Every parent wants to take a class from time to time with the kids. They help you bond and create together, and allows you to meet other like-minded parents of similarly aged kids, which can be a real sanity saver. But for working parents, it can be tough to find a class that fits your weekends-only time frame. These great classes are not only on the weekends, they’re all also drop-in, so you don’t have to lock up every single precious Saturday morning.
                                                         photo credit: lifeizphotography
Wondertree Kids
Wondertree Kids offers drop-in classes that are not only fun but also educational. Their most popular class is Music and Sign, which teaches parents the basics of American Sign Language and encourages babies to start signing at an early age. This class is offered during the week and on the weekends. The class starts for little ones as young as six months and goes up to 20 months. There’s also Music & Movement for kids of all ages. The class incorporates singing, dancing, movement games and instruments. They just ask you call two hours before you plan to go to a class in order to make sure it’s not full. And your first class is free.
710-A Allied Way
El Segundo
Phone: 310-535-000
Online: wondertreekids.com
                                              photo credit: Orit Harpaz
Play
Is your kid in the mood to make a mess? If he or she is a toddler we’re guessing the answer is yes. Well, then Play offers the perfect drop in class for you. It’s a parent-and-child painting class that is actually called Messy Art for kids from toddler-age to five. All materials, as well as smocks for kids and adults, are provided. Play does a great job creating an easy and fun space for parents and their kids to paint together. Your little ones can create a masterpieces and you don’t end up spending the rest of your day wiping paint off your kitchen walls! The cost is $12 per child. Class is Saturdays from 10:45 a.m.-noon, and it’s also offered at the same time on Monday, Tuesday and Friday, in case you ever play hooky.
5814 West Third St.
Phone: 323-988-1189
Online: play-losangeles.com
photo credit: Lovebug & Me Music
Lovebug & Me Music
These interactive music and movement classes are 45 minutes once a week and are for kids 0-4 years old. They offer different classes in 8 week blocks, and the topics range from Rainbows and Raindrops to Around the World to bilingual classes in Spanish or Hebrew. All their classes have an integrated, holistic approach that teaches babies and toddlers alike an appreciation for music while enhancing brain development, listening, communication, reasoning, social, and motor skills. Whew! LoveBug & Me Music has a drop in option where you can come as often or as little as you like for $25 a class. Grownups are free, and additional siblings are $10. Just mention that you’re interested in the drop-in option when you call to reserve a class.
They offer classes at locations all over LA, so you don’t have to drive too far to find the one that’s right for you. Right now weekend classes are offered at Books & Cookies in Santa Monica, Wallaby in Silverlake and The Cradle Company in Pasadena. Check the website for times and locations.
Phone: 323-422-7300
Online: lovebugandme.com
                                                           photo credit: A Magic Forest
A Magic Forest
This Waldorf-inspired play space, toy store and café is a warm and friendly environment for babies and young children. It boasts a cool wood playhouse as well as toys made from wood, wool, silk, cotton, and other natural fibers. Drop-in play is $10 and is offered during the week and after 2 p.m. on the weekends. So here, you don’t have to take a class, you can just play and explore whenever it strikes your fancy, unlike many play spots that close for parties all weekend long.
12512 W. Washington Blvd.
Phone: 310-397-9400
Online: amagicforestculvercity.com
Purple Twig
On Saturdays from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Purple Twig offers Open Studio where anyone can simply drop in and begin creating. The projects and materials change each month but can range from clay to sculptures to weaving. The cost is $15 per child and you can stay as long as you like. They even suggest bringing a snack or ordering in lunch from a nearby restaurant so you and your kids can spend the whole day creating art and special memories. One of the things we love most about this option is that the art projects are appropriate for all levels, so you can start bringing your kids here weekends in preschool, and continue the tradition all the way through elementary school.
2038 Colorado Blvd.
Phone: 323-254-8944
Online: purpletwig.com
Do you have other tips and tricks for great weekend activities or classes for working parents? We’d love to hear them in the comment section!
—Mia McNiece
