Being the mother of an infant or toddler can be exciting, adventurous and very rewarding, but it can also be overwhelming, frustrating and even lonely. Mommy and Me classes are the perfect way to help beat the “mommy blues,” connect with your toddler or infant, as well as other mothers in your local community.

Top Mommy and Me Classes NJ Kids Love

As mentioned in my article 10 Benefits of Mommy and Me Classes, these programs not only provide opportunities for amazing child development, they also allow moms (and dads) to make connections in the community and develop a support system. Kids will gain valuable skills while parents can develop a sense of belonging. Plus, you can’t forget all the wonderful health benefits that come with taking a Mommy and Me class!

Since I provided you with so many benefits of mommy and me classes, I felt it was only fair to assist you in your search for the perfect Mommy and Me class in NJ for you and your child. Mommy and Me classes come in all varieties from gymnastics or dance to arts and crafts to even yoga. Whatever your preference, you can certainly find it in NJ. After speaking to other moms, using my own experiences and researching what NJ has to offer, I have come up with a list of 10 amazing Mommy and Me options that I’m sure you will love!

10 Brain Boosting Places to Take Mommy and Me Classes NJ Kids Love

1. The Little Gym

This is where we first started Mommy and Me classes, and it was amazing to see my boys flourish in their programs. The Little Gym offers parent/child classes beginning at age 4 months old and continues through age 3. Kids will enhance motor skills, build confidence and develop social awareness (to name a few) all while having fun in class. The Little Gym has 18 locations throughout NJ with new locations opening all the time.

2. Kidville

Kidville is the second place we explored for Mommy and Me classes. My son had so much fun running, jumping and playing with new friends. Kidville has a wide variety of Parent/Child class options from gym classes like Big Muscle Builders to music classes like Rockin’ Railroad which features a full band to classes that combine both like Wiggle Giggle Together. Parent/Child Classes begin for ages newborn through 3 years old. There are 6 Kidvilles throughout NJ.

3. YMCA

The YMCA is also very dear to my heart as I was an Associate Dierctor of an Arts and Humanities Department for 4 years. As part of my job, I had the pleasure of teaching Parent/Child gymnastics and dance classes. The YMCA is the perfect place to find a wide variety of class options. Families can enjoy classes for swimming, dance, gymnastics, sports, art and more. Check our your local YMCA for more detailed information.

4. Gymboree

I have had many moms recommend Gymboree. They have seen amazing growth and development in their children as they progress through their classes. Gymboree Play and Learn Mommy and Me classes begin with the 0-6 month age range which focuses on tummy time and other sensory based activities. It then progresses through to age 3 where kids become more independent and socially aware. Gymboree also offers Parent/Child classes for music and art! Gymboree classes can be found all over NJ.

5. My Gym

Attending My Gym is a wonderful way to introduce your kids to fitness and encourage a healthy lifestyle. 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.  My Gym locations can be found all throughout NJ.

6. Kids MusicRound

Introducing kids to music is a wonderful way to enhance development. Kids MusicRound helps spark kids natural curiosity while enhancing their auditory skills. Children also improve fine motor and visual skills as they play different instruments, dance and clap their hands to the beat. Kids MusicRound taps into all learning styles (visual, tactile, auditory and kinesthetic) making for a well-rounded learning experience. There are 21 Kids MusicRound locations throughout NJ!

7. Monkeydoodles Playroom

Located in Lake Hopatcong, Monkeydoodles Playroom offers Mommy and Me classes beginning with crawling babies through walking toddlers. What I also love about Monkeydoodles Playroom is their open play time which is available throughout the week. During this time, parents and children work together to use all their senses to explore their new environment. As stated in my article Run, Jump, Play: The Benefits of Open Play Sessions, letting kids play in this capacity helps increase social awareness, enhances gross motor skills and encourages pretend play.

8. The Language Workshop for Children

Are you looking for something unique and different from the traditional Mommy and Me classes NJ kids will love? Then you have to check out The Language Workshop for Children with locations in Madison, Montclair and Ridgewood. Children ages 6 months to 3 years old and their parents can enroll in language learning classes catered to little ones. Participants can learn French, Spanish or Chinese. How cool is that? (Languages vary by location)

9. The Messy Artist

Do you have a little Picasso in your hands? Then The Messy Artist is the place for you. Located in East Hanover, this art studio offers exciting Mommy and Me classes for kids ages 18 months through almost 4 years old. Engaging in art is a true sensory-based experience that allows kids to develop in so many areas. You can read more about the benefits of introducing art to kids in our article Kids and Art: What Does Art Teach Our Children. Kids and parents will have fun making little master pieces using paint, glue, scissors, paper and much more. Each class ends with story time which is a wonderful way to engage little learners.

10. Stroller Strides

We know that Mommy and Me classes are wonderful for the parent and child, but let’s face it, some parents are looking for a great workout too. That is when I discovered Stroller Strides. This Fit4Mom program is a stroller-based fitness program that combines walking, toning, songs and baby-engaging activities to create a wonderful workout experience. Certified instructors lead groups through classes indoors and/or outdoors. All locations also offer a free play group. Stroller Stride classes can be found throughout NJ.

Bonus Mommy and Me Things To Do in NJ

Your Local Library: Libraries offer wonderful opportunities for parents and children to learn and grow together. Check out your local library’s event page for upcoming programs, activities and story times the entire family will enjoy!

There you have it, my list of 10 brain-boosting Mommy and Me classes NJ has to offer. Have fun exploring, growing, playing and bonding with your little one because before you know it, they will be all grown up!