Here's a sharp, no-nonsense draft--with a little bite where it counts: We attended a birthday party here and left early--by choice and by necessity. First issue: all children are required to be completely barefoot. No exceptions. From a basic hygiene standpoint, that's unsettling. Anyone familiar with shared gym spaces knows how easily things like athlete's foot spread. Many gyms solve this with grip socks. Simple. Sensible. Not here. Second--and far more important--our child was deeply uncomfortable being barefoot in this place. We explained this calmly. They saw he was uncomfortable and didn't want to be barefooted. Instead of offering a reasonable accommodation (again, grip socks), we were told we could wrap his feet in gauze. Gauze. As if mummifying a child's feet is somehow more practical--or dignified--than socks designed for this exact purpose. The final straw was the attitude. Dismissive, inflexible, and completely lacking empathy. Working with children requires patience and basic human understanding. If that's not on the menu, maybe hosting kids' parties shouldn't be either. After reading other reviews, it's clear this wasn't an isolated experience. This seems to be a pattern. Save yourself the stress. There are plenty of other places on the Upper West Side that manage to combine fun, cleanliness, and respect, for both kids and parents. Choose one of those. read more

Things have gotten so much better since Sarah came on board! We were members before the pandemic and loved it, and had a hard time coming back, but it's been incredible lately thanks to the new crew! My daughter started here when she was 2.5 (now 6) and my son started around 2 and they both love it and have come a long way with their skills! I think it's a great starter place. If you're looking for something more competitive, look elsewhere, but if you're looking for a warm, friendly, comfortable environment for your kids to thrive early-on then this is where you want to be! read more

This review is SOLELY for their birthday party experience for my daughter's 5th birthday. ****My kids have never been members of any indoor play areas. (I'm a big fan of fresh air and the outdoors!)***** However, they had a blast when getting a birthday party of fun games and lots of activities involving running, jumping and moving around. The whole place is colorful and kid-specific. They have a fair amount of options. Space is pretty spacious and the staff handled my strong need to be informed on details very well. Price is very affordable. A big con is the entrance way and the tiny elevator which makes the stairs almost a must. I guess that just comes from being above a Fairway Supermarket. (Oh and they prefer tips in cash--which was mentioned when discussing pricing.) Overall I would gladly recommend. read more

Well that was fun. We went to a trial class with our 5 1/2 month old today and we all had a blast. We still have a couple more trials elsewhere before we decide on what gym we are going to. We liked this one because they do have Saturday classes, so Mom can take the little girl for their weekly gym time. And it's cheap, at $1,350 for the season, which is 40+ weeks. We started off with bells and the welcome to the little gym song. Then came introductions, names and such, and high fives from the coach, Lauren. Then on to stretching. Stretching started off with several different arm and leg exercises all to music, with an instructor on the CD, and added instruction from the coach. They did hand coordination exercises, then off to "Explore the gym" time. There's mats, and inclined mats, balance beams, uneven bars, hand rails, and alot of other equipment I can't name, but lots of things for all ages and skill levels. Even our little 5 1/2 month old. The coach came around, spent time with each of the children, and even suggested where to play, and how to use different equipment. And they all did the uneven bars. Still too young to hang, they practice gripping the bars... Then came some tumbling exercises, which, at her age, was us standing her on her head and rolling her onto her back... The balls came out next. She LOVED the balls. So much so that I bought her one on the way home. The balls helped her grab things, lift it up over her head, good arm and shoulder exercise. Then came bubble time, which explained the slightly sticky mats. I'm like the biggest germaphobe, but it was good for me to dive right into this class with the mandatory no shoes or socks rule. I survived. Bubble time was fun. The coach blew thousands of bubbles and the kids had to pop them with different fingers, good coordination drill. Then class seamed to end. I'm sure there's a few things I missed, but all in all it was a good time. Overall, I like this location, being right across the street from the Beacon, but there is one up here in Harlem that we might check out before we commit to one gym. They have hand sanitizer everywhere, which of course becomes foot sanitizer too before the kicks go back on. The coaches were attentive and great with children. The equipment was fun, can't wait to see the little marshmellow on the balance beam by herself. And it's NOT DANGEROUS, kids fall, it's how you learn to get back up. And lastly, it's a great weekly thing to do if you're a stay at home Dad like myself, or for Mom and daughter on the weekends. Our girl loved the interaction with the other children, and of course, the balls. read more

The Little Gym Upper Westside - 2028 Olympics, look out... - Kids Activities Near Me - New York, New York

See all

We were at the Little Gym recently for a friend's birthday party. The facilities were a little outdated but we've been looking for a gym in the neighborhood and thought we might come for a class and try it out. I think overall the party went well and the kids had fun. I did have a problem with the staff giving me a look when our daughter jumped on the bounce house at my urging. She'd been waiting patiently for several minutes while the staff waved forward other kids that cut in front of her. The same staff member then proceeded to announce "one person at a time" while she'd previously let on two parents with their children, and other children to jump down the path holding hands. Another incident happened later on during the treats distribution. Our daughter raised her hand and waited patiently when asked by a different staff "who wants fruit", this same staff gave fruit (a piece at a time from a bowl she held) to two girls directly adjacent to my daughter, then walked around to the next table and proceeded to distribute fruit to another 3 children before the host mom told her that our daughter has been waiting for a while. The facilities may be worth checking out but the staff in our opinion are not nearly as attentive as you would expect in a children's group play facility. read more

My daughter absolutely loved her teacher Trent and her experience in class. However, dealing with the manager at this gym has been incredibly unpleasant. Eric has been rude on more than one occasion, starting with the day we called to enroll our daughter. I had set up a trial lesson after which we spoke to the awesome instructor, Trent. He explained the packages and pricing and how, since the spring session had already started the pricing would be pro-rated. When we called back a week later to enroll we spoke with Eric who proceeded to argue about the pricing and challenged my conversation with Trent. Thankfully I had saved the brochure with Trent's notes on the pricing, He reluctantly let us sign up for a lesser discount than what Trent had mentioned and threw in a free class instead [useless if your schedule doesn't allow for that but fine] Fast forward to summer they have some Flash Sales for summer camp, I I purchased two camp days for June. They advertised morning and afternoon sessions every day for the entire month. I called on two separate occasions to try to schedule a morning session, spoke with Eric again. On both occasions he told me they only had afternoon sessions those days because not enough children had called in for summer. He mentioned that the following weeks they had more sessions since school would be out. I mentioned that we would be traveling and if there was a chance we could use the credit in July or later? He said sure no problem we can work something out. I'm now calling to enroll my daughter in classes and would like to apply this $100 credit and am being told by Eric the following: - He does not see a credit - That they ran morning and afternoon sessions every day in June - That I had to used the passes/credit in June [yes per the sale but not per our conversation] - That he does not remember ever speaking to me in June about scheduling a class or using the credit at a future occasion. In addition to the above the fact that they have no interest in resolving the issue in a friendly way and having a satisfied customer is beyond me. There are other kid's gyms in NYC, why would anyone pay to be insulted and treated disrespectfully? Nina will miss Trent but seriously not worth being treated this way. Do better guys!! read more

Ultimately, it isn't safe. That's the bottom line. There is one teacher trying to manage up to 6 children on very big equipment (irrelevant what level they are in) which includes an adult size balance beam (chest level to an average adult). The management is non-exhistant and the poor staff are over-worked. Go to NY Kids club... believe it or not they are learning more about gymnastics there. read more

Signed kids up for a mixed age "camp" that turned out to be more of a play time for toddlers. While the staff was enthusiastic, the programming was mediocre at best. read more

We loved the entire experience. The location is convenient and the space is great. The party was dynamic and for almost a whole hour all the kids were fully involved in fun activities. The instructors were super friendly and devoted. Best birthday party experience we've had so far! read more

Again, the review is only regarding the birthday party for our 2-year-old boy. It was fantastic, all of the kids had a whole of fun there. The teachers played parachute and set up air track for the kids, and at the end they were throwing kicking balls and chasing bubbles. Plus it was a big colorful place with lots of gym stuff for the little ones to explore. It was amazing to see how 2-year-olds could enjoy almost every minute of the party. The only thing was that I feel like it could have been a little longer than one and a half hour. The kids came in, warmed up, had some activities, then it wasn't enough time left for snacks and cakes. Wish it could be about 2 hours. read more

My boy had his trepidations but on the second visit, he joined in and after that, he's been all in. A big part of this is Jordan-he is absolutely fantastic with the kids. He is enthusiastic and fun but also firm when he needs to be. The facilities are awesome. I've been to a few gyms here since we moved last August and I have to say, this has been his and my favorite thus far. For reference, my boy took the sports class for 3-4yr olds. read more

Our daughter has taken the Beasts/Super Beasts class twice now and loves it. The instructors are fantastic. Coach Megan has been attentive to each student's individual needs and interests. Even with a small class, she keeps the room energized and moving. We're looking forward to having our daughter's birthday here, too. read more

I love that the kids learn both physically and mentally. And all the teachers are GREAT. My son has learned so many physical skills that people at the park are shocked on the things he can climb and do. He also learned how to follow directions. I use the "freeze" command at home and it is a lifesaver :-) Of all the kids class choices (and I have tried most) the Little Gym is the one to DEFINITELY do! It is the BEST. read more

The Little Gym is not a place to learn any real gymnastics. It is a place to drop your kids off in lieu of a babysitter. They will most likely have a good time, but they can be in the room 2 years and not even learn how to do a cartwheel. Staff comes out near the end of a lesson to tell you what they've "taught" the kids. Marketing gimmick. Expensive too. You could probably hire Kathy Rigby as a private coach for the same money. The one positive is the staff is amicable. read more

Do not send your kid here! I signed up for a summer camp there - and they wouldn't even let me change around dates - the class size is huge! my kid got nothing out of it! I was so annoyed with them I demanded a refund - they gave me a hard time with it !!! read more

Have an 8 year old, in a small mixed age gymnastics class (all are around ages 7-10). For the kids, the program seems to be a blast. Your child won't become an Olympian, but she will build skills and confidence and have fun. For the parents, the program has an educational component, as the instructors take the time to explain the grander plan. And there is homework! Ok, mostly just pushups and situps. read more

Such a warm, friendly and professional place. The activities provide the perfect level of challenge for the little ones, and always offer something a bit different without compromising on familiarity and routine. Great instructors, great atmosphere. Highly recommended to other families. read more

We love The Little Gym! Very accommodating. Coach Jordan always remembers your name. My kids love the open play time.

Had a party at The Little Gym for my daughter. I called, booked the date and didn't have to think about much else. Little gym ordered the pizzas, had the decorations and utensils. All I had to do was bring the cake. The kids had a fabulous time and the parents loved watching their children have fun. It was a great party on all levels. read more

The instructors are enthusiastic. The class is perfect for a 2 year old, the right mix of mat time, exploration and learning a skill. The general routine of how the class runs is good for kids to become familiar with it and feel comfortable but the class is slightly different each week so it stays interesting and challenging. My daughter loved it and I could see great improvements in her confidence and skills over the weeks we attended read more

Can only comment on classes for "birds" and "beasts", but our experience has been very favorable. Staff has been great. Facilities are clean. Overall good energy. Wish they had more hours for open play (when it gets cold) and the classes are generally a little pricey. But, hey, they're only little once and I'd say it's been definitely worth the money. read more

DO NOT SPEND YOUR MONEY HERE. I went looking into different classes for my daughter and when I visited The Little Gym the woman pressured me to sign up. I told her that I am not sure what our schedule would be like that summer so I wanted to think about it but then she said there was no time limit on make-ups so it wouldn't be a problem if my plans changed. (I remember thinking this is unusual as most places have time limits make-ups - but it is the reason I signed up.) We had to leave for the summer (on family matters) so I came back to make up the missed classes. They then told me this is not their policy and the director said that someone on her staff would never say that. So now not only did she not let me make up the classes, but she was giving me attitude as if I were lying...so I end up spending hundreds of dollars on 4 classes. The only way they would allow me to make them up is if I were to pay for another semester. Right - I'm going to let them fleece me out of hundreds more dollars just to make up for the fact that they screwed me the first time. DO NOT GO TO THE UPPER WEST SIDE LITTLE GYM. read more