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
☀️ As the Tumble Tots year comes to an end, we’re looking back on another fantastic year of fun, movement and learning through play. ❤️💛
Across the UK, families have joined us each week to explore new challenges, build confidence and enjoy the Tumble Tots journey together.
As we head into the summer break, some centres may be running special Summer Classes, while others will return in September.
Please check with your local Tumble Tots franchise for their upcoming plans.
Find your nearest centre via the link in bio.
#TumbleTots #LearningThroughPlay #ChildDevelopment #EarlyYears
🌈 Looking for your next family fundraising adventure?
Why not take part in the Rainbow Quest for our favourite charity, @tommys
This August, children can walk, scoot, crawl or ride in a buggy over a distance of their choice while spotting all 7 colours of the rainbow. Dress in your brightest outfits, enjoy time together outdoors, and raise vital funds to help Tommy`s make pregnancy and birth safer for everyone.
Suitable for children of all ages
Fun activity pack and free downloads
Raise over £100 and you’ll get a brilliant Rainbow Quest bucket hat
Every pound raised helps Tommy`s support even more families and even more fund life-changing research.
Sign up today and start your colourful Rainbow Quest adventure: https://rainbowquest.tommys.org/
We`ll be heading to TOTFest Berkshire at Royal Windsor Racecourse on 18th July, and we can`t wait to see you there. ❤️💛
If you`re coming along, make sure you stop by and say hello, meet the Tumble Tots team and have a go at some of our favourite activities.
It`s the final TOTFest of the year, so don`t miss your chance to join in the fun!
Will we see you there? 👋
#TumbleTots #TOTFest #Berkshire #FamilyFestival #ToddlerActivities #LearningThroughPlay
In 1979, Bill Cosgrave founded Tumble Tots with a simple but powerful belief: that movement has the power to shape a child`s future.
More than four decades later, that belief continues to inspire every class delivered across our network. Every climb, balance, jump and challenge is part of a programme designed to help children develop confidence, physical skills and a lifelong love of movement.
While Tumble Tots has grown over the years, our purpose has remained the same: helping children build skills for life through active play. ❤️💛
#TumbleTots #Since1979 #LearningThroughPlay #ChildDevelopment #EarlyYears
The 3 Years–School Age class marks one of the biggest milestones in the Tumble Tots journey.
As children take part in sessions independently, they begin putting together everything they`ve learned in the earlier stages of the programme. Physical skills continue to develop, while listening, problem solving and confidence become just as important.
Taking on new challenges without a parent or guardian by their side gives children the opportunity to make decisions, follow instructions and celebrate their own achievements in a safe and supportive environment.
It is another important step towards building skills for life. ❤️💛
Find your nearest centre via the link in bio.
#TumbleTots #ChildDevelopment #LearningThroughPlay #EarlyYears #SchoolReadiness
Being part of Tumble Tots comes with a little something extra.💛
Our Member Offers hub is home to a range of exclusive competitions, giveaways, discounts and family treats that are updated throughout the year.
Whether it`s the chance to win fantastic prizes or discover offers from brands families love, there`s always something new to explore.
Take a look at the latest offers and don`t forget to check back regularly, as new opportunities are added throughout the year.
Visit: https://bit.ly/45zcio0
Terms and conditions apply.
After 20 years with @tumbletotsnottm , Vicky is retiring, having made a lasting impact on countless children and families throughout her time with the programme.
For two decades, Vicky`s enthusiasm, kindness and dedication have helped children build confidence, develop new skills and discover the joy of movement. Her warmth and encouragement have created memories that will stay with many families for years to come.
Thank you, Vicky, for everything you have contributed to the Tumble Tots family. We wish you every happiness and adventure in your retirement. ❤️💛
#TumbleTots #FranchiseNetwork #Community #ChildDevelopment #LearningThroughPlay
eing part of Tumble Tots comes with a few extra surprises. ❤️💛
Every month, all active Tumble Tots members are automatically entered into our Members` Prize Draw, with one lucky winner receiving a fantastic bundle of Tumble Tots goodies worth over £70.
This month`s prize bundle includes:
⭐ Springboard with Feet and Ball
⭐ Tumble Tots at Home Ultimate Pack
⭐ Tumble Tots Gift Card
⭐ Caterpillar Tunnel
⭐ Ten Little Fingers
Even if you`re not currently attending classes, you`ll still be entered as long as your annual membership is active and you`re subscribed to communications.
Previously unsubscribed? You can update your preferences here:
www.tumbletots.net/subscribe.php
Didn`t win this month? Don`t worry! Active members remain in future draws, and previous winners are removed to give everyone a fair chance.
#TumbleTots #MemberBenefits #FamilyActivities #LearningThroughPlay #EarlyYears
Right Start Online: New in July
🌻Summer is most definitely here and the sun’s out, so this month our fantastic Get gardening feature will give you lots of easy gardening ideas to explore as a family over the holidays. And if sleep is an issue then we have some great tips in Perchance to sleep! Our...
Online Shop Promotion – 20% OFF
Make the most of the warmer weather and enjoy playing outside with 20% OFF Outdoor Toys. We have lots of great outdoor toys to choose from and have recently added some new items including the TP Little Chef Wooden Mud Kitchen, Zoomee Balance Bike to Trike and...
Right Start Online: New in June
June is here and so is the start of the summer term! If your attention is turning towards the summer holidays then check out our consumer feature 'Happy travels!' for great on-the-go toy suggestions. Our key features focus on overcoming your phobias and looking after...
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.
