Signing up for a Mommy-and-me class is a terrific way to get out of the house and play. These events can also benefit your baby by building social and developmental skills. From arts and crafts to recreational activities, there’s something fun for parents and little ones to do near home. Use our guide to find seven classes near Goodyear, Arizona, that are good for parents and young kids.

Explore Music at the Museum

Image via Flickr by shixart1985 Licensed CC BY 2.0

The Children’s Museum on North 7th Street in downtown Phoenix provides family-friendly programs throughout the month, and admission is always free for members. Toddlers are at the ideal age to learn about music in this weekly Mommy-and-me class. That’s why the teaching staff designed many engaging experiences for its youngest visitors, like Awakening Creativity: Music.

During the 45-minute program, instructors take advantage of your child’s natural inclination to sing and play. Kids from 18 months to 5 years old will learn rhythm, beat, and pitch. This class starts at 10:30 a.m. Space is limited and available on a first-come, first-served basis.

Get Artsy at Rachel’s

Discover your creative side with an art class you both will love at Rachel’s Young at Art Studio. Located on East Shea Boulevard in Scottsdale, its Mommy and Me class is outstanding for kids 18 months to 3 years. This studio offers a four-week series in a small group setting. Classes meet weekly, either on Tuesday or Thursday.

Children reap loads of benefits from art classes, and this program gives them the tools they need to develop their visual perception in a fun way. They even get to use loads of different media, from clay to paint. While you and your kiddos strengthen your relationship, they’re also improving their motor skills, developing language, strengthening their problem-solving skills, and improving their critical thinking.

Share Some Stories at the Library

The Goodyear Library on West Van Buren Street is one of 17 branches in the district. This beloved Maricopa County institution has more than 30,000 items available for checkout and download, from books and movies to music. In addition, it touts a dedicated Children’s Area with age-appropriate activities and a set of computers reserved just for them. 

Consider taking a class here. Buckle the kids in the car and join a weekly storytime in the programming room. There are three times to choose from every Thursday, including 10:15 a.m., 10:45 a.m., and 11:15 a.m. If you can’t make it to the branch, don’t worry. You can still spend some quality Mommy-and-me time with the virtual program “Baby Time Lapsit with Miss Alyssa!” that plays all day.

Make a Splash at the YMCA

The Southwest Valley YMCA is the place to go in Goodyear for swimming lessons — and so much more. According to the American Academy of Pediatrics’ drowning prevention campaign and water safety guidelines, swimming is a life skill that infants should start learning at just one year of age. 

Thankfully, swim time is more than just about safety — it’s also fun! Bond in the pool on a sunny Arizona day at your local YMCA. Spend the hot Arizona days helping your child improve their skills and build confidence in the water. The Y’s certified lifeguards and nationally certified swim instructors guide you and your child through the basics, including floating and treading water.

Connect With City Recreation

Expose your child to positive experiences while you connect with other parents, thanks to the city’s Recreation programs. Goodyear offers a variety of year-round classes and activities to residents of all ages. So whether your kids want to learn to dance, do martial arts, or create something beautiful, they can do it here.

Educators created Goodyear’s youth enrichment programs, including the Beginners Edge Sports Training. This soccer program will teach your toddlers ages 18 months to 2 years various skills like coordination, balance, listening, following directions, and teamwork while you help direct them. Children are introduced to the fundamentals like dribbling and ball control and may advance to more challenging moves such as throw-ins and defensive moves.

Make Friends at Gold Medal Gymnastics

Located on East Elliot Road in Tempe, Gold Medal Gymnastics is one of the Valley of the Sun’s leading spots for Mommy-and-me classes. This tumbling gym boasts a large, open spring floor, a foam pit, and trampolines. Founders designed its programs for anyone who wants to flip and twist.

Preschoolers will enjoy the gym’s “Parents & Tots” classes, which will enhance and challenge your child’s motor skills and build their confidence. These classes introduce your kids to fitness in a fun and friendly environment while in the comforting presence of a parent. Get your child ages 18 months to 3 years excited about physical movement. The instructor will guide you and your child through activities and exercises like parachute time, stretching, obstacle courses, trampoline, bar, and beam.

Investigate the Science Center

The early childhood programs at the Arizona Science Center help your little ones discover new things — plus, the whole family can participate together, regardless of age. Keep those brains active with classes that nurture their curiosity, wonder, and amazement.

Arizona’s Science Center’s CONNECT program is your whole family’s online portal to science education. You and the kids will get the chance to explore concepts in science, technology, and engineering with virtual courses featuring interactive activities, video demonstrations, and loads of resources for mom and dad. The best part about this subscription service is that it’s everywhere you and the kids go whether you’re at home or vacationing in a lakeside cabin. All you need is a laptop and a hot spot.

So, there you have it. Crème de la Crème of Goodyear informed you of eight Mommy-and-me classes. Did you like our picks? Did we miss a favorite family-friendly program of yours — one Arizona parents will love? If we did, let us know! Drop us a line so we can add your suggestions to our list.