Best Mommy and Me Classes Around DC

Lisa R:  Founded in 1997, Apex Gym is one of the largest and most well equipped gymnastics centers in Virginia. However, that shouldn't intimidate little gymnasts who want to get a head start on their jumps and rolls! The parent-child class here teaches kids as young as 18 months basic positions & floor exercises and how to use the balance beams, uneven bars, parachute and trampolines. Classes are capped at a 7:1 teacher student ratio.

Age: 18mo-3yrs

Cost: $85/month

Lisa R:  This 18,000 sf gym offers all sorts of classes and camps for kids looking to perfect their gymnastics, tumbling, cheering, & ninja skills. Little kids love building new skills alongside mom and dad in the gym's preschool area full of big foam blocks, tunnels, and bright colors. Classes make use of music, sequencing activities and cooperative group activities to keep young minds as active as their bodies.

Age: Walking - 18 mos; 18 mos- 3 yrs

Cost: $81/month

Lisa R:   Families play, learn, and work together at this modern play space divided into five themed areas devoted to art, building, climbing, imaginary and sensory play. Families love spending time in the nurturing, home-like space. Facilitated playgroups here give parents a chance to connect with each other and seek guidance from the instructor about their child's development. Babies get to play, socialize and explore new developmental activities each week. A separate, parent-facilitated, music class introduces kids to rhythm and melody.

Age: 0-2yrs

Cost: $150/mo

Lisa R:  Hill's Gymnastics offers recreational gymnastics, tumbling and trampoline classes for all ages. Their Tumble Tots class lets their littlest students get a jump start on balance, coordination and fine motor skills, with help from mom & dad. Parents learn how to coach and spot their kids while kids have fun working their way through the obstacle course.

Age: Walking to 3.5yrs

Cost: $235/ 12 weeks of 45 minute classes

Lisa R:  Little Steps Music has been sharing the joy of family music making with Arlington, McClain, & D.C. families since 1996. Classes here follow the Music Together program, which teaches children through imitation and play. Parent participation is therefore an important part of the curriculum. Classes are taught at locations throughout N. Virginia. Be sure to check their full class listing to find the one nearest you.

Age: 0-5

Cost: $200-$236/semester

Lisa R:  This action-packed gym develops strength, flexibility and dexterity through classes that use Ninja Warrior type obstacle courses and trampolining. Their Baby Ninja class proves that it's never too early to start training! Toddlers in this class gain confidence while jumping, climbing, rolling and swinging on the same equipment used by the big kids and in the preschool obstacle course. Class size is limited to 8 parent-child pairs per session & parents pick up tips on how to coach their kids at home.

Age: 18mo-3yrs

Cost: $45/mo

Lisa R:  This 35 year old franchise with 550 location builds kids' confidence and self esteem through gymnastics and fitness classes. Their Tiny Tykes series is non-stop fun with songs, dances, baby-safe rides and agility exercises that help develop baby's sense of movement. Parents looking for more ways to wiggle and roll with their kids should also check out the Little Bundles Playgroup for babies 6 wks - 22 mos and the Mixed Ages/Sibling Program that let kids 3mo-5yrs play together.

Lisa R:  Dynamic gymnastics helps kids build confidence, strength, and flexible through gymnastics and early movement classes. Parents enjoy accompanying their kids to the Mini Gym class where tots use props and small equipment that promote gross motor skill development as they have fun learning to run and climb in a positive social environment. Classes are offered continuously with a "rolling enrollment", so it's easy to join anytime.

Age: 18mo-3.5 yrs

Cost: ~$24/class

Lisa R:  Amber Dutton-Hanlon, the founder of Meadowlark Music is a mom, performing musician, and music educator. Her creative music classes for babies and toddlers make use of instruments, singing, parachute games, sign language, dancing and movement, puppets, and creative props to keep kids, and parents, engaged. Many of the songs and class activities are specifically chosen to enhance bonds between children and their caregivers. Classes are taught at a several locations throughout DC. Check their course schedule to find one near you.

Age: Newborn to toddler

Cost: $246-$259 for 12 weeks

Lisa R:  If you're looking for a little zen in your week, but feel like you can't fit any me time while running after the kids, then parent-child and family yoga classes at Circle Yoga are for you. 'Movers & Twisters' aged 2-4 yrs learn basic yoga poses and relaxation techniques through music and games while Family Yoga sessions for 3-6 yr olds builds family bonds through fun partner poses and relaxation techniques for the whole family.

Age: 2-6

Cost: ~$19/class for parent-child pair

Lisa R:  Parent Child U classes seek to create a "joyous relationship between a confident parent and a child open to the world and its possibilities". Most classes are taught by founder "Miss Tracey" Kretzer, who holds an M.S. in educational psychology. Classes take place at public locations and private homes throughout N. Virginia. Parent-child offerings include classes that follow the Kindermusik curriculum and baby signing. Private classes can be arranged for groups or special occasions, such as birthdays.

Age: Birth - 2

Cost: $16-$22/class. Classes held in 4-10 week sessions.

Lisa R:  This large Jewish Community Center is open to all D.C. residents and is home to a wide variety of educational, social, cultural and fitness programs. Parents particularly appreciate their varied menu of child-caregiver classes which include a number of music classes plus a fun Flamenco dance class taught in Spanish (no prior Spanish necessary).

Age: 0-4

Cost: $156-$200/session (8-9 classes). Discounts for members.

Lisa R:  Why sign up for just one mommy & me class when you can sample a different one each week with a bunch of new friends? Each 5 week session with Petite DC includes five baby-friendly activities at easily accessible DC venues with the same group of families. Typical activities include a mix of lectures that are of interest to new parents and parent-baby classes.

Age: 0-12mos

Cost: $175/5 weeks

Lisa R:  Housed at the Smithsonian Institution, SEEC is devoted to providing high-quality educational programs for young children. Their weekend workshops for families with kids 6mos-3rd grade explore rotating themes with 30-90 minute sessions split between the classroom and galleries. The weekday "Bring Your Own Baby" program for caretakers with infants in carriers provides conversation, coffee, and themed exploration of the galleries for adults.

Age: 6-12mos; 13-24mos; 2-3yrs; 3-5yrs

Cost: Weekend workshops $41.20/ child + caretaker; Bring Your Own Baby $10

Lisa R:  These mixed-aged, nature-based classes are held in public parks and outdoor spaces throughout the country. Classes are led by trained educators and focus on engaging with the natural environment while developing empathy, collaboration, creativity, persistence and problem solving. Classes are year round and you can join at any time. Search for your zip code on the website to find one near you. New locations are regularly added.

Try out some typical Tinkergarten activities on your own by checking out their online database of projects.

Ages: 18months-8 years

Cost: $20-$30/class. Sessions are 10 weeks long