Is there anything I should know before I sign up for Gymboree classes?

I signed up for two free classes next week to see what it's like. I've been hearing mixed reviews about this place. One of the negatives is that there are too many kids in the class and it's really not a structured class, that is more like you're going to Fun Zone or something.

Please tell me is this kind of thing worth the money and what class you think is worth attending the Gym one or the Music one.

Thanks!

Re: Is there anything I should know before I sign up for Gymboree classes?

How old is your DC? The structure of the class depends on the age.

Some classes have more kids than others. I just depends when you go. The music class seemed more structured than the gym. We did both and enjoyed it. It was worth the money to me, esp to have something actuve to do in the winter.

Good luck!

Re: Is there anything I should know before I sign up for Gymboree classes?

So funny! I just posted the same question!! I just signed up for a free class next week!

Re: Is there anything I should know before I sign up for Gymboree classes?

How old is your child?

My son loves Gymboree - and I'm all about exposing him to different things. We've taken Music Together also. They are two completely different things. Go to trials and see what you and your child like better.

There is free play in the beginning of each Gymboree class. Then they have structured activities for the kids. My son is usually wandering off to another activity at this point which is fine with me. Then they end it with the parachute and some other activites.

ETA: Some days a class may have 13 kids - some days a class may have 3. It doesn't really matter since the gyms are so big. Only on one occasion in the last 18 months did I go to a class where there were wayyy too many people (about 18)

Message edited 1/9/2009 1:41:30 PM.

Re: Is there anything I should know before I sign up for Gymboree classes?

My son is 15 months old. I signed up for the Music II class which I believe starts at 16mos to 28 mos. This class has a max of 12 kids in it which is a plus. The other class I signed up for is the Gymboree Play and Learn for 16mos - 22 mos. I heard this class has a max of 20 kids.

The women I spoke to recommend that I not take the classes that involves all ages. She said the majority of the kids are a lot older and that I should stick with the smaller class appropriate for his age group.

A concern I have is that I was told a class can be cancelled at the last minute due to people not registering for it. My schedule is not flexible where I can't take whatever class is available for that week. So I'm not sure if this is something I should lay out money for since the class I want might not even happen. Just wondering what your experience with them was like.