Gymboree, Joke or Worth it?

Question

My husband and I went to a Gymboree class with our son and it was kind of lame for the price. We sang a song then had "free time" and then we blew bubbles. It seems like it is not worth the money, any opinons?

Answer 1

Almost 10 years ago when I was expecting my first child, I went to apply for a job at Gymboree, and I sat in on one of the groups and thought, are you kidding me? Needless to say, I did not accept that position, but it did give me an idea.

By the time my baby was born and was crawling and exploring, I had accumulated some of the "stuff" they had and learned some songs and fingerplay games (from books and CDs from the public library), and asked a few families with babies about my son's age at a nearby park if they were interested in meeting to play, and voila!

The most expensive "investment" was the parachute. If I was not such an eager beaver I might have waited and not bought sets of maracas (etc.), but rather had each child bring their own (which new families happily did), but well, now I have a nice musical instrument collection which I share with all the kids in my family, especially come the holidays!

So, to answer your question plainly, my opinion is that it is too expensive for what they offer. They seem to market these to new and working parents. If you have a little time and ingenuity, you can provide your son with lots of fun social interaction with other kids by just taking him to the park (for free), and if you think he may be "missing out" on the fun Gymboree-type experience, you are welcome to steal [my] idea and form your own group!

;)

For ideas check out:
Games to Play with Toddlers, Revised (Games to Play Series) by Jackie Silberg

Answer 2

I think structured interaction with your child is well worth the money you pay for it, but if you feel that the level of activity is not a value for the price paid, look into other venues, such as your local YMCA, which has a lot of various activities for parents and young children. This quality time spent is very valuable as it is uninterrupted time where the child gets your full attention, which in today's busy lifestyle is sometimes hard to obtain. Look around and most of all have fun and cherish this time with your son!

Answer 3

I agree. Those places are highly overrated (and overpriced). I think kids would have a better time at a local playground than at a place like that. Anyway, just my opinion but really I'd never pay for that either.

Answer 4

I think it's a crock and for parents who can't figure it out for themselves. Some people like it for the socialization for both mom and baby...that's what the park is for people, and it's free! lol Look for a community center in your area, they usually have a playtime that is similar for only a couple bucks a session. (Good for winter!)

Answer 5

Hi, Good clean armless jokes. Regards;

Answer 6

its worth it, take it from me we have nothing better to do.


maby you do but we dont.