I used to visit Outside the Box often and always had a good experience, but unfortunately things have gone downhill recently. * The first time, my class was canceled last minute -- I had already parked in the lot. They promised a refund, but I never received it until I followed up multiple times, and eventually they gave me a credit instead. * The second time, I showed up and the door was closed with nobody there. Again, I didn't receive the credit until I reached out a second time. * The third time, my class was once again canceled last minute. At that point, I decided I was done and had to request a refund again. It's very frustrating to plan my schedule, drive over, and arrive ready for class only to find cancellations without proper communication or timely refunds. I really enjoyed my past experiences here, but the lack of reliability and follow-through has made it difficult to continue. read more

I signed up for what I thought was a sensory class. When I got there, it was something else called "older baby. " we were two songs in before. I realized it and asked the teacher if I was in the right spot. She said I was not and to call the office and talk to them about it. I called the phone number she gave me AND the one listed online (left 2 voicemails bc no one ever picked up) and I emailed them and no one ever replied to me. I wasted $20 because I left after the second song... the class wasn't even good. It was a teacher who plays a Spotify list of songs and then you put on different hats to each song while they do hand motions to the song. It was SUCH a SAD excuse for a music class, esp after having experienced Lovebug and Bloom. Also, The elephant hat smelled so bad I couldn't put it on. It was disgusting. They really need to either get some new hats or wash them or something. It smelled like wet dog. Overall, this place seemed kind of rundown. I will never be back because why would I spend money in a place with a zero customer service and subpar classes? read more

My 11-month-old son Wade B. has been enrolled in an Outside the Box baby class since April, when he was a mere 8 months old (an entirely different stage of life). We don't live near La Crescenta, but we got enough babies together to form a remote class at my friend's house (I believe six is the minimum, and eight the maximum). Eight families signed up for eight weekly sessions, and they were so great that we renewed for another round. It's been really fun watching all the babies grow. Ellen and Mike come early and set up whatever needs setting up before the rest of us arrive. Ellen leads the class on a big tarp outdoors when it's nice out, indoors when we're in a heat wave. The babies and caregivers trickle in according to their various baby schedules, their naps and hungers and diapers. Class goes for an hour, and it goes by fast. Ellen is a wonderful baby guru, kind of like a yoga instructor, guiding everyone through a program of music and activities, shuffling the specifics around from week to week. She comes with a playlist full of baby bangers and boxes and boxes of sensory toys. Every song is accompanied by different motions or things to play with, and there's plenty of repetition from week to week to foster recognition in the babies. My Wade started clapping shortly after we started this class, and he always starts clapping when I sing Wheels on the Bus. My first kid was born in April 2020 so we never did any baby classes and I've really been enjoying our time with Outside the Box. It's been a nice, low-key way to hang out with cute babies and other baby moms. I think it's been enriching for Wade and it's definitely kept him entertained (I like that he gets to play with all these toys that I'd rather not have in my house). I look forward to going every week, and I like to imagine that he does too. read more

Wonderful Wonderlland for children (and really cool for us mamas and dads too!). Took the mixed toddler class with Ellen for our first class at this location and it was great! Kids were engaged and enthralled, moving, grooving, and focused when they did fine motor activities. It's a very unique class. There were multiple play areas and my toddler did not want to leave. Will definitely be back. Thanks! read more

Outside the Box - Kids Activities Near Me - La Crescenta-Montrose, California

Really fun place for your kids. The staff is so friendly and nice. The place is very clean also. We will keep going back. There's a lot of things here for your kid to experience and explore. read more

Outside the Box - Pure fun. - Kids Activities Near Me - La Crescenta-Montrose, California

We loved it here. Very friendly staff, adorable location and great activities. Have a fun hang out area for before and after class. First class we took was the sensory class with my 10 month old. It was mixed ages which we really enjoyed. My little really enjoys being around varied ages, so this worked well. read more

The setting is so beautiful and colorful with all the fantastic artwork and creativity. It's very clean, and bathrooms set up properly for kids. The instructor showed a lot of love towards the kids and was very patient and comforting with the new moms. The activities were so cute and entertaining for the baby's and fun for the mamas. Also the location is great with ample parking. read more

This is a wonderful place to take your young child for stimulating activities, vibrant music, and sensory experiences "outside the box" of everyday play. My two year old has been here with both myself and separately with grandparents for an hour of guaranteed fun. Really, more than an hour, as we have been welcomed to arrive early and stay late to play in the magical front waiting area, which is also filled with toys and learning opportunities. read more

The BEST parent and me class around! Seriously... the activities at OTB are unlike ones you'll find anywhere else. Most of the play is sensory based and allows kids to touch and experience things they never would get to otherwise! Miss Ellen is our favorite kids' activity teacher. She is kind and knowledgeable and most importantly so FUN! She is down on the ground with the kids showing them how to do the activities, singing songs (in multiple languages, btw), and bringing so many smiles. We're so thankful we found this amazingly interactive class nearby. I want to add- for our family safety is SO important right now. Masks are required and there is an air purifier running the entire time. I feel like we are in good hands while we are there. Thank you OTB!! read more

I have been taking my toddler here for about a year now. He has access to fine motor, gross motor, and sensory activities. He plays music, sings songs, and has learned some sign language. He really enjoys going, we call it his special play place! As far as the facility, it is truly a magical site to behold for children. Step into the lobby and you're whisked away to a magical fairy land full of life size trees with tree houses and plenty of nooks and crannies to explore. Children are welcome to come early and play in the lobby. There is also a giant chalk wall children can explore as well as a magical dark room full of fun lights and squishy sensory toys. Miss Ellen spares no expense to ensure good times are had by all, highly recommend. By the way, the packages for individual children and siblings deals are a better deal compared to a single class purchase so I have been buying packages. read more

Honestly, I'm at a loss of words for how amazing this place is. I pulled my kiddo out of daycare TODAY for many reasons and my first thought! What are my almost 2 year old and I going to do all day!?! I ran to yelp on a search for some activity centers for kiddos and came across this gem! I read up on some info online and looked for his age group class and they had one open in 2 hrs. Called and asked a few questions and right away felt super welcome by the gentlemen on the phone. The sensory class for toddlers was so fun! The place was EXTREMELY clean, the air was fresh and not at all stuffy or stinky, like most play spaces with little ones tend to be. We had a BLAST and felt welcomed instantly upon entering the class. 10/10 recommend. Can't wait to sign up for more classes! read more

My son loves teacher Ellen and the classes at OTB. He is going to be 2 years old and loves all the different activities packed into each class. It is even fun for adults. My favorite is their glow in the dark room and their tree house waiting room area! So fun for toddlers! read more

I just discovered this place while driving by and noticed all the big, happy pictures of babies and younger kids in the windows. My daughter and I attended our first toddler class today (or last week) and it was so much fun for both of us! I love how they combine music, sign language, counting (in diff languages), and multi-sensory activities that exercise her mind and strengthen her fine motor/gross motor skills all while she just thinks she's playing. It was so interesting learning how to "play with a purpose" and watching her wheels turning during each activity. We can't wait to go back!!! read more

Had my Grandbaby visit and they attended three sessions and it was so much fun and creative . Thank you for an awesome experience and I will bring my Grandbaby back when they visit for sure . He loved the room that was dark with different shapes and asked for it daily such a fun idea please consider supporting this local business ! read more

Hands down best parent and me class we've taken so far! As soon as you enter it looks and feels magical! Great class for sensory and social skills. The owners are so warm and welcoming we love coming here! read more

Took my almost 2 year old there today for the first time and was very impressed!! As soon as I walked in, I was nicely greeted and felt welcome. there are great decorations and bright colors everywhere! They let us play in the lobby area until it was time for class to start. It kept my daughter busy and she loved it. The class itself was also great. Fun music, bright lights, bubbles, interactive toys and games. Everything that my daughter loves! We had a great time and will definitely be back soon! read more

I had a birthday party for my 5yrs old son and it was successful. The program is perfect for kids at ages 3-5 and even older siblings have enjoyed it.  I am very happy to have a quiet and meaningful party away from the crazy busy Christmas season. I would specially thank Ellen for her help. She not only helped me prepare for the party by contacting various vendors on my behalf of me but also showed me the carefulness of taking care of the parts I missed. I definitely recommend it to my other friends who are planing unique and creative parties for kids read more

Hands down best parent and me class we've taken so far! As soon as you enter it looks and feels magical! Great class for sensory and social skills. We will definitely be back! read more