Free / Low Cost Baby Groups in Gloucestershire (Cheltenham / Tewkesbury)

Finding affordable baby groups can make a huge difference during the early years. Whether you’re looking for a friendly place to meet other parents, activities to support your baby’s development, or simply something fun to do during the week, there are plenty of free and low‑cost baby groups available across Cheltenham, Tewkesbury, and Brockworth.

Aspire Foundation’s Children and Family Centres offer a wide range of sessions for babies, toddlers, and their parents or carers - and many of them are completely free. Alongside our own groups, we also share a regularly updated timetable of local activities run by external providers, helping families find what’s happening across the community.

Here’s your guide to the best free and low‑cost baby groups in the area.

1. Free Baby Groups at Aspire Children and Family Centres

Aspire Foundation runs five Children and Family Centres across Cheltenham and Tewkesbury. Each centre offers a variety of baby‑friendly sessions designed to support early development, strengthen parent‑child relationships, and help families connect with others.

⭐ Stay and Play (0–5 years)

These open‑access sessions are completely free and run across all five centres. They include:

• Sensory play

• Messy play

• Baby‑friendly activities

• Songs, stories, and early learning opportunities

• A relaxed space to meet other parents

Stay and Play is ideal for babies, toddlers, and pre-schoolers — and a great way to build confidence as a new parent.

2. Baby Hubs (Health Visiting Service)

Baby Hubs are free drop‑in sessions delivered by the Health Visiting Service at Aspire’s centres. They offer:

• Baby weighing

• Feeding advice

• Support with sleep and routines

• Guidance on early development

These sessions are perfect for new parents looking for reassurance or professional advice.

👉 Find Baby Hubs on your local centre timetable.

3. Young Parents Stay & Play (Cheltenham)

For parents and expectant parents aged 25 and under, this free group at Gardners Lane Children and Family Centre includes:

• Soft play

• Sensory room access

• Baby play areas

• Weekly crafts

• Snacks and drinks

• Support from a Family Support Worker

It’s a warm, welcoming space for young families to connect and feel supported.

4. Local Activities Timetable (External Providers)

Alongside Aspire’s own groups, families can explore a wide range of local baby activities through our Local Activities Timetable.

This schedule includes sessions run by external providers such as:

• Baby massage

• Baby yoga

• Music and movement classes

• Sensory sessions

• Community playgroups

• Library rhyme times

• Outdoor baby meet‑ups

Because these activities are run by other organisations, timings, fees, and details may change. We always recommend checking directly with the venue or organiser before attending.

👉 Browse the Local Activities Timetable

You can filter by area using the calendar 📅 icon at the top of the page.

5. Centre Timetables (Cheltenham, Tewkesbury & Brockworth)

Aspire Foundation also publishes a termly timetable for each of our five Children and Family Centres. These timetables include:

• Stay and Play sessions

• Baby Hubs

• Workshops

• Parenting courses

• Seasonal activities

• Special events

Most sessions are free or low‑cost, making them accessible to all families.

👉 View our Centre Timetables

Why Free Baby Groups Matter

Free and low‑cost baby groups offer more than just activities — they provide:

Connection: A chance to meet other parents and build friendships.

Support: Access to Family Support Workers and Health Visitors.

Development: Opportunities for babies to explore, learn, and grow.

Confidence: A safe space for parents to ask questions and share experiences.

Routine: Regular weekly sessions that help structure your week.

For many families, these groups become a lifeline during the early years.

Final Thoughts

Cheltenham, Tewkesbury, and Brockworth offer a fantastic range of free and low‑cost baby groups - and Aspire Foundation is at the heart of it. Whether you’re looking for play opportunities, support, or a friendly community, there’s something for every family.

Explore our timetables, drop into a session, or contact your nearest Children and Family Centre - we’re here to help you make the most of your baby’s early years.