Classes for Parents and Tots Provide Fun and Early Learning

Parents of toddlers and preschoolers who are looking for activities to share with their little ones will find everything from cooking classes to soccer offered by the Gilroy Community Services Department.

Not only do these sessions provide enrichment for your children, it’s also a chance for some special bonding time.

“We have some really great classes,” said city recreation supervisor Cathy Mirelez. “There are lots of different options.”

For instance, she said, two ongoing classes taught by Serena Chapman are not only fun, but they also can help parents prepare their kids for preschool.

“Time for Twos” and “Wee Threes” are both parent/tot classes, with the emphasis on developing skills such as cutting, coloring and painting, as well as introducing numbers, letters and colors. Circle time activities include reading stories, singing songs, parachute play and puppets. Children do not have to be toilet trained to participate.

“These classes are becoming very popular,” said Mirelez, noting that the classes are in a building at Christmas Hill Park where there’s “a nice, large space for kids and parents.” Cost for either weekly class is $60 per three-week session.

In addition to these early childhood education classes, there are a variety of other activities, all geared to parent/tot involvement.

Chapman also teaches “Kids Cooking Up Fun,” which has sessions both for ages 2½ to 5 and ages 5 to 10. The class introduces kids to mixing, measuring and chopping to prepare special holiday treats.

The first class is this Saturday, with the session for parents and little ones from 9-10:30 a.m. Together, they’ll whip up Valentines’ cupcakes, candies and other treats. The next one will be Easter-themed and is slated for April 16. Cost for either class is $22.

For budding artists, Dabble Art Center offers a “Mommy & Me” art class for parents and 3-year-olds on Wednesdays from 10-11 a.m. Parents and kids can play with clay, pastels and other materials at the class, taught by Sheryl Cathers. Cost is $105 for four sessions.

Parents and kids ages 4 to 6 can explore the world of music at “My Music Class” on Thursdays, taught by The Music Academy. Pulse, rhythm and singing are all part of the sessions, which are $240 for four months.

If you like outdoor activities, Gilroy Community Series also offers a selection. The “Family Adventure Tour” at Elkhorn Slough, offered on various dates in March and April, gives families with children from age 3 on up to explore Elkhorn Slough by kayak. There, they can see sea otters, birds and seals as they paddle through the slough.

The tour is two hours and costs $45.

The Kidz Love Soccer program offers a session on Saturdays, designed for parents and kids ages 2 to 3½, a great way to introduce little ones to this sport. Cost is $85.

Another weekly class for active youngsters is “Diaper Dashers,” a pre-gymnastics course offered by USA Sports Gymnastics. Parents and tots can build confidence, coordination and social skills in the class, which offers an obstacle course, tumble track and circle time. The class is ongoing and for ages 1 to 2 years, and costs $60 per three-week session.

Other pre-gymnastics classes are available as well. Offered for ages 2 to 3 is “Tini-Tots,” and for ages 1 to 3, “Toddler Time.”

More information on parent/tot recreation classes is available at cityofgilroy.org or by calling 408-846-0460.