Best Mommy & Me Classes In Minnesota
There is nothing like bonding with your children during an activity that expands and enriches them, especially when that activity is a ton of fun. With more and more parent-and-child classes being offered nowadays (a.k.a. mommy and me), the choices can be intimidating and hard to wade through. Below are some highly regarded selections within the Twin Cities to help make your decision a bit easier.
Learning Tree Yoga
500 38th Ave. N.E., Suite 200
Minneapolis, MN 55421
(612) 916-9369
www.learningtreeyoga.com
You and your child can unleash your inner yogis at this yoga studio especially created for the health and development of little ones. For kids two-and-a-half and up and their respective adults, Learning Tree Yoga offers drop-in, private or scheduled weekly sessions in a playful and imaginative environment. Children will learn about body awareness, relaxation and self-control by using stories, games and songs. Moms be warned: you will be meowing and mooing during your cat and cow poses, but it is all in good fun and the kids will love it.
Art with Ellen
104 S. Snelling Ave.
St. Paul, MN 55105
(651) 331-9791
www.artwithellen.com
For over 30 years, Ellen Ferrari has helped to inspire creativity and develop the artistic skills of children ages 12 months to kindergarten. In these interactive classes, grown-ups and young ones experiment with clay, chalk, finger paint, various art tools and more to learn basic art concepts. Messy fun is accompanied by stories and games to keep all ages interested. Class sessions run between five and 10 weeks and take place inside the Immanuel Lutheran Church in St. Paul.
Kiddywampus
4400 Excelsior Blvd.
St. Louis Park, MN 55416
(952) 926-7871
www.kiddywampus.com
Kiddywampus is a toy store that offers a variety of fun learning opportunities that both mother and child can participate in, including Arts-Stop, Wee Move and Music Together. Arts-Stop is an art class that is hands-on, educational and explores various art materials. Wee Move is a gymnastics and yoga class that explores your child's balance, flexibility and coordination. Music Together is a family music class designed to introduce rhythm, various instruments and social skills to little ones. All of Kiddywampus' class offerings are educational and engaging while providing a fantastic way to bond with your child.
Tiny Fingers of Minnesota
7816 Stillwater Blvd. N.
Oakdale, MN 55128
(612) 669-3317
www.tinyfingersmn.com
Baby sign language has become a fast-growing tool to accelerate the communication development of little ones, as well as reduce frustration when verbal exchange is difficult or not an option. Tiny Fingers of Minnesota provides on-site classes for local groups and families wanting to bring American Sign Language to babies and young children. Classes are designed to be entertaining for the kids, with songs, books, finger plays and interactive games used to maintain their interest. Adults will find the classes informative and are encouraged to repeat what is learned within their daily home life to reinforce the signs. Knowing signs for basic needs such as "toy," "milk" and "eat" will not only increase your baby's confidence, but will also make communication easier between parent and child.
Brighter Minds Music
Lake Nokomis Lutheran Church
5011 31st Ave. S.
Minneapolis, MN 55417
(651) 485-0153
www.brightermindsmusic.com
Brighter Minds Music provides music education for children, with classes currently held at Lake Nokomis Lutheran Church as well as other on-demand locations such as libraries and playgroups throughout the Twin Cities. These classes are offered for infants to 5-year-olds and incorporate movement, stories and playful activities with every music lesson. Each eight- to 10-week session provides your family with a new CD, instrument and songbook to learn from and keep. Young ones will develop an understanding for musical patterns, voice control and more, as well as experience the joy of learning new songs and instruments.
Cortney Mohnk is a freelance writer covering all things Minnesota. Her work can be found on Examiner.com.
