Founded in 1833, Chicago is the most populated city in Illinois. Located on the banks of Lake Michigan, Chicago offers a variety of activities for residents of all ages, including toddlers. Toddler gyms are specially designed to provide places for youngsters to participate in age-appropriate exercise activities, with other children their age.
Parent/Child Classes
Many of the toddler gym activities in Chicago center on parent/child classes. In these classes, both the parent and the toddler participate. At The Little Gym of Chicago, their parent/child classes are designed for children from infancy through three years of age. The parent and child work on basic motor skills, as well as social skills. The exercises that are performed help the kids develop their balance, coordination and body awareness. In addition, through the use of music, in conjunction with the exercise, toddlers develop a sense of rhythm. These classes are best suited for younger toddlers and toddlers who may not be comfortable in a class yet without their parent.
14 to 22 Months Classes
For toddlers able to enjoy a class at a toddler gym without a parent, these classes are divided by age, to ensure the activities are appropriate for their stage of development. At My Gym of Chicago, their youngest toddler classes are for children 14 to 22 months. This one-hour Waddlers program focuses on balance, tumbling and agility skills. Activities such as ball kicking, tricycle riding, stair climbing, and block tower building build both fine and gross motor skills. Interactive songs and choreographed dances also help build the social skills of these youngest toddlers.
22 Months to Two and a Half Years Classes
At My Gym, their Gymsters program was designed for toddlers between 22 months and two and a half years of age. These toddlers are typically a little more confident in their running and jumping abilities. Using activities that take advantage of these increased abilities, activities center on song, dance and active games to further develop the toddler's increasing fine and gross motor skills.
Older Toddler Classes
After age two and a half, children are typically becoming more independent and have increased motor skills. Older toddler activities, at toddler gyms in Chicago, often work on building the toddler's agility, flexibility and strength. Children at this age are better able to follow directions and, therefore, can play more detailed games, with a more complex set of rules. Relays and beginning sports skills help build the toddler's confidence. In addition, many of these activities help build developing hand-eye coordination.
Toddler Gymnastics
Toddler gymnastics is a popular activity found in many Chicago-area toddler gyms. At the Little Gym of Chicago, their From Cartwheels to Confidence program was specially designed for three to six year old children. Through lessons on beginning tumbling and gymnastics, toddlers build their flexibility, strength and coordination. They become more aware of perceptual and spatial concepts through these activities as well as further increase their social skills. These activities, according to Little Gym, can help children prepare for school and improve their listening skills.
