Spotlight: Larchmont Toddler, your baby gym for free play and drop off
/Over the Summer when we visited Larchmont Toddler, located in the well known Excel Martial Arts on Palmer Avenue, we were impressed by the play space that they had. If you know Excel Martial Arts this space is converted 6 mornings a week to a unique play space for children 3 and younger. Here toddlers can play and tumble over soft padded mats, climb and laugh at themselves in the wall mirror, hug a huge teddy bear, ride tricycles, play with some of the toys on offer and jump to their hearts content on an indoor bounce house. We loved being able to run around and bounce and then when some down- time was needed we colored away in an adjoining room.
While lower Westchester has many great play spaces what is unique for this play space is the option to have drop off sessions (by prior arrangement). This can be a lifesaver when you need an hour or two. They also have a staff member on hand to give you that extra hand if needed, and while many places offer staff on site we found their staff member engaged and wanting to play with the kids on site.
Open Monday – Fridays and the ever elusive play space day of Sundays with infants 9 months and younger going free, the $10 admission with ample parking on site, allowed us a few hours to let off some steam and tire out my very active toddler into a blissful and long nap.
However, since the Summer, Larchmont Toddler has gone much further than being a play space and has now launched a number of exciting classes at very reasonable prices and the ability to pay monthly which is very helpful for parents ever-changing schedules. Two dance classes taught by experienced ballet and dance instructor, Brittany Brandwein have launched. The first dance class, Mommy (or Daddy) and Me Creative Movement is aimed at children 18months – 3 years old. Happening on Thursdays and Sundays this class will start toddlers off on their first dance class through a consistent series of expressive movement, singing, and clapping to music. Toddlers will challenge their bodies and imaginations and in the process build self-esteem and confidence. The second dance class, Pre-Ballet is aimed at 3 – 6 year olds. Here Children learn the fundamentals of ballet in this nurturing, supportive environment. Through a modified ballet class structure, the young students develop an understanding of the mechanics of alignment and ballet positions through imitation and imagery. They will count to music, sense rhythm and tempo, and follow patterns. Always finishing with creative movement, this is the class where the children truly begin to appreciate the art of ballet. In addition to these two dance and movement classes a Tumbling class is also on offer.
So if it’s a class or just a few hours of drop in or drop off play be sure to check out Larchmont Toddler for some fun and maybe we will see you there this Winter.
The Details:
Larchmont Toddler
2097 Palmer Avenue, Larchmont, NY 10538
www.larchmonttoddler.com
Phone: 914-834-1540
Hours:
Mon, Wed & Thurs 9.30am – 12.00pm
Tues & Fri 10.00am - 12.00pm
Tues 4.00pm - 5.30pm in the Arts and Crafts room
Sun 9.30am - 12.00pm