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Imagine that!
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By Deborah Dove
Now that school has started, is your toddler missing his sibling? Do you have a new baby and need some other mom interaction? Following are some great things to do with your child.
FUN WITH BABY
Gymboree—3263 Independence, Plano, 972-964-7529
Gymboree provides mommy and me classes for newborns through the preschool ages. Gymboree level classes are split into focused age groups (0-6 mo.; 6-10 mo.; 10-16 mo., etc.) so little ones can focus on age-appropriate development through songs, games and physical playscapes such as ramps, slides, tunnels and climbers. They also offer music classes with songs, instruments and movement and an innovative Baby Signs class that teaches infants and toddlers to communicate before they have words. Visit www.gymboreeclasses.com for a schedule of classes and times.
The Little Gym—5261 McKinney Ranch Pkwy, #100, McKinney 214-592-0006
These 45-minute classes for parents and children from infancy to three years include aerobics, elementary gymnastics skills, stretching, rhythm, songs, group activities, ball play and bubbles. Classes are broken into age groups (4-10 mo.; 10-18 mo.; 19 mo.-2-1/2 years; and 2-1/2-3 years). Independent classes are also available for preschoolers and elementary ages.
Metroplex Gymnastics—205 E. Bethany Dr., Allen 972-727-9095
Moms and toddlers that are walking through age 3 will have a great time building baby’s gross motor skills with climbing, jumping, crawling, bouncing and tumbling. Class time includes interactive circle time, trampoline and fun in the foam pit. The 45-minute classes are held weekly and cost $61 per month. Check their website at www.metroplexgymnastics.com for a schedule of classes.
Mommy & Me Postnatal Yoga—MoveStudio, 17062 Preston Rd., Dallas 972-732-0206
Appropriate for beginner and practiced yoga enthusiasts, this class focuses on restrengthening abdominal and other muscles and relieving postnatal discomfort and emotional symptoms, while allowing mom to bond with baby (six weeks to pre-crawlers/6 mo). Cost is $95 for six-week series. Call for dates and times of classes.
Mommy & Me Mondays at the Dallas Arboretum—8525 Garland Road, Dallas 214-515-6500
Stimulate your child’s senses with the scents and colors of autumn blooms at the Dallas Arboretum. Special mommy and me events on Mondays (September 24-October 29) include planting a flowerpot (10 a.m.-1 p.m.), petting zoo (10 a.m.-2 p.m.), crafts (10 a.m.-2 p.m.), creative movement (10 a.m.-10:30 a.m.) and music (11 a.m.-11:30 a.m.). Activities take place in the Pecan Grove and are free with general admission.
Tiny Tot’s Gym—Joe Farmer Recreation Center, 1201 E. Bethany, Allen 214-509-4750
During the school year, tots and their parents can meet other families and play with mats, balls, tunnels and other fun things every Tuesday from 9:30 to 11 a.m. Free for members, or purchase a 12-visit punch card for $24.
Pump It Up Jr.—4101 E. Park Blvd., Plano 972-792-9663
Let your toddler bounce and play at Pump It Up Jr. (a pint-sized version of the popular Pump It Up inflatable franchise), which hosts Pop-In Playtime for children ages one through six on Tuesdays from 9:30 a.m.-noon, Wednesdays from 3-5:30 p.m. and Fridays from 9:30-11:00 a.m. A special playtime for the three and under set is offered on Thursdays from 9:30-11:00 a.m. Inflatable play areas include a 12’ double lane slide, an inflatable play land with lots of things to climb on, and the Bubble Land Bouncer, a bouncer with graduated bubbles for kids to climb through before reaching a small slide. Cost is $5 per child (parents play for free).
SUPPORT FOR MOM
Mothers of Preschoolers (MOPS)
The Allen branch of this non-denominational Christian-based support group for moms of children birth through kindergarten meets at First Baptist Church of Allen the first and third Fridays of the month from 9:30 to 11:45 a.m. One Friday of the month moms listen to a speaker on topics of interest to mothers and women raising small children, the other Friday is spent doing a craft. Smaller care groups and a mentor mom provide additional support and a feeling of community. Childcare is provided. Registration is $30 and dues are $40 per semester. For more information contact Joy Wingo at 214-495-0465 or njmbn@sbcglobal.net.
Allen Early Childhood PTA (AECPTA)
A nonprofit network for families with children from birth to kindergarten that combines parent education programs, community service and organized family activities. General meetings are held one morning a month (childcare provided) and a wealth of other activities are available to members, such as field trips, a baby-sitting co-op, age appropriate playgroups, seasonal parties, adult book clubs and craft circles, community service activities and a sunshine committee that provides meals to families with new babies or families going through crisis. Dues are $21 and include a PTA membership card, directory, access to all members-only events, and a monthly newsletter. For more information, visit their website at www.aecpta.com
International Moms Club of Allen
Allen chapters of this international organization provide support for stay-at-home mothers based on geographical location, with an Allen northeast and an Allen southeast chapter. There are monthly membership meetings to discuss upcoming events, and weekly playgroups broken down by child’s age, mom and child outings (the park, fire station, local restaurants, etc.), an annual community service project and a monthly mom’s night out to catch a movie, enjoy dinner, paint pottery and the like. The southeast chapter also has a walking group and cooking club. Dues are $25 per year. For more information, send an email to momscluballenne@yahoo.com (northeast Allen) or AllenMOMS_SE@hotmail.com (southeast Allen).
Also visit www.moms.meetup.com for a variety of mom’s groups in the area. |
