We do our best to interact with our kids, from the time they are newborns on. But we all know that no matter how many creative activities we come up with to stimulate a baby or toddler, sometimes we want nothing more than to get out of the house. Mommy and me or parent/child activities can provide the perfect respite for both you and your little one. With a range of activities available from sports and exercise to theatre and music, these classes provide extra stimulation for your child, but they also give you a chance to interact with other parents, while learning fun new activities that you can do with your little one at home.
Whether you’re a stay-at-home parent or a working parent, finding classes that work for your child’s age, your schedule and/or your interests can be tough – especially when your kids haven’t quite hit that golden age of preschool dance classes or weekend kindergarten soccer. With that in mind, we’ve put together a comprehensive list of activities that offer a wide range of available times, as well as a broad spectrum of activity types, ensuring that you’ll find the one fits your family’s needs, interests and schedules.
SPORTS AND FITNESS
All Smiles All-American Gymnastics
Preschool / Parents and Tots Tumbling
Teach your little one to tumble, balance, stretch and strengthen with All Smiles All-American Gymnastics. With classes available every Thursday and Friday morning, you’ll get your day off to a great start as you and your little one work on age-appropriate skills that will provide them with confidence and improved physical well-being. See a complete schedule here, then be sure to register soon to take advantage of their 25% off Preschool class special!
Contact:
All Smiles All-American Gymnastics
323-A Business Lane
Ashland, VA 23005
(804) 240-5954
CORE Kids Academy
Parent-Child Gymnastics
CORE Kids Academy is one of the Richmond area’s favorite gymnastics studios for their easy, fun-filled approach to learning tumbling and gymnastics. Their early childhood and pre-school age classes use gymnastics and fitness circuits to aid cognitive and physical development, as well as teach shapes, colors, sequencing and numbers. Kids from pre-walkers to toddlers will benefit from both physical and mental stimulation and, best of all, you get to have some fun, too. CORE Parent-Child classes include Mini Stars (4 months – walking) and Bright Stars (walking – 36 months). Click here for complete class schedules.
Contact:
CORE Kids Academy
8932 Quioccasin Road
Richmond, VA 23229
(804) 740-0079
[email protected]
Lil’ Kickers Soccer at Sports Center of Richmond
Parent & Child Classes
Playing soccer is rite of passage for many kids, but most programs don’t start until preschool or early school years. At Sports Center of Richmond (SCOR), not only do they offer programs for kids as young as 18 months, but they provide opportunities for you to be part of the fun. With a range of parent and child classes, you can start SCOR’s Lil’ Kickers program as early as 18 months and play together all the way up to 3.5 years. The best part of this program is that if there’s not a time that works for you, you can create your own class along with five friends that can be held at SCOR on the day and time that works for you. Contact [email protected] for more information.
Contact:
Sports Center of Richmond
1385 Overbrook Rd
Richmond, VA 23220
(804) 257-7111
[email protected]
Master Cho’s Tae Kwon Do and Martial Arts
Family Martial Arts
Tae Kwon Do has become an increasingly popular activity for kids and adults of all ages. And at Master Cho’s Tae Kwon Do studios, children as young as four years old can benefit from professional instruction designed to instill values of self-confidence, control and respect. But what makes Master Cho’s truly special is the family class option. Adults have the option of taking classes along side their child, or the entire family can join together for personalized instruction that allows everyone to advance at their own rate. Visit Master Cho’s online to learn more about their family classes, their Quick Start Trial Program, and class schedules.
Contact:
Master Cho’s Tae Kwon Do and Martial Arts
Short Pump (next to Bowl America and Skate Nation)
4386 Pouncey Tract Road
Glen Allen, VA 23060
(804) 364-0101
Master Cho’s Tae Kwon Do and Martial Arts
The Creeks at Virginia Centre (Glen Allen)
9964 Brook Road
Glen Allen, VA 23059
(804) 262-0101
Richmond Fit4Mom
Stroller Strides – Mom and Baby Fitness
This innovative fitness program is designed specifically for busy moms looking for a chance to get out with their babies, enjoy the company of other moms and meet their fitness goals along the way. Their premier program, Stroller Strides, includes power walking with intervals of strength and body toning exercises – all while keeping your baby safely by your side. See a complete schedule here.
Contact:
Visit Richmond Fit4Mom online, click here for online registration or email [email protected].
Richmond Olympiad Gymnastics
Parent and Tot Gymnastics
Parent and Tot classes at Richmond Olympiad Gymnastics are designed to teach the littlest tumblers about movement, balance and flexibility – all in a fun-filled environment that lets you enjoy the fun right alongside them. Parent and Tot classes are available for kids aged 18 months to three years and as an added bonus, are available for mid-week, as well as weekend time slots, ensuring flexible options that work with your busy schedule. Contact the Richmond Olympiad Gymnastics location nearest you.
Contact:
West End / Gaskins Centre
9886 Mayland Drive
Henrico VA, 23233
(804) 346-9089
Chesterfield
7618 Whitepine Road
Richmond, VA 23237
(804) 275-7986
Hanover
10094 Leadbetter Place
Ashland, VA 23005
(804) 550-3319
Trade Road
10701 Trade Road
Richmond, VA 23236
(804) 794-2813
Website: www.richmondolympiad.com
Romp N’ Roll
Parent-Child Classes
Romp N’ Roll is a gym that is designed exclusively for kids. With a wide array of classes that involve movement, stretching, balance, cognitive and motor skills, dance, music, science, art and more, children as young as three months can begin exploring the world around them in a safe, fun environment. Parents are included in most baby classes (3-24 months), as well as in classes like Baby Gym (10-18 months), Tumble Tunes (10-24 months), Art Explorers (16-24 months) and more. Visit the Romp N’ Roll nearest you to see complete schedules and find the class that’s right for your family.
Contact:
Romp N’ Roll – Mechanicsville
Full Schedule
6300 Mechanicsville Turnpike, Suite E
Mechanicsville, VA 23111
(804) 451-4940
[email protected]
Romp N’ Roll – Midlothian
Full Schedule
11541 Busy St.
Richmond, VA 23236
(804) 451-5109
[email protected]
Romp N’ Roll – Richmond West End
Full Schedule
9677 West Broad St
Glen Allen, VA 23060
(804) 541-4861
[email protected]
YMCA of Greater Richmond
Family Programs
The YMCA has served as a cornerstone of the Richmond community for generations. Offering everything from special camps, workshops, community events, childcare and a wealth of health and fitness programs, the Y truly has something for everyone. With a wide selection of programs designed for families, it’s easy to find an activity that you can participate in alongside your child. Join your son or daughter for everything from sports to dance to camping, canoeing and archery. Learn more about programs, schedules and locations on the Family Programs page.
Contact:
YMCA of Greater Richmond
Main Offices:
2 West Franklin Street
Richmond, VA 23220
(804) 649-9622
MUSIC, DANCE AND THEATRE
Bach to Rock Midlothian
Rock n Roll
This innovative music school provides in-depth lessons, groups, workshops, camps and more for kids of all ages. But if you’re looking for a way to get your toddler excited about music, then be sure to visit them for Rock n Roll, a high-energy music and movement class designed specifically for toddlers and their parents. Weekly sessions provide age-appropriate themes that teach music and movement through fun activities and musical exploration.
Contact:
Bach to Rock
11400 West Hugenot Road, #105
Midlothian, VA 23113
(804) 537-2271
[email protected]
Blu’s Dance Studio
Mommy and Me Dance Classes
You don’t have to be a toddler to enjoy this special 60-minute, 8-session class. Designed especially for small dancers and their grown up companions, children ages two and up will learn coordination skills, listening skills, cognitive skills, balance, music interpretation, creative movement and motor development. Best of all, you get to be part of the fun with your little dancer from start to finish!
Contact:
Blu’s Dance Studio
11023 Hull Street Rd
Midlothian, VA 23112
(804) 621-5038
Register online or complete the online contact form.
Jump’N Jig at Crossroads Irish Dance
Mommy and Me (and Daddy, too) Irish Dance Classes
The complete Irish Dance Preschool Program – the first in Virginia and Richmond! Give your child the very best start in their Irish dance journey and a great foundation for the youngest dancer. The class focuses on the very important basics in a fun-filled environment. Each level has its own structured curriculum, music, and milestones allowing children to develop at a pace that best fits them. Dance to traditional Irish music, as well as music designed or for kids that works on developing rhyming, coordinating, listening, gross motor skills, and FUN! Dancers will enjoy the fun and excitement of dance, but with an Irish twist.
Let’s Make Music Together
Music Together
Let’s Make Music Together is a unique music center in Richmond that offers the internationally acclaimed Music Togetherâ curriculum. This program provides targeted early childhood music education for babies, toddlers and preschoolers and their parents or caregivers. What makes it special is that it is intentionally structured to include adult interaction, making it a perfect bonding activity for children and their parents from birth until five years of age. Click here to see their complete class schedule and find a class that works for you.
Contact:
Let’s Make Music Together
12415 New Point Dr.
Richmond, VA 23233
(804) 364-4084
[email protected]
Melody Magic Music Studio
Parent Child Music and Movement Classes
Melody Magic Music Studio provides a fun, educational environment for kids (and their parents). With Kindermusik and “Playdates” available for children from 0 – 5 years old, you can always find a class that works for your child’s developmental needs and goals, with most of the options allowing for parental involvement. See their complete program listing here and find a class that works for you and your family. Choose membership or simply find classes a la carte – the choice is yours!
Contact:
Melody Magic Music Studio
3041 Lauderdale Drive
Henrico, VA 23233
(804) 334-6241
[email protected]
The Children’s Theatre at Willow Lawn
Mommy and Me (and Daddy, too!)
This free, monthly event takes place in the Virginia Repertory Theatre’s Children’s Theatre at The Shops at Willow Lawn. Designed to provide an engaging morning out for parents and children alike, each month features new themes, live entertainment and activities sure to delight audiences of all ages. Best of all, this event is completely free! Mommy and Me (and Daddy, too) takes place on the second Wednesday of every month from 10am – 11:30am. Click here for a schedule of upcoming shows.
Contact:
The Children’s Theatre at Willow Lawn
1601 Willow Lawn Drive
Richmond, Virginia 23230
Box Office: (804) 282-2620
Administrative Office: (804) 783-1688
The Music Tree School of Music
Music Together
Music Together is an early childhood music program for infants, toddlers, preschoolers, kindergartners, and the adults who love them. Music Together® classes are based on the recognition that all children are musical. Central to the Music Together approach is that young children learn best from the powerful role model of parents/caregivers who are actively making music. The program brings families together by providing a rich musical environment in the classroom and by facilitating family participation in spontaneous musical activity at home within the context of daily life.
Contact:
The Music Tree School of Music
3046 Stony Point Rd
Richmond, VA 23235
(804) 571-1973
[email protected]
The Talent Developing Studio
Music for Young Children
The Talent Developing Studio offers musical education for children of nearly every age. And with programs like Music for Young Children™, you can join in on the fun. This keyboard-based classroom music education program is specifically geared for children from preschool age through ten-years old. A child and their parent (or caregiver) commit to the program for the duration of the school year, and learn keyboard skills, solfege, music theory, music history, music analysis and composition along the way.
Contact:
The Talent Developing Studio 13224 Hanover Courthouse Rd
Hanover, VA 23069
(804) 537-5800
[email protected]
SWIM LESSONS
AquaMobile Swim School
Private Parent and Child Swim Lessons
Unlike other swim schools, AquaMobile provides a truly personalized approach, providing private instructors who come directly to you. With instructors in the Richmond and Greater Richmond area, you can access lessons for children from just a few months old up to advanced lessons for older kids. For younger babies and toddlers, lessons include parent involvement so that you and your child can learn the basics of water safety and fun together. Don’t have a pool of your own? The following community pools currently offer AquaMobile lessons: Collegiate School Aquatics Center, Swansboro Pool, Bellemeade, Fairmount Pool, and Powhatan Pool. Contact AquaMobile Richmond to learn more.
Contact:
Complete the online contact form here, call (888) 950-7946 or email [email protected].
Aqua Tots Swim School
Parents and Tots Swim Lessons
Choose from Level 1 classes or Level 2 classes and make sure that your little one is fully equipped to have fun and be safe in the water for the rest of their lives. Starting with babies as young as four months old and going up to 30 months, Aqua Tots’ “Parents and Tots” classes provide interactive lessons that help parents and children gain confidence, learn necessary water skills and fully understand the importance of water safety.
Contact:
Aqua Tots Midlothian 1205 Carmia Way
Richmond, VA 23235
(804) 205-1184
[email protected]
Aqua Tots Richmond 7508 W. Broad St.
Henrico, VA 23294
(804) 740-1185
[email protected]
YMCA of Greater Richmond
Parent and Child Swim Lessons
It’s never too early for children to learn about water safety. With parent and child classes available for children from six months to three years of age, the YMCA of Greater Richmond is committed to making water fun, accessible and safe from the start. Join professional instructors at various YMCA locations for fun and informative lessons that will teach children how to be confident and skilled in the water and help parents understand the importance of water safety, drowning prevention and more. Click here for a complete list of participating locations, full class schedules, fees and more.
Contact:
YMCA of Greater Richmond
Main Offices:
2 West Franklin Street
Richmond, VA 23220
(804) 649-9622
HEALTH AND WELLNESS:
All Therapeutic Massage
Infant Massage
Infant Massage has been around for generations, but many of us don’t know the full value of this type of body work. At All Therapeutic Massage, two-day workshops are available to teach you (and your partner) the delicate art of infant massage, a practice that promotes healthy development, improved sleep patterns and stronger immune systems. But the best part is the special bond that you will form with your new little one through this gentle practice.
Contact:
All Therapeutic Massage 2103 E Parham Rd, Suite 104b
Henrico, VA 23228
(804) 814-4973
MyBirth
My Family Yoga
A fun yoga experience for the whole family! Join Dorota at MyBirth as she gets you and your little ones moving, stretching, laughing, and learning through the positions and breathe work of yoga. Your little ones will benefit by gaining balance, strength, and knowledge of their body’s capability. Parents and caregivers will love the time to bond, laugh, and enjoy the relaxed atmosphere of the class. $20 for your family (limit four members) Every Sunday at 4:00 pm.
Contact:
MyBirth
1726 Altamont Ave, Suite 2
Richmond, VA 23230
(804) 404-9655
Yoga Source
Baby and Me Yoga
The benefits of yoga have been known for hundreds of years. But who knew you could enjoy yoga while spending time with your new baby? Yoga Source offers a unique opportunity for new moms to come together to stretch, strengthen and relieve stress in a 75-minute class focused on maintaining a healthy body and a calm mind. Your baby will be part of your practice and, together, you will bond, breathe and connect through the art of yoga. The class is ideal for babies from 6 weeks old to pre-crawling. Click here to see a complete class schedule.
Contact:
Yoga Source
3122 West Cary St., Suite 220
Richmond, VA 23221
(804) 359-9642
[email protected]
ACADEMIC:
RVA Scholars
Mommy and me – Laugh, Learn, and Sing Spanish
Mommy and me – Laugh, Learn, and Sing Spanish is a fun time for parents and children to learn a new language together. The earlier we start the easier it is is for our little ones to learn. Even the newborns are soaking it all up. Mommy and Me Laugh, Learn, and Sing Spanish is a 30 minute session of fun and interaction where we learn the to sing Spanish songs, the alphabet, colors, greetings, numbers, and more. Come join us for he next session of Mommy and Me Spanish! Ages 4 and under.
Contact:
RVA Scholars
6002A W Broad Street, Suite 205
Richmond, VA 23230
(804)366-9308
[email protected]
The best part about finding a Parent-Child class that works for you and your little one is that not only will you be able to bond during the class, but you’ll also have a special skill, activity or memory to share. And who knows, you might just make some great friends (with common interests) while you’re there! We would love to hear about any “Mommy and Me” or Parent-Child classes that we may have left out. If you have a favorite class in the Richmond area, we would love to hear about it in the comments below.
