The Little Gym of Glenview
Overview
Expert Summary
Detailed Insights
The Little Gym of Glenview is a premier facility for early childhood physical and social development, offering structured gymnastics classes for infants (5-6 months) through preschoolers (3-5 years old). It stands out for its exceptionally clean environment, age-appropriate equipment, and a highly dedicated and energetic coaching staff. Parents highlight its superior quality compared to park district programs and its welcoming, community-focused atmosphere, often feeling like a 'second family'. It's also an excellent choice for birthday parties, providing a nearly hands-off experience for parents.
Key Highlights
- ✓Promotes significant physical and social development, including mirroring, verbal/non-verbal communication, and increased comfort in one's own skin, starting from 6 months old.
- ✓Features highly energetic, patient, and caring instructors (Ms. Jane, Coach Jordan, Coach Billy, Coach Missy, Coach AJ) who are adept at engaging children and fostering a love for movement.
- ✓Specifically praised for its commitment to starting gymnastics at very young ages (infants and toddlers) and nurturing individual abilities.
- ✓Recognized as the 'cleanliest gymnastics facility' by a former competitive gymnast, a significant endorsement.
- ✓Offers great size-appropriate equipment for toddlers and preschoolers.
- ✓Instructors are skilled at managing group dynamics and behavioral situations (e.g., sharing, keeping hands to self) effectively.
- ✓Provides a welcoming and vibrant atmosphere, with the owner, Mr. Bill, contributing positively to the overall tone.
- ✓Birthday party packages are comprehensive, with staff taking care of entertainment, food/cake help, and clean-up, allowing parents to relax and enjoy.
- ✓Website is well-organized and lists special events.
- ✓Has dedicated party room with kid-sized tables and chairs, 2 sinks, and 1 bathroom, plus 2 additional bathrooms in the gym area.
Standout Features
- ⭐Free trial class available to test out the program.
- ⭐Exceptional and named coaches (e.g., Ms. Jane, Coach Billy, Coach Missy, Coach AJ) who build a sense of community and provide individualized attention.
- ⭐Remarkably clean gymnastics facility, setting it apart from many others.
- ⭐Age-appropriate and varied equipment that keeps young children engaged.
- ⭐Structured curriculum focused on both physical and social development.
- ⭐Owner, Mr. Bill, creates a friendly and welcoming environment.
- ⭐Comprehensive birthday party services that manage almost all aspects for parents.
- ⭐Well-organized website listing special events.
- ⭐Dedicated party room with kid-friendly amenities.
Perfect For
Ideal For
💡Pro Tips from Reviews
- →Utilize the free trial class to experience the gym before committing.
- →If seeking specific developmental benefits or a strong community feel, consider enrolling your child in a class with highly praised coaches like Ms. Jane.
- →Parents watching classes or parties might consider bringing their own drinks, as a coffee machine or water station for parents is desired but not mentioned as existing.
Things to Consider
- ⚠For birthday parties with a large number of young children (e.g., 25 kids aged 3-5), the instructor-to-child ratio (e.g., 2 instructors) may be stretched, potentially making it challenging to keep all children together and focused at all times.
Price & Value
Offers a free trial class, indicating a commitment-free way to assess value. Consistently described as '100% better than any park district gymnastic class', suggesting a superior value proposition for the cost. Birthday party packages are perceived as excellent value for money as they include extensive services (entertainment, food/cake help, clean-up), allowing parents to enjoy the event without responsibility. No specific prices were mentioned in the reviews.
♿Accessibility & Special Needs
- •No specific accommodations mentioned.
🍎Food & Drink Policy
- •Outside food and cake are allowed and facilitated for birthday parties in the dedicated party room, with staff assisting with food, cake, and clean-up.
🚗Parking Info
- •No information mentioned.
👥Crowd Levels
- •Birthday parties can accommodate up to 25 children (aged 3-5). No specific information provided regarding crowd levels during regular classes.
🛡️Safety Features
- •The facility is highlighted as 'BY FAR the cleanliest gymnastics facility'.
- •Instructors are effective at managing child behavior, including issues like keeping hands to themselves or waiting turns.
- •Equipment is described as 'size appropriate' for young children.
- •Energetic instructors ensure active supervision during classes and parties.
⏰When to Avoid
- • If you require a very high instructor-to-child ratio for large birthday parties (e.g., 25 kids aged 3-5), be aware that with two instructors, supervision might be less individualized, though instructors are noted for handling situations well.
What People Say
What's Great
- Clean and well-maintained facilities (mentioned in 2 reviews)
- Friendly and helpful staff (mentioned in 7 reviews)
- Fun and entertaining activities (mentioned in 3 reviews)
- Great for birthday parties (mentioned in 5 reviews)
- Spacious play areas (mentioned in 2 reviews)
Areas for Improvement
- Can get crowded during peak times (mentioned in 2 reviews)
Recent Reviews
Maja Pejic
3 months agoIf you are seeking a place for physical development and social development, this is the place. I enrolled my son when he was 6 months, and it is his favorite activity. Not only has he gotten more comfortable in his own skin (his personality shines during class), he has also gained social skills. He has learned to mirror other kids, communicate verbally and non verbally. We have Ms. Jane as a teacher and she is a ray of sunshine, we love her so much. She is beyond genuine and caring, she has built such a beautiful and kind community in our class. If you are hesitant try the free trial and test it out, I promise you that you will not regret it. If you put your kid in any class put them in this. Such a great team of staff, such great kiddos, such a great place. Feels like a second family.
Anna Cienkowski (Ania C'ski)
a year agoCute spot with great size appropriate equipment and very energetic instructors. We came for a friend's birthday party and had a blast. There were about 25 kids between 3-5 which all enjoyed them immensely but we could see it was hard for just 2 instructors to keep everyone together at times especially since kids wanted to explore and try all the equipment. Another set of hands could have helped alot. Some of the kids had a hard time keeping their hands to themselves or waiting for their turn and the Instructors really handled the situation well. A fun spot with a great team. Nice size party room too and kid size tables and chairs. Along with 2 sinks and 1 bathroom. There were 2 bathrooms in the gym area. Our son really enjoyed it so we are going to return and try out a class. Their website is very well organized and they even have special events which we look forward to checking out. Definitely 100% better then any park district gymnastic class we took. Perfect spot for the toddlers and 3-5 year old age. Highly recommend this spot and looking forward to returning. Would love a little coffee machine or water station for parents as they watch the kids during their sessions.
Kelly Peterson
2 months agoI cannot express enough how much we love The Little Gym of Glenview! We started our journey here when our daughter was just 5 months old, and now at 3.5 years, it has become a cherished part of our routine. From the moment you walk in, the atmosphere is welcoming and vibrant, thanks to the incredible owner, Mr. Bill, who sets the tone with his friendly demeanor. Each coach we’ve encountered has been nothing short of spectacular. Coach Jordan laid a fantastic foundation for our daughter, and though he moved, we were fortunate to have Coach Billy step in. His energy is contagious, and it's a joy to watch him engage with the kids. Coach Missy is another standout; her knowledge and coaching skills are exceptional, which is especially important to me as a former collegiate gymnast. We also had the pleasure of Coach AJ, who is outstanding! He is always so much fun, full of personality and he puts 110% into all of his classes. Next, there is the remarkable Coach Jane, who has a natural gift for engaging with the children, and they absolutely adore her! She knows how to nurture each child's abilities while making learning fun! Most recently, Coach Billy has taken the reins, and his energetic approach has kept our daughter excited and motivated. His commitment to the kids is simply phenomenal! What sets The Little Gym of Glenview apart is their commitment to starting gymnastics at such a young age. Finding a place that caters to infants and toddlers was challenging, but The Little Gym was a gem that stood out. I truly appreciate how they foster a love for movement and gymnastics from the earliest stages. Thank you to the entire staff at The Little Gym of Glenview for your dedication, passion, and for creating such a positive environment for our daughter. We are so grateful to be part of this wonderful community! Keep up the amazing work; we love you all! 🌟K & P. Peterson ;-) P.S. I forgot to mention another very important thing… The Little Gym is BY FAR the cleanliest gymnastics facility I’ve ever seen in my life. Being a competitive gymnast my entire childhood. I've both competed and practiced in many, many gymnastics facilities in my lifetime. So, for me to say they are the cleanliest gym- it is HUGE!!!:-) Go Little Gym!!!👍
Constantin Segarceanu
2 months agoMy daughter is having her best time at Little Gym! She can't wait for the next class. All the professor are patient and provide lots of attention to the little ones.
Zarha Amlani
7 months agoAbsolutely loved hosting my son’s 4th birthday party at the Little Gym. They took care of almost everything. Both helpers were great with the kids. Kept them entertained for the full hour then helped with food, cake, clean-up, ect. I literally had to do nothing the day of the party and was able to enjoy the party instead of running around. Highly recommendable!!