early
childhood
HELENA Activities for Toddlers and Parents
Finding activities for toddlers can be tricky. Sports, camps and classes are often reserved for children ages 3 and above or are riddled with big kids unaware of the tiny humans underfoot. Luckily, Montana Parent has sleuthed out some of the most toddler-friendly activities in Helena. Every parent’s goal is to wear children down with fun and educational activities, and to tire them out so they can’t fight nap or bedtime. Let your child burn off energy by taking them to toddler hour at the Flying Giant Trampoline Park. Toddler hour is on Thursdays from 10–11 a.m. and is a perfect way to meet other families with kids the same age. Besides toddler networking, you and your kid can jump together on a variety of different foam pits, trampolines and climbing walls. The cost is $11, including one child and one parent. Can’t make toddler hour? They offer the toddler-friendly soft play park that was specifically built for children ages 6 and under.
Just outside of the library is one of the best toddler parks in Helena. Make a day of it and picnic at Anchor Park, followed by playtime inside the fenced playground. Bonus activity: End the afternoon by doing a nature walk down the Walking Mall (race twigs down the streams, find pinecones, cool leaves and more), take a make-believe trip on the trolley and end with an ice cream cone from the Big Dipper.
Ç The Lewis and Clark Library
recently finished their renovations and are back open to the public. The new kids’ area is jam-packed with things to do. While the 3D printer may be a little advanced, the play kitchen, reading cubby holes and fun chairs will spark your child’s imagination. In addition to being a great place to hang out (with a coffee shop), the library offers FREE classes a few times a week.
» Books & Babies is a program designed for babies from birth through 18 months. This 20-minute session is structured around songs, lap rhymes, fingerplays and stories.
Ç Cherry Park is hands down the
best toddler park in Helena. This play area offers two toddlerfriendly zip lines, musical instruments and equipment sized appropriately for children ages 5 and under.
» Toddler Tales is for kiddos 18
months to 3 years old. Your tot will spend a half-hour dancing, singing, rhyming and reading. Activities in this class are designed to help toddlers acquire fundamental knowledge such as shapes, numbers, colors and more.
» Preschool Story Time is
interactive and geared toward children ages 3 to 6 and is an energetic class that brings out the lifelong learner in all of us. Your child will have a great time and get to take home a craft for later. Win-win. Visit lclibrary.org/ to find times and classes. Siblings are allowed to attend classes, so it’s perfect for families with multiple children.
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Ç Montana Wild is located on
the 5-acres overlooking Spring Meadow Lake State Park. The education center has something to do for all ages. The Montana Wild staff will take the time to teach little ones about Montana’s wild animal population and, more often than not, always has a handson craft or exhibit to participate in. They offer monthly classes, including bat walks around the lake and more. Learn more at fwp. mt.gov/education/montana-wild. september 2021
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