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
Sometimes, the biggest achievements don`t need words.
That smile says it all. 💛
A moment ago, they were concentrating. Finding their balance. Trusting themselves. Then comes that look of pride when they realise, "I did it!"
It`s these little moments of confidence that become the foundation for everything that comes next.
Because progress isn`t always measured in giant leaps. Sometimes, it`s simply believing you can.
#ChildDevelopment #Confidence #EarlyYears #SkillsForLife #TumbleTots
👶 Did you know?
Physical activity starts from day one, and those first movements play an important role in your child`s development.
Watch the video to discover the NHS recommendations for babies and young children, and why every little movement matters. 💛
How do you keep your little one active throughout the day? Let us know in the comments!
#ChildDevelopment #EarlyYears #ParentTips #TummyTime #SkillsForLife
Turn play into a career.
Imagine running your own business while helping children build confidence, develop essential physical skills and enjoy learning through movement.
A Tumble Tots franchise gives you the opportunity to become part of one of the UK`s longest established children`s activity programmes. With over 46 years of experience, comprehensive training, ongoing Head Office support and exclusive territories available, you`ll have the foundations to build a rewarding business in your local community.
If you`ve been thinking about a career change or want to run a business with purpose, we`d love to hear from you.
Find out more:
https://www.tumbletots.com/franchising/
Progress isn`t measured in giant leaps. It`s built one step at a time.
Every child develops differently, and every milestone is worth celebrating.
At Tumble Tots, children are given the opportunity to build confidence, coordination and physical skills through progressive play. Week by week, small achievements become bigger accomplishments as children continue to challenge themselves in a fun and supportive environment.
Because lasting progress isn`t about one big moment. It`s about taking that next step.
Find your nearest centre: www.tumbletots.com/map ❤️💛
Children don`t develop through one big moment. They develop through hundreds of small ones.
At Tumble Tots, every class is carefully designed to help children grow, from their first movements to tackling bigger challenges with confidence.
It`s why families have trusted us for more than 45 years to support children`s physical development, confidence and essential skills through progressive play.
Ready to begin your child`s journey?
Find your nearest centre via the link in bio.
#TumbleTots #SkillsForLife #ChildDevelopment #LearningThroughPlay #EarlyYears
Congratulations ...
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@cvjsmith92 ! 💛
You`re our winner! Enjoy your Gloworm Festival tickets.
We hope you and your family have a fantastic weekend making some wonderful memories.
Thank you to everyone who entered.
Did you know Tumble Tots members can enjoy exclusive competitions, offers and discounts throughout the year.
"Look what I can do." ❤️💛
There are few words that make parents and carers smile more.
Behind those five words is a child who has built the confidence to try, explore and believe in themselves.
At Tumble Tots, we celebrate every achievement, whether it`s a first climb, a confident balance or a brand new skill. Because every milestone, big or small, deserves to be celebrated.
Find your nearest centre via the link in bio.
#TumbleTots #ConfidenceBuilding #ChildDevelopment #LearningThroughPlay #EarlyYears
Movement does far more than keep children active.
Regular physical activity supports balance, coordination, strength and healthy development, while also helping children build confidence, improve concentration and develop the physical skills they use every day.
That`s why movement is at the heart of every Tumble Tots session, giving children opportunities to learn, grow and thrive through progressive play. ❤️💛
Find your nearest centre via the link in bio.
#TumbleTots #ChildDevelopment #PhysicalActivity #LearningThroughPlay #EarlyYears
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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.
