Education through play!
Our mission is to develop children’s essential ‘Skills for Life’ and to create a positive association with physical activity at an early age, helping little ones grow up healthy and happy.
Our Story
Tumble Tots was established in 1979 by Bill Cosgrave, a British Gymnastics coach and expert in both child development and gymnastics. Driven by a vision to create a programme that supports young children’s physical, cognitive, and social development, Bill devised an engaging series of classes designed to help children build confidence, improve balance, and develop coordination – all while having fun. This simple yet innovative concept sparked a nationwide movement, and Tumble Tots has since grown into the UK’s leading provider of structured physical play for children aged 6 months to 7 years.
Over the years, Tumble Tots has earned a reputation for delivering enriching, research-backed experiences that contribute meaningfully to early childhood development. With a proven, progressive curriculum led by trained experts, our programme is now recognised as a vital part of early years education. Our mission remains clear: to help children develop the skills they need to reach their full potential while fostering a lifelong love of physical activity.
Today, Tumble Tots represents far more than just a series of classes – it’s a community for children and their families. Our franchise network stretches across the UK, with over 170 centres delivering engaging physical development activities to thousands of children each week. We are proud of our commitment to quality, child safety, and developmental excellence, ensuring that every Tumble Tots session is both educational and enjoyable.
Tumble Tots is founded, offering the UK’s first structured physical play classes for young children.
Expansion begins, with centres opening nationwide.
Recognised by child development experts and educators for our pioneering approach to early learning and physical development.
Launch of Tumble Tots Online, giving families resources to continue learning and play at home.
Introduction of new age-specific programmes to further support children's physical and social development.
Winner of the prestigious “Best National Pre-school Activity” award.
Tumble Tots celebrates 40 years of inspiring families across the UK, with over 2 million children having participated.
Franchise network expands, creating new opportunities for passionate individuals to join our mission.
Tumble Tots Wirral won the national 'Most Loved Sport or Physical Activity' award at the What's On 4 Kids National Children's Activities Awards.
Tumble Tots is named twice in the Top 100 Children’s Activity Providers by @clubhubuk.
What’s next for Tumble Tots? Watch this space...
Our Franchisees
Our network of 45 franchisees run classes in 180 centres across the UK and are fully committed to the values of our programme.
With the support of head office, they strive to provide excellent customer service ensuring that you and your little one have the best possible experience.
We are always looking to expand our franchise network, so if you want to develop your skills for life then Tumble Tots is the franchise for you!
How it works
6 Months - Walking
Perfect for babies who can sit up unaided, these sessions introduce gentle movement and sensory experiences:
- Soft mats & tummy time zones
- Sensory-rich play: textures, sounds, and lights
- Encourages crawling, rolling, and early motor skills
- Strong parent-child bonding moments
Walking - 2 Years
Ideal for toddlers on the move, these classes build coordination and confidence through:
- Providing opportunities for Tumble Tots to move more freely
- Continuing to develop their movement memory
- Encouraging early language development
- Introducing the rules of play and reinforcing learning through repetition
2 to 3 Years
This class introduces a more structured environment, with continued support from parents or carers.
- Engage with more challenging equipment
- Further confidence in physical, social and cognitive development
- Encouraged to take risks
- Build upon listening and reacting skills
3 Years to School
Our preschool programme prepares children for school and supports more independent activity. Children will:
- Be encouraged to build confidence in independent learning
- Learn to listen to and follow a sequence of instructions
- Be supported in making their own decisions
- Be challenged to develop and apply their movement memory
Gymbobs
Gymbobs is the final stage of the Tumble Tots journey, offering school-age children exciting physical challenges that build confidence, coordination, and lasting movement skills. Children will also:
- Develop an understanding of teamwork
- Improve their ability to recall and follow instructions
- Learn to collaborate with peers
- Be encouraged to contribute their own ideas
Reviews
Tumble Tots has been great for Lily, she is hyper-mobile and as such has difficulty with her balance, etc. but the change since she started has been tremendous.
My son and I love Tumble Tots! Having attended Tumble Tots in the early 90’s myself, I knew how fun the classes would be.
My son loves Tumble Tots and always gets excited when I get his t-shirt out. They have fantastic activities and a brilliant team of teachers.
What’s happening
Progress starts with the right environment.
At Tumble Tots, our specially designed equipment supports every stage of early physical development.
Every beam, barrel, tunnel and climbing frame has a purpose, helping children build balance, coordination, agility and confidence through carefully structured challenge.
As children progress through the programme, the same equipment creates new opportunities to develop greater control, independence and physical capability over time.
That is how progress is built. Through purposeful movement, repeated experience and the confidence to keep trying.
Find your nearest centre today: https://www.tumbletots.com/map
#TumbleTots #EarlyYearsDevelopment #ChildDevelopment #LearningThroughPlay #ToddlerActivities
We cannot believe it has already been nearly two weeks since TOTFest at Wetherby Racecourse… how time flies.
It was fantastic meeting so many families and seeing so many little ones enjoying the Tumble Tots activities.
Did you spot us there?
If you missed it, there is still time to come and see us at TOTFest Kempton Park on 20th June. We cannot wait to bring the fun again and meet even more families for a day packed with movement, play and adventure.
Will we see you there?
#TumbleTots #TOTFest #ToddlerActivities #FamilyFun #LearningThroughPlay
Ready for the next term of adventures 💛❤️
Across our centres, so many little ones have grown in confidence last term, building new skills and developing greater independence through every session.
Now, as classes prepare to return, it is time for new challenges, new milestones and more proud moments ahead.
Sometimes progress looks like mastering a new skill. Sometimes it looks as simple as arriving ready and excited for class.
Every stage matters, and every journey continues.
We cannot wait to welcome families back for another term of movement, confidence building and development.
#TumbleTots #ChildDevelopment #EarlyYearsDevelopment #LearningThroughPlay #ConfidenceBuilding
This stage marks an important shift in development.
For the first time in the Tumble Tots programme, children begin participating independently, without parent or guardian support during class.
This change creates valuable opportunities for children to build confidence in their own decision making, develop greater focus and trust their abilities as they navigate challenge independently.
As physical skills continue to progress, so does emotional confidence, helping children develop the resilience and self belief that supports future learning.
#TumbleTots #EarlyYearsDevelopment #SchoolReadiness #ChildDevelopment #LearningThroughPlay
Please join us in welcoming Rachel, who joins us as the new franchisee for Chelmsford.💛
As our network continues to grow, we are proud to support passionate franchisees who are committed to helping children build confidence, coordination and essential life skills through movement and active play.
Welcome to the Tumble Tots family 💛❤️
Come and say Hi to @tumbletotschelmsford
#TumbleTots #FranchiseNetwork #EarlyYearsDevelopment #LearningThroughPlay #ChildDevelopment
From those early Walking to 2 Years sessions to their next big adventure, every stage of the journey matters ⭐
Over time, children grow in confidence, independence and physical ability through the small moments that build week by week. What begins as early exploration gradually becomes greater confidence in themselves and the world around them.
We are proud to have been part of Isabella’s journey and wish her every success in the exciting stage ahead 💛❤️
Photo Credit: Mid Cheshire
#TumbleTots #ChildDevelopment #SchoolReadiness #EarlyYearsDevelopment #LearningThroughPlay
Many early physical skills develop together, not separately.
When children climb, balance, hang and move through different challenges, they are building far more than confidence alone.
Grip development supports control and stability. Core strength helps children balance and coordinate movement. Vestibular development supports spatial awareness and body control, while upper body strength plays an important role in posture and physical independence.
Alongside the physical benefits, children are also learning trust in their own abilities through repeated movement experiences and achievable challenges.
This is why movement based learning plays such an important role in early childhood development.
#TumbleTots #EarlyYearsDevelopment #ChildDevelopment #LearningThroughPlay #ToddlerActivities
Bookings for next term are now open ⭐
As many of our franchisees take a well earned break for May half term, now is the perfect time to secure your place for the new term ahead.
Across the Tumble Tots network, children continue building confidence, coordination and essential life skills through structured physical play designed for every stage of early development.
Find your nearest centre and join us next term: https://www.tumbletots.com/map
#TumbleTots #ToddlerActivities #EarlyYearsDevelopment #ChildDevelopment #LearningThroughPlay
Online Shop Promotion – 20% OFF
The Spring Bank Holiday is almost here so to celebrate we're offering 20% OFF when you use the code 'SBH' at the checkout. Don't miss out on some amazing savings across a variety of products, including the Sort & Learn Magnetic Puzzles – Colours or Shapes, the...
TOTFest Wetherby 2026 | Tumble Tots Family Festival
Last weekend, we had the most brilliant time at TOTFest in Wetherby, and we are still buzzing from the incredible atmosphere, the laughter of little ones, and the warmth of so many wonderful families who came along to join in the fun. With more than 5,000 tickets...
Right Start Online: New in May
It's the month of May and we've got some practical advice on how to deal with screen time following the government's advice for children under 5 in our new feature 'Screened out'. Plus advice on how to tackle difficult news topics in 'Big news, little ears'. If you've...
Our awards and partners
Tumble Tots are proud to be recognised by prestigious industry awards and trusted by leading partners in early childhood development, ensuring we provide top-quality programmes that help your child grow socially, physically, and cognitively.
