ML Interest Tag: gymnastics

Accessible Activities for Kids with Special Needs

by Marianne Walters

Portland is filled with fantastic opportunities year-round for children of all abilities. But, if you’re looking for phenomenal spaces and activities for children with unique considerations, you’re in luck. Read on to discover activities, like low-sensory play time at the museum, accessible playgrounds and drama groups, the whole family can enjoy together.

photo: Harper’s Playbround via Portland Parks and Rec

Harper’s Playground
This fully inclusive playground is a favorite among families who find that their neighborhood playgrounds don’t provide the access that their littles need. Located at Arbor Lodge Park, Harper’s Playground is all about community, inclusion and play.

Arbor Lodge Park
2525 N Dekum St.
Online: harpersplayground.org

Chrysalispdx
This brand new group offers creative drama and improvisation practice for youth on the Autism spectrum and other related diagnoses. Participants will use improvisation, storytelling and enacting real-life experiences to build social skills, practice flexible thinking and gain confidence. Parents have the flexibility to enroll their children in the age group that they feel will be the best fit. Currently meeting on Saturdays in 5-week sessions, check the website for the next session’s start date. Saturdays, 1-hour sessions, $125/5-week session, ages 8 and up.

Chrysalispdx
210 SE Madison St.
Online: chrysalispdx.com

photo: eyeliam via flickr creative commons

Portland Children’s Museum Access Play
Children of all abilities are welcome at PCM during all regular operating hours. Once each month, they open their doors to families with children experiencing disabilities (and their friends) for a low-key, low-sensory, less crowded play time. Who wouldn’t want access to the Play It Again Theater, Water Works or Outdoor Adventure minus the crowds? Check the upcoming dates on the website and enjoy a day at the museum.

4015 SW Canyon Rd.
503-223-6500
Online: portlandcm.org

Northwest Children’s Theater Sensory-Friendly Productions
Lights, camera, action! Taking littles to the theater opens up opportunities for exposure to the arts, building social skills and learning about appropriate audience behavior. For children with sensory sensitivities (such as difficulties with bright lights, loud noises and sudden, surprising bursts of volume or activity), the theater can be intimidating. So NWCTS has developed one sensory-friendly show into their calendar for almost every production in the upcoming season. Check the new show schedule and then give them a call to find out if there is a sensory-friendly production planned and snag your tickets.

1819 NW Everett St.
503-222-2190
Online: nwcts.org

photo: Spectra Gymnastics

Spectra Gymnastics
Children of all ages love to leap, tumble and roll! At Spectra, the staff specializes in working exclusively with children affected by Autism and related developmental disorders. The lessons incorporate social and emotional education in a supportive and positive environment. As a new facility in the community, Spectra offers free comprehensive evaluations for all new families who are interested in enrolling. There is even an open gym option on Saturdays from 9 a.m.-noon.

8344 SW Nimbus Ave.
Beaverton
503-754-9794
Online: spectrapdx.com

What’s your favorite accessible activity for the family? Share with us in the comments below!
—Marianne Walters
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Time to Celebrate! Wacky Holidays in August

by Cherie Gough

As if summer wasn’t reason enough to celebrate, we’ve rounded up 10 fun and funky holidays that will make those lazy days of August a blast. Did you know August is a month to celebrate elephants, bowling and bacon? Click through our slideshow for some great ideas that will have you gathering friends and family and checking out something new to do with your little revelers.

August 1 — Spiderman Day

Break out the superhero dress up costumes! Invite friends over to wear masks and capes to celebrate a kid-favorite superhero. If your kids need a break from the house (and you need a break from them jumping on the couch), try Kid Venture’s Super Hero Training Academy. These weekly classes reel in kids’ energy to teach gymnastics, combined with the qualities that super heroes embody such as confidence, cooperation and problem-solving.

4S Ranch Location
10760 Thornmint Rd.
San Diego, Cs 92127
858-207-6088
Online: indoorplaysandiego.com/gymnastics/

Photo Credit: Cherie Gough

Which August holiday will you celebrate? Tell us in the comments below!

— Cherie Gough

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13 Signs You’re a Fairfax Parent

by Ayren Jackson-Cannady

Fairfax County. It’s not as nighttime cool as its pseudo-urban neighbor Arlington County and lacks the Redskins players population of nearby Loudon County, but it is the most populous county in the state. So there’s that. But none of that matters to kids who just know it as chock full of playgrounds, splashpads and a real, live space shuttle (inside the Smithsonian’s Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center). Here are 13 signs that you’ve got a little Fairfaxian on your hands.

1. You base extracurricular activities for your kids on whether you have to take I-66.

Photo: Steve Fernie via flickr

2. You wake up at 4 am and ready a desktop, laptop, iPad and smartphone to log into your Fairfax County Parktakes account so you can get your kid(s) into gymnastics or swim lessons when registration opens at 5 am.

Photo: Binary Koala via flickr

3. You already know the ratings of your local public elementary, middle and high schools even though your kid is still in utero.

Photo: robbieraeful via flickr

4. You still have crayons in your purse from First Watch.

Photo: Brandi Jordan via flickr

5. Going to the local grocery store without kids is an escape. Because that store is Wegmans.

Photo: Wegman’s Organic Foods via flickr

6. Your kids are home from school because the school board canceled classes after two snowflakes may – or may not – have hit the ground.

Photo: enviro warrior via flickr 

7. You no longer have to plug the address into your GPS to get to Frying Pan Farm Park.

Photo: Jamie B. via Yelp 

8. You end up at the new Fairfax City interactive fountain instead of the one at Fairfax Corner, where your friends are.

Photo: A.R.P. via Yelp

9. Your kids can correctly pronounce Clemyjontri Park.

Photo: Ryan Sandridge via flickr

10. You’ve seen more Disney on Ice than actual concerts at the Patriot Center.

Photo: Miguel Discart via flickr

11. The best part of the Tysons Corner Center extension is the outdoor play area. Bonus (or curse, depending on perspective): It’s situated next to a Shake Shack.

Photo: Tyson’s Corner Center

12. In warmer months, you spend a small fortune on tickets for the mini train and mini golf at Burke Lake Park.

Photo: Kate H. via Yelp

13. You follow Rocknoceros from Dulles Town Center to Jammin’ Java.

Photo: Rocknoceros

What do YOUR think is a sign that you’re a Fairfax parent? Let us know in the comments!

—Stephanie Kanowitz

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Your Guide to North County Summer Camps

by Allison Stabile

Summer will be here before we know it. For most families, that means sunshine and playtime. But it also means no school and some pretty unstructured days. Not sure what to do with the kiddos all summer? We’ve got your guide to summer camps all over North County, from Bonsall to La Jolla. Whether you have a bookworm or a beach babe, your options are limitless.

Photo credit: Perrin W. via Yelp

Getting Artsy, Crafty and Musical
Want something crafty? Try Carlsbad Art Farm in Carlsbad, MonArt in Solana Beach, or Glitter and Glue Studio with locations in Escondido and Rancho Penasquitos. Budding musicians can rock out at Rockademy in Solana Beach. Of course, there are musical theater and Shakespeare camps at Intrepid Shakespeare in Encinitas.

City Camps and Day Camps
Want to stay local? Most cities offer great half- and full-day camps through their Parks and Recreation Centers. A few standouts that offer multiple options and include lots of ages are Oceanside, Carlsbad, Vista and Encinitas.

If your kids like lots of variety and you need the better part of the day covered, there are spectacular day camps to choose from. Camp Village View in Carlsbad only lasts two weeks in July, but is jam-packed with everything from art to Muay Thai. Magdalena Ecke YMCA in Encinitas is well-loved by parents and kids alike, as is the YMCA La Jolla. The Boys & Girls Club camps are everywhere from Escondido to Solana Beach and further south, while Camp Jaycee hosts tons of fun in La Jolla.

Photo credit: Photo Credit: Capitol Debate via Yelp

EduCamps and Animal Schools
Sure playtime is fun, but if you want your kids to learn more than papier mache, try one of these educational camps. Lingua Natal and Mis Casitas (both in Encinitas) offer Spanish camps, some to kids who are only 2-years-old. Your 7-16-year-olds can learn all about marine life at Zuba Diving in Sorrento Valley and La Jolla. Want to learn about taking care of animals? The Rancho Coastal Humane Society (Encinitas) serves up exciting camp weeks of hands-on games, activities, arts and crafts, guest speakers, and of course live dogs, cats and bunnies.

There’s the ever-popular San Diego Zoo Safari Park in Escondido, which offers all kinds of areas of animal-related study and activities and also takes kids as young as two. Birch Aquarium at Scripps offers Summer Learning Adventure Camp from June 22 – August 21 for kids as young as 4-years-old. From the classroom to the seashore, campers investigate marine habitats, create ocean art projects, learn about careers in oceanography, and combine the science and sports of surfing and snorkeling.

Photo credit: Oceanside Gymnastics Facebook page

Gymnastics, Dance and Horseback Riding
For the physically agile kiddo over 4-years-old, there are great gymnastics camps at Oceanside Gymnastics; TRC with locations in Solana Beach and Sorrento Mesa; Gyminy Kids in Rancho Bernardo; and Pacific Coast Gymnastics in San Marcos. Your tiny dancer can get her groove on at the Academy of Dance, which has multiple North County locations and All Star Dance in Solana Beach.

Equestrians can ride to their heart’s content at Raw Hide Ranch in Bonsall or eat, sleep and breathe horses at Raintree Ranch in Julian. Don’t want to drive that far? Concord Equestrian Center in Del Mar offers camps, as does The Horsemanship Academy in Rancho Santa Fe, and the Riding Academy in San Marcos.

Photo Credit: Brookeh S. via Yelp

Surf and Sports
Sportsmen and women can play volleyball in San Marcos, tennis in Encinitas, and learn to skate in Encinitas. Kids can learn to play soccer with Little Rascalz almost anywhere in North County or get zen at NRK Karate in San Marcos. Most of the aforementioned day camps, city camps, and the Boys & Girls Club all offer specific sports camps. Are your kids’ looking to hang ten or get tubed? Surf Camp USA in Oceanside, Maui Surf Academy, Fulcrum Surf, Eli Howard, Leucadia Surf School in Leucadia and Del Mar, and Dawn Patrol (Encinitas) are all da kine.

Did we miss any cool North County summer camps? Tell us in the comments so we can all check it out.

— Allison Stabile

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No Reservations: Weekend Drop-In Activities

by Kelley Gardiner

Did the weekend sneak up on you again? We hear ya. The following spots have you covered with drop-in classes for yoga, art and rock walls that need no advance reservations. Just drop in to play, create, or learn something new.

photo: Art ala Carte via Yelp

Art ala Carte
This self-described “art bar” lets kids loose on an array of materials and mediums to create in. Open studios on Saturdays from noon-5 p.m. require a care giver on site. For kids 1-4, the cost is $9. For ages 5 & up, it’s $11. Grownups, it’s your choice if you’d like to just watch, or pay your own fee and do some creating, too. Get $2 off your admission for donating a paper bag of recycled goods or art supplies. Insider’s note: the Portland location has recently moved to a new building.

2106 NE MLK Blvd.
Portland
503-750-0522
Online: artalacartepdx.com

5305 NE 121st Ave., #306
Vancouver
503-750-0522
Online: artalacartevan.com

photo: Kids’ Yoga by J via flickr

Yoga Shala
Every fourth Saturday from 3-4 p.m., Yoga Shala invites families to enjoy music and story as part of an all-ages accessible yoga class. Cost is on a donation basis, so anyone can join classes that are normally $14 each.
If you like that class, keep in mind that Yoga Shala also offers other kids’ classes and had child care on site for adult classes.

3808 N Williams, Ste. B
503-963-9642
Online: yogashalapdx.com

photo: Andrea F. via Yelp

Oregon Gymnastics Academy Indoor Park
When they say all ages, they mean all ages! If your little one can roll over, they can roll on a mat at the Indoor Park at Oregon Gymnastics Academy on Saturdays. Kids up to 17 can enjoy the facilities from noon-1:30 p.m. on Saturdays. On Sunday from 9 – 11 a.m., families can enjoy Sensory Sundays, “exclusively for families of children affected by Sensory Processing Disorders, Autism Spectrum, Attention Deficit Disorder, or any other disabilities.” Indoor Parks are sometimes cancelled for camps, so check the online calendar ahead of time.

16305 NW Bethany Ct, Ste. 109
Beaverton
503-531-3409
Online: ogagym.org

photo: Playground Gym via Yelp

Playground Gym Open Play
Run, jump, and get some energy out! Playground Gym is small enough for your little tumblers to stay in view if you want to have a seat for a moment, but you can join in the fun as well. Sometimes the staff creates special obstacle courses for weekend open players to balance, hop, and feel more confident in their little bodies, but kids are encouraged to create their own courses as well. $8 admits one child aged 1-12.  Open play runs on Saturday from 9-11:30 a.m., but be sure to double-check the schedule before packing the kids in the car.

505 NE Grand Ave.
Portland, Or
503-235-7529
Online: theplaygroundgym.com

photo: Ledding Library by Robert G. via Yelp

Saturday Craft Days
Saturday craft sessions take place every Saturday from 2-3 p.m. at the lovely Ledding Library. Ages 5 & up can work on the seasonal craft project of the week, and locals can pick up a book or two while they’re there.

Ledding Library
10660 SE 21st Ave.
Milwaukie
503-786-7580
Online: milwaukieoregon.gov/library

What drop-in activities does your family enjoy on weekends? Let us know in the comments!

— Kelley Gardiner

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Just Opened: A New Center With Classes of All Kinds

by alina adams

One of the best things about being an NYC parent is that no matter what your kid is into — someplace offers a class in it. Now, a brand new 15,000-square-foot facility on the Lower East Side is aiming to be almost a one-stop-shop for your all your junior extracurricular needs. Looking for ballet classes? Mandarin? Krav Maga? Evolution Enrichment Center offers all that and more.

Rhythmic gymnastics class photo: Alina Adams

Dance, Dance, Baby

No one is too young to strut their stuff at Evolution Enrichment! Starting with Mommy & Me Dance Appreciation and Stretching & Flexibility Classes for ages 12 to 24 months, your budding ballerina or bounding boy can then move up into Classical Pre-Ballet for 4 to 6-year-olds, followed by Ballet for 6 to 9- year-olds. The classes are taught by members of the prestigious Brighton Ballet Theater: School of Russian Ballet in the company’s only Manhattan location.

Ballet not your kid’s thing? Evolution Enrichment also offers classes in Ballroom Dance for 5 to 6-year-olds, General Ballroom Dance for 6 to14-year-olds, Contemporary Jazz for ages 7 and up, and Modern Dance for ages 10 and up.

Krav Maga class photo: Evolution Enrichment

Super (Solo) Sports

What do you do if your child just isn’t a joiner, and the idea of team sports makes them wrinkle their noses and go “Eww”? How about introducing them to a team sport — that requires individual training?

Rhythmic Gymnastics demands the strength and flexibility of a Gabby Douglas alongside the dancing prowess of a prima ballerina. Plus, practitioners get to twirl ribbons, bounce balls, spin hoops, toss clubs, and swing a rope. (You probably know rhythmic gymnastics from seeing it in the Olympics.) While NYC is full of competitive and recreational gymnastics programs, Evolution Enrichment is one of the only places to offer a Rhythmic Gymnastics option for girls ages 5-11 years old, and the class is taught by a European medalist.

Looking for less twirling and more kicking? Try Krav Maga. This Israeli martial art teaches kids self-defense through a combination of techniques re-purposed from boxing, Judo, Jiu Jitsu, wrestling, and grappling that uses an opponent’s strength against them. The discipline focuses on dealing with real-life situations and, most importantly, self-control and the wisdom to know when to walk away from a fight.

You Gotta Have Art

For kids who gotta sing and dance, check out the Kids Theater Arts Workshop and Performance class for children ages 5 to12, in which young actors not only engage in scene study and movement, but also receive helpful tips in articulation, projection, poise, and self-confidence — great skills both on stage and off.

Budding visual artists (or lawyers) may enjoy Creative Art, a hands-on painting workshop beginning at the kindergarten level that also incorporates critical thinking and public speaking components. ( Just what every parent needs: a kindergartner who can argue better.)

Art class photo: Evolution Enrichment

Brain Games

If intellectual gymnastics are more your child’s speed, Evolution Enrichment provides several ways to keep his or her little mind engaged, including chess and Mandarin classes for kids five and older, and computer programming and debate for those in middle school. (It also offers Specialized High School Admissions Test and SAT prep on the premises for the older set.)

Pre-school class photo: Evolution Enrichment

School’s In Session

In addition to a menu of specialized individual classes such as the ones above, Evolution Enrichment also offers a preschool program of half and full days Monday through Friday. Developed for children ages 2-5, the Center’s early childhood preschool program utilizes the movement, sports, chess and language class resources of the facility, and also incorporates a specially-developed science and math curriculum.

Evolution’s space features sixteen classrooms freshly-decorated with over-sized cartoon characters and a private outdoor play area, and the center will be running summer camp programs when school lets out.

Evolution Enrichment Center
38 Delancey St.
Lower East Side
212-375-9500
Online: EvolutionEnrichment.com

Where do your kids get enriched? Tell us in the comments below!
– Alina Adams

 

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From Trampolines to Rock Climbing: 5 Indoor Play Hotspots

by sommy rhee

Who says you need a rainy day to have thrilling indoor play? How about just needing a break for a few hours in the late afternoon before the other parent relieves you! Instead of counting down the hours and calling for your spouse’s exact freeway location, whisk the little ones to these indoor hotspots. The kids will have a blast working up an appetite for dinner, and you will get that much needed break. You may even jump in on the fun and burn off those last, stubborn, post-pregnancy pounds!

Sky High Indoor Sports
Got a case of the “Stop jumping on the furniture!” broken record? Bring the kids to this massive trampoline park and you’ll find yourself chanting, “Jump your heart out babe!” Located in an unassuming office park and charged with plenty of parking, Sky High offers 4 distinct jumping courts: a kids area for the little jumpers, a refereed dodge ball court, an enormous main court, and a foam pit perfect for practicing canon ball inspired jumps. AIRobics classes are available for those who want an explosive 50 minute, 1000 calorie (supposedly) burning aerobic workout.

To save time, download and complete all waivers for each jumper ahead of time. It’s also a good idea to reserve jumping times online since popular times can get sold out. Promotions run all the time so always call and ask which days have discounts.

Insider tip: Bring hand sanitizers to clean their feet after play. Only laced shoes are allowed for those not too keen on bare feet. Bring plenty of ice-cold water for everyone because they will be drenched in sweat from all of the activity.

Sky High Sports
2970 Airway Avenue
Costa Mesa, Ca 92626
714-437-5867

Rockcreation Sport Climbing Center
Got a bunch of monkeys in your bunch? Nurture those climbing skills to good use (yes, climbing is actually an artful skill!) and let the kids belay, anchor, and boulder their way through correct roping techniques and terminology. Kids’ admission is $11 and about $9 for shoes and rental equipment. The knowledgeable and friendly staff is ready to help beginners learn the basics of climbing. During the summers, they offer a week long Reach Camp for the kiddos where they will learn all the in’s and out’s of rock climbing. Birthday parties are also a great way to introduce and allow the little ones explore rock climbing with their buddies.

Rockreation
1300 Logan Avenue
Costa Mesa, Ca 92626
714-556-7625

Wildfire Gymnastics
Gymnastics isn’t just for girls! Boys need practice developing balance, coordination, and somersault skills too! Believe or not, it may just prepare them for the upcoming soccer or little league season. The kids will have a blast shuffling on the challenging balance beam, canon balling into the enormous foam pit, and flying down the zip line! They’ll even get a kick out of a different kind of “horse” ride.

Wildfire Gymnastics
14761 Bentley Circle
Tustin, Ca
714-832-1315

Pretend City Children’s Museum
A museum in the guise of a little city dedicated to nurturing pretend-play. Watch as the kiddos delightfully transform into gardeners, princesses, lifeguards, rock stars, policemen, and the ever-popular grocery store clerk. The experience is complete with pretend money and ATMs to teach the little ones about money and thriving in their own little world. Be sure to check their calendar since a range of educationally engaging classes are offered daily including going green activities, story times and puppet shows. The kids can even fill up their own gas tank in their vehicles…so you take the back seat this time. They offer a café with snacks, drinks and Daphne’s Greek food.

Insider Tip: Monthly Parents’ Night Out events are offered at around $35 per potty-trained, aged 4+ children for about 3 hours. You must register and purchase tickets ahead because onsite registration is not allowed. So go and enjoy that date night!

Pretend City Children’s Museum
29 Hubble
Irvine, Ca 92618
949-428-3900

Little Prince Kids Café
Imagine an indoor McDonald’s playground on steroids. That’s exactly what Little Prince is: a big, indoor entertainment castle complete with a huge plastic ball pit, reading room filled with hundreds of books, dress-up area, and various playgrounds…even a safe and separate toddler area with swings and bouncers. The awesome part: an interactive staff that plays with your kids while you enjoy their colorful menu that has a little of everything for everyone.

Little Prince Kids Café
5300 Beach Boulevard, Suite 118
Buena Park, Ca 90621
714-690-1432

Know of any other great spots to play indoors? Where do you take your little tykes for a playdate? Tell us in a comment below!

— Sommy Rhee

photos courtesy of Brian Rhee & Pretend City Children’s Museum’s Facebook page

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Be My Valentine: 8 Valentine’s Day Activities for Los Angeles Kids

by Beth Shea

Candlelit dinners and romantic bubble baths with flutes of champagne have long since been replaced by indoor play and rubber duckies, so it’s time to put a kid-friendly spin on Valentine’s Day — at least during daylight hours! As the saying goes, the more the merrier, and here are several ways to have a lovely holiday that will make the whole family swoon.

1. Lovebug Rock Creatures at Kidspace Children’s Museum
Celebrate the proverbial love bug at Kidspace Children’s Museum’s cute workshop wherein kids ages 6 to 10 can learn about a bug’s body parts and then create their very own bug-inspired rock creature. Sunday, February 12th at 2pm, Workshop fee is $8/child and accompanying adult (in addition to regular museum admission.

Kidspace Children’s Museum
480 N. Arroyo Blvd
Pasadena, Ca 91103
626-449-9144
Online:  kidspacemuseum.org

2. True Pablove – A Valentine’s Family Celebration Teach your kids the charitable aspect of love by attending The Pablove Foundation’s Valentine event, which includes unique Valentine-themed craft booths with activities such as creating biodegradable planter boxes, cookie decorating, tote bag design, felt flower crafts and making Valentine’s decorations for the Children’s Hospital Los Angeles. Additionally, there will be live music, yummy food and drinks, a silent auction and Pablove Shutterbugs Giving Tree — which enables the foundation to purchase cameras and equipment so they may expand their Shutterbugs program — which helps children living with cancer to therapeutically express themselves via the art of photography. The Pablove Foundation’s mission is to fund pediatric cancer research and advances in treatment, while educating and empowering families and children living with cancer through hospital play, music and arts programs. Saturday, February 11th, 11:00 am–3:00 pm, $60 per person.

Quixote Studios East
4585 Electronics Place
Los Angeles, Ca 90039
Online: pablove.org/truepablove

3. Jerry Beck Animation Tuesdays: Valentoons Is your kid cuckoo for cartoons? Indulge his affinity by taking him to Jerry Beck Animation Tuesdays. Animation historian Jerry Beck breaks open the film vault and presents a collection of ‘love-obsessed’ cartoons featuring classic characters such as Pepe LePew. This event starts at 8pm, so it’s best reserved for older children as a special “stay-up-late” treat. Tuesday, February 7th, 8pm, $12/ticket.

The Silent Movie Theater
611 N Fairfax Avenue
Los Angeles, Ca 90036
323-655-2510
Online: cinefamily.org/films/jerry-beck-animation-tuesdays

4. Children’s Workshop: Be My Victorian Valentine Learn more about the history of Valentine’s Day with the beautiful and majestic setting of The Huntington Botanical Gardens as your backdrop. During this special workshop, kids (along with an accompanying adult), may design their very own old-fashioned Victorian Valentines while being enlightened with fun historical facts about the holiday. Saturday, February 11th, 10:00 am -12:30 pm, Ages 7-12, Members $20 (includes child and accompanying adult) Non-members: $25

The Huntington Library, Art Collections, and Botanical Gardens
1151 Oxford Road San Marino, Ca 91108 626-405-2128 Online: huntington.org 

5. Family Bike Ride Along the Beach with Bike Rentals from Perry’s Cafe Arguably the most romantic setting on earth, an ocean view will invigorate your entire brood. Take your sweeties to the beach for an unforgettable bicycle ride. No matter how many babies and tots you have in tow, Perry’s Cafe in Manhattan Beach has a mode of transportation to suit how you roll. You can rent tandem bikes, tag-a-long bikes, kid’s bikes, kiddy carts, strollers, tandem or single bikes with baby seats, choppers, fun cycles, even adult trikes! See, people really do ride off into the sunset! Online: http://www.perryscafe.com/prices.html

6. Grier Musser Museum’s Annual Valentine Tour Take your kids on a special trip to the Victorian era inside an actual restored Victorian house, which is the location of the Grier Musser Museum. Their annual Valentine tour includes an impressive collection of Valentine cards which dates back to the late 1890’s and spans to present-day, and the tour is topped-off with the display of their teddy bear and Kewpie Dolls collections. Sunday, February 12th, 1pm to 4pm, Tours are at 1pm and 2:30pm. Admission is $12/person and includes tour and refreshments. Grier Musser Museum 403 South Bonnie Brae Street Los Angeles, Ca 90057 213-413-1814 Online: griermussermuseum.org/calendar.html

7. Aquarium of the Pacific Valentine’s Day Celebration If your kids have a special place in their heart for sea creatures, then make a splash at the Valentine’s Day celebration at the Aquarium of the Pacific. The Aquarium will stay open until 9:00pm, and admission after 5:00pm is $14.95 for adults and $13.95 for children (3-11), children ages 3 and under are free. Families may explore the aquarium at night under dim, elegant lighting, while observing the fish and animals in the midst of their evening activities. Don’t miss the “mesmerizing sea jellies, the giant Pacific octopus and the mysterious sharks.” Make the event extra special by enjoying the gourmet dinner served at 7:30pm. Featuring a multi-course menu geared toward sophisticated palates (ie: shrimp cocktail, grilled beef filet), the price of dinner, which includes Aquarium admission, is $62 for adults and $52 for children. Tuesday, February 14th, 5:00-9:00pm, you can purchase tickets online for this event. Aquarium of the Pacific 100 Aquarium Way Long Beach, Ca 90802 562-590-3100 Online: aquariumofpacific.org/ 

8. Golden State Gymnastics Valentine’s Parent’s Night Out Party If you’d like to spend a romantic evening with your partner on the Saturday before Valentine’s Day, Golden State Gymnastics is offering parents the opportunity to drop the kiddos off at a fun bash of their own. From 6-10pm, for a rate that’s less expensive than hiring a babysitter, and includes dinner, gymnastics, games, and a goody bag, little ones are guaranteed a fun time at this special event. Saturday, February 11th, from 6-10pm, $35 per child or $40 per child the night of the event. Golden State Gymnastics 1828 N. Keystone Street Burbank, Ca 818-558-1177 Online: goldenstategym.com

Share the love and let us know how your family is celebrating this sweet holiday.

— Beth Shea

Photo credit by Bla-itsyou at Deviantart.com

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Gymnastics Classes for Kids in Portland

by Katie Kavulla

Ready? Set? TUMBLE! All kids love gymnastics in some way or another – somersaults on the couch, balancing while walking along the sidewalk curb or hanging from anything that looks slightly like monkey bars. If you have a kid at home who could use an outlet for their energy, check out these spots in Portland that offer gymnastics and tumbling classes for children.

The Children’s Gym
The Children’s Gym has been teaching children to love this sport for over 25 years and there’s a reason why this gym is a Portland staple – they strike the perfect balance between letting the kids go wild and have fun and teaching them the basics to build a gymnastics foundation. Classes begin as young as 12 months and parent-involvement classes are available.

1625 NE Sandy Boulevard, Portland
Phone: 503-249-5867
Online: www.childrensgym.com

Kinetic Gymnastics Center
A gym that truly caters to the entire family, Kinetic Gymnastics Center in Southwest Portland is a great place to come if you have multiple aged kids who would like to take classes. Although they do have competitive teams at Kinetic, the beginning classes are no-pressure and all about having fun. Be sure to check out their open gym schedule as well (there’s even a drop-off option!). Classes begin at age six-months and parent-involvement classes are available.

10058 SW Arctic Drive, Beaverton
Phone: 503-372-9778
Online: www.kineticgc.com

Metro Gymnastics Center
Metro Gymnastics is a favorite for Portland families with little tumblers because their tots program, Mini Movers, is broken down into small age ranges, allowing children to focus on skills that are at their exact level with other children, who are also working on the same skills. They also have an excellent recreational gymnastics program for school-aged kids who want to do gymnastics, but without competing. Classes begin at age 12-months and parent-involvement classes are available.

18084 SW Lower Boones Ferry Road, Tigard
Phone: 503-620-8939
Email: info@metrogymnastics.com
Online: www.metrogymnastics.com

Oregon Gymnastics Academy
Families who are looking for a place to make gymnastics a big part of their lives will find a home at Oregon Gymnastics Academy. Classes build on each other and utilize all of the fun and cutting edge gymnastics equipment at the facility. OGA also offers classes on the weekends, including Sensory Sundays, where children with sensory processing disorders can explore the gym. Classes begin at age 12-months and parent-involvement classes are available.

16305 NW Bethany Court, Beaverton
Phone: 503-531-3409
Email: info@ogagym.org
Online: www.ogagym.org

The Playground Gym
There’s so much to love about The Playground Gym in Portland – they are locally owned and operated, not part of a bigger chain, the focus on both fitness and social skills that are age appropriate for your child, the facility is bright, colorful and clean, and they offer open play sessions six-days a week. And, classes at The Playground Gym are very reasonably priced. Classes begin at age one and parent-involvement classes are available.

505 NE Grand Avenue, Portland
Phone: 503-235-7529
Email: info@theplaygroundgym.com
Online: www.theplaygroundgym.com

Where’s your favorite place in the Portland area for children’s gymnastics and tumbling classes? At what age did you start your little one in programs?

— Katie Kavulla

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