It happens every year. The big kids get backpacks, lunch boxes, school supplies and head off on the big yellow bus (or carpool) to their first day of school, while the little brothers and sisters still in preschool are left behind for another couple of weeks before it’s their turn. What to do in the meantime, you might wonder? Check out these awesome preschool camps available during the in-between time of big kid and preschool first days of school, below.
For your tumblers, gymnasts, and future cheerleaders, the Peach Pit—now with two locations—offers half-day camps for the first two weeks of August, and Mother's Morning Out (drop off) picks back up from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. on August 2. If you're looking for something to do with your preschooler, you can head to the Peach Pit from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. beginning August 2 for Toddler Time, when you stay and play with your child.
The Peach Pit Prado
5600 Roswell Road, Suite K140
Atlanta, Georgia 30342
404.242.6211
The Peach Pit Collier Rd
1019B Collier Road & 1017F Collier Rd
Atlanta, Georgia 30318
404.697.3697
Online:peachpitgym.com
Dunwoody Nature Center
iStock
Nothing captures the attention of the youngest campers (ages 3 & 4) more than finding a really cool bug or watching a beautiful butterfly flutter through a pollinator garden. Campers will explore and discover the world of bugs and butterflies as they play games, take hikes, and make cool crafts. Or, on the Nocturnal Nature week, young campers learn through games and hands-on activities how it feels to be a creature of the night.
5343 Roberts Dr.
Dunwoody, GA 30338
770-394-3322
Online: dunwoodynature.org
Camp Kingfisher
iStock
Camp Kingfisher at the Chattahoochee Nature Center is an outdoorsy and nature-based camp that offers hiking, canoeing, swimming, and the beauty of nature and wildlife through hands-on experiences. Activities and themes vary by week, and they've just added an additional week of camp from August 2-6, with campers as young a 4 years old welcome to join in the fun.
9135 Willeo Rd.
Roswell, GA 30075
770-992-2055
Online:
5 Star Sports Camp
iStock
At The Gym at Peachtree Presbyterian, a 5 Star Sports Camp for kids as young as 4 focuses on sports and games. Campers will participate in drills, games and more to prepare them to excel in early sports. They'll play classic and new camp games, which require teamwork and foster creative learning.
The Gym at Peachtree
3434 Roswell Rd.
Atlanta, GA 30305
404-842-5852
Online:peachtreegym.com
Looking for an eco-friendly, space-saving solution to regular Tupperware? Stojo, the wildly popular portable storage solution company, just dropped its line of bowls, cups and mugs at Target. They’re great for travel, meal prep, or summer camp!
We love the 12-ounce collapsible cup with the straw at only $12.99. It holds hot or cold beverages, it’s dishwasher safe and it’s BPA free. You can also snag the 16-ounce travel mug with a straw for five more dollars! Finally, there’s a 20-ounce water bottle that’s perfect for the gym, complete with a tether attachment.
For food storage options, snag the sandwich box, which holds up to three cups of any hot or cold food. It’s also only $12.99 and collapses almost flat. Finally, the salad bowl can store up to 36 ounces for $17.99. Both have snap-on lids for an airtight seal and they’re nestable for compact storage.
All of the new products come in four colors: carnation, cashmere, denim and a signature new aquamarine. Even better? Stojo is designed by dads who wanted to do better for the planet and their kids. A stylish, practical way to make the earth a better place!
No time to hit the gym with the kids out of school for the summer? No problem! We’ve got a full-body workout at the playground. From park-bench dips to swing planks, there’s nothing like working out at the playground with the kids right in your line of sight! All moves can be modified to fit your fitness level, mama, and best of all, it’s free! Read on for our expert tips.
Plan the Workout
Colby Lindeman
Before lacing up and hitting the playground, it’s important to prep your workout. We asked Colby Lindeman, mom of two, physical trainer, and owner of Fit by Nature SLO, how long and how many circuits will do the trick. Check out her tips and a few favorite moves below.
Intervals are awesome because they work for any level of fitness—from beginners to pros. For beginners, opt for 30 seconds of work and 15 seconds rest, then either jump to the next exercise or repeat before moving on. If a challenge is needed, ramp it up to 45 seconds of work and 15 seconds rest. For a super-charged workout, try the Super Setting: alternate between two exercises, two times each for 45 seconds work, 15 seconds rest. Complete the full circuit two or three times depending on fitness level.
One of the coolest things about a playground circuit is the ability to mix it up and change the sequence whenever you need a challenge. Feel like doing more sprints? Go for it! Too many kids on the slide? Focus on your upper body instead! The flexibility is perfect for parents. The moves below can be arranged in any way, on any day.
Rope Climb: Biceps, Shoulders, Quads, Core
Stella Spagnello
Rope climbing is super popular in CrossFit; it really is a total body workout. If you see one, take the opportunity to climb up, jump down, climb up, and jump down for the interval time. This also works with a climbing bar, which you’ll find at most playgrounds.
Playground Kicks: Glutes Lift
Sonia Gandiaga
Start on a tabletop position and then lift one leg up at a ninety-degree angle, kick it up 20 times, and then alternate the other leg. For extra added difficulty, extend the opposite arm and work that balance and core strength!
Park Bench Dips: Triceps
Gabby Cullen
This move is a classic because it’s effective and can be done just about anywhere. Face outwards from the bench while keeping your knees at a 90-degree angle and arms straight; dip down until arms are parallel to the ground, then return to the starting position keeping your back straight and core tight; repeat for the allotted interval.
Bench Step-Ups: Cardio Blast
Sonia Gandiaga
Alternate legs as you climb up and down a bench. Continue moving along the bench as you alternate the climbs, and when you reach the end move along the opposite way.
Monkey Bar Crunch: Abs and Arms
Stacey Blackstone
Not only will you be using major upper-body strength hanging on the monkey bars, but your midriff will get in on the action too. After pulling your legs up from the ground, use your abs to bring your knees as close to your chest as possible before lowering your legs to slightly touch the ground. Lift and lower for the entire workout interval.
Swing Planks (optional alternating legs): Core
Sonia Gandiaga
There are several ways to do a swing plank. One option is to rest forearms on the swing with legs stretched out in a V, which provides more stability. Another option is to have legs in the swing seat, arms out on the ground in a pushup position, which allows for swing pikes and other core moves. A final, more challenging option is to keep arms in the swing seat and legs as straight as possible in the plank position for the entire interval. To add a little extra challenge, alternate legs as you keep the plank position and your core engaged.
Slide Climb: Biceps, Shoulders, Quads, Hamstrings
Stacey Blackstone
This move is best left for an early morning visit to the park when there aren’t a lot of little kids around! Firmly grab the side of the slide, then step by step, climb up to the top; this helps build agility as well as gives the shoulders, thighs, and core a great workout.
Playground Side Plank: Core, Glutes
Sonia Gandiaga
Another super effective move to work your core muscles is the side plank. You can start with your right knee down, right forearm on the floor and left arm extended towards the sky and hold for 15-20 seconds (and then the opposite arm and leg). When you are ready to lift both legs, you can stack the ankles, or if it’s a little easier you can also try to move your top foot in front of the back like in the picture above.
Playground Push-Ups: Chest, Shoulders, Triceps
Gabby Cullen
Start with arms out, keeping the body straight and weight on your toes, then bend elbows until your arms have hit a 90-degree angle, and then return to starting position. Repeat until the rest period.
Slide Lunges: Quads, Glutes
Stella Spagnello
Start with one foot balanced at the bottom of the slide. Place hands on your hips and bend your front leg until your knee has reached a 90-degree angle (don’t let knee stick out past toes), then slowly straighten your leg and return to starting position; continue movement until rest period. This move is great for your backside and legs, but be sure to keep an eye out for kiddos wanting to take their turn on the equipment.
Playground Wide Lunges: Quads, Glutes & Abs
Sonia Gandiaga
Wide lunges are great to build up core strength, and at the same time work out your quads and glutes. There are many variations like stepping on your tippy-toes as you move up and down or moving sideways to add some cardio and extra sweat to the routine (and make the most out of your time).
Park Perimeter Sprints: Cardio Burst
Gabby Cullen
This move is an easy cardio burst that’ll boost calorie burn. Simply sprint around the perimeter of the playground or to a designated spot and back for the duration of the interval.
Monkey Bar Legs Up & Down: Core Super Burn
Sonia Gandiaga
Grab onto the monkey bars and lift your legs to a 90-degree angle. Then move both legs at the same time down and back up again or alternate legs and even add a little twist to strengthen the side of your abs. It’s harder than it looks!
Swinging Criss Cross: Core
Sit on the swing, then lean back to a 45-degree angle. With your legs tight and toes pointed open legs to a V position, then criss-cross back and forth, calf over calf, while attempting to keep the swing as still as possible.
If your little ones are swinging from the rafters these days, going to the park might not be enough to burn off all that energy. Check out these obstacle and rope courses around DC, where your wild adventurers can get their wiggles out in the air or on the ground. Whether they’re traipsing on bridges, swinging free through the air, or climbing walls (literally!), these courses have something for everyone and plenty of adrenaline to go around.
Adventure Park USA
Adventure Park USA
Make it a full day of adventure by heading to Adventure Park USA’s Hang ‘Em High Ropes Course. Hang out 13 feet above the ground to navigate this fun and challenging mid-air adventure perfect for anyone at least 40-inches tall. After you’ve had your fill of aerial adventures, take off your safety harness and enjoy some of their other adventures, like the go-karts or the rock wall.
Cost: $8 for the ropes course only; $25-100 for a fun pass that gives you the rope course and other adventures Where: 11113 W. Baldwin Rd, Monrovia, MD Online: adventureparkusa.com
The St. James
The St. James
This Springfield-based gym has a health club with fitness classes, racquetball courts, indoor sports fields and courts, ice rinks, an Olympic-size pool, a water park – and so on. But this is focusing on obstacle courses, so we’ll put on blinders here and head straight for the 30,000-square-foot area that has trampolines, a Nerf battle zone, a ropes course, colorful climbing structures and, of course, a Ninja Warrior Course. The biggest challenge may be tearing yourself away.
Cost: $13/one hour for nonmembers, $23/two hours Where: 6805 Industrial Rd., Springfield, VA Online: superawesomeandamazing.com
Summit Ropes
Summit Ropes
The largest indoor ropes course in the United States boasts 16,550 square feet of courses split into a Kids Course for ages 4-9 and the Main Course for ages 7 & up. Guests wear a full-body harness and use a smart belay system so climbers can go it alone or with a partner. The course uses via ferrata, a steel cable that runs along the route and is attached to the rock every 3.3-32.8 feet.
Insider tip: Reservations are required at this time. If you make a reservation and are a no-show, you will be charged the full amount for the booking.
Cost: Ages 7 & up - $29.50 (1hr), $48 (2hr) Ages 4-6 (combo with adult) - $47 (1hr), $65 (2hr)
Where: 44810 Old Ox Rd., Sterling, VA Online: summitropes.com
SkyZone
SkyZone
Children and adults can test their skills on a variety of equipment, such as the Ninja Warrior Course (open to ages 6 and up), which tests balance, strength and speed; rock walls, warp walls of varying height and difficulty; trampolines (open to anyone who can walk); and dodgeball. A main attraction is the Ropes Course (for anyone 48 inches and taller), which is suspended above the facility’s floor and requires a harness to use. Check the website for special events like Glow ($25/person ages 6 and up) on Friday and Saturday from 8-11 p.m. and Toddler Time ($10/child 5 and younger) on Tuesday-Thursday, 9:30-11 a.m.
Cost: Prices vary by location Where: 21070 Southbank St. Sterling, VA; 5325 Port Royal Rd., Springfield, VA; 7807 Sudley Rd., Manassas, VA; 15813 Gaither Dr., Gaithersburg, MD Online: skyzone.com
ZavaZone
ZavaZone
With three adventure zones to choose from, there’s something for every goal, whether it’s scaling a warp wall, reaching new heights on a giant trampoline, winning a balance battle or swinging through the challenges of the high ropes course set about 20 feet off the floor. And if you’re tired from all that obstacle-crushing, take the 40-foot zip line from one high platform to another. The height requirement for the high ropes course and zip line is 52 inches, and the overall age recommendation is at least 5 years.
Cost: $19.50/one-hour ticket to $34/two-hour ticket Where: 40 Southlawn Ct., Rockville, MD (reopening June 11, 2021); 45685 Oakbrook Ct., Sterling, VA Online: zavazone.com
NOVA Ninja
Situated at CrossFit Loudoun, which is owned by a former “American Ninja Warrior” contestant, this gym has classes and drop-ins to suit every schedule. New is a weekly Family Ninja Night on Saturdays from 6:15-7:15 p.m. ($20/family). Youth programs are available for children as young as 5. The Ninja 101 class takes kids through seven obstacles, including rope swings, balance tanks and a ring row.
Cost: Contact for pricing Where: 21531 Blackwood Ct., Sterling, VA Online: novaninja.com
Go Ape!
Go Ape
When the kids start bouncing off the walls, it may be time to take to the trees. These obstacle courses in Springfield and Rockville take climbers to new heights. The Go Ape Treetop Journey is a good way to whet your appetite for high-ropes courses. During the hourlong trek, you’ll conquer 20 obstacles and two zip lines. For the more daring – and slightly older set – try Go Ape Treetop Adventure, which takes two-three hours to complete and sits higher in the tree canopy. The minimum height for either is 4 feet 7 inches. Note that these are open seasonally. Both locations reopen March 28.
Insider tip: They’ve discontinued the use of cash and only accept card payments due to Covid.
Cost: $37.95/ages (1hr); $64.95/16 & up or $54.95/15 & under (3hr) Where: 7550 Reservation Dr., Springfield, VA; 6129 Needwood Lake Dr., Derwood, MD Online: goape.com
Terrapin Adventures
With several options to choose from, it’s pretty tough to not find something challenging – in a good way. The ultimate is the Terrapin Challenge (open to kiddos 8 & up who are at least 4 feet tall and 70 pounds). It covers all 34 obstacles, including the Zip Line, Giant Swing, 43-foot Climbing Tower, Terrapin Flier and High Ropes Challenge Course. Or tackle just one or two of those. The 450-foot Zip Line starts 30 feet above ground and riders can reach speeds of 20 mph as they sail down. Take a ride on the Giant Swing – after you scale a 4-foot-high scaffolding. The company’s patented winch system pulls guests back and up almost 40 feet in the air before they release the swing and enjoy 2 G’s of force as they swing back and forth. The Climbing Tower – a rock wall – has 12 routes to the top with varying degrees of difficulty. Ever want to free fall 40 feet? You can here – safely. And no obstacle course would be complete without a high ropes course. This one has 18 challenges and reaches 40 feet into the treetops.
Cost: $69/person for the High Ropes Course, Climbing Tower and Giant Swing; $29/person for the Giant Swing and Zip Line; $29/person for the Kid’s for Terrapin Explorer Ropes Course
Where: 8600 Foundry St., Savage, MD
Online: terrapinadventures.com
Adventure Park at Sandy Spring Friends School
Open to ages 5 & up, this location offers 13 aerial forest trails of varying difficulty. Each has a zip line but they primarily have bridges between tree platforms made of rope, cable and wood. It’s possible to create 190 unique challenges, although there are restrictions on which trails the youngest climbers can tackle.
Llama Llama Day is May 1—and Penguin Young Readers wants to help your young reader celebrate. The beloved book series is back with new titles, including the cute character’s first push-and-pull tabbed book.
Llama Llama Seasons of Fun is an all-new adventure for your kiddo. Not only is this kid lit pick a chance for your child to enjoy one of their fave literary characters all over again, it’s also awesomely interactive.
Photo: Penguin Random House
The push-and-pull tabs of Llama Llama Seasons of Fun ($12.99) give your busy kid a way to get hands-on and interact with the book as you read the tall tale with them. This new Anna Dewdney book debuts Jun 29 but if your kiddo can’t wait until June, Llama Llama Meets the Babysitter launches May 4 and Llama Llama Loves His Mama is available right now!
Along with the new books, celebrate Llama Llama Day with a few fun-filled family activities. Little Gym will host Llama Llama playdates at 175 locations throughout the country, starting May 1. You can book a 30-minute private playdate that’s filled with Llama Llamap-themed games and more.
As if three new books and private playdates aren’t enough, there’s still more fun to be had for Llama Llama Day. Share pics of your littles and their favorite Llama Llama books and enter the Fan Photo Contest (starting May 1). Follow the Penguin Kids Instagram page for more info and to see pics.
There’s a new royal! Even though it seems like everyone is still reeling from Meghan Markle and Prince Harry’s pregnancy pics and the announcement, this isn’t the only royal baby news. Queen Elizabeth’s granddaughter Zara Tindall and husband Mike recently welcomed their third child—a baby boy!
Tindall gave birth to son Lucas Philip last Sunday, making the newborn the Queen’s tenth great-grandchild. Unlike the other recent royal births, the new mom didn’t deliver in a swanky U.K. hospital. Instead, Tindall had her son at home.
Not only did Tindall end up having a home birth, but according to her husband/new dad for the third time, Zara had her baby in the bathroom! Mike shared the birth story on his podcast, The Good, The Bad, & The Rugby, saying, “A little baby boy arrived at my house!”
Mike elaborated on the birth experience, telling listeners that his wife didn’t have time to get to the hospital, “So, it was run into the gym, get a mat, get into the bathroom, get a mat on the floor, towels down, ‘brace-brace-brace’.” Luckily, the couple’s midwife was able to get to their home in time to deliver little Lucas Philip.
Baby boy Lucas Philip Tindall joins big sisters Mia and Lena in this now-family of five!
—Erica Loop
Featured photo: Featureflash Photo Agency / Shutterstock.com
Why is an infant play mat or baby gym such a must-have for little ones? Floor exercise is an essential part of every stage of baby’s development, from your newborn’s first tummy time to crawling and beyond. Whether you’re looking for a space-saving option, one that’s full of all the bells, whistles, mirrors and rattles, or something to fit in with your home décor, you’ll find it in these baby play mats below.
Infantino 5-in-1 Epic Developmental Learning Gym
This open-ended play gym keeps kids occupied with lots of ways to play and learn. There's an electronic light-up piano, a tropical-themed play mat theme, wild animal flashcards, baby toys, a mirror, rattle and much more. Give your baby four different tummy time experiences and three new ways to play once they can sit up. Use the included prop-up booster pillow for more comfortable tummy time or to keep a new sitter upright.
This plush playmat boasts more than 30 features to support a child's motor skills and sensory and cognitive development. Made from hand-embroidered cotton muslin, this generously sized mat (45 x 45 inches) is big enough for adults to share and has removable plush toys and a sun mirror baby can play with. Babies will also be excited to discover that the leaves crinkle and some items rattle. It's machine-washable and reversible, with a subtle gray print on the reverse side.
Tinkle Crinkle & Friends Activity Gym by Baby GUND
GUND
Bright colors, eye-catching patterns and a host of cute and cuddly characters encourage babies to learn, play and interact. The fluffy cloud is a helpful tummy-time friend, and the sun mirror is baby-safe. Press the caterpiller to hear fun sounds, and the bunny, bird and hedgehog offer opportunities to grasp and rattle. The activity gym can be set up in just a few minutes.
This soft, foldable mat means play time and tummy time can easily be moved to any room, outside or to a park or Grandma's house. It's made from soft foam and wipeable with a wet cloth, and there's an included carry bag with a strap for easy portability. One side of this reversible mat features the alphabet and cute cartoon characters, while the other side is a tasteful gray chevron pattern.
The versatile Twist and Fold Activity Gym from Infantino will catch any baby’s eye with its bold colors and design. Your little one will love the hanging toys and catching a glimpse of their face in the peek-a-boo mirror. It also comes with a pillow to prop baby up during tummy time. The mat itself is super easy to clean with the wipe of a cloth. The exclusive twist and fold feature makes for easy transport and for quick storage under the crib or tucked away in a corner of the closet.
For your Mozart-in-training, the Deluxe Kick & Play Piano Gym from Fisher-Price is the perfect choice. Laying down, younger babies learn cause and effect as they kick and the piano plays and play with overhead toys that hang low so little arms can reach them. During tummy time, babies will have lots to explore on the mat. And older babies can sit at the piano and bang away at the keys to activate the music.
Get down on the mat and play with baby on these super comfy Toki Mats. Once baby is mobile, their falls are cushioned by the breathable, eco-friendly foam made from rubber-tree sap. The washable covers come in a selection of modern designs that are interchangeable. The mat folds in half for storage, but it’s fashionable enough you may just want to leave it out.
Designed by a team of experts (including a neuroscience professor, Montessori teacher and occupational therapist), the Lovevery Play Gym has something for each stage of babyhood. The hanging toys are safe for chewing, batting, and grasping. There are hidden pockets, different textures, sounds, and a selection of visually stimulating cards for older babies to explore. It even has a cover that converts it into a fort! Plus, parents get a play guide for a full year’s worth of ideas to keep baby engaged.
The Bright Starts 5-in-1 Play Activity Gym comes with lots of fun features. The toy bar has hanging toys and teethers, the electronic elephant has flashing lights and plays more than 20 minutes of music, and there is a tummy-time pillow. Best of all, the sides of this gym fold up to convert it into a ball pit for toddlers. There are 35 balls included in a handy storage bag.
Want a mat you don’t have to hide when entertaining grown-ups? Look no further than the DOUBLEPLAY Reversible Playmat from Skip Hop. One side of the cushioned mat features either a village or animal theme (with Skip Hop's menagerie of cute creatures), while the other has one of two sophisticated, contemporary looks. In case you do want to store it or bring it with you, simply roll it up.
Whether your kids are learning at home or are back in the classroom, this year looks different than years past. KIDZ BOP has introduced great resources for parents and teachers to help kids stay active as well as entertained during the school day. KIDZ BOP launched a brand new YouTube channel, KIDZ BOP Classroom, hosted a back to school livestream with the KIDZ BOP kids, has daily dance break videos, a back to school Pinterest board and more!
Check out the newest YouTube channel, KIDZ BOP Classroom. The perfect hub for movement breaks for parents, kids and teachers. Use KIDZ BOP music and movement videos to stay active both during the day and after school. The channel will host playlists with themes such as: warm up, brain break, cool down, study time and gym jams!
Get moving with the new KIDZ BOP and DrumFIT video on the KIDZ BOP YouTube channel. Set to KIDZ BOP’s “Castle on the Hill,” and features the KIDZ BOP Kids using DrumFIT’s equipment in a step by step interactive experience for fans. Subsequent videos in the KIDZ BOP x DrumFIT series will be available on DrumFIT’s platform.
Join KIDZ BOP on YouTube for a daily #KIDZBOPDanceBreak live stream at 3 PM ET every Monday-Thursday for thirty minutes and Friday for an one hour dance party.
Check out the KIDZ BOP Pinterest board, filled with ideas for the whole family to stay active and entertained indoors together using KIDZ BOP music and videos! You can find ideas on how to stay active at home, back to school tips, coloring sheets, playlists and more!
Through GoNoodle, Adventure 2 learning, DrumFit, and Code.org, KIDZ BOP is able to reach millions of students everyday to enhance their learning experience.
To help kids play it safe during the pandemic, these LA yoga studios and indoor playgrounds are now offering both private classes (aka playdates), as well as classes in your own backyard or at a nearby park. Read on for all the details.
This former brick and mortar and family-favorite spot now offers mobile classes and birthday parties across the city for early walkers up to 12 years old at your home or local park. Sessions focus on boosting the children’s physical and emotional development—all while having fun of course! From strengthening kid's balance and core-strength to fine-tuning their co-ordination and gross motor skills, their team of coaches ensure that each mini bouncer thrives physically while encouraging socialization, boosting confidence and gaining early leadership skills to help aid them in every aspect of their early lives.
Each 50-minute class is led by one of their expert coaches whether it's early walkers taking their first steps to older kids wanting to hone their athletic and sporting prowess, Bounce offers a wide range of activities to suit every age—and every skill set.
Cost: $195 for a group of up to 5 kids, $20 each additional child
For more information email them at: hello@bouncela.com or call the office on 323-842-0411.
While Little Play Society was unfortunately forced to close its indoor brick-and-mortar space, the beloved kids gym recently debuted socially distanced, outdoor classes. Little Play's Wee Jammin’ 2 (for ages 2-5) takes place at Little Play Park (aka Los Angeles High Memorial Park). The classes are held every Wed. and Sat. 9:45 a.m., right after the original Wee Jammin’ class (for kids under 2), which starts at 9 a.m. There will be sanitized instruments and props for kids to jam with.
Cost: $20 per class
COVID Protocols: Pre-registration and masks for adults are required. Masks or face shields for kids 2 and over are optional but recommended.
Sign up for yoga, dance, music, soccer and messy art classes, all held outdoors at nearby local parks. (Check out Zooga Yoga's West Hollywood schedule here, and Culver City's here.)
In addition to outdoor classes, Zooga will also come to your home for a private Zooga Pod, with prices starting at $100.
Cost (for outdoor classes): $24 for drop-in class; $16-20 per class for Zoopaks; $12 per class on average with membership
Covid Protocols: Class sizes are limited and all children ages 3 and up are required to wear masks.
Wild Child goes In the Wild (Child), their newest at-home, outdoor program. Classes offered include early childhood development (aka "mommy and me"), Wild Child Play Dates (1-2 hours), physical skills and development for preschoolers, P.E.-inspired sessions to supplement distance learning, and 1-3 hour "mini camps" for children to do arts and crafts, music and physical activities.
Cost: from $165 per hour (maximum number of participants based on size of the outdoor space); click here for additional details
Covid Protocols: All equipment is sanitized before and after each class. You also have the option to purchase a Wild Child Play Box, a curated assortment of age-appropriate toys that correspond with classes. Also, Wild Child staff is regularly tested for Covid and temperature/wellness checks are given each morning to ensure everyone is healthy.
Shorty comes "om" to your backyard with private yoga classes. Little yogis of all ages are welcome to join in the 45-minute kid-friendly session. Times are available both on the weekdays and weekends. Call or email to schedule.
Cost: $125 per class for up to 4 students, $25 per additional student
COVID Protocol: In accordance with social distancing guidelines (no contact, masks worn by instructors, and sanitizing precautions throughout session)
Schedule a private play date at My Gym Toluca Lake! You get 60 minutes of exclusive use of the entire gym, which has been completely cleaned and sanitized before you arrive.
Cost: $150 for up to 5 kids
Covid Protocols: Temperatures will be taken upon entry, and ask everyone must wash hands before and after playing. Children 3 or older must wear a mask, and all adults must wear a mask. My Gym teachers will be wearing masks while in the gym as well.
Pretend play is the staple of any childhood (case in point: the classic Fisher Price phone we all had…back before Smartphones). But Fisher Price has kept up with the times and their new sets prove it. New this fall, put these sets on your wishlist!
Fisher Price My Home Office Set
Fisher Price
A true sign of the times, this WFH set just might buy you a few uninterrupted Zoom calls. This 8 piece set comes with a pretend laptop, 4 fabric “apps” to attach to the computer screen, a wood smartphoneand a to-go cup for kids to “sip” their favorite beverage. Ages 3 and up.
Encourage kids to play kitchen with this 4-piece set that includes a crinkle recipe card, play tongs with a meatball spinner, a chewy oven mitt teether, and a wearable chef’s apron bib that transitions nicely right to mealtime. Ages 3 mos. and up.
We've all tried the whole "working out at home" thing but you might be able to get away with it a little easier when baby has his or her own set. The gym-themed gift set comes with a soft, wearable headband, a kettle bell rattle, a toy dumbell and a jingling "protein shake." Ages 3 mos. and up.
Since you can't explore Paris with bébé this year, play tourist in the living room with this adorbs play set for tiny travelers at heart. The 4-piece set includes a pretend camera to rattle and click, a crinkly bottle of sunscreen, a chewy passport teether, and a wearable bib to complete their tourist look. Ages 3 months and up.
