Two’s Company: Five Mommy and Me Movement Classes for You and Your Toddler

Finger painting on the wall? Check. Climbing up the walls? Check. Time to get the toddler out of the house? Yes! Toddlers need lots of opportunities to move and explore. And let’s face it: sometimes parents just run out of ideas when it comes to stimulating those ever curious brains and exercising those little bodies. Whether your little one loves music, tumbling, or kicking a ball, we’ve got you covered with these parent participation classes that are guaranteed fun for kids and adults alike.

Photo Credit: If I Was a Bird Yoga Facebook page

For the Yogis: If I Was a Bird Yoga
“Baby/Toddler and Me Yoga” classes are a great introduction to yoga, movement and socialization. Kids get creative with musical instruments, animal sounds, and dance. Parent participants do the yoga poses right along with the little ones. Believe it or not, grown-ups actually get a bit of a work out with this age group – chasing babes around the studio! For working moms and dads, the studio offers a Saturday a morning class in addition to weekday classes. A bonus for busy moms: studio provides a healthy snack at the end of class.

 Photo Credit: Amanda Freerksen

For the Gymnasts: San Diego Gymnastics
No need to start preparing your little one for the uneven bars before joining this class. The focus is on following directions, learning how to use the equipment, and exploring what those little bodies are capable of doing! From the time your kiddo starts walking until they turn 3, this parent-child class provides opportunities for singing, stretching, balancing, jumping, and more. Free time at the end of class allows kiddos time to go back and practice the skills they liked the most. It can sometimes take two or three classes for toddlers to warm-up to the routines. So feel free to take a free class to gauge your kiddo’s interest level before signing up for a full session.

For the Tiny Dancer: Prodigy Dance Co.
If your toddler can’t resist swaying to your Spotify feed, this introductory dance class might be just what you’re budding ballerina (or ballerino) needs. Since ballet is the foundation for all other dance genres, participants will learn how to plié, chassé, and even perform an arabesque (probably the cutest thing you’ll ever see an 18-month-old do). The routine includes time for free movement to the music, work with props, and even fun with bouncy balls. Although the class usually attracts mostly female students, boys are always welcome too.

Photo Credit: Amanda Freerksen

For the Little Kicker: Little Rascalz Soccer
Get ready to kick to your heart’s content with “Mommy/Daddy and Me Soccer” classes. Another great option for working parents, this Saturday morning class (available weekdays too) is held outdoors at various parks throughout the county. After a brief circle time, kids (and parents) work on their soccer skills through various age appropriate drills, games, and obstacle course layouts. In addition to the movement aspect, toddlers will love making new friends and watching mom and dad play with ribbons and hoops. Classes are offered in the following neighborhoods: Point Loma, Coronado, Encinitas, Carmel Valley, La Jolla, and Carslbad. Don’t forget to wear comfy clothing and shoes!

Photo Credit: Mike B. via Yelp

For the Tumbler: “Wobblers” and “Wigglers” at JW Tumbles
These general movement classes offer kids and parents are a little bit of everything. You’ll bounce around on gymnastics equipment like trampolines and tumbling mats, as well as non-traditional equipment like tire and hammock swings, and even a trapeze. During circle time, the teacher will introduce a practice skill that parents are encouraged to work on throughout the rest of the class. Then families head into “adventure time,” a free exploration of the equipment that teachers rotate throughout the space. There’s even time for winding down at the end with puzzles and other toys.

Do you and your toddler attend a movement class that you just love? Tell us about it in the comments!

– Amanda Freerksen