From Zumba to yoga, cooking and art, there are plenty of ways to nurture your baby’s mind, body, and creative spirit. Not to mention your own.
We’ve rounded up some of the best mommy-and-me classes on Long Island, ideal if you want to to stay fit or learn a new craft. You and your baby will have fun, meet other moms and tots, and, most importantly, spend precious time together.
Of course, classes are open to dads, grandparents, and other caregivers. Be sure to check class websites for times, costs, and registration details.
For more suggestions on inexpensive ways to entertain your kids, check out our guide to FREE activities on Long Island. Our classes and enrichment guide also offers a host of ideas to stimulate your child's learning.
Have fun.
Islandwide
Little Gym — Huntington, Levittown, Merrick, Rockville Centre, Roslyn, Smithtown
Classes focus on foundational skills for tots ages 4 months-3 years. Parent/child classes develop muscle control, color recognition, and language development. Your little one also can work on social skills such as independence, sharing, and cooperation.
Long Island Fit Moms — Long Beach and other locations
From prenatal yoga to mommy-and-me boot camp, there are many ways Adele Aharonoff and her team can help you and your baby have fun with fitness. On-site and virtual classes in fitness, wellness, nutrition, and lifestyle are available.
Mommy Moves — Bellmore, Garden City, Huntington, Massapequa, Mineola, Rockville Centre
What could be more fun than grooving to your favorite tunes while cuddling a baby on your belly? It's a great way to get exercise without searching for a babysitter.
RELATED: Great STEM and STEAM Classes for Kids on LI
Stroller Strides/Fit4Mom offers pre- and postnatal fitness classes across Long Island.
Stroller Strides/Fit4Mom — Various locations
Stroller Strides Fit4Mom incorporates a number of mommy-and-me workout programs. Pre- and post-natal fitness classes are geared toward all levels and stages of motherhood. Infants, toddlers, and preschoolers are welcome. Indoor and outdoor classes are held in malls and parks throughout Nassau and Suffolk counties.
RELATED: Indoor Swimming Classes for Long Island Kids
"Wear" you little one to these fitness classes at Mommy Moves Long Island.
Safe-T Swim — Bellmore, Bohemia, Commack, Coram, Deer Park, East Meadow, Melville, Oceanside, Riverhead, Smithtown
Baby and Me classes are geared for parents of children ages 2 months to 3 years and help develop muscle strength and coordination. Individual swim lessons are available for babies as young as 2 months. Lessons focus on developing muscle strength and coordination.
Zumbini — Various locations
Whether you have taken a Zumba class before or not, why not try a Zumbini class with your baby or toddler? Created by Zumba and designed for newborns and kids up to 4 years old, it uses original music, movement, and instruments for high-energy fun. Instructor Jessica Caputo holds classes at a number of Long Island locations.
Nassau
Just Wee Two — Garden City, Hicksville, Plainview
Teeny tumblers get 90 minutes of play time that includes music, crafts, snack time, and storytime. The goal is for children to develop confidence, creativity, and social skills.
Kitchen Time’s Party Place — Massapequa
You and your child can enjoy cooking together at these mommy/daddy-and-me classes. At the Troll and Emoji Baking Workshops, kids can create themed soft pretzels, chocolate lollipops, dipped marshmallows, and graham cookie creations, or decorate a cake or cupcakes. Private cooking classes are available.
Moms & Tots — Merrick
Established more than 30 years ago, classes here combine music and movement, art, storytime, and free play. It is recommended for children ages 6 months to 3 years and their parents or caregivers. A "gentle separation" program for 2-year olds is also offered.
Once Upon A Treetop — Plainview
The Little Learners program combines imagination and fun at this indoor play space. Classes are separate for beginners and walkers, and include circle time, parachute play, arts and crafts, letter recognition, and free play.
RELATED: Places Where LI Kids Can Learn to Cook and Bake
Darlene Graham hosts rolling music classes for moms and tots. Photo courtesy of Darlene Graham
Rockin' Tots — Plainview
On rolling Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays, musician Darlene Graham hosts mommy-and-me music and dance classes at Carolyn's Dancenter. Swing and sway to folksy sounds.
Waldorf School — Garden City
Parent-child classes here are for wee ones ages 1-3 and their accompanying grown-ups. Structured play time includes songs, puppet play, poems, and a nutritious snack. You can register for classes in 10-week sessions beginning in the fall, winter, and spring.
Suffolk
Discover the inner artist in both of you at Art & Soul Studio.
Art & Soul Studio — Nesconset
Bring out the inner artist in you and your child at this studio. Programs are geared toward 2- and 3-year-olds and each class explores new art materials and textures, and basic skills. Owner Susan Lau is a licensed art therapist.
The Original Mommy and Me — Patchogue
Baby play groups, separation classes, and mommy-and-me programs are offered here Mondays through Saturdays in 90-minute sessions.
RELATED: Foreign-Language Classes for Kids on Long Island
Bond with your little one through music and song at the Sandbox Playspace.
The Sandbox Playspace — Huntington
Take home ideas for connecting with your little ones through seasonal nursery rhymes, verse, and song on Tuesdays at the Sandbox Playspace. Open play and drop-ins are allowed. This venue is best for babies through 4-year-olds.
This post was originally published in 2012.
Unless noted, photos courtesy of the venues
