Parent and child classes, also known as “mommy and me classes,” are great bonding activities that allow caregivers to have fun with their children and meet new friends along the way. These classes come in a variety of forms, including gym and physical activity, music, arts and crafts, dance, and more. Here are six places that offer caregiver and child classes in and around the Westmont, Illinois, area that you should check out.

Brookfield Academy for Mini Musicians

“baby class” licensed under CC BY 2.0 via Flickr by jen_rab

You and your child can pair up to learn the basics of melody, rhythm, and harmony at Brookfield Academy for Mini Musicians. This school offers three different parent-and-child music classes for children 4 months old to 3 years old. The Munchkin Maestros class is for infants ages 4 months to 18 months. This introductory class involves playing simple instruments, learning classic children’s songs and originals written by owner Ms. Clara, and exploring elements of music like pitch, loudness, and simple rhythm. 

Mini Maestros is for children ages 1.5 years old to 2.5 years old. This class uses many of the same elements of the Munchkin class but focuses on developing verbal skills and more refined pitch and rhythm techniques. Lastly, the Merry Maestros class for children ages two and three builds on the concepts from the lower two classes and adds dance, games, and other simple instruments. 

The school offers virtual classes as well as in-person classes where you and your children can interact with other families. You can also try a demo class at a discount to see what the raving reviews are all about.

Mattix Music Studio

Mattix Music Studio is a local family-owned and operated music school that offers a variety of music classes and instrument lessons for people of all ages. The school’s Music Together program is a series of parent-and-child music classes that helps children develop skills in music, literacy, speaking, socialization, self-expression, and motor skills. 

Newborns and children up to age 5 are welcome in these 45-minute, family-friendly classes. Kids and caregivers get to sing, dance, as well as play instruments and music games. You can sign up for an indoor class that takes place at the studio, an outdoor class that takes place at a local park or community center, or a virtual class that you can complete from the comfort of your home. And while they do have weeks-long programs, you can join in for the holiday-themed Music Together jams, too.

Lively Arts Dance Studio

Head to Lively Arts Dance Studio to learn some new dance moves with the family. You can obviously sign your children up for dance classes, but you can also take the Family & Me class that combines books, instruments, and props for a fun-filled lesson. Unlike the other instructional classes where your children would learn specific dance moves and a full routine, the Family & Me class is all about having fun, moving your body, and learning the basics of rhythm. You and your children also develop better balance, coordination, and flexibility.

These classes are currently offered in the evenings on Mondays and are for children ages 12 months to 36 months. And it’s not just parents who can bring the kids; grandparents are welcome, too!

Bear Paddle Swim School

Get your children learning how to stay afloat and swim at an early age with Bear Paddle Swim School. They host baby and toddler swimming classes where parents, under the guidance of the professional swim instructor, help their babies and tots get used to floating and playing in the water. These classes are also a great way for you to learn child water safety and help your little ones safely have fun in the water.

The first parent participation class is called Introduction to Teddy and is for babies 6 months to 36 months. With your help, your tiny swimmer masters baby paddling and floating, which are the foundations of future swimming lessons as they get older, as well as lifesaving techniques. The next parent-participation class is Water Adjustment for children 6 months to 3 years and older. Kids learn how to paddle with their head in the water and kick their feet. They also learn how to float with assistance for 30 seconds. 

Goldfish Swim School

Goldfish Swim School is another location that offers parent-and-child swim classes. They hold classes for babies as young as 4 months old up to 35 months old. These classes focus on basic floating and swimming techniques, child water safety, and developing motor skills. You can sign your child up for swim classes based on their age, swimming level, and previous swimming practice. 

The Mini 1 class is for infants from 4 months to 15 months old. The Mini 2 class is for babies 16 months to 35 months. In 30-minute classes over the course of a few weeks, you and your child learn how to complete lifesaving techniques, like self-rescue maneuvers, as well as paddling and kicking while being held.

Fit4Mom

Fit4Mom is a less traditional mommy-and-me class. The main focus is actually to bring local moms together for a fun exercise routine and socialization. The other major portion of the class is games and music with the little ones. Fit4Mom’s stroller-based classes are hour-long fitness classes that incorporate exercises like Barre, Pilates, cardio, and strength training with fun activities that keep the kiddos occupied. You can feel good getting in some exercise, which can help you feel stronger and release tension. But, you also get to interact with other moms and their children, building friendships for you and your kids. 

You can find Fit4Mom meetup classes all around the Downers Grove, Hinsdale, La Grange, and Westmont areas. Depending on the class, you could be meeting up at a local park, outdoor recreation center, or indoor gym.

So there you have it, six caregiver and child classes in and around Westmont. Did we miss your favorite mommy and me classes? If so, contact Crème de la Crème of Westmont to let us know. We’ll be sure to add it to our list!