Thrifty Thurston Checks Out Parent-Tot Classes around Olympia

hands on children's museum
The Hands On Children's Museum offers a free class for toddlers each Friday engaging parents with their children during the structured exploration time.
0 Shares

 

By Kate Scriven

Capitol City Honda sponsorMy two girls are both in school.  All day.  Sometimes I miss them while they are gone, but it makes our time each afternoon together all the sweeter.  However, I remember all too well the years when they were both home.  All day.  It was during those years that we hit the park, rode our bikes, or met friends for playdates.  But sometimes these unstructured, organized-by-me events just weren’t enough for my active toddlers.  We needed more.

Enter Mommy (or Daddy) and Me classes.  A gift of semi-structured time for my littles and I to look forward to.  A routine.  Plus, these classes proved to be one of the best ways for us to make pint-sized and adult friends.  Some of the moms and kids I met in Baby Gym at the Olympia Center are life-long family friends.

hands on children's museum
The Hands On Children’s Museum offers a free class for toddlers each Friday engaging parents with their children during the structured exploration time. Photo by Aaron Barna Photography

To create a rhythm and routine in your daily schedule, engage in meaningful learning with your child, and bond with other parents of children the same age, join one of the Parent – Tot classes below.  With options from music, to sport, to simple play and learn there is something for you.

Hands On Children’s Museum Playwise

Playwise is a HOCM tradition that has nurtured many parent/child relationships, not to mention parent to parent connections.  During playtime, story time, art projects and interactive play, parents establish their role as one of their child’s first, and most important, teachers.  The free (with admission or membership) class is held each Friday from 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. and again from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

Kindermusik at Emily’s Music Studio

The internationally known Kindermusik program is available here in Olympia through Emily’s Music Studio, meeting at the Yenney Music’s westside Olympia store.  The “Wiggle and Grow” class is for all ages and offered Tuesdays from 10:30 – 11:30 a.m.  Movement, music, instruments, and singing are all part of the interactive learning for parents and children. Children and parents bond not only in class, but at home as well with the Digital Home Materials for each family, extending the music and learning beyond the class session.

Parent-Tot Swimming at the South Sound YMCA

olympia parent toddler class
The South Sound YMCA offers Parent-Tot Swimming at both their downtown Olympia and Briggs YMCA locations.

Learning to swim not only bonds parents and children, but is a life-saving skill that all children should know.  Start early with the YMCA’s Parent – Tot Swim Classes for ages six months to 3 ½ years.  Skills start at water comfort and adjustment for the newest swimmers and progress to floating and submerging as confidence grows.

Fit 4 Mom Stroller Strides / Stroller Barre

Many moms are looking for ways to engage with their babies while getting fit again after pregnancy.  Olympia’s Fit 4 Mom Stroller Strides offers the chance to do just that each Monday, Wednesday and Friday at 9:30 a.m. in Olympia’s Pioneer Park.  First classes are offered free (click here for a free pass) and payment options include punch cards and unlimited monthly passes.  This is no walk in the park, either.  Exercises are for all fitness levels, but you WILL get a work out with strength training, stretching and cardio activities.  All ages are appropriate (as long as they are in a stroller!).

Mommy and Me Preschool at Gloria Dei Lutheran Church

This early pre-school program is designed for children ages 18 months and up.  Parents engage in activities with their toddler weekly on Fridays from 9:00 to 10:15 a.m.  Skills practiced include listening, singing, sharing, and taking turns.  As part of the greater Gloria Dei Preschool, there is a spiritual element to this program.  Sessions are 10 weeks long and are held three times a year.

olympia parent toddler class
Johansen Olympia Dance Center offers two different classes for parents and kids to participate in together.

Creative Dance or Musically Me at Johansen Olympia Dance Center

Movement, music and dancing are favorites among toddlers and research has proven they all aid in brain development in the early years.  Engage with your child during Parent-Toddler Musically Me (birth to four years) or Creative Dance (18 months to three years).  Both options engage pairs in dance and music and discounts are offered for siblings.  Schedules vary throughout the year so check here for the latest schedules.

Mommy/Daddy & Me Soccer with Kidz Love Soccer

With locations including Olympia, Lacey and Dupont, these active soccer sessions, where you play with your child instead of sitting on the sidelines, are a great way to get both of you on your feet.  Registration is through local Parks and Recreation Departments and classes are designed for players ages 2 to 3 ½ years.  Each participant receives their own jersey and activities center on large-motor skills and socialization skills.

 

fall arts walk olympia
The folks at Olympia Family Theater are always ready to put on an entertaining show. Photo courtesy of Olympia Family Theater

Baby/Toddler Gym and Kindergym at the Olympia Center

If you ask parents around town what their first “class” was for their child, you’ll often hear, “Baby Gym at the Olympia Center.”  Both Baby Gym (ages 1month – 24 months) and Kindergym (ages 2 – 5) offer parents a twice weekly time for engagement with their child and other parents of similarly-aged children.  Circle time, gym play, active games and songs are all standard fare.  As children age, the activities become more active and age appropriate.  Sessions are one month long and registration is easy (and affordable) through the online system.  Multiple times and dates are available.

Let’s Play:  Daytime Shows at Olympia Family Theater

While not truly a Parent-Tot Class, these special performances at the Olympia Family Theater are designed for interaction between parent, child, and actors as they stage simple, engaging theater shows for all ages.  Held the first Monday, Friday and Saturday of each month, shows run 20 – 35 minutes.  Giggles and play during the show are encouraged.

Thrifty Thurston highlights inexpensive family fun in Thurston County.  The weekly series focuses on family-friendly activities throughout our community.  If you have a suggestion for a post, send us a note at submit@thurstontalk.com.  For more events and to learn what’s happening in Olympia and the surrounding area, click here.

Print Friendly, PDF & Email
0 Shares