Mommy and Me Classes Rule
Days spent with babies and young toddlers can be a blur – diapering and feeding, toy cleanup, playing, rocking to sleep. Then repeat.
And while you perform all of these actions (and so many more) as your kids grow, you may realize that it’s more fun to do it together and make new friends.
Finding other families to engage with on a regular basis provides socialization for you and bonding opportunities with your children. But where to start?
Playgroups are a great option for these types of interactions, as are structured Mommy and Me style classes.
Kalamazoo families have all kinds of choices for baby and me classes, from yoga to tumbling, music, art, and swimming.
FYI: “Mommy and Me” is not only for Moms
Before we get any further, a quick clarification: “Mommy & Me” is a generic term to describe any class with an adult participating with a young child.
These classes are for all caregivers.
Moms, dads, grandparents, nannies or other trusted adults are all welcome to participate in these fun courses.
Classes that Fit Your Schedule and Budget
Caregiver and child courses come in all shapes and sizes: scheduled, recurring classes, drop-in classes and single session.
They also vary in price points: some are free, some have a single fee and others require an annual membership. Read on to find a new class to try.
In this Article
• Recurring Classes
• Drop-In Classes
• Membership Classes
Enroll in these Recurring Mommy and Me Classes
Mommy and Me style classes help children develop motor & social skills and often incorporate dance and music. Caregivers can build friendships through meeting with the same participants on a regular basis.
Each of these classes below requires advanced registration; most meet weekly and average six weeks in duration.
Crescendo Academy of Music
359 S Kalamazoo Mall, Kalamazoo, MI 49007
Infant – 5 years
Internationally recognized Music Together classes are taught in 45-minute sessions to engage caregivers and children in singing, moving, and playing music.
Participants also receive CDs and songbooks to use at home.
YMCA of Greater Kalamazoo
2900 W Centre Ave, Portage, MI 49024
1001 W Maple St, Kalamazoo, MI 49008
6 months +
The YMCA offers multiple courses for parents and children:
• Pint Sized Play (18 – 36 months) incorporates games, music and parachute time with parents.
• Tumbling Tykes/Intro to Ballet (3 – 4 years) classes invite parents to join for the first 4 classes as kids learn tumbling and ballet skills.
• Water Discovery Swim Lessons (6 months – 4 years) allow infants and toddlers to explore and learn basic swim techniques with their parents in the water.
Looking for more options? Many swimming lessons, yoga classes and dance classes are geared toward littles ones and caregivers:
SWMI Swimming Lessons »
SWMI Dance Classes »
SWMI Yoga Classes »
Short on Time? Try these Drop-In and Single Session Classes
Looking for a mommy and me class, but don’t want to commit to a recurring class? Maybe you have a varied work schedule or a just want to attend whenever convenient.
Whatever the reason, all of these options are either drop-in style or single, registered sessions to fit a more flexible schedule.
Air Zoo
6151 Portage Rd, Portage, MI 49002
2 – 5 years
Preschool STEAM Days is offered the first Wednesday of each month at the Air Zoo.
This program includes 10 minutes of storytime and 30 minutes of station-based activities for preschoolers and parents to complete together.
Binder Park Zoo
7400 Division Dr, Battle Creek, MI 49014
2 – 5 years
FAWN, the First Adventures with Nature program at Binder Park Zoo, is a 90-minute playgroup with animal encounters and imaginative play.
Kalamazoo Candle Company
166 S Kalamazoo Mall, Kalamazoo, MI 49007
3 – 12 years
Kids can make custom sand candles with a parent and no cooling time!
Kalamazoo Nature Center
7000 N Westnedge Ave, Kalamazoo, MI 49009
3 – 5 years
Preschool Explorers encourages kids to get outside; dress for a trip outside to learn about nature.
Little Roots Yoga
Portage & Kalamazoo, MI
2+ years
Little Roots Yoga provides yoga for kids and families locally, including indoor, outdoor and virtual events.
Follow their Facebook page for schedule.
Wolf Lake Fish Hatchery
34270 County Rd 652, Mattawan, MI 49071
2+ years
The fish hatchery hosts two classes for children and caregivers seasonally; follow their Facebook page for events:
• Hooked on Nature (2 – 6 years) features a different animal or nature theme with activities outdoors and crafts inside.
• Hook, Line and Sinker (3 – 16 years) teaches kids to fish at no cost; all gear is provided.
Yoga Adventures for Kids
811 Gorham Ln, Kalamazoo, MI 49006
2+ years
The Time to Shine Studio is the home of Yoga Adventures, a yoga program for children and families.
Ms. Sarah offers classes for all little yogis ages 2 and up inside of Grace Harbor Church. Register online for individual classes and workshops.
Mommy & Me Membership Classes
Looking for a bit more of a commitment? These providers require annual memberships to the facilities to participate in their mommy and me classes:
Branch Gymnastics
6712 Financial Pkwy, Kalamazoo, MI 49009
Bronson Athletic Club
6789 Elm Valley Dr, Kalamazoo, MI 49009
Kids Gym
9027 Portage Industrial Dr, Portage, MI 49024
The Little Gym of Kalamazoo
408 W Centre Ave, Suite B, Portage, MI 49024
  
  