Wednesday 9 June 2010

Gymboree in Bromley free open play session

I first reviewed Gymboree in Bromley last August but since then there have been a few changes so I thought it was time to review again!

As part of the Glades Mummy Monday club, you can claim a free play session at Gymboree - so that's what we went along too!

It's important to know that the enterance to Gymboree is actually outside the Glades - Between Boots and the Church hall.

Theres a really nice looking cafe area and the toilets have got plenty of room for buggies/ baby changing etc... and there is a secure buggy park.

I don't know if it's because the free session and Mummy Monday club is new but there was only Me and baby and a friend and her babies there! - If I hadn't mentioned it to my friend, I think I would have been really uncomfortable being the only one there!

The open play session was great fun, lots of soft play and climbing toys! - Now my baby is almost one, I can see how this differs from the huge soft play at Adventure Kingdom, and if I don't become a member, I think the £5 non member fee for the open play sessions is fine to spend every once in a while for something different to do. A lot of the climbing frames are wooden and the padded areas are full of things to crawl through and sit on. The open play sessions last for 45mins and you need to book in advance for both members and non members.

The pricing structure has been revised and now starts from £32.50 a month if you want one class a week - this includes as many open play sessions as you like and the price increases with the number of classes you take.

I've been invited back to try a class for free which I will do before I decide if its something for us or not. From what I can tell, the classes are quite structured and routine based and each class is made up of babies and children at the same development stages, starting with non movers, crawlers, walkers to runners - I like this as weve found sometimes at mother and baby groups there are a lot of older children running about everywhere and not yet aware of being careful around babies - so you wont get that problem here!

There are two types of classes - Structured play or music.

Emma in Bromley xx

3 comments:

  1. Dear Emma - We thank you for your kind words about Gymboree Play & Music.

    Gymboree Play & Music has been fostering creativity and confidence in children ages 0-5 for over 30 years. Today there are over 550 locations in 30 countries, making us the global leader in early childhood development programs. Designed by experts, our age-appropriate activities help develop the cognitive, physical and social skills of children as they play. Our programs are also recognized for their unique approach to parent involvement—which encourages participation in and understanding of each child’s development.

    We would love for you and your followers to join our Facebook account (www.facebook.com/gymboreeclasses) and all receive a free class and $20 off your enrollment. Please let us know if you have any questions or need any assistance in finding a new location.

    Have a Gymboree day!!!

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  2. I just found your blog, the title caught my eye as I grew up in Bromley and am also called Emma!
    Quite jealous now as I'm living in Cyprus with my 1yr old and there are NO baby groups at all!
    In fact I was moaning about it the other day here

    http://emsyjo.blogspot.com/2010/06/what-i-miss-most.html

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  3. Dear Emma,

    This is such a pleasure .. How come I never came across your lovely blog before today?

    Right now I am sitting at my desk at work, not interested in work emails but going through everything you have ever posted online :-D

    I live in Bromley South and would love to make some friends in Bromley.

    I am Indian, and have a son who is 14 months old (yesterday)... born in May so we are just a month ahead of you ..

    I too work in a similar industry where blogging is quite popular .. its the lovely research industry .. I have just found a new job and this is my third week here... It is fun but I miss my baby .. who started walking today (can't wait to get home...)..

    All for now, and be in touch.. I will follow your blog and my aim is to make new friends here ..

    Take care and keep up the great work...

    Aastha

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Thank you for your comments

Emma x