location: Lydell School, Glendale/Whitefish Bay Website: northshoremartialartsclub.com Registration: wfbschools.com/community-recreation

Community-based program (20+ years) allows families to train together. Instructors John Greivell and Ed Petty are Whitefish Bay residents.

Black Belt Leadership Academy — Wauwatosa

Address: 9208 W. Center St., Milwaukee, WI 53222 Phone: (414) 258-4111 | Website: blackbeltleadershipacademy.com

Teen/adult/family classes train together in traditional Okinawan karate and kobudo (weapons). Ages 4-40+ welcome at all skill levels.

Kang's Tae Kwon Do — Fox Point

Website: kangstaekwondo.net Operating since 1990; Grand Master Kang teaches all classes personally.

Yoga and wellness support families together

North Shore Wellness Collective — Whitefish Bay

Address: 159 E. Silver Spring Dr., Whitefish Bay, WI 53217 Website: northshorewellnesscollective.com

The premier parent-child wellness destination in the North Shore offers:

• Baby and Me Classes: Parents with babies

• Postnatal Yoga: Babies can join on mat

• Partner Yoga for Labor: $45/couple

• Mommy & Me Fitness: Play area available for kids

Multi-disciplinary team includes doulas, physical therapists, lactation consultants, and mental health counselors. $10 off first class.

Tosa Yoga Center — Wauwatosa

Address: 6734 W. North Ave., Wauwatosa, WI 53213 Website: tosayoga.com

Parent & Baby Yoga (6 weeks+ postpartum with pre-walking infants) flows between parent postures and baby-focused bonding. Crying and fussing welcomed. Babywearing Yoga workshops also available.

New Student Intro: 4 weeks unlimited for $49

Empower Yoga — Whitefish Bay

Address: 155 E. Silver Spring Dr., Suite 201/207, Whitefish Bay, WI 53217 Phone: (414) 909-2780 | Website: empoweryogamilwaukee.com

Family Yoga classes offer active fitness time for everyone. Free outdoor Lakefront Yoga at Klode Park on summer Tuesdays 6-7pm. First class free (code: FIRSTCLASSFREE); single class just $12.

Yoga Mama Milwaukee

Website: yogamamamke.com Partner location: North Shore Wellness Collective, Whitefish Bay

Postnatal Yoga with Baby and Partner Prenatal Yoga ($45/couple) bring yoga props to your home or meet at the collective. Private sessions $75.

General play-based programs round out options

We Rock the Spectrum — Milwaukee Area

Locations: Pewaukee (262) 696-4272; Oak Creek (414) 765-2025; West Bend; Mount Pleasant Website: werockthespectrummilwaukee.com

Sensory-friendly, ability-inclusive play facilities require parent accompaniment. Suspended equipment, ball pit, calming room, and arts area. Monthly memberships available.

Little Village Play Cafe — Wauwatosa

Website: thelittlevillageplaycafe.com

Little Learners (ages 1-3) offers 90-minute play-based classes Mondays at 8:30am or 10:30am. Includes storytime, music, parachute play, sensory stations, and art. Seasonal themes rotate throughout the year.

Recreation departments offer affordable access

Whitefish Bay Recreation Department

Address: 5205 N. Lydell Ave., Whitefish Bay, WI 53217 Website: wfbschools.com/community-recreation

Offers Music Together classes and aquatics programs. Resident lottery registration opens annually in March; 25% sibling discount.

Shorewood Recreation Department

Phone: (414) 963-6913 | Website: shorewoodrecreation.org

Aquatics, enrichment, and fitness programs. Reduced fees for qualifying residents through Donation for Recreation fund.

Brown Deer Parks and Recreation

Address: 8950 N. Arbon Dr., Brown Deer, WI 53223 Phone: (414) 371-3070 | Website: browndeerwi.org

Youth swimming and recreation programs with resident/non-resident pricing.

Choosing the right program

For infants (0-12 months): Music Together (Babies Only), Wisconsin Conservatory Smart Start, Goldfish Swim School Mini Classes, North Shore Wellness Collective Baby and Me, library story times

For toddlers (1-3 years): All music programs, Flips 4 All parent-tot gymnastics, Lil' Kickers Bunnies/Thumpers, Lynden Sculpture Garden, Little Sprouts sensory programs

For preschoolers (3-5 years): Dance classes (North Shore Dance Studio), multi-sport programs (Playpen Sports), cooking classes (Little Kitchen Academy), STEM museums

For elementary age (5-10 years): Family martial arts (JK Lee), pottery (Cream City Clay), family yoga, nature programs (Schlitz Audubon), swimming advancement

For tweens and teens (11+): Family martial arts training, partner yoga, family cooking classes, nature center programming

Most programs offer free trial classes or introductory discounts—take advantage to find the best fit before committing to a full session.