Hi Friends!
Finding things to do during the day to burn your little kiddos’ energy out can be tough. An activity that I stumbled upon that is worth its weight in gold is Open Gyms.
Hope this roundup of our east valley favorites helps you burn all that toddler energy!
xo,
Megan
First, What is Open Gym?
Many gymnastics locations will open up their gym during off-peak hours and give children (usually 5 years old and under) basically free reign to play on age appropriate gym equipment. A small fee is charged, but like I said–worth Every. Single. Penny.
Think trampolines, foam pits, small balance beams and bars, giant mats to climb on, parachutes, hula hoops, and more! It’s your preschooler’s dream come true!
I love the concept of a specified playtime that is only for younger kiddos and just letting them get all of their morning wiggles out! It’s not a structured class where you have to wonder if your child is following directions–just let them run wild! (with your supervision, of course)
Open Gyms are also a great play date option to meet up with friends when you can’t decide whose house to let the kids destroy! Pack a picnic lunch to eat after or head to the nearest Chick-fil-A, and you’ve practically sailed your way to naptime!
Here’s some of my favorite Open Gyms at local spots around the Valley.
Aspire Kids Sports Center
Chandler (Chandler Blvd & McClintock)
Aspire Kids has their “Tumble Bugs” open gym for ages walking – 5 on select Saturdays from 12-1pm. Register before Friday at noon and the Early Bird cost is $8 per kid for current gym members or $13 for non-members. Regular pricing is $13 for members, $18 for non-members.
Note: there is Open Gym for older kids (ages 6-18) at the same time but the Tumble Bugs is in a completely separate area from the big kids to keep everyone safe.
AZ Dynamics
Two locations:
Mesa/Queen Creek at Legacy Park (Ellsworth & Williams Field)
AZ Dynamics has Preschool Open Gym for ages 1 – 5 on Wednesdays from 10-10:45am at their Chandler location and Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesday, and Thursdays from 10-10:45am at the Mesa/Queen Creek location. Pre-registration is highly encouraged as space is limited. The cost is $5 per kid.
*This one is my family’s personal favorite because it’s so close to my house and they also have American Ninja Warrior equipment that my sons are obviously obsessed with!
Gold Medal Gymnastics
Two locations:
Gold Medal hosts their “Parent Power Play” on Wednesdays and Fridays from 11am-12pm at the Chandler location, and on Tuesday, Wednesdays, and Fridays from 11am-12pm at the Tempe location. The cost is just $5 or you can purchase a 5 class punch card for $20. Which is a steal of a deal!
In addition to their normal gym equipment, the Gold Medal Chandler location also has this super fun roller coaster slide that is definitely a huge favorite in my house!
Tuck and Tumble
Mesa (Baseline & Superstition Springs)
Tuck and Tumble puts on “Toddler Time” one Friday per month from 9-11am. That’s two hours and they only charge $5. This one definitely the biggest bang for your buck!
Be sure to always check the website or their Instagram for the next date, as this one only happens once a month.
USA Youth Fitness Center
Two locations:
Queen Creek (Ellworth & Riggs/Chandler Heights)
Both locations host Open Gyms on Fridays from 12-1:30pm, and the cost is $7 per kid.
Pro Tip: USA Gymnastics also offers Open Gym-style birthday parties which are so affordable, easy, and FUN! Both moms that I know who had parties there had literally the exact same remark: “…and they even put the presents in the car for me!”
So Mama, go grab your coffee, put your kids in some comfy clothes, and HAPPY WIGGLING!
We love the open gym at AZ dynamics too, but 45 minutes is not enough time! I wish it was longer. Thanks for the info on some other spots that offer 90-120 min blocks!