Sometimes new parents need a solid reason to get out of the house. (Because, quite frankly, a lot of the time, it can seem easier to just stay home.) That’s where Mommy & Me classes come in—they’re a great way to get a little exercise, bond with your baby, talk with other moms, and introduce your littles to fun stories and songs. Here are some options to get you and your baby out of the house and into a fun new activity together in Philly!
Nest, Center City
Where: 1301 Locust St, Philadelphia, PA
Nest is a treasured resource for new parents. As an indoor play space, education program, toy and clothing boutique, cafe and kids’ salon, it’s truly a go-to spot for new parents. Their Mommy & Me classes focus on the needs of both mom and baby. While moms are connecting and discussing their parenting challenges, babies will be listening to stories or music, making a snack or playing with age appropriate materials. Developmental classes focus on helping your baby learn new skills.
Scheduling: Classes are eight weeks long.
Cost: Packages start at $190. Members enjoy discounts on classes, open play and more.
Mama’s Wellness Joint, Center City
Where: 1100 Pine St, Philadelphia, PA
Mama’s Wellness Joint is the place to go for yoga and fitness classes of all ages, from babies and preschoolers to older kids. Mommy & Me yoga will have moms stretching and doing gentle poses to help both you and your baby relax that are sure to give you a few peaceful moments of clarity. When your baby is a bit older, bring them along to Mama’s Movin, a fitness class for moms. During this class, kids play while mom sweats!
Scheduling: Classes are drop-in.
Cost: $17 for a single session, $120 for unlimited monthly sessions.
Philly Dance Fitness, Center City
Where: 1624 South St, Philadelphia, PA
Gather a group of at least four mom friends and schedule your own Mommy & Baby Yogalates class. An instructor will lead the moms into yoga poses, while baby is incorporated or stays close to mom on the mat. This class is designed to help new moms with its focus on recovery from pregnancy and birth by devoting attention to the shoulders, back, chest and other muscles most affected by carrying and breastfeeding babies.
Scheduling: Currently this class isn’t on the weekly schedule, but with a minimum of four students, they’ll offer it as a private class.
Cost: $15 for each participant.
Baby Wordplay, various locations
Where: 2227 Grays Ferry Ave, Philadelphia, PA
Language development and literacy starts early, but it’s sometimes hard to talk to someone who’s (for the most part) non-conversant. That’s where Baby Wordplay comes in. They do story plays with books, songs, finger-plays, puppets, movement, live music and sign language to entertain the little folks. It also shows moms and dads a more interactive way to introduce language skills to their kids.
Scheduling: Check the website for class locations and drop-in times.
Cost: $12 for one adult and one child, $5 for each additional sibling.
Rhythm Babies, various locations
This is a favorite drop-in music class that takes place in stores and boutiques like Cloth, Ali’s Wagon, Lilypad, The Nesting House and Headhouse Books. Rhythm Babies focuses on creative play, encouraging children to explore rhythm, melody and beat through songs, body movement and musical instruments.
Scheduling: Classes are drop-in.
Cost: Costs range from $12-$15, depending on class and location.
Music Monkey Jungle, various locations
These classes are offered at different locations throughout the city, including The Children’s Boutique, Northern Liberties Community Center, Momo’s Tree House, and Old Pine Community Center. There are three types of drop-in classes: Music Monkey Sing Along, Music Monkey Jungle Jam and Music Monkey Jungle Drummers. During each 30-minute session, babies and toddlers sing, play instruments (mini maracas, wrist ribbons, drums) and explore percussion.
Scheduling: Most classes are drop-in, but check the schedule.
Cost: $10 class fee, a couple of classes require pre-registration.
Philly Inmovement, Queen Village
Where: 500 Kenilworth St, Philadelphia, PA
If making a commitment helps keep you motivated and on schedule, sign up for a Mommy & Me class at Philly InMovement. Each week in a Baby Gymmers (10-17 months) or Lil’ Tumblers (15 months-2 years) class, you’ll get to know the other moms while the little ones work on skills like crawling, walking, tumbling, climbing and rolling in a safe and fun environment.
Scheduling: Winter session is 14 weeks and begins the first week of January through the first week of March. Spring session is 9 weeks and starts mid-April through mid-June.
Cost: Winter session $308, spring session $198.
Fit4MOM Philadelphia, various locations
When new moms need to workout, Fit4Mom is a great place to start. With classes such as Stroller Strides and Stroller Barre which are stroller-based exercise programs, mom can get in some strength, stretch and cardio while baby sleeps, snacks, or plays in the comfort of his stroller. Locations are both indoors and outdoors across the city meaning that there’s one that’s convenient for just about everyone.
Scheduling: Class schedules are online.
Cost: Individual classes are $17 each, unlimited monthly memberships and 10 class cards are available.
Free Library of Philadelphia, various locations
It’s never too early to introduce children to literacy. As the least expensive option on this list, your local library should definitely be one of the places to check out with baby. Story times vary from location to location. Some librarians are definitely better storytellers than others, so if you don’t love your first experience, ask the other moms where their favorite is, or try another day, time or location.
Scheduling: Check online for times.
Cost: All story times are free.
Photo credits: Nest Philly, Mama’s Wellness Joint, Rhythm Babies, Philly InMovement, Fit4MOM Philadelphia
