IMG_3027Disclosure: A class was provided in exchange for a review.

A morning at Gymboree is the toddler equivalent to a mommy mini-spa retreat. Our day would begin with a meditation walk, followed by a relaxing but challenging yoga class, some time to practice mindfulness, then apply what you’d learned. Round it all off with a massage and mani-pedi, and you’re set!

At Gymboree, there are so many things your toddler or young child can explore, and plenty of activities they can learn from. They offer classes separated by developmental stage and age.

Our 45 minute class, Play & Learn Level 4, opens with a few minutes for the kids to get to know the space at their own pace. They can climb, jump, crawl, aim, slide, and so many of those other verbs that are so fun for them to experience in a place that isn’t home (am I right?). Next up, kiddos meet Gymbo the clown – we said hello and found his nose and his toes. Then, our bright, bubbly teacher, Amy, introduced the concept for the day – “Off and On.” She explained our children’s developmental stage and why talking about “off and on” to our little Problem Solvers is important and helpful for them. We let the kids loose again, and continued to explore the room, paying special attention to the places we could highlight the day’s concept. While we were romping around the room, Amy pulled out an Airlog and we sang a song and bopped along with our hands on it, then she invited the kids to take a walk on top of it practicing their balance. Then more playtime. We rounded the morning out with circle time, which included bubbles and a parachute – and lots of engaged, excited toddlers!

IMG_3026One of my favorite aspects of the class was that it was structured, but nothing was required. My little whirling dervish of a daughter is not the biggest fan of circle time – she loves to explore her environment and talk to the people around her. Sitting is just not really her thing. So, when in the middle of the first song at circle time, she got up to go climbing on the other side of the room, I felt completely comfortable getting up from the circle to be with her without feeling like I needed to retrieve her.

I learned so much from Amy – she is incredibly knowledgeable, and she has a very relatable way of explaining the benefits of the activities. She intentionally acknowledged positive traits and growth in all the kids. I really would have loved to sit down with her and pick her brain about toddler development!

IMG_3030By the end of class, I couldn’t believe we were only there 45 minutes. We did so much, and I learned a ton – I could have stayed all day! My daughter participated in activities different from those she does most days, and really enjoyed herself (and I enjoyed the long nap she took when we got home)!

Our morning at the baby-spa was something I will definitely look forward to doing again! For more information about classes at Gymboree Play & Learn, click here!