miami mommy & me classes, kids arts & music classes and kids athletic classes
Art
Abrakadoodle (Miami & Miami Beach)
Abrakadoodle provides art classes, camps and parties for kids 20 months to 12 years at schools, community centers and other locations around town. Subjects include clay, paint, drawing, pastels, collage and more. Various locations, 305-662-7323
Beaux Arts Mommy & Me (Coral Gables)
Mommies & toddlers (3-4 years old) will explore and create colorful projects each week. The 90-minute classes are held at the Lowe Art Museum at the University of Miami and sessions average four months. 1301 Stanford Drive, Coral Gables; 305-668-8499
Fun Club Kids (South Miami)
This super-friendly, licensed children’s center doubles as a preschool, babysitting center, after school program and class hotspot. Classes include gardening, MusikGarten, arts & crafts, little chefs & more. 6710 SW 80 St, South Miami; 305-669-1700.
In Motion Miami (Morningside)
This full-service dance studio caters to the whole family with classes for munchkins & moms ranging from modern/contemporary to jazz to hip hop fusion. Extra bonus – classes start at 18 months (toddler tumbling) and feature specialty items like hip hop for boys (4-6 years). 5084 Biscayne Blvd, Miami; 305-751-2229.
Miami Children’s Music (Midtown)
Owner Ashlee Cramer is arguably Miami’s most popular music teacher. Kids and parents follow her religiously, and swear by her version of Music Together (a national music program). Parent participation is expected and talking is strongly discouraged. 3252 NE 1 Avenue, 305-519-0362
Miami Children’s Theater (Coral Gables & Kendall)
This professional theater training company opens its doors to kids 2-7 via a series of classes ranging from Mom & Me Act Up (fundamentals of dance, rhythm, etc), Be Creative!, Creative Dance and Lets Pretend! Coral Gables: 405 University Drive, 305-274-3595 Kendall: 11155 SW 112 Avenue, 305-274-3595
Miami City Ballet Mommy & Me Music & Movement (Miami Beach)
The Miami CIty Ballet introduces parent & child classes blending music and beginning dance steps. Held Thursdays 2:30-3:30pm from Sept 10,2009-June 2, 2010. $400 for the year, $175 per quarter. 2200 Liberty Ave, MIami Beach; 305-929-7007.
Miami Kids Music (Pinecrest)
The 2009 Nickelodeon Parent’s Pick for best music class in Miami, Miami Kids Music is a much-loved hands-on variation of the national music program Music Together. The research-based curriculum builds on kids’ natural enthusiasm for music to develop a contagious love of instruments, movement and music. Classes are taught in the Pinecrest Gardens Community Center. 11000 Red Road
Mis Amigos Languages (Coral Gables)
Munchkins 1-12 can learn Spanish through role playing, story telling, singing, dancing, games and art at this new Coral Gables language center. Offerings include parent/child art & music classes, after-school programming and camps. 1390 South Dixie Highway, 786-556-3030.
Music Together of Miami Beach (Miami Beach)
The internationally-known Music Together program for babies & toddlers arrives on the Beach courtesy of this class being offered at the parent/child center at Lehrman Day School. Expect to “sing, chant, dance, move and boogy” with teacher Daphna Gutman. 727 77 St, 786-566-9754.
U of Miami MusicTime (Pinecrest & Coral Gables)
Designed for kids 0-8 years old, MusicTime offers classes in singing, listening, ear training, movement, instrument playing and notation. Music Time for Babies (birth to 15 months) focuses on relaxing, growing and having fun. Various locations, 305-284-3176
General
Auntie M’s Grow With Us (Kendall)
Learn to resolve conflict, create more peace at home or just have more fun with these classes rooted in the philosophy of Conscious Discipline. Weekly classes and speciality workshops are available for kids 0-8 years. 8854-B SW 129 Terrace, 305-256-0333.
Baby Sensory (Brickell)
This international program puts a European twist on mommy & me. Come for all the engaging, entertaining basics – art play, music, singing, baby sensory and toddler sense. Emphasis is on stimulating the senses and classes are available for kids 0-3 years. 1800 SW 1 Ave, 786-306-7957.
Dave & Mary Alper JCC (Kendall)
The community-centric Kendall JCC offers an impressive roster of classes for kids 4 & under, including Mom & Me Swimming, Twoosy Doodlers (art 20 months – 3 years), Tot Time, Spanish for Preschoolers & Alphabet Soup (cooking for kids 30months-4 years). 11155 SW 112 Avenue, 305-271-9000
Baby Stars (Aventura)
Educational and interactive classes for kids 3 months -3 years. Parent participation is required and classes are offered in English, Spanish and combo. Emphasis is on stimulation and education. 3565 NE 207 Street, 305-466-1886
Lehrman Community Day School (Miami Beach)
Mommy & Me classes at this Miami Beach school focus on munchkins 12 months and up. Emphasis is on fun, activity & Judaism. Classes are available Tuesday and/Thursday. 727 77 St, 305-866-2771.
Mini Works Kids (South Miami)
Two teachers (and moms) started this learning center (and kids clothing shop) for kids 2 & up. Classes offered include Skill Works (develop fine motor skills & control) and Spanish Works. Unreviewed. 7631 SW 67 Avenue, 305-562-9500
Parent Child Center at Temple Beth Sholom (Miami Beach)
Open to families of all backgrounds and religions, the Parent Child program offers a variety of programming for children aged 2 months to 3 years. Classes are interactive, developmentally appropriate and include Music Togeher, art & sensory activities, storytime and learning activities to enhance social, emotional, cognitive and language development. Extra bonus – classes are a great way to meet fellow Beach parents. 4144 Chase Avenue, 305-538-7231 x238.
RIE Bred (Miami, Hollywood)
Emphasis is on personal attention and individual baby & mommy development at these classes led by Lisa Chariff Better. Each class features observation of baby at play followed by discussion. Classes are capped at 8 kids and organized into four stages of development (8 weeks & up, crawlers, young walkers & toddlers). 305-790-7597.
Silly Monkeys Playhouse (Coconut Grove)
This new (opened 2011) Grove play spot brings music, art and discover play to munchkins 0-4. Offerings include Monkey Feel (infant bonding & tactile play), Monkey See (music, movement & sensory development for crawlers & walkers), Monkey Do (music, art & sensory play for toddlers), Monkey Minuet (music and movement for munchkins 4-14 months) and Monkey Jam (music and movement for older munchkins).3310 Virginia St, 305-444-4448
Skipping Stones Miami (Upper Eastside)
This “little white cottage” welcomes kids newborn to age 12 with language yoga, music dance and gardening sessions. Drop the kids off weekday or Saturday mornings for three hours of parent-free fun or pop by in the afternoon for art, cooking and gardening classes. Prenatal yoga and mommy & me sessions also available. 7120 Biscayne Blvd, 305-759-0750.
Temple Beth Am (Pinecrest)
Longtime neighborhood favorite, Beth Am opens its early childhood doors to kids 7 months to 4 years old. Classes alter with age, one highlight includes a weekly free Tot Shabbat session every Friday morning at 9am. 5950 N Kendall Drive, 305-668-6340
Athletics
Anahatha Yoga/YogaMusic (Various Locations)
The whole family is invited to join these classes featuring yogic stretching, music, songs, stories and various languages (most classes are taught in English & Spanish). Instructor Cynthia Zak Preuss has studied yoga for over 20 years and teaches kid & family-friendly classes throughout the city.
Baby Boot Camp (Key Biscayne, Miami Beach)
Bring your baby, stroller, water bottle and mat to Flamingo Park and/or Village Green and come ready to work. The 75-minute sessions, available in Level 1 and 2 varieties, combine strength training, Pilates, yoga, cardio and ab exercises for a total-body workout. Expect to use baby, your stroller & resistance bands as props throughout the workout. BBC is a national program with local outlets. Times and prices vary, click here or call 305-229-8385 for details.
Baby Boot Camp (Coconut Grove/South Miami)
This stroller fitness program helps moms regain and enhance pre-pregnancy fitness levels in a supportive environment. Classes combine strength-training exercises with cardiovascular drills, pilates, yoga and core strength exercises for a total-body workout and utilize strollers, resistance tubes and munchkins. All fitness levels welcome. Register online and first class is free.
Baby Weight (Coral Gables)
Mom of two & physical therapist Luly Diez-Aguelles created this exercise program specifically for new moms. The three classes (Baby Weight Basics, Stroller Boot Classes & Baby Weight Joggers) use strollers, resistance bands & your baby’s weight to retrain, restore & strengthen muscles weakened by pregnancy & labor. Playgroups, physical therapy and nutritional counseling are also available.
Fitness 4 Families (Coral Gables, Pinecrest, South Miami)
Get back in shape with baby at stroller Fitness & Pilates classes. Use strollers & babies as resistance in cardio, strength training and Pilates – sounds odd, but it’s a great way to get active and be with baby. Private training also available. Various locations, use website
Gym Kidz (North Miami Beach & Coral Gables)
Parent & Tot classes for kids 18 months – 2.5 years. Tiny Tumblers gymnastics classes for kids 3 & up. Unreviewed. Coral Gables: 405 University Drive, 305-460-5600 ; Miami Beach: 2038 NE 155 Street, 305-944-4277
Gymboree Play & Music (Coral Gables, Pinecrest, Kendall, Doral)
The Pinecrest, Kendall & Doral outlets of this national chain offer interactive parent & child classes focusing on socialization, gross motor development and fine motor skills. Newborns to five-year-olds are welcome and class options include play & learn, art, music and school skills (a preschool alternative). Coral Gables: 358 San Lorenzo Ave, 3o5-476-9500; Pinecrest: 11845 S Dixie Hwy, 305-232-3399; Kendall: 8530 SW 124 Ave, 305-270-0021; Doral: 10736 NW 58 St, 305-594-3775
Infant Swimming Resource (Various Locations)
Infant Swimming Resource teaches kids 6 months to 6 years the Self-Rescue™ swimming instruction program. Emphasis is on safety as infants 6-12 months learn to hold their breath under water, roll onto their backs and float unassisted. Older children learn to hold their breath underwater, swim with their head down and eyes open, roll onto their back to float, rest, and breathe, and roll back over to swim to the side of the pool.
Jungle Gym (Aventura)
This Aventura gym is a birthday party favorite. Regular classes include mommy & me, toddler academy (22 mos-4 years) and gymnastics (3.5 years and up). There are indoor and outdoor spaces and emphasis is on athletics – think lots of foam mats. 2968 Aventura Blvd, Aventura; 305-932-1496
Karate Princess (Bay Harbor)
Bring girly girls three and up to Cat Zohar’s Karate Princess classes for a fun-filled 45-minutes of martial arts, athletics and group interaction. The classes are designed to teach kids traditional martial arts techniques, promote healthy eating & exercise and improve confidence and self-esteem. Female munchkins wear pink uniforms, earn pretty patches and work towards earning a tiara. It’s Fancy Nancy meets The Karate Kid! Separate classes are available for boys three and up. 305-903-7111.
Kids Yoga (Coral Gables, South Miami, Pinecrest)
Yoga at the Topical Audubon Society, a three acre urban oasis, blend yoga and nature for a unique twist. Classes most suitable for munchkins 7-12. 5530 Sunset Drive
The Little Gym (Aventura, Kendall)
Gymnastics/movement classes for kids 4 months – 3 years focus on basic motor and social skills. This is an active class – kids move around, hop on equipment, run about. Aventura: 954-916-9525 Kendall: 12360 SW 127 Avenue, 305-232-9496
Movement Yoga for Children (Coconut Grove, Coral Gables, South Miami)
Movement Yoga for Children is a blend of dance and yoga incorporated into an age-appropriate curriculum for munchkins two and up. The classes combine creative movement, yoga poses and breathing exercises to help kids enhance gross motor skills and concentration. For children ages three and up, there is also an academic aspect during which they analyze their bodies and poses through the creation of illustrations and weekly journals.
My Gym (Aventura, Coral Gables & Kendall)
Visual, audial and spacial exploration begin as young as 6 weeks at My Gym, a great option for moms itching to get out of the house early on. Little Bundles classes are designed for kids 6 weeks – 6 months old and feature a lot of singing and sitting around. Tiny Tykes (7-13 months), Waddlers (14-22 months), Gymsters (23 months – 2.5 yrs) and Terrific Tots (2.5 – 3.25 yrs) focus on stretching, movement and physical activity. Aventura: 17881 Biscayne Boulevard, 305-933-0496 Coral Gables: 2531 Coral Way, 3o5-285-9440 Kendall: 12588 SW 88 Street, 305-270-0230
Ocaquatics (Kendall, Pinecrest)
30-minute parent & baby swim lessons for kids 6 months – 3 years. Idea is to get kids comfortable with the water and eventually teach them to swim. Unreviewed. Various locations, 305-412-4447
Swim Kids (Key Biscayne)
Classes available from newborn and up. Infant classes (newborn-4 months) are 10 minutes long and held in the bathtub. Parent & baby classes from 4-24 months. Unreviewed. 10 Village Green, 305-262-7946
The Yoga Room (Miami Beach)
Baby & Me yoga classes focus on supporting mom’s body after birth. Breathing techniques, meditation and postures are incorporated. Appropriate for babies 1 month-1 year. 841 Lincoln Road, 305-538-7544
