Whether you’re a first-timer or a seasoned pro, searching for the best mommy and me classes in NJ can be a bit overwhelming. Sure, you want to find one that’s not only a bonding experience but is age-appropriate, cultivates growth, and has plenty of social ops for your little and you. So you’ll be happy to hear we’ve done the groundwork for you— from strollercize fitness to developing a love of music to stretching and climbing, there’s a class for you and your little ones to indulge their interests and discover exciting new passions. Scroll down for some of the best mommy and me classes in NJ. (feature photo credit: iStock/FatCamera)
Here are the best mommy and me classes in NJ
Miss Melissa’s Aardvarks
When Melissa Chill took a dare to get up on stage and sing with a New Jersey shore band decades ago, she had no idea that she’d hit mega-star status in the eyes of the 5 and under crowd. Miss Melissa’s Aardvarks music program with hits like “Runaround Kid,” Brush Teeth,” and “Bagel” is fun for the whole family. The kids love to groove to cool tunes taught by her and her rockin’ band of musicians.
Locations throughout NJ, including Brielle and Rumson
Rockness Music
Everyone’s in the band at Rockness Music, a modern approach to music class featuring live music performed by actual rock and roll musicians. Your preschoolers and toddlers will be movin’ and groovin’ in no time, and you will be, too. Classes include musical instruments, drumming, dancing, foreign language, puppets, and dramatic play.
Locations throughout NJ, including Hoboken, Maplewood, and Metuchen
Music Together
These immersive classes help develop your child’s natural aptitude for music and set a foundation for any vocal or instrumental they may pursue. The family setting allows for kids of different age groups to learn together, so you can bring older siblings. You will also receive an illustrated songbook and CD to keep, so feel free to break out the tunes whenever the mood strikes you.
Locations throughout NJ, including Brick, Cream Ridge, and New Brunswick
Little Rockers
Whether you’re looking for indoor classes, outdoor sessions, or a virtual experience, you can rock out with your kiddos at Mommy & Me Baby Band and Tot Rock. Fostering a love for music is one of the most incredible things you and your child can do together. Children can enjoy classes with instruments, music, and classic favorites.
166 Patterson Ave., Shrewsbury, NJ 07702
Kids’ Music Round
Kids MusicRound taps into all learning styles (visual, tactile, auditory, and kinesthetic), creating a well-rounded learning experience to spark kids’ natural curiosity while enhancing auditory skills. Children also improve fine motor and visual skills by playing different instruments, dancing, and clapping their hands to the beat.
Bridgewater, Cherry Hill East, Collingswood, Cranford, Crosswicks (Chesterfield area), Haddon Heights, Haddonfield, Hillsborough, Lawrenceville, Marlton, Mt. Laurel, Medford, Pennington, Robbinsville, Scotch Plains, Westfield, and Whitehouse locations
Kidville
Kidville is your family’s happy place, with a wide variety of parent/child options ranging from gym classes in a state-of-the-art playspace, music classes with performances by the Rockin’ Railroad band, art classes that give kids the freedom to explore their creativity, and dance sessions that build confidence and keep your kids moving. Parent/child classes begin from newborns through 3 years old.
516 Valley Road, Montclair, NJ 07043
The Little Gym
These parent and child classes for ages 4 months to 3 years old focus on three dimensions of learning—Get Moving, Brain Boost, and Citizen Kid—all of which foster the growth of the whole child. Sessions in their Learn and Grow Program help little ones develop flexibility, strength, and coordination through physical activity, enhance their listening skills and decision-making, and promote sharing, teamwork, and cooperation with their peers.
Locations throughout NJ, including Summit, Scotch Plains, Jersey City, Roxbury, Hamilton, and Sea Girt
Gymboree
Gymboree Play and Learn Mommy and Me classes begin with the 0-8 month age range, focusing on tummy time and other sensory-based activities. It then progresses to age 5, where kids become more independent and socially aware. Gymboree also offers Parent/Child classes for music and art.
Locations around NJ, including Jersey City, Westfield, Howell, Princeton, Red Bank, Ocean, Toms River, Princeton, and Pine Brook
My Gym
Want to help your littles gain a love of fitness early on? Mommy and Me classes at My Gym begin at age 6 weeks and continue to 3.25 years old. Children will have a blast strengthening muscles, developing language, and making friends, all while engaging in sensory exploration and discovery.
Locations around NJ, including Manalapan, Westfield, Jersey City, and more
Fit 4 Mom – Stroller Strides, Fit 4 Baby, Stroller Barre
We know that Mommy and Me classes are excellent for the parent and child, but let’s face it, some parents are looking for a great workout, too. With the Fit4Mom program, certified instructors lead groups through classes indoors and outdoors, all with your babe in tow. Stroller Strides held outdoors is one of their most popular, but they also have Fit 4 Baby for moms-to-be, Stroller Barre for a strengthing barre workout, and Strides 360 to help you build endurance.
Moorestown-Cherry Hill, Metuchen-Westfield, and Somerset locations
JC Bump and Baby
Supporting you from pregnancy to motherhood, JC Bump and Baby has yoga and support groups for expecting, new, and working moms. There are weekly in-person and online classes to accommodate your schedule.
Jersey City, Hoboken, and Montclair locations
Momleta
Providing fitness, nutrition, and community support for moms of all ages and stages, this is a great place to get moving and find support while spending time with your littles. Bring the stroller and take a fitness class like Baby Boot Camp, or get on the mat for some yoga time.
Morristown and Passaic locations
Taste Testers in Hannah’s Kitchen
Join in-person or virtually for this mommy & me style healthy cooking class for ages 2-4 with a parent/grandparent/loved one. For class links and more information, contact Emily Ho, RDN. emily.ho@rwjbh.org. 973-926-737.
Cost: Free
Sponsoring Facility: Children’s Hospital of New Jersey, Newark Beth Israel Medical Center
RWJBarnabas Health Medical Group
Apple Hart Farm
At Apple Hart Farm, your littles can cultivate compassion and connections with the animal world through songs, stories, and hands-on animal encounters. When kids get older, Apple Hart Farm also offers Little Farmers Farm School, Gardening & Cooking, Farm Camp, and more programs that educate kids on farm animals, plants, and nature.
238 Pleasant Valley Road, Hopewell, NJ 08560
The Well
This central Jersey community collective offers mommy-and-me classes, creative workshops, and wellness events. Their Montessori Playgroup class is a great option for your little one to let loose, and sessions like Baby Open Play and Coffee and Play, give new moms a chance to get together and chat.
801 B Main Street, Belmar, NJ 07719
The Village
This south Jersey location has everything a new mom could need. From postpartum support to meet-ups to keep both mom and baby active. They also have a Tummy Time Method class, infant massage, information about starting solids and a CPR class for families. Don’t miss out on their Baby & Me Yoga class too to make your postpartum experience more zen.
915 Haddon Ave., Collingswood, NJ 08108
RWJBarnabas Health LiveWell Center
Part of the Anne Vogel Family Care and Wellness Center, LiIveWell Center offers classes like Mommy-and-Me Movement, Wee Ones Playtime, and Whee Get Fit and Play. They also have unique mommy-and-me style cooking classes in a state-of-the-art demonstration kitchen where littles can feel comfortable in the kitchen and learn healthy eating habits.
200 Wyckoff Road, Suite 1200, Eatontown, NJ 07724
Mommy and Me Swim Classes
British Swim School
Put your bathing suit on and spend time with your little one in the water. Even if it’s cold outside, the pool is ready for you to climb into. Water acclimation classes start at 3 months, and the goal is to reduce their fear and the potential of tears near the water through songs and exploration.
Toms River and Howell locations
Five Star Swim
With multiple locations and all different types of classes, there is something for everyone at Five Star Swim School. The saltwater pools are heated to 90 degrees, and swim lessons with a caregiver start at 6 months, where they learn floating, light submersion, basic arm and leg movements, and sitting jumps, all while enjoying songs and games.
Cherry Hill, Deptford, East Hanover, Eatontown, Edison, Galloway, and Princeton locations
Goldfish Swim School
A premier swimming facility perfect for kids ages 4 months to 12 years, they believe in swimming lessons saving lives. Instructors are committed to helping children build life skills inside and out of the water using play-based learning that helps improve coordination and balance and develop stronger muscles.
Edison, Manalapan, Middletown, Mount Laurel, Princeton, Springfield, and Livingston locations
NJ Swim
With year-round swim lessons and six NJ locations, spend some quality time with your littles while they learn how to swim. Their Water Babies program uses a relaxed and zen-inspired approach so every baby feels safe and learns to love moving in the pool.
Brick, Florham Park, Lakeside-Roxbury, Manasquan, Sparta, and Turnersville locations
Mommy and Me classes in NJ at your local library
Want to stick to your town? Libraries offer multiple opportunities to take a class and meet other local moms. And the best part is that many only require a library card or nominal fee. Check out your local library’s event page for upcoming programs, activities, and story times the entire family will enjoy.
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