As summer draws to a close (sniff, sniff) and older kiddos head back to school, parents are once again faced with the dilemma—what to do with the Littles left at home? In an attempt to keep your tots from spending their days staring at a screen, we’ve compiled a list of awesome mommy and me classes that will get you out of the house and bonding with your wee ones.
The Little Gym
Do you have a jumper and a climber, a mover and a shaker? If so, then it’s high time you take your little ball of energy to the Little Gym. This awesome gym offers five different parent and tot classes for little ones ages 4 months to 3-years-old. They also offer three dimensions of learning from exercise to brain functions to teaching independence and claim their place is “serious fun,” and we couldn’t agree more!
What to Expect: Fall classes start on September 8, 2014 so don’t delay signing up. Classes meet several times a week; check their schedule to find a day that works best for you. You can also sign up for a 3-week introductory class for $45.
The Little Gym
Several locations including West Seattle, Lynnwood, Bellevue, Everett, Federal Way, Interbay, Issaquah and Renton
1-888-228-2878
Online: thelittlegym.com
Gymboree
If your little one is not sure what strikes his or her fancy, then Gymboree is an awesome place to explore and find out. With classes specializing in music, play and climbing as well as art and sports, there really is something for everyone. Good to know: Gymboree offers classes for tots of all ages.
What to Expect: Membership starts at $100/month with a $50 new member initiation fee. They have several classes to choose from; check their calendar for the class and time info. Gymboree requires socks so be sure to bring a pair. Psst…. sign up online or print a coupon for a free class!
Gymboree
Several locations including Ballard, Sandpoint, Redmond, Bellevue and Federal Way
Online: gymboreeclasses.com
Limber Yoga
There’s few better ways to be a more relaxed parent than to take some time for yourself. If yoga is your thing and you can’t wait to introduce your wee ones to some R&R, check out Limber Yoga. This fantastic studio in West Seattle will not only refresh your mind and body, but will allow you to connect with your little one on a whole new level. A win-win if you ask us!
What to Expect: Limber Babies is offered for kids ages 0-18 months. Classes meet on Mondays from 11:15 a.m.-12:00 p.m. and Sundays from 3:30 p.m.-4:15 p.m. Rates are $16/class; $55 for 4 classes; and $100 for 8 classes. Good to know: You can purchase passes online which are good for four months.
Limber Yoga
6019 California Ave. S.W.
Seattle, Wa 98136
206-963-8973
Online: limberyoga.com
KidsQuest Children’s Museum
Located in Factoria Mall, KidsQuest Children’s Museum is an awesome place for hands-on fun and learning. Everyone knows kids are naturally curious and here the minis can embrace their curiosity and learn through play, music, and art. Bonus: KidsQuest is offering a brand new Music, Movement, and Me class this fall to get your tots movin’ and groovin—a real crowd pleaser!
What to Expect: KidsQuest offers classes for parents and kiddos 9 months to 5-years-old. Classes are offered on a weekly basis throughout the school year. Rates are $60/session for members and $85/session for non-members; pre-registration is required. Check the online schedule for class dates and times.
Kids Quest Museum
4091 Factoria Mall S.E.
Bellevue, Wa 98006
425-637-8100
Online: kidsquestmuseum.org
Polly-Glot Tots
Know what a polyglot is? Why it’s a person who speaks three or more languages. We wouldn’t have known that if it weren’t for Polly-Glot Tots. If your kiddo’s only experience with another language is you throwing out a few phrases you can recall from high school, it’s time to enroll your mini in a language class (or two!).
What to Expect: Polly-Glot Tots offers classes for kids ages 1 and older. Here, tots can learn French, Spanish, Japanese, Mandarin, and Chinese. Rates are $249 per session which include materials and registration fees. Classes and times vary; check their website for a session that works best for you. Register online, but don’t delay. Fall classes start soon!
Polly-Glot Tots
Phinney Neighborhood Center
6532 Phinney Ave. N.
Seattle, Wa 98103
North Kirkland Community Center
12421 103rd Ave. N.E.
Kirkland, Wa 98034
206-861-9698
Online: pollyglottots.com
Sunshine Music Together
If your little one loves to sing and dance, classes at Sunshine Music Together are going to hit the spot. 45-minute classes are designed for mixed ages (birth to 5-years-old) and include songs, rhythmic rhymes, movement, and instrument play. The activities are presented as informal (non-performance-oriented musical experiences) and developmentally appropriate for children and easy for parents and caregivers.
What to Expect: Tuition is $195 per child ($140 for siblings) for a six week session. In addition to classes, tuition includes a professionally recorded CD, downloadable song code to access the online Family Music Zone, songbook, growth chart, parent guide and activity suggestions for parents. A one time non-refundable registration fee of $15 is required for families new to Sunshine Music Together. Bonus: Infants under 8 months attend FREE with a registered sibling. Fall classes start September 15, 2014; view class locations and times online.
Sunshine Music Together
Classes are offered in Redmond, Queen Anne, West Seattle, Lynnwood and Madison Park.
1-800-728-2692
Online: sunshinemusictogether.com/index.htm
Do you have a favorite mommy (or daddy) & me class? Tell us about it in the comments section below.
-Allison Rasmussen
Photos courtesy of: Donnyraejones via Flickr, Belikewater W. via Yelp, Emily D. via Yelp, Circle of Art Studios, Limber Yoga, KidsQuest Children’s Museum and Tanya K. via Yelp
