Explore Equipment On Your Own
Does your kid like to wander and try things out at his own pace? Then he will love open gym time. During open gym, kids are welcome to explore the areas that look interesting to them, try things out and move on to a new activity whenever they like (while of course being mindful of taking turns). There is no agenda or even a need to try everything in a specific order. Just be safe and have fun.
Friendly Staff On-Hand to Help
Does a piece of equipment look interesting, but you have no idea how to use it? No problem! At open gyms, staff members are generally walking around ensuring equipment is being used properly and are available to answer any questions you might have. After all, they want you to have fun so you keep coming back, or maybe even sign up for a regular class.
Make Friends and Socialize
Have a shy kid? Good news! Open gyms are a great place to get your shy little one among some new peers. Even if they aren't playing with someone, they will likely be nearby other kids, who may eventually become new friends. And moms, aching for some adult interaction? There are plenty of other parents at open gyms to befriend as well!
Burn, Baby, Burn...All That Extra Energy!
When it is too wet, too cold, or even too hot to be outdoors, open gyms offer a great solution. Run, play, climb, tumble, roll, bounce... and burn off all that energy in a safe and temperature regulated environment.
Work on Skills the Kids Might be Learning in Class
Open gyms are the perfect time for children already enrolled in a gymnastics class to practice skills from class in a more relaxed atmosphere. This is especially good for little ones that may be too shy to practice the activity in front of a teacher, but willing to give it a go for mom or dad.
Low Cost Drop-In Fun!
Local open gyms range in cost from just $4-$7 per visit, making it a great low-cost option for fun!
Ready to give an open gym a try? Here's some quick information on local facilities that host a variety of open gym times.
- Rising Stars Academy (2902 Gill Street in Bloomington): Offers Parent & Tot Open Gym for ages "walking" - 5yrs, School-Aged Open Gym for ages 6-14 years, "Working" Open Gym for kids ages 12-18 and RSA Team Athletes, and Autism Open Gym. Cost is $5 - $7 per visit depending on class and membership status. Click HERE for details and schedule.
- Gymnastics Etc. (402 Olympia Drive in Bloomington): Offers School Age Open Gym and Preschool Open Gym. Cost is $5 per visit. Click HERE for details and schedule.
- Bloomington Parks and Rec's Lincoln Leisure Center (Corner of Lee and Miller Streets in Bloomington): Offers Parent/Tot Open Gym for children ages 1-6. Cost is $4/visit. Click HERE to download the Bloomington Parks & Recreation program guide and see page 10 for more details and schedule.
