Opinions Needed re Gymboree Classes

**westamp** · 09-18-2006, 04:30 PM

I received a free pass to a Gymboree class. I'm debating about whether this is worth it. Anyone here send their kids to the Gymboree classes? What do they do in those classes? How much are they? Do you think you got your money's worth?

TIA!

**Toonces** · 09-18-2006, 05:00 PM

We're big Gymbo fans. I took DD to a free class when she was 4 months old and all she did was lie there and look at the Gymbo clown doll they had. I didn't think she got much out of it so I waited until she was 6 or 7 months old before I took her back. We've been going ever since then (she'll be 2 next month). We were in gym class but recently switched to one music class and one art class/week. I'm PG with #2 and didn't feel like chasing her around the gym area anymore.

Depending on the age group your DC would be in, they basically consist of initial circle time - sing a song, do a few mommy/caregiver and baby exercises, play with the toy of the week. Then they move things to the gym area - play on various equipment, focusing on one thing for 2-3 weeks at a time. Then it's bubble and parachute time, then a Gymbo song, then a good-bye song. I think that's it. The art and music classes are different. Let me know if you want to know about those.

For the life of me I can't remember the cost of the classes. You'd think I'd know by now.

I usually enroll when it's Gymbucks time so that I can earn a couple to buy clothes with later. It is pricier than some of the other programs - Kindermusik, park district, etc., but we really like it. You can really get your money's worth if you take advantage of open gym. Our gymboree had it 6 days/week this summer, but have cut back to 4 days/week after Labor Day.

DD loves Gymboree. She remembers the songs, we sing them at home, she likes Gymbo (you'd think most kids would be afraid of a clown), and I think the various classes have really benefited her development.

**kimthebride** · 09-18-2006, 05:12 PM

At 14 months I took DS to a free Gymboree class and a free Little Gym class. They are both very similar, with Gymboree having more teacher-singing & guided play and LG having more music-playing (though there are songs) & free play on the equipment.

DS seemed to prefer LG more, so we went with that. I think they are about the same price.

**magdesilver** · 09-18-2006, 05:33 PM

It depends on how old your DS is. I went when DD was about 3 months old and we ended up quitting because DD wasn't getting much out of it (since she couldn't do much at that point) and the timing always seemed to be when she was cranky, tired, or hungry. So I spent a lot of the classes nursing her in the back of the play area. So at that age it wasn't worth it. We started going again in the beginning of the summer and it has been so fun for her. She can do so much more and the classes are so much more interactive once they get a bit older. So I'd say from about 9 months on it is worth it. Before then, save your $$!
Also, you don't need a special pass to have a trial class at any of these types of places...just get a schedule and pick an age-appropriate class for your DS and show up. They all give free trial classes so you can see if it's worth it for you!

**Sal03** · 09-18-2006, 05:36 PM

DS got a lot out of it when he was learning to crawl and then crawling but then we got into Music Together and he liked that a lot more. I would definitely go for a trial first. With all of these things, the teacher is SO important. At the Gymboree by me, they hired these young girls who were not into it at all and were terrible. There was only one teacher in the place who was amazing and high energy so I would have ended up in a lousy class had I not taken a trial and talked to other moms about the teachers.

**thegurl77** · 09-18-2006, 06:18 PM

I'm also in NY and hated Gymboree. Maybe it was my location, who knows. But the women that took their kids there were more than antisocial, and, I found about 100 other places that did mommy and me that were 1/2 the price and doing the same thing. In those classes I met some of my and DSs closest friends.

**wildcat** · 09-18-2006, 08:00 PM

Sorry to hijack the thread, but a quick question! Are those of you that go SAHM's? I work full-time and DD goes to daycare (montessori program, one of the best in the city) and I think she gets a lot of these activities from that (socializing, music, free play, art, etc). Do you think there's still a benefit in attending one of these classes in addition to daycare? I've always thought about trying one out, but after spending $1150/mo on daycare, I have a hard time justifying the cost and time? TIA!

**magdesilver** · 09-18-2006, 08:18 PM

wildcat,
I have an unlimited gymboree pass so we can go to any class in DD's age range that we want. Right now, I take her 1-2 times a week during the weekdays (so yes, most of the moms or dads that take their kids at these times are either sahm or part timers if they do work). My DH takes DD on Saturday mornings and there are a lot more couples or just dads at those classes, so that would be an option for a working parent. They also have some late afternoon/ evening classes but my DD goes to bed pretty early so I don't think she'd be in a happy mood for those classes. I would say try it out, can't hurt to have a free class and see if you like it! It's something to do, and my DD has fun. I'm not looking at it to teach her things really.

**cr8zyforaf** · 09-19-2006, 05:59 AM

I refuse to go to the Gymborees in my area - I called both of them to express my sadness that the baby classes were only offered on the weekdays (I am a working mom) and both owners basically told me too bad - that their staff didn't want to work weekends.

I take A to the My Gym on Saturday mornings. I LOVE IT...I can't say enough positive things about this - not only is it an activity that we can do together, unlike daycare, I can stay and watch her interact with the other children. Plus, it give me a chance to meet other working mommies.

**fifibee** · 09-19-2006, 09:21 AM

Hey Wendy~

Max and I go to our local Gymbo class and he absolutely loves it! I do agree with PP that you'll probably get more out of it once they pass 9 months. It's one of his favorite activities as he really loves (or fascinated, rather) his teacher. We also take advantage of the play gym time (free play for all Gymbo members) for him to roam around and explore. I have to admit it isn't cheap though, but I've been trying to take advantage of th promotions periods when they offer gymbucks or free gifts.