Wednesday, August 6, 2008

Bubblin' Over About Gymboree!

For those of you who don't know about Gymboree in El Cerrito, it's one of the well-hidden gems in the El Cerrito Plaza. Just find the Trader Joe's and walk between GNC and TJ's, you will see an elevator that will take you up the the 2nd Floor - Mezzanine level. You come out of the elevator, hang a quick right, go through a set of doors and there, discrete as can be, is Gymboree! It has a large play area that is colorful, clean, and developmentally appropriate. The instructors are bubbly and equipped with actual bubbles! They have a small selection of Gymboree toys for sale that have been a big hit in our home. This particular Gymboree is part of a franchise that includes El Cerrito, Oakland, and Lafayette. For the summer, we go to unlimited classes, at any location, for $69 a month...during the fall it goes to $89. In addition to gym classses, they also have art, music, and open gym times. Having something to do everyday with a little one on the move is essential to my sanity. Well worth the $$, if you ask me. They will do a preview class for free before you sign up. The class includes songs, exercises, finger plays, independent play, parachute games, & bubbles of course! I love doing the 45 minute class, chatting before and after with the moms, dads, grandparents, & caretakers. We also do a little shopping before or after at the nearby shops. There has also been a farmer's market going this summer on Tuesdays in the plaza. We often have lunch afterward at the Rubio's where there is eye-candy for the babies under a straw hut cabana equipped with lights and dangly fish. I can't say enough great things about the Gymboree experience...we love it and find ourselves singing the songs at night and again when we wake up in the morning. I have already seen my son gain confidence and independently join in the songs. If loving Gymboree is wrong, I don't want to be right!

1 comment:

Phillip Rogers said...

Gymoree kicks butt, no doubt about it.