Few moments in life are more freeing than when your newborn exits the “sleeping lump” phase and can finally go out and about with you. The best way to keep your tots active, and keep yourself social, is through mommy & me classes. These gatherings can actually be attended by any kind of caregiver (hence the new use of “parent and child”), and are a great way for dads or grandparents to get involved, too. Luckily, South Florida has a variety of offerings from art and music to swim and gymnastics. Here are our favorites.
1. Zumbini
Zumbini is a program created by Florida-based company Zumba® for ages newborn to four that combines music and education for 45 minutes of dancing, singing, and downright fun (bonus, it’s a mini workout for moms). While there are a variety of instructors and locations, none have quite the devoted following of kid-whisperer Ashlee Cramer—score her class if you can.
2. Miami Kids Music—Music Together
Jelleke Vanooteghem/Unsplash
The worldwide phenomenon Music Together is hosted in numerous SoFla locations, from Pinecrest to Boynton Beach. The classes are filled with fun songs and baby-sized instruments, and include a CD to take home and sing to throughout the week. They are appropriate for newborns through kindergarten and are a great place to bring siblings, too. Many of us have met some of our best mom friends in a Music Together class!
Where: 4144 Chase Ave, Miami Beach, FL
This Miami Beach temple and school has been perfecting their parent-child offerings for years, and the proof is in the pudding. From yoga and music classes to the Rie method (the philosophy of allowing the child to self-learn) and a pre-preschool format called Bright Beginnings, the curriculum takes babies and parents through a series of engaging and fun classes from birth to toddlerhood.
Miami Children’s Museum
Where: 980 MacArthur Causeway, Miami, FL
MCM is a go-to destination for South Florida parents; both locals and visitors alike. With kids of a certain age, there’s no better place to be. The fandom starts with their “Music in Motion” and “Mini Masters of Art” classes. The latter is a truly unique offering where children learn about famous artists and their various techniques, while creating self-portraits and other crafts. The colorful, fun, and educational surroundings can’t be beat—it’s easy to do a class, then make a day of your visit!
Where: 3310 Virginia St, Miami, FL
This adorable “playhouse” is a Coconut Grove favorite, and the staff’s attention to detail makes it clear why. Their classes go from six months up to five years, and include everything from discovery and music to art and learning numbers to, most importantly, play! They also host a few all-Spanish classes, which is necesario for the South Florida audience!
6. Muzart
Where: 1955 Harrison St, Hollywood, FL
This Broward hub of all things music and art offers classes, workshops and even physical education activities from ages birth to adult. Best of all—and great for visitors—most of the classes are commitment free, so you don’t need to sign up for a whole semester or wait for a new session to begin. For the littlest ones, they offer everything from movement and music to art and yoga; then progress into programs like guitar and voice lessons as kids get older.
Fotolia/pololia
Where: 4221 Pine Tree Dr, Miami Beach, FL
The Parent Place at this recently renovated, waterfront facility (which is open to people of any religion) houses classes of all types, times and ages. Swim, gymnastics, soccer, music, and art are just a few of the initial mommy-and-me offerings. As your kids get older, they can also delve into the myriad of sports, aquatic and craft programs hosted after-school. Another great bonus—should you decide to join, they have babysitting starting at three months, so you can get a workout in after singing alongside your baby!
8. Miami Dade Public Libraries
Miami’s public library system is an excellent resource for moms and caregivers. The various branches offer a plethora of weekly free activities including story time, yoga, tai chi, crafts, family night and sing-alongs. They even have fun visitors like animal experts, puppet masters and clowns. The best way to navigate the schedule is to log onto their system, choose a branch and check out their calendar.
Body Baby Belly
Where: 2550 S Bayshore Dr, Miami, FL
One of the hardest things about being a new mom (or a mom at all) is finding time to exercise again. The fitness industry caught on though, and has introduced lots of classes that include your little one. At Body Belly Baby wellness center, the Mommy & Me Pilates is specifically formatted for postpartum bodies with a focus on reconnecting with your core. You actually use your child’s baby weight to strengthen and tone. Yoga Music, hosted by the always kind and ever patient Cynthia Zak Preuss, is another nice option that gets both of your bodies moving while putting your mind at peace. The center also hosts non-exercise classes like Baby Sleep and Baby Massage.
10. Baby-Stars
Where: 3565 NE 207 St. Suite A-9, Aventura, FL
This Aventura education center is a different type of mommy and me format. The research-based curriculum was designed by a child development expert and aims to provide a stimulating environment where children play and engage in various skill-building activities, utilizing educational tools. The program also introduces vocabulary, which is a great emphasis as the tots grow! Kids will advance through color coded levels, each with its own music, routines and exercises.
