Gym classes for kids are more than just enrichment when winter hits. They can ensure that kids get the much-needed exercise that tends to fall away when days get darker and air gets colder. These little beings need to run - and climb - and it is not always ideal to do so in your home. Many of us want to get the kids into some sort of class - dance, soccer, music, etc. How do you pick which is best? Well, this year I realized if I picked my activity carefully, it would be very worth every penny. I recently registered my youngest at Gymboree for a music class. What I did not know was that this gym offered something that was as important to me as the “Daddy time” he would have and the chance to move and interact with children his age - the gym has free play sessions!

On certain days the gym is open for free for kids to run and climb and laugh and have fun. What’s even more exciting is that you are allowed to bring two kids to one adult. That means I can take both of my kids on those dreaded after nap times when we are all bored and let them get exercise, work up and appetite for dinner and much needed stimulation that ensures a great night sleep. For the holidays the classes are on break, but they have open gym almost every day. I repeat - for free! So, when my older son is going crazy (and so are we) with the long break from school, guess where I will be? Although the initial investment can be a bit pricey, if you use the open gym wisely, it works out to be a win-win situation. Gymboree classes are offered in many locations, so chances are you have one near you.

A couple of other gyms that offer similar programs are JW Tumbles and My Gym.

Let us know if you have any experiences with these places or have other programs that offer “free play” time. We are all looking for economical ways to get out kids moving!