First time Mommy would like your thoughts on Gymboree Play

[tiaz]

Hello everyone,
I am thinking of taking my 8 month old daughter to Gymboree this next session. And I honestly do not know too much about it. I do know that it's going to cost me $170.00 (including a one time enrollment fee) for the session.

For those of you that take or have taken your children to Gymboree, did you and your child/children like it? Have you continued to take your children as they have gotten older? Do you think the price is right for the activities?

Any information or opinions would be greatly appreciated.

Tia & Skylar (8 months)

[C99]

Here are some old threads on the subject:

http://tinyurl.com/2rhe4
http://tinyurl.com/2cuwk
http://tinyurl.com/393sl
http://tinyurl.com/25l8s

HTH

[peanut4us]

OUr Gymboree play place will let you come to one session for free before you sign up... that way you get to know a bit of what goes on before shelling out. Our DD is 9 months now. She crawls super psycho fast... and is standing a bit here and there. She can walk with assistance. Our Gymboree suggested we try the prewalkers class... but they were willing to let us try the crawlers class too. We went to the walking one... and Sara wasn't quite up to speed, but still had a good time. I do think that she would have been a little advanced for the crawlers class.

We didn't end up signing up for the classes. DH is the SAHparent rightr now, and he wasn't as interested in the classes. If I were at home with her though, I think I would have. Just ot have something scheduled to get out and do.

Not sure if that was really helpful. Maybe you can see about a free class for a tryout? Also, sometimes Gymboree clothes stores have coupons for a "free" try out class.

[C99]

You can print out a free trial coupon from the Web: http://www.playandmusic.com/b2c/include/coupon.jsp

[pritchettzoo]

I haven't tried them yet either, but I'm waiting until the next Gymbucks period. If you like their clothes, you might want to wait until then as well to "cash in" on the big fee.

Anna
Mama to Gracie (9/16/03)

[Momof3Labs]

Check your local park district too - I found some fun sounding options that we are taking this spring; they start in two weeks!

[peanut4us]

I just looked at our park district and they have swim, music, and art classes for 9 months + for $5 a pop. Not bad. THanks for the tip!

[mharling]

I went to the free class and decided not to enroll. I personally didn't think it was worth the money. I ended up finding something similar through our park district for $21. And we could sing songs that didn't have 'Gymboree' in them. :)

I think it depends on what other choices you have for activities. I agree that it is important to have some structured time to get out of the house and if this is your option, then consider doing it.

Oh, the free class also helps you get a feel of the people who go there. The one I went to was very cliquish which was also a big turnoff. Just something else to consider.

http://www.auction-pix.com/katasha/stuff/snowman.gif Mary & Lane 4/6/03

[Momof3Labs]

Wow - that's a great deal! Ours are more expensive than that, but still cheaper (and a smaller commitment financially) than Gymboree.

[kristine_elen]

I like Gymboree pretty well. I don't like that they change the words to songs to incorporate the word "Gymboree." ("My oh my it's a Gymboree day...") We signed up and then Jack's nap schedule totally changed and we could almost never make it to any of the sessions at any location, so it was a waste of money at that point (they have a liberal make up policy, but if your baby sleeps through the make ups, too, then that doesn't help.) You might also want to try different classes. Some that I went to were filled with women I didn't connect with too well, while I felt more comfortable at other classes. I think we'll probably sign up again once Jack's sleep pattern is more set. You might also call some larger churches in your area; some have formal play times that you can go to even if you're not a member of that, or any, church.