It’s almost the weekend. Here are some fun family-friendly activities:
Go leaf peeping: if you live in an area where leaves change, it is prime leaf peeping time! Just be sure to take some breaks in your drive, to give your little one time to burn off some energy.
Take a nature walk: even if leaves aren’t changing, you can still take a walk. Whether your little one is in a carrier, a stroller, or walking on their own, it’s always fun to get out into nature and look for leaves, interesting rocks, bugs, birds, and animals. Make sure you pack snacks and water and take lots of breaks if your child is walking on their own.
Visit a pumpkin patch: if you haven’t purchased your pumpkin yet, what are you waiting for? Pumpkin patches offer great photo ops, and some offer hayrides!
Go apple picking: depending on where you are, it still may be apple picking season. It’s a fun outdoor activity, and you end up with tons of apples to make into delicious treats to share with friends and family.
Whatever you choose to do this weekend, be sure to take lots of pictures. These times spent together when your children are young will be precision memories.
Coni Ensor Goudie has seen many changes over her years as a Gymboree Play & Music franchisee, including updates to the play equipment and face lifts for our mascot, Gymbo the Clown. But what hasn’t changed is her love and enthusiasm for the business.
Coni was a young mom with a toddler back in 1983 when she happened upon an article about a children’s program in Newsweek magazine. When she discovered that the only location on the East Coast was in New York, she decided that she had to bring the program to Miami. During her first year of owning the business, she had a second child, making the flexibility of owning her own business even more important for her family.
Coni expected to run the business until her children outgrew it but, 39 years later, she has the most seniority of all our owners and her “toddler” works in the business with her.
“Gymboree has meant many things to me over the years. It afforded me the independence I needed in being a divorced mom with two kids to make the special teacher meetings and school plays. But, as the business owner, the final responsibility fell on my shoulders if a teacher called out sick, which set an example for my children about work ethic. To this day I cannot go anywhere or meet anyone in the Miami area that does not know about Gymboree, and that is because of what I built. I am overwhelmed with the pride that gives me.”
Coni has made sure to give back to the community that supports her business, setting up charitable programs and working with area hospitals.
“Getting to meet the moms and children and help them interact with their children through the program is certainly rewarding, as well as watching them grow and develop through the different stages of the classes. Some of my best friends to this day I met at Gymboree.”
Our programs support early learning from birth to kindergarten, while creating friendships and community within our locations. Come see what you’ve been missing! Gymboree Play & Music
Did you know that our locations are locally-owned? Like many of our franchisees, Andrea Fazio had a successful career prior to purchasing her location in Ocean Township, NJ.
Andrea spent her 20’s and early 30’s in New York City, working in Marketing for upscale beauty brands. After having her first daughter, she knew that she wanted more flexibility to raise a family while still feeling fulfilled in a career that she loved. After joining her local Gymboree Play & Music location, she knew that she had found the perfect business to own!
Andrea loves being a part of the community, and experiencing many “firsts” with her members. Supporting families during their child’s important formative years of birth to five is something she never takes for granted.
“I always say that you can never have a bad day at Gymboree – as an owner, an employee, or a care-giver! No matter what may be going on in your life, you walk through the doors and see the bright colors, Gymbo the clown, and hear the happy music and immediately your mood is turned around! Seeing the pure joy on all the little faces when they walk through the door is just magic!”
In 2016, while planning our 40th Anniversary celebration, we created “National Day of Play” – an event where all the Gymboree Play & Music locations in the US and Canada opened their doors to the community for a day of fun activities. It was such a success, that it became an annual event.
The COVID pandemic forced us to pause our celebration for two summers but, finally, we can bring it back this month!
On Saturday, August 13th, US and Canadian locations will once again be opening their doors in a celebration of childhood. Families from across North America will enjoy exploring our playscapes, playing with friends (and making new ones!) and swim in a sea of bubbles during our signature Parachute Time featuring our world-famous Bubble Ooodles.
Don’t miss out on the fun this year! Check your local Gymboree Play & Music location’s schedule for times and details and register your little one (birth to five) for this fabulously fun event.
From the first game of peek-a-boo to dressing up as a superhero, play is the first and most enduring form of communication and self-expression for children. It is a universal “language” that is hard-wired in your child’s DNA.
We have all heard that children learn through play. But how, exactly, does play contribute to early-childhood development?
Whether playing independently building with blocks or interacting with other children at a playground or in a class, your child is learning. Their earliest “play” interactions are simple give-and-take activities with trusted adults, but they are teaching your child about the world around them. Those early games of peek-a-boo teach them about object permanence: something can still be there, even if you can’t see it. Rolling a ball back and forth and the ever popular “drop things from my highchair” activity both teach them about cause and effect!
As they get older, their play becomes more complex, and begins to include other children: starting with parallel play where they watch and, perhaps, mirror each other and, later, through cooperative play. Their imaginations begin to expand, and they start making up and acting out stories. Their grasp and use of language explodes. By exploring their world, and challenging themselves to try new things, they are gaining confidence and building their self-esteem. They gain independence by testing their limits, exploring their boundaries, and making choices. Even making mistakes or the wrong decision – as painful as it can be – is a learning experience.
As your child’s social circle expands, they learn patience, understanding and begin to develop empathy. They begin to recognize and respond appropriately to social cues. The more opportunities they are given to socialize with a variety of other children, and adults, the more open-minded they will become. And they will begin to develop a sense of community and long-lasting friendships. These first friendships may fall away over time, but will be replaced by new and, perhaps, closer friendships that can last a lifetime.
Giving your child a variety of play-based activities – at home, at classes, at the playground – is their most important early learning experience.
Our play-based learning programs are here to support your child’s development, from birth to kindergarten. Visit us at www.gymboreeclasses.com for information on our programs.
The winter traditionally brings snow, hot cocoa and warm sweaters. But this year, it also bought a ton of titles that are pushing the limits to the ways children explore their environment and even learn to love themselves.
It was hard to pick just 5 books that would resonate with all of our families, but we did our best. See the books that made the list below.
There are so many ways to spend a chilly winter day. Join The Very Hungry Caterpillar and explore everything winter has to offer!
Welcome winter with The Very Hungry Caterpillar and his friends in this sensory exploration of the season. Discover the very best of this time of year: snowy days full of play, the sounds of birds chirping atop a snowman, the smell of cookies fresh from the oven, and so much more!
Hello, World! is a series designed to introduce first nonfiction concepts to babies and toddlers. Told in clear and easy terms (“Roots spread into the soil below, and then a shoot pushes up out of the earth”) and featuring bright, cheerful illustrations, Hello, World! makes learning fun for young children. And each sturdy page offers helpful prompts for engaging with your child. It’s a perfect way to bring science and nature into the busy world of a toddler, where learning never stops.
Learning the importance of friendship is easy with this sweet board book that fosters social-emotional development..
The precious gift of friendship is a thing to treasure. Closeness, love, and loyalty are things that we can’t measure.
Learn new words while appreciating the value of quality time with this irresistibly illustrated board book that’s perfect for holidays and all year round!
Celebrate all kinds of babies with this original board book by Emily Winfield Martin–perfect for baby showers and fans of the New York Times Bestseller,The Wonderful Things You Will Be!
From sweet baby to wild baby, from snuggly baby to grumpy baby, this book captures the adorableness of a diverse cast of babies in all their moods. With simple text and irresistible art, this book will capture the hearts of parents and the youngest readers alike.
This joyful and lyrical picture book from New York Times bestselling author Eva Chen and illustrator Sophie Diao is a moving ode to the immigrant experience, as well as a manifesto of self-love for Chinese American children.
What do you see when you look in the mirror, Mei? Do you see beauty?
We see eyes that point toward the sun, that give us the warmth and joy of a thousand rays when you smile. We see hair as inky black and smooth as a peaceful night sky. We see skin brushed with gold.
Welcome to 2022! As we kick off a new year, we’re exploring the thing that makes Gymboree Play & Music unique, our commitment to Play. This month our brand channels will highlight the many ways play and imagination have a purpose in our lives.
Our booklist reflects titles that teach children how to push the limits of their mind, and explore the world unseen through play. See the books that made the list below.
On a dreary, stuck-inside kind of day, a brother and sister heed their grandmother’s advice: “Use those beautiful and brilliant minds of yours.” And before they know it, their imaginations lift them up and out of their boredom. This precious skill, their grandmother tells them, harkens back to the days long before they were born, when their ancestors showed the world the strength and resilience of their beautiful and brilliant minds. Jacqueline Woodson’s lyrical text and Rafael Lopez’s dazzling art celebrate the extraordinary ability to lift ourselves up and imagine a better world.
Ben loves baseball. He loves the lines of diamond-shaped field and the dome of the pitcher’s mound. What Ben doesn’t like is reading. Ben has dyslexia, which means letters and sounds get jumbled up in his brain, and then the words don’t make sense. But when Ben starts looking at reading like he likes to play baseball, he realizes that if he keeps trying, he can overcome any obstacle that comes his way.
There’s lots for baby to explore in See, Touch, Feel: A First Sensory Book. This sturdy board book, with bright photographs of happy babies, is specially designed to stimulate curiosity through sensory play.
As your baby grows, See, Touch, Feel will help your child develop language recognition and motor skills, as they learn to interact with the book in new ways. With lots to explore together, See, Touch, Feel is an ideal first book to share with your baby.
When Sukie’s family moves and she has to start at a new school, she feels shy and lonely at first. But soon she learns that receiving small acts of kindness—someone saying hi, or saving a hoop for her—makes her feel braver, and that passing friendliness along is a good feeling, too. Before long, Sukie, Joe, Poppy, and Stan are all becoming friends! Young readers are invited to join them as they explore meeting new people, celebrating differences, being thoughtful, and standing up for one another.
As 2021 comes to a close, we’ve been reviewing every piece of content, every influencer suggestion, and every submission we’ve come across this year. As we move towards 2022, we wanted to share some of the top influencers we’ve seen doing amazing work in the parenting community! See who made our list below.
Being a wife of Jonathan and a mom of four, Anna Saccone is definitely busy raising kids. They also have 6 Maltese dogs in the family, making life that much more fun.
Jenna Kutcher is a digital marketer, podcaster, educator, wife, and mother from Minnesota. As a woman of many talents, Jenna inspires thousands of people through her podcast @goaldiggerpodcast in addition to being a mama.
They are a crazy family of 8 from Hawaii. They believe in doing hard things, spontaneous adventures, laughing together and trying new things. You can catch them across social media and on IG and Youtube.
Jessica Shyba has five kids and still manages to blog full time and still look beautiful! Her blog, Momma’s Gone City, is all about her chronicles of moving and being a parent of five in the big city of New York.
A Soulful #Doula, Yogini and Self-Care Diva, Latham is the founder @MamaGlow. Ranked to #Oprah’s Super Soul 100, as the proud mom of Fulano, she is also the author- OWN YOUR GLOW!
With 2021 coming to a close, we are focusing on the things that matter most during the holiday season – family, love, and traditions. Whether it’s the celebration of Diwali, Kwanza, Hanukkah or Christmas, we recognize that each family observes the holiday season in their own way and for that reason, our December theme is “Happiness Through the Holidays.” See which books made our December list below.
Les the Leprechaun finds himself in the ultimate predicament when Calendar encounters a horrific wind that blows the months away! Les discovers St. Patrick’s Day is lost so he sets out find it but instead stumbles upon holiday after holiday that is not St. Patrick’s Day! Will the luck-o-the-Irish be on his side and lead him to his favorite holiday? Travel with him on this whirlwind journey through the holidays to find out!
Home for the Holidays: A Book for Kids About the Different Holidays That Bring Us Together
No matter what holidays you celebrate during the most wonderful time of the year, love, family, togetherness, and giving are universal. In this diversity book for kids, share in the joy with Elmo, Cookie Monster, Big Bird, and more friends with festivities on Sesame Street! From Thanksgiving and Eid al-Fitr, to Chinese New Year, Hanukkah, Kwanzaa, Diwali, Christmas, and New Year’s, this special picture book is a heartfelt celebration of different cultures and holidays from around the world. Featuring new and international Sesame Street characters, this sweet story proves that the things everyone cherishes are the same…because there’s no place like home for the holidays.
With beautiful illustrations evoking folk art traditions and sensitive storytelling, Babushka tenderly reminds us that nothing is more important during the holiday season than taking the time to show love for one another. This timeless Russian tale will warm your heart and fill you up with the joyful, generous spirit of Christmas.
It’s Christmas Eve and an elf is on the loose… in YOUR house! Do you have what it takes to catch him? Follow along in this fun holiday story as a mischievous elf causes chaos Christmas Eve! Filled with zany traps, vibrant illustrations, STEAM concepts, and even Santa Claus himself, this Christmas picture book for kids is guaranteed to become a new holiday tradition!
The perfect elf book for kids, funny stocking stuffer or Christmas gift for ages 4-10, this festive read aloud is loved by children, parents, and educators alike.
Wish your little sugarplum a beary Merry Christmas and jingle all the way with this heartwarming story for babies and toddlers! Combining beautiful illustrations, charming animal puns, and the evergreen message of love, All I Want for Christmas is Ewe is a moovelous way to celebrate the season and share your love for each otter.
For fans of I Love You Like No Otter, this cute holiday treat is the best book gift for kids and animal lovers ages 0-3—made just for their little hands! The perfect addition to any Christmas gift, holiday stocking stuffer, baby shower gift, or festive read aloud.
When it comes to building strong foundations for our children, their community is key. Whether it’s a community of friends and family, educators, or people in our neighborhood, children learn about the world around them based on those they engage with most frequently. This month we’re focused on the concept of Community and the ways children can identify the circles and networks around them. See which books made or November list below.
In the circles all around us, everywhere that we all go, there’s a difference we can make and a love we can all show.
This is the story of a circle. When we’re first born, our circle is very small, but as we grow and build relationships, our circle keeps getting bigger and bigger to include family, friends, neighbors, community, and beyond. Brad Montague originally created Circles as an Instagram video adorably narrated by his kids, and now this picture book adaptation is the perfect way to start a conversation about how to expand our worlds with kindness and inclusivity—even if it seems scary or uncomfortable. This book makes an ideal new-baby, first-day-of-school, or graduation gift, or any milestone that celebrates someone’s world getting bigger.
Cooperation, helping, and working together are beautifully illustrated in this book that demonstrates the joys of community and teamwork for young readers.
We’re better together when we play, when we make music, and when everyone pitches in. This celebration of coming together to solve problems, support communities, and honor everyone’s differences is perfect for young children who are learning about empathy and cooperation. With durable cardstock pages and approachable language, this book will help spark meaningful conversations at home or in the classroom.
Indestructibles is the trusted series for easing little ones into story time. Beloved by babies and their parents, Indestructibles are built for the way babies “read” (i.e., with their hands and mouths) and are:
Rip Proof—made of ultra-durable tight-woven material
Waterproof—can be chewed on, drooled on, and washed!
Emergent Literacy Tool—bright pictures and few or no words encourage dialogic reading
Portable—lightweight books can go anywhere, perfect for the diaper bag and for travel
In this engaging nonfiction picture book, five young friends — Nick, Yulee, Pedro, Sally and Martin — spend the day traveling around their neighborhood and participating in activities designed to raise money for their local library. Along the way, they learn about the people and places that make up their community and what it means to be a part of one.
A map opens the story, with each of the places the children will be visiting labeled, including the gas station, retirement home, school, police station, soccer field, community garden and, of course, the library! Then each of the following spreads features a different location, detailed in a bright, busy illustration. Illustration captions expand the locations’ connections to the concept of community. For example, when they stop at a yard sale, the caption reads, “Donating means you give something to help a good cause. You can donate money, things or your time.” In some cases, readers are asked to find things or people within the illustrations, which adds an interactive experience.
Teachers do so much more than just teach academics. They build a sense of community within their classrooms, creating a home away from home where they make their students feel safe, included, and loved.
With its heartfelt message and colorfully whimsical illustrations, “Our Class is a Family” is a book that will help build and strengthen that class community. Kids learn that their classroom is a place where it’s safe to be themselves, it’s okay to make mistakes, and it’s important to be a friend to others. When hearing this story being read aloud by their teacher, students are sure to feel like they are part of a special family.
