I've been bringing my son to Kindergym since he was 9 months old, and at 20 months now, it's still one of his favorite places to go! The space is spacious, brightly lit, and clean, and has so many climbing structures and toys for kiddos to enjoy. My son is obsessed with all things cars & trucks, and he is in pure heaven at Kindergym with all the cars he can push and drive. Dawn, who is the facilitator here, is such a kind and loving person. She delights in every child who attends, and is more than happy to engage in supportive conversations with caregivers who have questions about their child's development. In addition to everything I mentioned above, I also appreciate the intention to create an environment that is respectful and supportive for children. Adults are discouraged from any use of cell phones so that they can be fully present, and children are asked to remove socks and shoes so that their bodies can receive tactile input for optimal movement (the room is kept comfortable warm). Helpful tips: parking can fill up quickly, so it's a good idea to come on-time or early (especially for the toddler playtimes). Also be sure to check the website dates, as there have been a few times I didn't think to do this and showed up on a Closed day. read more

Great neighborhood activity for toddlers! Dawn has created a space full of fun equipment for kids to get their wiggles out and learn. There's everything from toys you might find at home to large, soft obstacles for crawling, mini monkey bars, and a ball pit. For $10, it is one of the best equipped playrooms that I have seen. Dawn's enthusiasm and expertise rounds it out to a lovely afternoon of learning and fun. read more

1. Free parking. 2. An entire hall/auditorium area as indoor playground. 3. Toys to play with, ride on, rocking horses, slides, lots of cars, climbing areas, jumping mats, playdough, ball pit -- everything. Phoenix' eyes went wide and for the first 10 mins he was holding my hand as we explored. Then he struck out on his own. Free play first, then about 15 mins of structured activity - including art projects, juice and crackers, stories and songs, bubbles and parachute. I went for the 1 hour drop in class ($10) and then stayed for the next hour ($5). Dawn, who leads the group, is amazing - the kids love her and she gave a warm and welcoming energy to me as a new mom. We're not Jewish, and it could have been weird going to a Temple . . but I felt nothing but warmth and a general affection for and from all the kids and caregivers. Sold. read more

This place is awesome! I take my 15 months old son there weekly, and we both LOVE IT! the kids get to play, climb, paint, read etc. the last 15 minutes are dedicated to structured play- singing , dancing, snack and BUBBLES! Dawn the teacher is beyond Legendary! she remembers all the kids by Name! and has a great approach to kids! always smiling and projects good energy! We absolutely LOVE this place and highly recommend it to everyone! read more

The most enthusiastic teacher I've ever seen, Dawn, runs this awesome program on Wednesdays Thursdays and Fridays at TBA. Twins can come with just one caregiver! Halleluyah! Fridays the group celebrates Shabbat with Rabbi Bloom and his guitar and some yummy challah and juice that parents help to bring. Such a wide variety of activities are available and those life-size plastic cars for the kids are VERY popular. read more

My son and I came here during the 510families community event - he had a blast! I was happily surprised to see how large of a space this is (as we all know square footage is hard to come by in the bay!) In addition, the space is full of light, and just has a positive vibe about it. This space has so many things to spark childrens' interests and entertain toddlers and babies, alike. From ride on toys, to imaginative play items, trampolines, a ball pit, and a huge assortment of toys - my son was so excited to run around and try some of his favorite, as well as some new, activities. Although we didn't get to try it all in one visit, I saw playdoh, bubbles, a water table, and much more. There was also a short circle time with parachute play, which is always a hit with kids. I was also very impressed with Dawn, who was very attentive - making sure she met all of the families, and that we were having a great time. Her joy exudes, as well as her love of children. It is a fun and positive space we look forward to visiting again soon. read more

My favorite spot in Oakland to take my toddler and myself for some fun. The room is filled with climbers, ball pits, toys and endless materials to explore and learn from. The teacher has made a long lasting impression on my little boy and he just loves to go to "bim-bam with teacher Dawn." Completely worth signing up for a session or attending drop-ins when you get the chance. Shabbat -for-tots is a sweet end to Friday's class. It includes songs, bubbles, guitar with rockin' Rabbi Bloom and delicious juice and challah. Dawn leads the group with the kind of energy you hope every teacher will bring to future classrooms. Parents get a moment to connect with other friendly adults and I promise you will keep coming back! read more

Kindergym for under three year olds, is absolutely wonderful! My toddler boy is very strong and active and Kindergym has been a huge gift to our son and family. This program has been led by Dawn Margolin for over 30 years! She is so warm and supportive to parents and the little ones. She is always there to answer questions and provide gentle coaching to parents when asked for guidance. Her communication is clear, concise, and nurturing. The room itself is awesome...it's huge and very clean, with an array of safe equipment, toys, and fun learning activities for baby, infant, and toddler stages. My only regret is not starting sooner! There is a diverse and fun mix of other moms and dads often going through or who already went through similar parenting phases as you. That always feels validating. The entire Kindergym experience has been spectacular! Dawn is also very prompt in replying to emails. She has a genuine concern and care for parents and their beautiful children. Kindergym is the perfect solution to rainy days too! There is a lot of flexibility to accommodate schedules. There are also play days one Sunday a month to check out before signing up. Dawn updates info on web site often. I give Kindergym with Dawn 20 stars!! read more

Dawn Is always so sweet, helpful and knowledgeable! I've been taking my daughter to kindergym since she was one year old and I've seen her enjoy every single day! We love this place! read more

I've been coming to Kindergym with Dawn since my son and was about 18mo. He's 2 now and we still absolutely love it. Dawn provides a great balance between child-led free play and organized toddler circle time with stories and bubbles. There are plenty of great climbing and make believe toys and it's a surprisingly large space for something indoors. I love Dawn's approach and advice - she follows RIE parenting and Janet Lansbury. And of course it's always nice to chat with other parents of toddlers. Highly, highly recommend to any parents of children 1-2 years old. I'll be sad when my little guy ages out. read more

My son is now 2 years old and he still loves Kindergym! This year we're doing the sign-up 1 hour toddler class and we almost always stay for another hour with the drop-in class. It's been so much fun to see my son learn to navigate the more advanced climbing/tumbling structures. He doesn't get tired of it because there are so many different activities and new things to master. He's also learning about participating in group activities. He doesn't always want to participate in the more structured part of Kindergym, but I know he's watching and taking it all in. And yesterday I was so proud when he wanted to sit by himself during story time. We're both going to be sad when he outgrows Kindergym next year. read more

Really cool program - started taking my son at about 9 months old. So many cool things to explore for him. The best part about it is the environment that the facilitator, Dawn, sets. She asks parents to really pay attention to their children while there, answers all kinds of parenting questions and really is a pillar of community-building. The program is in a synagogue but is open to everyone whether they are Jewish or not. I feel so blessed to have discovered this program and to know Dawn. read more

Very clean, lots of natural light. Dawn is a very kind and helpful person. She takes time with each child to sing, dance play or interact during the toddler program. Schedule consists of 45 free play and 15 min circle time with a parachute, song, story, Graham cracker snack and water. And of course bubbles. Come ready to leave your shoes at the door, kiddos need bare feet (no socks). This has been a great play area for us with all the rain. read more

Kindergym is the BEST bargain for kids in this area. It's the most incredible indoor play space with some structured activities. Dawn is an enthusiastic and excited teacher who obviously loves children. I have been taking my girls to kindergym since 12 months and they still love it at almost 3. We always went on Fridays where there was also a toddler shabbat celebration with songs, rabbi playing, and challah (open to all denominations/religions/creeds... we are not Jewish). My girls still sing all the songs. read more

Wonderful, wonderful, wonderful! Teacher Dawn is the most enthusiastic, loving, and fun leader I've ever encountered (with lots of Parent and Me classes under my belt). She's very attentive to both the children and accompanying adults. There's lots and lots of toys. Storytime, parachute, songs, and bubbles. Everything you could want. read more

The kindergym at TBA has been our favorite weekly activity for the last year and a half! Thank god we met Dawn on the streets of Oakland and she told us about this wonderful space. We have met some great people during our time and my little boy has pretty much grown up knowing this space. There is a ton of things to do for baby up to 3 year old and is a fun and safe place. We usually go on Friday, when they have a mini-shabbat with Rabbi Bloom wielding a guitar, and it is SO COOL. We are not Jewish, but it is a great community builder and I have begun to cherish our Fridays there. Definitely worth signing up! read more

I love bringing my son to the Kindergym. He just loves playing in such a wonderful open ended and brightly light play space. Dawn is an amazing teacher and caregiver. I'm just sad that soon my son will be three and Kindergym will come to an end. Please take your kids now so they can grow and learn with the class and have a few years to enjoy the Kindergym. read more

Kindergym is great!! My 13-month-old godson loves it. The space is huge, and there's so much to do: a ball pit, slides, things to climb, toy cars to ride, rocking horses, a trampoline, an abundance of toys, play-doh, and books... it's endless fun. My mom actually used to take me to Kindergym back when I was a toddler in the late 1980s, and the same instructor, Dawn, has been running it all this time. Even though it's located at a temple, everybody is warmly welcomed; you don't have to be Jewish to attend. Kindergym is a great place for toddlers to play, learn, and explore, and I recommend it for any family in the Oakland area. read more

Kindergym is the best! My toddler absolutely loves going to "gym" to play with all of the toys, interact with other kids and give Dawn a "big hug." She adores Dawn and regularly asks me when we will see her again. I love the emphasis on play and imagination in a safe, child-friendly environment. It's been great watching my daughter develop here and it warms my heart when I hear her humming the "Bye Bye Bubbles" song to herself, or start singing the Clean Up song the instant I say "Choo-choo" (a few songs sung regularly during toddler classes). I feel so fortunate to have discovered a fun, authentic toddler class right in my neighborhood! read more

Kindergym is the most amazing find for little one's in Oakland. I wish I had started my son here shortly after he learned to walk, because it is such a hit with him, and our family. My son has gained a great deal of confidence with trying new things, as there are so many stations and experiential little nooks and crannies there. Being around a group of parents with children around the same age as my son, I've made an entirely new network of friends and aquaintences, all living nearby. And Dawn...I mean, she is just a ray of sunshine! On the days when you and your toddler are both having meltdowns, Dawn rushes in and, by making up a song to sing in the ball pit, reminds you how much fun these kids can be, and how we can have just as much fun and the kids. read more

Kindergym is my favorite toddler activity. Dawn is absolutely wonderful, and it is great to have a place where kids can run and play in a safe and clean environment. The flexible drop in schedula makes it easy to find a time that fits. I started going to kindergym with my daughter when she turned one. She is now 20 months and we've been going every week since. The session is about 45 minutes of free time and 15 minutes of circle time where Dawn leads the kids in songs and blows bubbles. I am thankful to have found kindergym and recommend it all toddler parents. read more

This is a great place to take twins! You have clear lines of sight so it is possible to take two toddlers without fearing you will lose one. There are lots of different activities as well. I have been taking my twins for a little over a year now and they love it. Dawn, the teacher, is great! She is friendly and easily engages with the children. read more

This is the second year my son and I have attended Kindergym. And once again I feel sad that the session is soon to end for summer break. I look forward to Wed mornings when I get to put distractions aside and play with my son and help him play with other children. Sometimes I receive a huge bonus and get personalized parenting advice from Dawn. She has a gift! Some weeks we would go twice or stay for two sessions. The flexibility is perfect because we all know there are days when you can't make a class. It has been a great stabilizer in my life as a mom of two. Thank you, Dawn and Temple Beth Abraham!! read more

We love Kindergym so much! My son, who is 2 years old, looks forward to going all week. Dawn is amazing and we have met such great families there. It is really a community, not just another play space for kids. We highly recommend it! read more

We love Kindergym! My 2.5 year old daughter (usually pretty shy) has learned so much and gained so much confidence at kindergym! It's the prefect prep for the outdoor park play equipment. And it's a safe place to experiment without really big kids running around. My daughter LOVES the trampoline, the ball pit, painting, the climbing ladder, the old school bouncy horses, and most of all: DAWN! She is completely enamored by Dawn's songs and bubbles, parachute play, running games and more. These are a few things my daughter has said: - Go see Dawn! - Dawn happy - Yay Dawn! We also love going on Friday: Shabbat = Challah (yum!) and songs with Rabbi Bloom! Highly recommend kindergym to all!!! read more

Kindergym is amazing! All three of my kids have participated. There are weekly classes as well as some Sunday playdays. The space is huge, with tons of toys and stimulating activities (what kid can resist a ball pit!). Dawn is an amazing teacher and really connects with both the parents and the kids. Just a note in response to Sam H.'s posting about kids being dismissed with a megaphone. That takes place in the afternoon, when the Temple's religious school program ends. It has nothing to do with Kindergym. read more

A few years ago, my daughter-in-law emailed me the following exchange she had with our then 4 1/2-year-old grandson, about a year after he'd "graduated" from Dawn Margolin's Kindergym program: Daughter-in-law: Do you know this song? Grandson: Yes. Daughter-in-law: Do you sing it at school? Grandson: No. We used to sing it at the gym. Daughter-in-law: At the gym? At gymnastics? Grandson: No, the gym I used to go to with Saba. Daughter-in-law: Oh Kindergym! I'm glad you remember that. Grandson: Oh, I definitely remember Kindergym. I LOVED Kindergym. It's really awesome. Daughter-in-law: Did you know that when you start kindergarten, your brother will be old enough to start going to Kindergym? Grandson: Wow! He will be old enough? He's so lucky! He's going to LOVE Kindergym. We're now on our 4th grandchild, plus a great-nephew, who have all loved the great program. read more

We LOVE Kindergym!!!!! My son loves the multitude of toys. I like that he has an outlet for his energy, that the environment is safe, that there are toys that are appropriate for many different developmental stages, and it is a great way to meat other parents. We love singing the songs that we learn at Kindergym. Most importantly we love Dawn. Her enthusiasm and joy are infectious. She knows and cares about each kid and their families. We are so luck to have found Kindergym!!!! read more

Our boys have been coming to Kindergym for about a year now, and... THEY LOVE IT! Watching them jump, crawl, scoot, play & interact with other toddlers & babies has been amazing. We love the the relaxed atmosphere of allowing the babies to explore and play freely around the space. The last 15 minutes are spent in a small circle where snacks and water is shared along with a story, songs and bubbles! Dawn is nothing short of AMAZING. Her energy and enthusiasm is infectious and makes for a warm atmosphere. We always look forward to coming every week. read more

My 19 month old loved it here. There are tons of great toys to play with. He didn't want to leave when the class was over. It's easy to get to, free parking and inexpensive. $10 a class. We will definitely be back!! read more

Kindergym at Temple Beth Abraham is amazing! The amount of equipment and the expert direction of Dawn, the teacher make it a place my grandkids can't wait to get to each week! read more

Dawn Margolin runs a marvelous program. Both my kids are alums. As Dawn likes to say, the parents are alums also. So as a satisfied one I can recommend it with both thumbs up and all my fingers and toes thrown in. read more

I absolutely love kindergym!we've been going there for almost 2 years with my son who is 2 and a half.And now my 6 months old get to enjoy it too. I have never doubted if I should extend our membership at kindergym,because it is by far the best place . First of all,I should say about Dawn, without her it would be just another weekly activity,but she makes it a truly warm and happy place for families. I love how she interacts with all kids and their parents,how she genuinely interested in you and your life,it's just priceless. The place itself has everything your LO wants.My son likes the pool with balls,all the toy cars,big cars that he can ride on,play dough and puzzle tables. But most of all he likes the last 15 minutes of the session when Dawn sings songs,reads a story and of cause blows lots of bubbles. My son is pretty shy,and it seemed at first that he is not involved in all this activities,but we kept going and one day,I heard him singing Dawn's song about bubbles,and my heart melt. I highly recommend it for every family,it is not just a happy place for your children,it is also a place where you can meet new friends,and be part of great East Bay community. read more

Kindergym has been a real gift to my two kids. Dawn is absolutely a joy and has such a way with all children. She has opened the doors of Temple Beth Abraham to all families, instilling a sense of acceptance to all religions which I find inspiring. The kids love it there - there are so many "stations" of toys - from rice tables to balls to dollhouses and books. It's the perfect mix of open play and organized songs and stories. Kudos to Dawn and what she has built. I love Kindergym. read more

We love kindergym with dawn. A huge gymnasium full of fun toys and equipment including a ball pit, water table, painting area with easels and smocks, play doh, gym type equipment and every toy imaginable. Dawn is so kind and warm and remembers everyone's name. She has amazing energy! It is free play until about the last 15 or so minutes when they kids sing a song, dawn reads a book and the kids have a snack. My daughter looks forward to kindergym every week. read more

We absolutely love kindergym!!! We have been taking my daughter from the time she could crawl (she is 2 now) and will continue until she starts preschool in the fall. Dawn is awesome: warm, caring and fun! We love her! My daughter talks about her and kindergym constantly - and especially loves the shabbat service on Fridays. I can't recommend it highly enough - especially for dad's looking for something fun to do with their little ones. read more

Dawn is amazing with the kids, she takes time to get to know them all. We really appreciated her positive (and seemingly endless) energy and ability to bring together a community of great parents and happy kids. read more

My grand daughter and I LOVE Dawn and Kindergym! It is a wonderful, spacious, safe place for little ones to explore the world. Songs, stories and bubbles with Dawn make it EXTRA SPECIAL! read more

Kindergym is a complete joy! My now two year old twins LOVE going every Friday morning, as do I. Dawn, the teacher, is a wonder. She knows every child and adult by name after the first visit and connects with everyone there individually at every class. The Temple Beth Abraham auditorium is one giant indoor playground, with different stations for whatever activity your toddler might enjoy -- ball pit, painting, playdoh, toy kitchen, ride 'em cars, climbing bars, a water table and lots of other ride 'em, push 'em, jump on 'em type toys. Dawn creates such a warm atmosphere that it creates good feeling among adults and kids alike. The Shabbat service with the Rabbi and his guitar is great fun and a wonderful way to kick off the weekend, whether you're Jewish or not. read more

Best toddler activity around! It's a huge room with enough toys that everyone can have a turn. We asked the grandparents for money for Kindergym instead of birthday presents and have really enjoyed having a fun, easy place to go on weekday mornings. My oldest has graduated to preschool, but I'm looking forward to bringing the baby. read more