Gymboree Play & Music

The enthusiastic instructor is most probably scripted, but does that keep the lil 14 month old from being absolutely exhausted afterwards? Um, no. So it’s a fabulous way to tire him out. They have all sorts of work outs for small bodies and seem to follow a routine that could allow for your tike to memorize and look forward to, getting you out of the house for sanity and him to enjoy it.
I’m apprehensive at $ 75/​month for once a week, but it is one of the only rainy day activities for under 2 years old in the area. The gym itself is hauntingly colorful, but hey it’s not my home so I don’t have to look at it all of the time. It gives off a circus vibe, probably because their mascot is a clown puppet and lifesize doll, but again 45 minutes of my life I’m willing to grin, bear it and day dream about its oddities.
Also, I will have to check back on this, but I didn’t notice a bathroom.

I’m a little late writing this review as I’ve been a faithful Gymboree attendee now for almost two years, but I feel compelled to post as my son has totally thrived with the guidance of the amazing staff at Gymbo.
I started taking him when he was just 5 months old as a way to get out of the house but our participation has turned into way more than that. Colleen is so supportive and encouraging that I got out of my comfort zone with my son and let him try new things that I might not have let him try otherwise — it paid off with him learning how to climb, jump, and interact in a very positive way because of the safe learning environment.
We now have a group of kids to hang out with a couple of times a week and I’ve learned a lot from the great moms in the group. I have nothing but wonderful things to say and would highly recommend Gymboree to anyone with a child. There is something special about the Magnuson location and I’m happy to be a part of it.

Prologue:
In a few short days my son will turn three. I have no idea how this happened as it seems that it was just yesterday that I discovered a rogue stretch mark ABOVE the belly button with a week left to my due date. All the above was/​is unacceptable. My life is warping past me.
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My crazy sainted mother picked up a birthday package for this location at some charity auction or another without asking me if I was interested. She does this sort of thing a lot. My idea was to have a party at the beach near our house, so I was slightly annoyed that I was now committed to holding the party in what might as well be the Yukon given it’s proximity to my hood. I know, I’m an ungrateful bitch.
I called to reserve a date about a month in advance and was told I would receive a packet in the mail with invites and details which never came. I called let them know that it hadn’t, waited… never got anything, did get a message letting me know that they got my message. Called again a few days before the party and left a message to confirm that everything was good to go. No response. At this stage in the game I have sent out email invites to all of his classmates and there is no going back. I just have to show up and hope that there’s a party.
We arrive this morning about 15 minutes early so we can set up and there is no one there. It is at this point that I finally unclench all of the angst I have been carrying for the past couple of months about things that have nothing to do with this party and leave the following message for the owner:
«Hi, this is Dlight. I’m standing outside your locked facility with my child who has been up since 6 am asking for his birthday party. His friends are about to arrive with all their parents. I am going to need my money back and possibly one of your kidneys. I can’t believe you call yourself a business person, you are a FUCKING BITCH!!!»
I then lodge into the following mantra:
«I’m not going to cry, I’m not going to cry, I’m not going to cry, I’m not going to cry, I’m not going to cry, I’m not going to cry, I’m not going to cry, I’m not going to cry, I’m not going to cry, I’m not going to cry, I’m not going to cry, I’m not going to cry, …»
It was at that point that a car came screaming around the corner and a woman in a Gymboree shirt jumped out. I still want to cry, but I can breathe. And I start frantically looking for a large ROCK TO CRAWL UNDER.
Me: I just left you the most heinous message! Please erase it before listening!
Nice lady: Ohhh… you left that for my boss. She’s out of town — death in the family…
Me: Oooohhhhhh…
The kids had a great time. The parents were all impressed. My child is napping HARD. I didn’t have to do a thing; no clean up, beverages and cupcakes were already there, even beverages for the parents. Had there been someone checking messages for the owner, would be five stars. The experience was perfect however.
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Epilogue:
I am the world’s most enormous asshole. It’s awesome.

Gymboree is fun and entertaining for children under 5.
We were going to the one over in Ballard for a few months and were very happy there. But moving meant we were very far away. I was glad to hear there was one in Magnuson park. I had heard from other parents that this was the «good one». It really is.
They have a great wide area in the community center. Full of ladders, slides, balls, and tons of fun things for kids to play on. They have a small area to leave shoes and coats, a few things for sale, restrooms and changing tables, and an arts and crafts area.
My daughter is one and loves coming here. She’s not so much into the songs. But loves to dance and wander around.
The teacher Becky is incredible. She remembers your name and how things are going. She’s not over the top, she’s a real person who likes making kids happy. She’s not overbearing either. She encourages you to do what your child wants. If they don’t want to join in, that’s fine. And she makes sure to say hello to every child.
The parking is much easier than Ballard too.
What I love most is that it’s in the park. You can walk to the pea patch, the children’s garden and playground easily. It makes the Gymboree experience a whole day of fun.

So… you’ll have to get over the fact that you won’t be able to use alcohol to numb your fear of singing in front of people… and you’ll have to be ok with people who speak in high intonations… and you’ll have to adjust your measures of what might or might not be safe for you ever-​fragile 5 month old…
But, once you do these things, you’ll be able to face the fact that your little monkey just loves this place. The colored foam, the floor level mirrors, the catchy tunes… this place is absolutely built to stimulate the senses of your wee one.
I now find myself humming «what will I take to the moon» with the confidence that it’s somehow benefiting my little bug. He does seem to smile there quite a lot…