Philly Kids Gym

I live behind the gyms backyard. I can’t believe how the teachers talk to the kids when no one is around. This is more like a jail then a gym. I feel so sorry for those kids stuck there.

Between the super nice teachers, the location, and all of the fun tumbling sets and mats, the kids love Philly Kids Gym. We have taken the toddlers tumbling class for about a year and we will probably continue until the kiddo gets too big or starts preschool full time. We love our teachers (Justina, Laura, and Brandon) and the classes are at reasonable times (i.e. before nap). The classes last for about 45 minutes where the teacher does some instruction but also allows for some free time for play and exploration.
PROS
— the tumbling classes are amazing. The teachers are very excited and fun
— very reasonable prices
— the space is clean and large and the class numbers have been small (although when the classes get crowded, it becomes interesting)
CONS
— I wouldn’t take anything other than the active classes as we had a less than stellar time in toddler art class
— hard to find parking
TIPS
— you can buy 10 open gym classes for $ 100 if you arent sure what your family’s schedule could be. we buy the 2 classes a week for $ 300. The classes extend for over several months, so we thought it was a good deal.

Being a new mother and new to Philadelphia, it’s disappointing to find more parents don’t post feedback on baby/​kid services/​places on Unilocal — it’s so hard to find things to do with your kid… so I’ll be the first. But parents, please start Unilocaling (I know we have no time, but…)
We just started going to Philly Kids Gym for a tumbling/​dance class. The name is somewhat misleading as there is not always tumbling or dancing. But the teacher (Kristin?) is perky and kind and enthusiastic and the class is loosely structured for toddlers who generally don’t want to do the same thing for 45 minutes straight.
During class, there may be a chance for kids to: learn how to somersault on thick mats that are set on an angle so kids can roll easily, walk forwards or backwards on a balance beam, run, walk or crawl through an obstacle course (everything soft and padded), make a tent out of a parachute, jump on a trampoline or inflated thingy (like those bouncy things they rent for parties… sorry…I don’t know what it is called), play musical instruments, hang from a balance bar, and so on… As I said, the structure is loose, so your kid may be doing his/​her own thing or run to join in the organized action that changes every 7 minutes or so.
Class size is sort of small — maybe there are 12 kids in our class plus parents.
My child who is two really likes the class, though sometimes he does his own thing rather than joining the organized activities.
Pros: enthusiastic teacher, many things for kids to do that they don’t get at home or local playgrounds, short classes tailored to kids’ needs. The class is exactly the right amount of time — I don’t think I could stand it if it were more than 45 minutes. It’s right across from Whole Foods so you can grocery shop after.
Cons: ok, this is why I give three stars. The place has a bit of a funky smell to it. I’m not the cleanest person on earth, but the first time I went the room had a musty/​basementy scent to it. One day I came late and the aircon must’ve banished the smell, but still, it just feels a little icky. Maybe the carpet needs a good cleaning? I wouldn’t let this put you off and I’d rather the place smell funky than like chemical cleaners, but still… The man who must own/​run the place (British accent) is a bit cold and not customer service oriented. It’s not cheap. The room is not large or airy (though it doesn’t feel crowded). It’s not a place to make grown-​up friends (if you are looking…).
Overall, I think the place is fine, the teacher makes the class, the cons are easily overlooked and it’s good for a rainy day or for winter (I am doing classes in the spring — if it’s sunny out, I don’t go because I’d rather be outside than there). We’ll go back next winter.