If you’ve got a little one who loves to jump off couches or practice forward rolls on hardwood floors, it might be time to look at enrolling in a gymnastics class. From one that is all about competition to a unique space that uses circus art as a part of their program, check out our picks on where to sign your little athlete up to practice those jumps, flips and balancing tricks.
photo: Acrosports
San Francisco
AcroSports
A non-competitive, fun and unique space, AcroSports in San Francisco is definitely one that embraces creative movement through gymnastics. Little ones as young as 15 months old can crawl through an LED tunnel and explore obstacle courses while older kids can learn the basics on the bars, beam and vault. Their circus arts are also worth mentioning where kids can take classes in aerial arts and parkour.
639 Fredrick St.
San Francisco, CA
Online: acrosports.org
American Gymnastics Club
Whether your kid wants a place to begin learning about gymnastics or is ready to compete, this traditional gymnastics studio has a program for just that. Pre-K classes start as young as 18 months with parent participation and use imaginative play and themes to encourage movement to build strength, flexibility and coordination. The competitive program for both boys and girls builds on a gymnastics foundation, requiring a bigger time commitment and the opportunity to compete on a team.
390 Bayshore Blvd.
San Francisco, CA
Online: americangymnasticsclub.com
San Francisco Gymnastics
This Presido gym is all about having fun with gymnastics. The Tumblebugs program is super popular, with classes starting at age one as Little Bugs and moving up to Busy Bees, Grasshoppers, Crickets and finally Spiders by seven years old. Afterwards, young gymnasts ages 7-15 can take recreational gymnastics classes or compete on a team.
1405 Fillmore Street
San Francisco, CA
Online: sanfranciscogymnastics.com
Head Over Heels Gymnastics
Recreational and non-competitive, this mobile program set up shop in North Beach and Marina to share the love of gymnastics to the youngest of students. Classes start at three years old with a gymnastics/circus arts combo class (even juggling!) to learn flexibility, strength and motor skills. Teens can sign up for the Acrobatics and Tumbling class to learn more advanced gymnastics and even try out their partnering balance!
2125 Powell St.
San Francisco, CA
Online: headoverheelssf.com
photo: Bay Aerials Gymnastics
East Bay
Bay Aerials Gymnastics
From preschool camps to their ninja zone, Bay Aerials Gymnastics in Fremont is all about spreading positivity and self esteem through gymnastics. There are no sessions at this gym, so kids can sign up year round as long as spots are available. The Ninja Zone Program is centered on finding a way to channel energy and impulses in a focused way with a class that combines obstacle courses, martial arts and street dancing for kids at least three years of age.
4882 Davenport Place
Fremont, CA
Online: bayaerials.com
Diablo Gymnastics School
This 10,000-sq. ft. facility stocked with foam pits, uneven bars, vault stations and top-of-the-line mats just celebrated their 50th anniversary of teaching young gymnasts the sport of gymnastics. Classes at this San Ramon gym start at two years old with the Kindergym and move up to recreational gymnastics for boys and girls once kiddos hit first grade. Opportunities to compete on a team as well as camps and an annual showcase allow kids of all ages to show off their new skills.
2411-J Old Crow Canyon Rd.
San Ramon, CA
Online: diablogym.net
Bay Island Gymnastics
From little ones just starting to walk to teens serious about competing in the sport, this Oakland gym has the ability to really grow with your kid. The Parent Assist Program features mini versions of standard equipment to keep toddlers engaged and excited. For boys and girls wanting to compete, the award-winning gymnastics space is the only one in the Oakland and Alameda area to offer competitive level classes as part of the USA Gymnastics Junior Olympics Program.
3775 Alameda Ave., Suite E
Oakland, CA
Online: bayislandgymnastics.com
Golden Bears Gymnastics Club
Part of Berkeley Recreational Sports, The Golden Bear Gymnastics Club holds classes for toddlers and adults alike. Classes start at 18 months in the Bear Cubs Program and level up to the Kinder Bears before branching out to girl and boy gymnastics. Summer camps, Cub Camp, Parents Night Out and gymnastics parties are all available for your child to play and learn. With the goal to develop physical strength and confidence, this gymnastics space is a favorite for parents of budding gymnasts.
2301 Bancroft Way
Berkely, CA
Online: recsports.berkeley.edu
photo: Tumbletown
Peninsula
Tumbletown/San Mateo Gymnastics
35 years and counting, this well-known Peninsula gym has been teaching kids of all ages the sport of gymnastics, whether it’s just for fun or to compete in national competitions. Little ones as young as 18 months can join the Munchkins Program to learn the basics, explore the space and expand their individual abilities until they reach five years old. Five and older classes are held at the main gym, and once kids reach the higher levels, they can train to compete in state, regional, national and even international competitions.
1306 Elmer St.
Belmont, CA
Online: sanmateogymnastics.com
Peninsula Gymnastics
A Bay Area family favorite with locations in San Carlos and San Mateo, this gym offers classes starting at two years old with the goal to progress and develop new skills. They are official members of the USA Gymnastics Club and their 15,000-sq. ft. facility is state of the art with trampolines, foam pits, tumble track, vaulting stations and an Olympic-sized floor. With in-house competitions and annual shows, there are numerous opportunities to show off those tumbling tricks.
1740 Leslie St.
San Mateo, CA
Online: peninsulagym.com
Accel Gymnastics
For a gym that meets every parent’s needs, this gymnastics space is worth looking into. Little ones start at the Preschool Gym, move up to the Accel Academy, and then remain at the Team Training Center for the competitive team. There is also a parents room and babysitting room for younger siblings. Lounge viewing area and plenty of parking makes this an easy class to get to.
888 Hinckley Rd.
Burlingame, CA
Online: accelgymnastics.com
Bayshore Elite Gymnastics
This Redwood City gym houses 15,000-sq. ft. of Olympic equipment to encourage the love of gymnastics at the youngest of ages. Their Monkey preschool classes start at just one year old (with parent participation) all the way up to age six before moving up to girls and boys gymnastics. There is also an opportunity to be a part of a team and compete in either the Junior Olympics or the Bayshore Elite Team. Playtime at the Jungle Gym is fun for all levels and the Open Gym is designed for those looking to work on skills.
2694 Middlefield Rd., Suite A
Redwood City, CA
Online: bayshoreelite.com
photo: David B. via Yelp
South Bay
Apex Gymnastics
With a focus on safety, technique and fun, Apex Gymnastics in San Jose offers classes for kids of all levels. Preschool Gymnastics are for ages one to six years old and move up to recreational gymnastics before given the opportunity to join a team to compete by invitation only. Open play is available for kids ages six and under to practice those skills and just have fun. With a 7:1 student to teacher ratio in all levels, you can be sure your little one is getting the most individualized attention.
3751 C Charter Park Ct.
San Jose, CA
Online: apexgym.net
Twisters Sports
We love that this sports facility puts a focus on the individual character as well as the love for gymnastics. By building an atmosphere that is caring and trustworthy, students are able to grow in a supportive environment. Both recreational and competitive gymnastics are offered at this Sunnyvale gym starting at 18 months with the Little Twisters Program. Although gymnastics is one part of the clubs activities, Twisters Sports also offers Tae Kwon Do, Dancing and a Kids Club.
1165 N. Fair Oaks Ave.
Sunnyvale, CA
Online: twisterssportscenter.com
Airborne Gymnastics
With a variety of programs for any skill level, Airborne Gymnastics in Santa Clara has you covered. The Preschool Program introduces the love of gymnastics to pre-walkers with parent participation. Once little gymnasts reach five years old, they can join the Dynamos, the recreational program as well as girls and boy’s separate gymnastics program. Other programs include Tumbling and Trampoline, Developmental and Parkour for students interested in taking their skills to the next level.
1515 Walsh Ave.
Santa Clara, CA
Online: airborne-gymnastics.com
California Sports Center
California Sports Center is a host for kid’s classes including dance and swimming and their gymnastics division is just as loved by Bay Area parents. With preschool, school age and competitive gymnastics classes as well as specialty classes like Tumbling and Trampoline, your kid will receive top-notch instruction by teachers who love the sport. They have eight locations in the South Bay including San Jose and Santa Clara, so you can be sure to find a class time and location that works for you.
Various Locations
Online: calsportscenter.com
photo: Marin Elite Gymnastics
North Bay
Marin Elite Gymnastics Academy
For over 40 years, this San Rafael gymnastics facility has been teaching kids as young as two years old what the sport is all about. With a small teacher to student ratio, teachers make sure to track students progress with evaluations and skill tracking every eight weeks. With preschool classes, girls and boy’s levels and trampoline specific classes for those wanting to learn flips and routines, this gym really does cater to every kid. Daily camps are also available for parents interested in enrolling their child during school breaks.
72 Woodland Ave.
San Rafael, CA
Online: megagymnastics.com
Pyramid Gymnastics
If individual attention is what you’re looking for in a gymnastics class, Pyramid Gymnastics in San Rafael is one to check out. Instead of holding multiple classes at the same time, this gym holds only one class at a time to minimize distractions and wait times with equipment while giving as much individualized attention as possible. With a low class size of 7-8 students and passionate teachers, Pyramid is the longest running gym in Marin County. Classes start at three years old all the way to 18 years and train students in the Women’s four Olympic events and Men’s six events.
647 Irwin St., Suite D
San Rafael, CA
Online: thepyramidgym.com
Cal-Star Gymnastics
As soon as your little one turns a year old, Cal-Star Gymnastics in Novato has classes to start teaching the sport of gymnastics in a friendly and supportive environment. Whether the goal is to join a competitive team or build strength and get that boundless energy out, this gym has been serving Novato families for over 20 years. Cal-Star also hosts an all-star cheerleading program for juniors and seniors with the opportunity to compete in national competitions.
70 Digital Dr., Suite 3
Novato, CA
Online: calstar.info
Pacific Edge Gymnastics Academy
This Fairfield gym teaches toddlers as young as 18 months how to tumble, balance and jump with trained teachers in a class of just six students. Kids wanting to continue their training can move up in skill level and even compete on a team. Ninja Zone classes and wrestling are also offered to give students something different to challenge their developing skills and channel energy in a different way. With summer camps and open gym times, kids can be a part of Pacific Edge Gymnastics all year round.
1745 Enterprise Dr., Suite A
Fairfield, CA
Online: pacificedgegymnasticsacademy.com
—Sandra Lee
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