Active Studios NYC

Yoga and Mindfulness NYC | Kids Yoga for Ages 3 – 4 on the Upper East Side

Kids Yoga and mindfulness
Parents and toddlers in a Yoga and Mindfulness class at our Upper East Side facility.

This fun-filled class combines yoga poses, music, games, and breath-work to build focus, concentration, strength, and confidence. Children will learn how to calm their own bodies through various breathing exercises. The class ends with “Peace Time”, a final moment of relaxation, allowing children to experience a sense of calm and grounding.

Instructor: Michelle Valentine 

Michelle Valentine

Michelle Valentine has been teaching yoga to children since 2012. She is the co-founder of Budding Buddhas Kids Yoga in Westchester County. During her years as a preschool teacher, she began to recognize the positive impact yoga and breath-work were having on her preschool students. She decided to leave the classroom and pursue teaching children’s yoga full-time. While she loved working with children in the classroom, teaching children’s yoga has become her passion. She is now teaching full-time in New York City.

Your child’s first class is free. No commitment, no equipment needed — just bring your toddler ready to move, learn, and have fun.

Kids Yoga NYC: Benefits of Our Toddler Yoga & Mindfulness Classes

Our playful, age-appropriate classes offer a wide range of physical, emotional, and developmental benefits for young children. Here’s what your toddler can expect when they join us:

Will my child build strength and coordination?

Yes. Animal poses, balancing, and playful movement help toddlers develop gross motor skills, core strength, and body awareness in a way that feels like play rather than exercise.

Can yoga help my child focus and concentrate?

Absolutely. Following along with poses, songs, and simple sequences gently builds attention span and listening skills—valuable groundwork for preschool and kindergarten readiness.

Will this help my child stay calm and self-regulate?

Breath-work and our closing “Peace Time” give children simple tools to settle big feelings and calm their own bodies—skills they can carry home and use every day.

Is toddler yoga good for confidence?

Yes. Every pose your child tries and every game they join builds a real sense of accomplishment and self-esteem, all in a warm, encouraging environment.

Will my child improve balance and flexibility?

Gentle stretching and balancing poses naturally improve flexibility, stability, and posture while keeping little bodies moving and having fun.

Does it support social and emotional growth?

Sharing space, taking turns, and moving together help toddlers practice cooperation, patience, and connection alongside other children their age.

What does my child need to wear?

Just comfortable clothing your child can move in—leggings, a t-shirt, or sweatpants. Bare feet are perfect. No equipment needed.

A Class for Everyone

This class is thoughtfully designed to meet the needs of every young child, regardless of experience or temperament. No prior knowledge is required. Every session includes playful, step-by-step guidance so each toddler can participate fully, safely, and at their own pace.

Whether your child is bursting with energy or a little shy, they’ll find this practice as joyful as it is calming.

Your Child’s First Yoga Class is Free — No Commitment Necessary

There’s no better way to see the benefits than to experience a class for yourself. That’s why we offer a free trial class for all new families. It’s your child’s chance to move, breathe, and play—and your chance to see how much they enjoy it.

Located conveniently in Yorkville on the Upper East Side, our studio is a warm, welcoming space where toddlers can explore movement and mindfulness while parents watch them grow more focused and confident.

Sign up now for a free trial and discover how Yoga and Mindfulness can support your child’s focus, confidence, and calm.

Move. Breathe. Grow.

Our Toddler Yoga and Mindfulness classes blend yoga poses, music, games, and breath-work into a fun-filled experience designed just for ages 3 to 4. Under Michelle Valentine’s guidance, your child learns each pose and breathing exercise step by step, building focus, strength, and self-regulation without any pressure to keep up. Whether you’re drawn to yoga for your child’s coordination, calm, or confidence, our Upper East Side studio gives them a joyful, supportive foundation.

Walking into a new class can feel like a big step—so here’s what your child’s first Yoga and Mindfulness class in our Yorkville studio looks like. You’ll arrive a few minutes early, meet Michelle Valentine, and settle into a bright, welcoming space. The class opens with playful warm-ups and animal poses, moves through songs and games that build focus and coordination, and ends with “Peace Time”—a calm moment of relaxation and grounding. There’s no pressure; every child participates at their own comfort level, and a parent or caregiver is welcome on the mat. No experience and no special equipment required.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do we need any experience to start toddler yoga?

No experience is needed. Our Upper East Side classes welcome complete beginners, and Michelle Valentine guides each child at a pace that’s comfortable for them. There’s a place for every toddler, whatever their temperament or energy level.

Is my child’s first yoga class really free?

Yes. Your child’s first class is a free trial with no commitment necessary, so you can experience the class and meet the instructor before deciding to continue.

What should my child wear to class?

Wear comfortable, loose-fitting clothing your child can move freely in, such as leggings or sweatpants and a t-shirt. Bare feet are best, and no special equipment is required.

Who teaches the toddler yoga classes?

Classes are led by Michelle Valentine, an experienced children’s yoga instructor who has been teaching yoga to kids since 2012 and works gently with toddlers to build focus, calm, and confidence.

Do parents need to stay during class?

Yes—for our youngest students, a parent or caregiver is welcome to join their child on the mat. This helps toddlers feel safe and supported as they settle into a fun, structured class.

Where are the classes held?

Classes take place at our studio at 1521 York Avenue on the Upper East Side (Yorkville), New York City. See our schedule for current class times.

What are the benefits of toddler yoga and mindfulness?

Regular practice builds strength, coordination, and body awareness while helping children improve focus, calm big feelings, and grow their confidence—all through playful movement and breathing.

How long is each class?

Classes are kept short and engaging to match a toddler’s attention span, ending with a calming “Peace Time” so children leave feeling grounded and happy.

How much do classes cost?

We offer flexible options including class packs and memberships. Visit our schedule or contact the studio for current pricing details.

Are there toddler yoga classes near me on the Upper East Side?

Yes. Our studio is at 1521 York Ave in Yorkville, easily reached from Lenox Hill, Carnegie Hill, and the surrounding Upper East Side. If you’ve searched for “toddler yoga near me” in the 10028 area, we’re likely just a short walk away.