Finding gym and multi-sports classes for children in South West London

Being Scandinavian I get a bit stressed about leading a city-life during the winter months. On Saturday, I was desperately trying to come up with an outdoor activity that wouldn’t get us too cold, such as hanging out at a playground pushing a swing, so we took out the bicycle for a fun ride down the street. I’ve also looked at different classes to keep Baby Girl active, and here are some gymnastics and multi-sports classes for young children, which I know are popular among friends:

Gymboree
Last year, Gymboree seemed to be a fashionable choice for birthday parties among Baby Girl’s friends, and she was invited to several parties at the colourful Gymboree venue in South Kensington. I could easily see why many mums liked taking babies and toddlers to Gymboree (classes for children aged 0-5), as the South Kensington venue, for example, has a large padded area, which is perfect for little ones. The instructors were super energetic, and the children loved climbing on the custom-designed soft play shapes, sliding on sheepskin, running around and practising rolls. The South Kensington classes at St. Augustine’s Church is on the top floor, so be prepared for narrow halls and stairs! Gymboree has a second South Kensington venue at Baden Powell House, and there are also many other Gymboree venues around London, including one in Clapham and one at the Vitality Centre in Wandsworth.

The Little Gym
We also went to a party at The Little Gym in Wandsworth last year, and this is a venue I’d heard about even before I had Baby Girl. A number of my friends have been very complementary about The Little Gym classes (for children aged between 4 months and 12 years), and it seemed like a fantastic place for babies, toddlers and young children to be introduced to gymnastics. The Little Gym seemed very well equipped with bars and beams, and I could see the classes being great for teaching little ones new skills, co-ordination and boosting their confidence. The Little Gym Wandsworth is easy to access by car from Chelsea, Fulham and Battersea, as it’s located by the river, near B&Q.

Playball
To spend more time outside, I was looking at signing Baby Girl up for a multi-sports Playball class, as these classes are run outdoors when he weather permits all year. I’ve been recommended Playball from other mums too, and one of Baby Girl’s friends is planning a Playball birthday party. The classes are from two years and up to eight years, and I liked the fact that they expose children to a variety of sports skills and I could see it being great for physical development for both boys and girls. The classes that were suitable for Baby Girl, however, were already fully booked for this term, but if there is availability, it is possible to register for a class at any time during the term. Playball classes are run in Battersea Park, Clapham Common, South Park, Gambado Chelsea and St Luke’s Chelsea.

Tags: Baby classes, Classes, Gymboree, Gymnastics, Playball, The Little Gym