Toddler Summer Classes in Wauwatosa

Little Learners Explorers Classes

A 90-minute, play-based class in East Tosa where toddlers 1-3 year olds and their grown-ups settle into a Tuesday-morning rhythm of sensory bins, parachute play, art, storytime, and good coffee.

SEE THE FULL TUESDAY SCHEDULE →

Book your first free class
Ages 1-3
+ caregiver
Tuesdays
9:30-10:30am
Year-round
Weekly classes
Drop-in
Or full series

What is the Little Learners Explorers Class?

Little Learners Explorers is the toddler class Wauwatosa families come to every Tuesday morning. It is built for ages 1 to 3 with a caregiver, and it lives inside our cafe and Montessori-inspired play space at 6505 W North Ave in East Tosa.

The class runs from 9 to 10:30am and follows a gentle, predictable rhythm. Toddlers start with discovery time, then parachute and storytime, then sensory and art stations, then a snack and juice box, then open play and goodbyes. Plus kids go home with a book to keep after every class!

By week three you'll see your child anticipate every transition. That is the magic of consistency in a play-based class.

If you've been searching for a mommy and me class in Milwaukee, a parent and tot class in Tosa, or a sensory class for your 1, 2, or 3 year old, this is the one.

Drop in any week. Your first class is free.

A typical Tuesday morning

  • Warm welcome

    Discovery activities while your child gets comfortable.

  • Parachute Play

    Including a group song and storytime with Miss Kristin.

  • Sensory Time

    Three sensory and art stations that change weekly

  • Book To Keep

    Bring home a book your family takes home some weeks

  • Snacks

    Provided snack and juice box for your toddler

  • Open Play

    Play before & after class for caregivers to connect

10 weeks of toddler magic this summer

Each Tuesday brings a new sensory-rich theme inspired by toddler favorites. Drop in for one week, all ten, or whenever fits your summer.

June 23

Super Squad

Calling all heroes in training. Capes, masks, an obstacle course, and "super-scented" sensory bins.

Register → June 30

Creepy Crawly Crew

Bug adventures with messy sensory play and nature-inspired art.

Register → July 7

Dinosaur Discoveries

Roar, stomp, and wiggle through fossil hunts and "dino-mite" sensory activities.

Register → July 14

3, 2, 1 Blast Off!

Junior astronauts explore the planets with parachute fun and rocket-ship crafts.

Register → July 21

Color Lab

Goggles on. Color-mixing experiments and paint-mixing stations.

Register → July 28

Under the Sea Wonders

Splashing water bins, ocean-inspired crafts, and deep-sea discoveries.

Register → August 4

The Very Hungry Artist

Color-mixing sensory bins and hands-on art inspired by Eric Carle.

Register → August 11

Roar and Prowl

A wild animal expedition with energetic movement, dance, and sensory bins.

Register → August 18

Construction Zone

Hard hats, big tools, and dirt-inspired sensory play. Ready, set, construct.

Register → August 25

Bee Kind to Nature

Community, kindness, and the world of bees and other pollinators.

Register →

Drop in any Tuesday.

Your first class is always free.

Book your first free class

Who this toddler class is for?

  • Walking 1-year-olds ready for a structured social setting
  • 2-year-olds working on language, sharing, big emotions
  • 3-year-olds who love sensory play and books
  • Caregivers (parents, grandparents, nannies)
  • Families new to Wauwatosa or Milwaukee
  • Kids easing into group settings before preschool

Schedule & pricing

Tuesdays, 9:00 to 10:30 a.m. Drop in any week, no commitment required. First class is always free!

Members

$20 per class for Little Village members. (Use your member promocode)

  • Daydreamer Members get 1 free class per month
  • Wondermaker members get 1 free class per week

Non-Members

$27 per class for non-members. Your first class is always free, so you can see if the vibe is right for your family before you commit.

Meet your lead teacher

Three years leading toddler classes at Little Village

Kristin Heacox, Director of Education and lead teacher of Little Learners and Baby and Me at Little Village Play Cafe

Kristin Heacox

Director of Education · Early Childhood Educator

Kristin has been leading classes at Little Village for three years. She launched and continues to lead our Little Learners Toddler Classes and our Baby and Me program.

Prior to Little Village, she taught at a private school in St. Patrick's Bay. Kristin earned her Bachelor's in Education from the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee with a focus on early childhood education.

Most toddler and infant classes are taught by general childcare staff. Little Learners and Baby and Me are led by an educator who chose this age group on purpose. That's the difference.

  • Bachelor's in Education, UW-Milwaukee
  • Early childhood focus
  • Little Learners lead
  • Baby and Me lead

Why families choose Little Village

Drop-In Toddler Classes in Wauwatosa — No Commitment

Committing to a weekly schedule with a toddler is hard. Our class series is casual and flexible — drop in free, see how your child feels, and come back the weeks that work.

A Coffee Shop + Montessori-Inspired Play Space

We're also a coffee shop with a 2,000 sq ft Montessori-inspired toddler play space. Sip a real espresso, grab breakfast, and finish a sentence with another grown-up while your little one plays.

Quotes

  • "My daughter gained so much confidence here. She went from shy at drop-off to asking when we could go back."

    Caroline B., Tosa mom

  • "My granddaughter and I love thesummer classes and making memories."

    Karin K., Tosa grandma

  • "I love letting my little learn through songs, dance and sensory play."

    Tayler C., Tosa mom
1 3

Frequently Asked Questions

What ages is the toddler class for?

Ages 1 to 3 with a caregiver. Many families start the week their child takes their first steady steps.
Do I have to register in advance?

Registration is not required, but we highly recommend registering for class ahead of time. (Even if it's the morning of!) Classes do fill and we'd hate for you to show up with our enrollment at capacity.

Is my first class really free?

Yep! Every family's first class is free. It's the easiest way to see if the class is right for you, your kiddo and this chapter of your life.
Do I stay with my child during the class?

Yes. This is a parent and tot class, so a caregiver participates with each child.
What if my toddler is shy or has a hard time with new spaces?

Very common. Our team helps with gentle transitions, and the predictable class flow means most kids settle in by their second visit.
Can grandparents or nannies bring my child?

Yes. Any trusted caregiver is welcome.
What is your cancellation or sick policy?

We know little ones get sick and family schedules sometimes change. That’s why we have a clear cancellation and sick policy that’s shared at registration.

While missed classes cannot be refunded, we do our best to support families with options when life happens.

If your child is ill or you have a question about your schedule, just reach out to us directly, we’re here to help. You can email learn@thelittlevillageplaycafe.com to reschedule your class.

Other summer programs at Little Village

Have an older sibling, a baby, or a kid who loves to read? We've got a program for them too. Explore Summer Programming →

  •  

    Curiosity Crew 3-Day Camp

    Ages 3-4 with caregiver

    Tues-Thurs · 2:30-4 pm

    Ready for camp but not drop-off yet?!

    LEARN MORE
  •  

    Story Sprouts 3-Day Camp

    K4-1st (drop-off)

    Tues-Thurs · 12-2 pm

    First drop-off camp with lunch included.

    Learn More
  •  

    Baby & Me Stroller Walks

    Babies 12 mo & under

    Mondays · 9-10 am · Free

    Grab a coffee and join us for a free Monday loop in East Tosa.

    Learn More
  •  

    Summer Reading Program

    Ages 2-12

    Jun 7 - Aug 30

    Citywide reading program with Tosa prizes.

    Learn More