I signed James up for Epworth when he was about 18 months old,. He's almost 2 1/2 now so we are moving on to preschool. It seems now I am finally able to write a long overdue review. As a stay-at-home-mom I was starting to go a bit stir-crazy being in the house and the local park each day, I felt like our week needed some structure and I found Epworth through BPN emails. We were invited to visit a session to check it out and that day I felt like we how found just what I was looking for! The playgroup meets in a room in a church that is set up as a playroom (there is no religious instruction or influence on the playgroup in case you might be wondering.) There is a climbing structure and a castle and lots of toys (especially trucks.) It is also set up with art projects, paints and drawing. The room is large, but very contained and safe, so my son could play and I could keep an eye on him without worrying he'd get hurt or get into something he shouldn't. Families take turns bringing a small snack, but everything else is provided. We both got a lot out of time there. For James it gave him an opportunity to practice sharing and turns, along with seeing the same children each week. For me, it gave me some structure to the week, and the opportunity to meet a lot of great moms (and some dads) who's children were the same age as my own. We could share a cup of coffee and talk about what stage/challenge/fun things our children were doing while they enjoyed playing. I've met some great families there that I intend to keep in touch with. We really enjoyed our time there and I am so grateful I checked it out! read more

I just moved to the E.Bay and was in search of a playgroup. I found Epworth Playgroups thru a search on Yelp. I immediately contacted the group organizer and I was off to my first play group the following Monday. I ended up taking my 10 month old nephew that day. The playroom was full of fun toys and games to keep the children busy. The moms that I met were super nice and I soon knew that I wanted to go on a regular basis. Unfortunately, my nephew wanted an earlier nap that day and we didn't stay much time. I am looking forward to going the following Monday with my son and nephew! read more

When we arrived in Berkeley, we were looking for a fun place for our daughter to socialize and play with other children her age. This playgroup has been one of our greatest discoveries that I really want to share with other families. This place is friendly, affordable, there is always a cup of coffee for moms, there is a variety of toys to make every child happy. The room is spacious and filled with light. And as a bonus, we've made friends that we see often. read more

Epworth Playgroups - Kids Activities Near Me - Berkeley, California

I am so grateful I found the Epworth Playgroups! I have participated in both the baby and toddler playgroups and both were instrumental in getting me out of the house to meet people when I had a baby and now in helping me form community as a mother of a toddler. It's also great for the babies and toddlers and allows them time to interact, socialize, learn, and develop skills for preschool (circle and snack time). The baby playgroup room is set up specifically for infants with infant toys and activities, and a large part of that group is providing a supportive space for new parents to discuss the ups and downs of being a new parent. In the toddler playgroup parents get to mingle and form friendships while the tots play with all of the wonderful toys that focus on both fine and gross motor skill development. Two big thumbs up!!! read more

We did the baby playgroup once I found out about it at the Alta Bates new parents group (also great). Once my son was old enough we switched and he loves it. I love it just as much for getting to chat with other moms while our kids play. He loves the facilitator too, Marianna is so great! It's a great format. Open play, snack time, then bubbles/clean up and circle time for songs. Lots of toys that he's excited to see once a week and we don't have to buy them and store! read more

My husband and I have been taking our son to Epworth since he was 18 months. He just turned 2. We were worried about how much socialization he was getting since my parents take care of him. Epworth has been a godsend. Our son is learning about snack time and circle time (not so good at this yet). He gets to socialize in a no pressure atmosphere and the parents that have their kids enrolled are super cool. Not too pushy and not too cold. The program fees can't be beat I almost wish they would let you go to more than one day but I guess that's not fair to other parents who do other days. The nice thing is that any of your care givers can go so the group is moms, dads, nannies and grandparents. AND if you miss a day you can make it up another day that week. OH AND AND the parents are very conscientious about taking sick kids you rarely if ever see a sick child there and if they are sick they usually get sent home so no worries about germies. (coming from a germaphobe mom). The facility is nice and the people who run it are fantastic. I can't recommend this program enough. Give it a try you wont be sorry. read more

Great idea, but just an okay experience. Mostly grannies and nannies taking the kids, definitely not a place to meet new friends as a parent. The leaders were nice, the snack time was the best part for the kids. Good selection of toys for free play time. The socializing component was the thing really lacking for my session. A couple of nice moms in there to talk to in my session. read more

This is the best activity my daughter and I have participated in since she was born. The group is so inclusive, warm and fun. We've been great toddler friends and parent/caretaker friends who we hang out with outside the group regularly. The space is safe and cozy too. Thanks Epworth! We love you! read more

We love going to the Epworth toddler playgroup! My son loves playing with toys that are different from what he has at home, and I enjoy spending time with other parents without worrying that he's going to wander off. The space is laid out well; you can have a conversation with another parent while keeping an eye on your child across the room. It's a great opportunity to socialize the little ones...and wear them out before their nap! read more

My son and I have been coming here for almost a year and it's been such a great part of our week. The facilitator, Susan, creates a very relaxed, warm atmosphere where parents can meet/chat and enjoy their own and each others' kids. Highly recommend! read more

My grandchild and I, and her family, have so enjoyed our time at Epworth! It's been a great growing experience for her, and a wonderful way for a grandma to be part of her world. Everyone involved has been so special. Susan's kindness with all the kids is wonderful to watch and our Mondays have been so much fun. It has been a terrific pre-preschool experience for my grandchild--the free play, but the more structured snack time and circle singing time made her feel like such a "big girl"! I always try to spread the word about Epworth whenever I can, and feel grateful to have discovered it. Joanne, Children's Author and Grandma read more

Before I was even pregnant with my first son, who is now 2 and a half, an Epworth "graduate" told me to join this playgroup when I finally had kids. She couldn't have given better advice; after a year and a half of being part of this special group of parents and kids, I can't speak highly enough of it. My son and I have made some wonderful friends, people who I believe will be in our lives for many years. It's a safe, easy place to let your young ones run around freely, sit and read, draw, paint, and explore, while you sit enjoying a cup of coffee and some adult conversation. Can't think of a nicer way to spend 2-hours of time on a weekday morning. read more

We attended Epworth for a year before my son started preschool. (Wish we'd known about it sooner!) We called it "Epworth School" and it was a great way for my child to learn how to play well with others but also how to sit in a group for snack and do "circle time." (There were no requirements, but he learned how it worked.) We made some good friends, got to test drive a lot of fun toys, and enjoyed the peaceful, cheery setting. Facilitator Susan really helped make the playgroup a joy. We highly recommend it! read more

Going to playgroup was a highlight of my week for the past 8 months. My son is now moving on to a preschool program, and I think this experience has prepared him well. We started going when he was about 19 months old, and I'd say 18 months-2.5 years is a good age range for the program. Although it is held in a church, the program is non-denominational, and really religion never came up. It's a great place to chat with other parents while your kids play in a safe environment. They have snack time and circle time with songs. But the best part is that I enjoyed going as much as my son, which is hard to say about most things you do with a 2-year old. It is a great social outlet, especially if you are a full- or part-time stay-at-home parent. And Susan, the woman who runs it, has a great way with kids - my son loved her. I am still in touch with some of the other moms and it was a great way to connect. read more

I can't recommend Epworth playgroup highly enough. I started taking my daughter when she was about 15 months old and she's been going for almost 2 years! Epworth provides a relaxed, warm, safe, fun environment with a ton of toys for kids to play with, as well as a great opportunity for parents to get out of the house and connect with other parents. Both my daughter and I have made some great friends through Epworth, because it's easier to make friends when you see the same group of people every week. I've seen my daughter grow from one of the youngest kids to now one of the oldest in the group, and during this time, she's learned to participate in circle time, play more independently, share toys, and feed herself during snack time. I believe it's helped her to prepare for preschool. The director, Susan, and the playgroup facilitators are wonderful people, great with kids, and supportive of parents--I've really enjoyed getting to know them. My daughter loved Epworth so much, we had her birthday party there, and again, Susan was so helpful and responsive to our needs in planning for the party. My daughter will be moving onto preschool, and we're both sad to leave this wonderful community. read more