Advice on Playgroups

Overall, I think the Gymboree experience depends a lot on the teacher, and (mostly) the other moms in the group. I signed up my daughter when she was a baby, and she seemed to enjoy it, though she wasn't exactly blown away by the experience. Personally, I found the class sort of creepy and depressing, as many of the mothers were singing in their kid's faces while forcing them to do the hand motions or whatever, even when their kids clearly were not enjoying themselves. And it was weirder still to watch the kids being dragged around on that big parachute, when at least half of the poor kids were bawling to get off the damn thing.

Gymboree does have some fun classes for toddlers though. My daughter loved the one where they set up sort of a kiddie obstacle course. I think they call it gymnastics, but really it's just kids playing on fun, safe, indoor climbing equipment, mats, tunnels, balance beams, etc. We signed up for that one at least twice, and I'd recommend it. At least during the winter months.

As for "outdoor activities" with a 13 month old, I think going for a walk almost anywhere is really fun and educational at that age-- especially if you have no particular destination, you aren't in a hurry, and you let the child lead the way. I used to ask my daughter, "Would you like to take me for a walk?" and she'd go nuts with excitement. It's SO rare that kids that age get to feel "in charge" in the real world, and it makes them feel really important when YOU follow THEM. The park is an obvious choice, but even city streets are incredibly interesting for a little person. And they inevitably call your attention to things you never would have noticed -- which is the coolest part. And bring along a bag or a box to collect things (leaves, rocks, sticks, acorns, whatever he likes).

On colder days, letting them wander around museums is great too. (A bit pricey in some cities, I know, but here in DC, we are fortunate to have the Smithsonian). It doesn't really matter if they "understand" where they are or what they're seeing. They love the space, and on weekday mornings most museums aren't crowded (if you avoid the tourist seasons).

I have enjoyed gymboree, but I also really like My Gym. I have done both in the past. We are currently doing My Gym and it just seems that they focus more on the motor movement activities and give each kid more time with a teacher. With Gymboree it felt like it was more about doing free time all the time. At My Gym they change the space weekly to make it always new looking. I actually got my one session with Gymboree as a gift, so I don't know the price comparison. They are both good, but I prefer My Gym if there is one close.

I have a 17 month old and took a few gymboree classes. They were very good and my baby had a great time! However, they are a bit expensive. I have recently discovered Toddlin' Time in Manassas. It's only $48 for 6 weeks and it is as good or maybe even better than gymboree. Not to mention that it's a lot closer. Check out toddlintimeofmanassas.com. Good luck!

I tried Gymboree classes when my kids were little and they were ok. I liked the Little Gym, Kindermusik and Music Together classes better. All of these involve some movement and some music at this age. Most places offer trial classes so try out some different classes and see what you like. Finding a teacher you like is the key. As for outdoor activities the simplest things are the best. Park, playground, sand, ball, toy car...it doesn't get any better than that.

Although it isn't all that close, it's WELL worth the trip to Baltimore. The Port Discovery musuem for kids is absolutely AWESOME and you could easily spend an entire day there. My now 5-year-old son LOVES that place. Just google "Port Discovery" and "Baltimore" and you'll find it. Also - remember to pack a lunch -they don't have much for food (there is a McDonalds next door, but I prefer to bring healther options for lunch, and they do have a lunch room with tables and chairs - I tell my son we're having a "picnic" and he gets a kick out of it). I also take my son to public school playgrounds or community tennis or basketball coursts and just bring a kickball and let him go nuts - he loves it. Or,we'll play "follow-the-leader" where we have to "balance" on all the painted lines (if we fall off, the sharks will get us!) and he really LOVES that, too. Enjoy!

We personally go to Kids N Motion now located in Woodbridge. Our daughter has been going for about a year and a half and loves it and our son just recently started going when he started walking. He is really enjoying it as well. It is much cheaper than the chain gyms and has a nice personal touch. If you do not want to join a weekly class she has daily "open plays" where you pay either 5 or 8 dollars to let your child run around and play in two different rooms with large inflatables and other age appropriate toys for an hour and a half. My kids love this as well. The facility is about 9,600 square feet so there is plenty to keep them busy.