Taking a mommy-and-me class is a terrific way for parents and kids to get out of the house, and they come with many benefits. Your child will build social and developmental skills and increase mobility and confidence while you make connections with other caregivers. From creative to recreational activities, there’s something fun for both of you to do near your home. Use our guide to find five classes near Glenview, Illinois, that you and your little one will love.
Little ART Explorers
The Paintbrush is a unique art studio for children as young as 12 months. The classes here are not just about splashing paint around. The teachers are professional artists who share their creative passion through hands-on lessons. Little ART Explorers is perfect for a 1- or 2-year-old child. Students learn the skills they’ll need to explore the art world, including shapes and colors. What sets this program apart from others is the playroom free time. Pick the eight-week fall session or the seven-week winter course, or sign up for both.
Older toddlers from 2 to 3 years can enroll in ART Class for Tots with a caregiver. In this seven-week winter session, your kids will participate in various creative pursuits, including drawing, painting, and other projects. There’s even a preschool course and beyond for artists who want to continue learning independently long after their toddler years.
- Location: 2446 N. Clark St. in Chicago
- Hours: Class schedules vary based on fall and winter sessions
Mommy & Me Dance & Tumble
The Mommy & Me class at Aspirations Dance Co. is perfect for caregivers and children ages 12 through 17 months. Introduce your baby to music, movement, and tumbling elements with this studio’s unique approach. You’ll forge a special bond as you dance, follow lyrics, and discover new rhythms using colorful and fun props. Parents get a good workout while mingling with other caregivers.
There’s also a parent and tot tumbling class for kids up to 3, and if your toddler loves these classes, enroll your child in the Creative Dance with Tap program. Once they reach 18 months old and can attend independently, children will learn self-expression through developmental movement, all in a short, age-appropriate format. There’s also a conditioning and toning class for moms who want to get back into shape.
- Location: 350 S. Main St. in Lombard
- Class Hours: Wednesday from 3:45-4:15 p.m. and Saturday from 9:30-10 a.m.
Baby and Me Yoga
Sweet Pea’s Studio is a terrific place to escape the daily grind with your little one. Its Baby and Me Yoga program is for babies 4 weeks old and up to active crawlers. You’ll focus on restoring balance and healthy bodies through physical postures, relaxation, and breathing techniques while picking up infant massage methods and stretches in a playful and loving environment.
Songs and games help create a unique and joyful class and an engaging time with your child. You’ll get the chance to connect with mothers while you unite mind, body, and spirit through classic yoga fundamentals. This peaceful, stress-free hour will create lasting results you’ll notice long after the class ends.
This program offers yogis of all ages a welcoming space for connection and balance, plus access to various programs for new parents. Before the baby arrives, consider enrolling in the Birth Wisdom: Childbirth Education Series, or if you need help with breastfeeding techniques, there’s a course for that as well.
- Location: 3717 N. Ravenswood, Suite 213, in Chicago
- Hours: Fridays from 11 a.m. to noon
Baby Toddler Swim Classes
Chicago Blue Dolphins offers an excellent mommy-and-me swim class for babies and toddlers. Help your child develop a lifelong love of water while learning the basics of swimming safety with a program designed just for your child. The child-centered approach at this school features songs, games, and toys that make the learning process fun. As a result, kids pick up the techniques faster, and there’s no pressure, crying, or coughing here.
The instructors at Chicago Blue Dolphins introduce various activities to kids 6 months to 4 years old during the 30-minute class. Each time you enter the pool together, you’ll work toward building swimming skills and strokes without the use of aggressive immersion tactics or forced back floats. This unique approach makes learning to swim an enjoyable and positive experience.
The American Association of Pediatrics recommends swim lessons for babies and toddlers. This knowledge provides them with an extra layer of protection around the water and helps prevent drowning. Sadly, drowning is the leading cause of injury death in America for children between 1 to 4 years. A mommy-and-me swimming class, like what you’ll find at Chicago Blue Dolphins, will give you peace of mind and your children a skill that could help save their lives.
- Location: 2222 N. Elston Ave. in Chicago
- Hours: Class times vary and are available during the morning, afternoon, and evening
Tiny Sensations
Tiny Sensations at the Tiny Tunes Studio is a 40-minute class designed to stimulate your baby’s senses with touching, seeing, feeling, and hearing activities. Every class at Tiny Sensations is different to encourage new sensory experiences each time you attend. Together, you’ll bond through creative play, baby signing, and story time. The activities include reaching, grasping, learning about colors and shapes with building blocks, and exploring musical instruments and movement during tummy time.
The exercises in this mommy-and-me class will help promote brain growth while encouraging children to use their core muscles and develop motor skills. Teachers designed the program to carefully stimulate patterns of learning and exploring in a safe environment for parents and children. Staff thoroughly sanitize the materials used during class to protect your family’s health.
- Location: 1800 S. Prairie Ave. in Chicago
- Hours: Drop-in classes vary; see the studio’s calendar for a complete listing
Well, there you go. The staff at Crème de la Crème of Glenview put together this list of five of the area’s best mommy-and-me classes. Which one do you think will be your family’s new favorite activity? We want to share your ideas with other active Illinois families. Please let us know and tell us about your experiences.