Last week, my little guy and I had a blast trying out this local indoor gym just for kids right here in Medway, MA.
I’m a huge advocate of play, especially when it's both imaginative and gets those wiggles out! But let's face it, I can't handle the cold and wet, and New England weather seems to have a knack for it. With winter creeping in, having a backup plan for fun when the weather won't cooperate and the kids are bouncing off the walls is a lifesaver.
The Little Gym is part of a big franchise, with over 300 spots worldwide, and we're lucky to have one of only six in Massachusetts, right here in Medway. They have weekly classes for kids from tiny 4-month-olds to energetic 12-year-olds. This place is owned by a local family, and they've nailed it with their awesome staff. Seriously, everyone leading the class we attended was bursting with enthusiasm, great at explaining activities to the kids, and made sure everyone was having a blast.
When you step into the facility, you're greeted with a bright, tidy, and vibrant space. Right at the entrance, there are cubbies for stashing your personal items like shoes – mandatory for entering the gym. Check-in is front and center, and the welcoming atmosphere hits you from the get-go. The lobby even has a small play corner, perfect for kids waiting for their class or siblings who aren't quite old enough to join in. And for us parents on the sidelines, they've got chairs along the windows overlooking the gymnasium, so we can keep an eye on our little ones having a blast.
Our adventure led us to the Giggle Worms class, tailored for 4-6 year-olds, focusing on physical skills and social interaction while honing various abilities and following multiple instructions. Each week boasts a new theme, giving the instructors a fresh angle to explain techniques. This time, it was Circus Week – instead of just walking across a balance beam, it was a tightrope across or using uneven bars to swing into a "pool of pudding!" The instructors were thorough in their explanations, always demonstrating what they wanted the kids to do. While some returning children were in their element, my guy was a bit cautious at first. But the instructors gently nudged him just past his comfort zone, and he was soon diving into the activities with enthusiasm.
The gym itself is spacious, wildly colorful, and covered entirely with thick carpeting or matting. There's a large central area for group activities and three separate skill stations, each with its own set of equipment for smaller group sessions.
Our class kicked off by getting to know each other's names and ages before diving into warm-up activities. Then, the group split into two smaller teams, rotating through the different stations. The session wrapped up with a lively game of hide and seek – once caught by an instructor, it was a mad dash to find your parent.
Besides their regular weekly classes, if you're on the lookout for an exhilarating way to celebrate a birthday, they've got you covered with Awesome Birthday Bashes! These parties span 90 minutes, packed with instructor-led activities, music, and games. And once the energetic part winds down, it's time to continue the fun in a designated party room to honor the birthday VIP.
Whether you're aiming to boost your child's confidence, build strength, develop coordination, or simply seeking some fun-filled activities, The Little Gym of Medway deserves a spot on your must-visit list!
