Anyone who has been around a toddler knows every one of them shares a single characteristic: they are BUSY! These little guys love to move their bodies, which is incredibly important for their motor skills, balance, emotional regulation and more!
Carson City offers a number of programs to get those kiddos moving (and tuckered out), along with several community organizations.
Looking for Arts and Music opportunities, or Literacy and Language activities? We’re tackling those and more this week with our toddler activity round up in the capital city!
Introducing: Skyhawks Soccer Tots
In January 2025, Carson City Parks and Recreation partnered with Skyhawk Sports to offer the newest sports program for the tiniest athletes: the Skyhawks Soccer Tots program.
Soccer Tots is designed to instill self confidence, teamwork, motor skills and more for children 18 months up to five years old.
The programs are separated by age groups, with sections for 18 months to two-and-a-half year olds, two-and-a-half to three-and-a-half year olds, and three-and-a-half to five year olds.
Soccer Tots is Skyhawks flagship program, and was founded in Washington in 1979. The company was established so children could learn to play sports in a fun, safe, and non-competitive environment.
The youngest group focuses on developing motor skills and self-confidence, where every participant is provided with the basics of movement, while other classes focus more on developing core soccer skills and person focus.
Scheduling is broken by age group, with 1.5 – 2.5 year olds at Tuesdays from 9 a.m. to 9:40 a.m.;
2.5 to 3.5 year olds from 10 a.m. to 10:40 a.m.; and
3.5 to 5 year olds from 11 a.m. to 11:40 a.m.
The cost is $80, though discounts are available through Youth Recreation Scholarships for families who qualify.
The next session begins April 1, 2025 and runs through May 6, 2025, which will take place at the Carson City MAC building, located at 1860 Russell Way.
To register, search “Soccer Tots” or “Skyhawks” on the Carson City Parks and Recreation website.
Grownups and Guppies
According to Tami Jennings, Carson City Aquatic Center supervisor, the Grown Ups and Guppies classes have been a part of the pool’s regular programming for some time, but new hours have recently been expanded, and the classes are offered all year long.
The classes are free with regular pool entry, which is $5 for adults, $4 for seniors, and free for children 0-3, and takes place Tuesdays at 5:30 p.m. and 6 p.m., and on Wednesdays and Fridays at 10 a.m.
The recommended age to begin the class is 6 months.
Jennings said the activity is guided by a swim coach, includes singing and fun games, and is designed to get future swimmers comfortable being in the water.
Guppies won’t be doing the breaststroke at the end of the lesson; the course is meant to acquaint parents and their infants/young toddlers with play activities they can do in the water, along with some very basic skills.
The guppies class takes place in the warm pool. Older toddlers and young children shouldn’t feel left out though; the Tot swim classes begin at 3 years old.
After the guppies course, children can sign up for the “tot” swim lessons for those 3-5 years of age, which have three levels. Skills taught in the “Tot 1” class include blowing bubbles in the water through the mouth and nose, opening eyes underwater and retrieving a submerged object unless than two feet of water, assisted front and back float, and more.
Is your child on the autism spectrum and needs additional attention? ASD Swim Lessons are offered on Tuesdays and Thursdays at 2 p.m., 2:40 p.m., and 3:20 p.m., and are also free with pool entry.
The lessons are inclusive for those with special needs, and are designed with a maximum of 3:1 ratio to help participants learn to be water safe.
Also, don’t forget: This year, the Carson City Underwater Egg Hunt is taking place April 19 from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m., and is free for the community. Registrations will open April 2, 2025, and is available for all ages, with 15 minute sessions. The Tot pool is recommended for swimmers six and under, and the big pool for swimmers seven and under. All children must have an adult present, and children seven and under must be accompanied in the water. Swim attire required, as are swim diapers for swimmers not yet potty trained. Life jackets are available upon request.
Activities offered within the community
Tumbleweeds Gymnastics
Tumbleweeds gymnastics, located at 3633 Research Way no. 104, offers a Parent and Tot class for tiny tumblers ages six months to two years, a baby class, and older tot classes.
Parent & Tot Tiny Tumblers
Tiny Tumblers lesson is designed to build children’s ability to follow directions, move their bodies, and begins educating them on the fundamentals of gymnastics.
If your tot isn’t ready for flips and tumbles, don’t worry! Infants are encouraged to attend to improve hand eye coordination, exercise their motor skills, and enhance their cognitive development.
During the class, parents are educated about each movement and its developmental value, which can then allow parents to help their tots perform each school safely and successfully.
Tiny Tumbler classes are held Mondays at 10:10 a.m. and 5 p.m., Tuesdays at 10:10 a.m., Wednesdays at 10 a.m., Friday at 11:15 a.m., and Saturday at 9:30 a.m.
For a monthly fee of $50, you can attend as many of the classes as you’d like! Drop-in fee is $15.
Baby & Me
Is your baby not quite ready for the Tiny Tumbler class? Check out the Baby & Me class! For babies under one year, this free class (after a one-time $25 registration fee) is held on Fridays at 9:30.
This class helps babies strengthen their core, improve balance, and build early motor skills in a safe, colorful, and engaging environment. Watch your baby thrive through gentle movements, tactile play, and early social interaction.
Tumble Tots
The Tumble Tots is for children aged three to four and a half, and builds on the foundation from Tiny Tumblers.
In Tumble Tots, the class continues building the foundation of your child’s participation in sports while expanding their sensory and learning capabilities. Following instructions, taking turns, and learning to perform skills on their own, are all highly emphasized in the Tumble Tots classes.
Classes are held Monday through Saturday at a variety of times.
Tumble Tricks
Tot classes continue with Tumble Tricks for four to five years of age.
In Tumble Tricks, they build upon activities that encourage cooperation and increase their motivation to accomplish new skills; this leads to healthy self esteem and positive mentality.
Classes are held Monday through Saturday at a variety of times.
Western Nevada Performing Arts Center
The Western Nevada Performing Arts Center, located at 951 N. Stewart St., offers several preschool and kindergarten courses in a range of dance styles.
Pre-Ballet and Pre-Tap, also known as “baby ballet” and “baby tap” is offered to preschool children in studio which is designed to increase their confidence and express creativity while learning in a safe environment.
Primary Ballet and Primary Tap, or level one ballet and tap, is the next step up from pre-classes. They continue to “nurture learning while adding more technique” to the dance movements, while still providing opportunities to be creative and feel safe.
Jazz One and Hip Hip One students have completed pre- and primary programs, and are ready to “broaden their dance vocabulary.” This course incorporates a variety of dance styles that are seen on television programs on channels like Disney and Nickelodean.
Forever Dance Carson City
Forever Dance Carson City, located at 1923 N. Carson Street Suite no. 101, offers a number of toddler classes including Tot Ballet/Tap, Tot Tumbling/Hip Hop, and Junior Musical Theater.
Tot Ballet & Tap
In this ballet and tap combination class dancers will learn the fundamentals of dance through creative movement. These young dancers will focus on the beginning stages of dance technique, listening skills and cooperative learning skills. Age 3-5 year olds.
Tot Tumbling & Hip Hop
This class is designed to introduce basic tumbling skills such as rolls, bridges, handstands and cartwheels, as well as serving as an introduction to hip hop for the younger student. Tots will build their motor skills, confidence, and strength, along with focusing on rhythm, musicality and basic footwork.The children will be kept moving through stretching, skills courses, and games. This class is a perfect opportunity for your tot to gain independence and confidence while learning school and social skills, all while having fun! It is a great way to get kids moving! Age 3-5 year olds.
Junior Musical Theater
Children will sing along, as they dance and perform to a different song each week. This class is designed to introduce basic dance moves, while working on listening and cooperative learning skills. Your child will leave class feeling like a star!
Others in the series:
Looking for more? Check out the current Carson City Activity Guide for all winter activities in the capital city:
