Parent-Baby Activity Guide – Seven Places to Go for Playful and Enriching Activities Together in Vancouver
Updated August 2024
Babies and toddlers are full of life, eager to explore the world around them (even and especially the parts they shouldn’t, like electrical outlets and mom’s makeup bag). They’re also typically eager to spend that exploring time alongside their favorite people and their most important teachers: mom and dad. This month, check out our first ever parent-baby activity guide, with classes and activities all over Clark County designed specifically for little ones ages 0-5 to participate in with their parents (or other fabulous caregivers). Whether it’s tumbling at a gym or blowing bubbles in a pool, babies, toddlers and preschoolers will love doing it all with you!
Parent-Baby Activity Guide:
Family Rhythms
Location: Various Vancouver locations
Website: familyrhythms.org
Phone: 360-209-4276
Description: Family Rhythms offers Music Together’s premiere early childhood music program. Every week babies, toddlers, preschoolers, young elementary children and the grownups who love them come together to play together musically. Mixed-age classes allow families to attend together and provide amazing social experiences for children of all ages.
Days/times: Monday through Thursday mornings, afternoons and evenings
Cost: $78/month for the first child, $55/month for a sibling over 9 months old, no charge for a second sibling. Babies under 6 months old attend mixed-age classes free.
The Little Gym of Vancouver
Location: 3000 SE 164th Ave., #111, Vancouver
Website: thelittlegym.com/vancouverwa
Phone: 360-828-8492
Description: The Little Gym offers developmentally appropriate gymnastics classes for children ages 4 months to 3 years with a parent in the gym with the kids.* Classes are designed to get kids moving with their parents and growing locomotive skills as well as core muscle groups, build social community between parents, children and other families in the community, and also to challenge kids cognitively. Classes are broken down by age-group.
Days/times: Various age groups are offered 7 days per week.
Cost: $108/month for enrollment in a class
My Gym Vancouver
Location: 1825 SE 164th Ave., Ste 112, Vancouver
Website: mygym.com/vancouverwa
Phone: 360-828-7974
Description: My Gym offers parent-and-me style gymnastics classes for ages 4 month to 3 ½ years.*
Days/times: Many times throughout the week, Tuesday through Sunday.
Cost: $139 every 4 weeks for unlimited classes or give them a try with a one week’s trial of unlimited classes for just $29. Additional siblings receive 30% off.
Vancouver Parks, Recreation & Cultural Services
Locations:
- Firstenburg Community Center, 700 NE 136th Ave., Vancouver
- Marshall Community Center, 1009 E McLoughlin Blvd., Vancouver
Website: cityofvancouver.us/ParksRecCulture
Phone: 360-487-8311
Aquatics:
- Parent and Tot swim lessons for ages 6 months to 3 years at Firstenburg and Marshall community centers.* Days and times vary by location and swim lesson session but they are typically offered Monday-Thursday with morning and evening options. Each session usually includes five weekly lessons and costs $51 for Vancouver residents and $58 for non-residents.
- Public Swims at Firstenburg and Marshall pools are available each week, with schedules changing seasonally. Firstenburg offers a zero-depth aquatic play area, a lazy river and an epic water slide. Marshall has a nine-foot drop slide and 25-yard lap pool. Both have ADA compliant pool lifts. There is a drop-in fee of $3-$9 per swimmer, depending on age and pool location.
Playgroup: Firstenburg Community Center Playgroup provides space for kids to run, play, jump and climb in the gymnasium, while parents socialize and join the fun! Playgroup is on Thursday mornings and open to kids ages 9 months to 6 years. Cost is $6 per visit for both parent and child; $4 for each additional child. Electronic punch cards are available for additional savings.
Fort Vancouver Regional Libraries Parent-Child Storytimes
Locations: Various library locations throughout Southwest Washington
Website: fvrl.org
Phone: 360-906-5000
Description: FVRLibraries offers many family storytimes designed specifically for babies and toddlers and their caregivers at locations throughout Clark County. To find a baby storytime near you, go to fvrl.librarymarket.com/events and filter events by age, program type and location.
Cost: Free
*Note: This organization also offers classes for preschoolers and school-age kids, with parents welcome to watch the fun from the lobby.
Northpointe Gymnastics
Location: 6707 NE 117th Ave., Suite 100-D, Vancouver
Website: northpointe-gym.com
Phone: 360-254-7958
Description: Designed for walking age babies up to age 3*, you and your child will participate in activities that focus on age-appropriate skills and movements. Together, you’ll explore hanging/holding, walking, rolling, and jumping, igniting your child’s curiosity and building their physical abilities.
Days/times: Various 45-minute morning, afternoon and evening time slots every day of the week.
Cost: $63 per month for 1 class/week or $102 per month for 2 classes/week
Naydenov Gymnastics
Location: 6603 NE 63rd St., Vancouver (new location)
Website: ngymnastics.com
Phone: 360-944-4444
Description: Naydenov offers parent/tot gymnastics classes for ages 18 months-3 1/2 years* along with a parent. The top three goals for each student are to learn how to take turns, become comfortable with various positions like upside down and hanging on bars and learn a cartwheel.
Days/times: Various 45-minute morning, afternoon and evening time slots Monday-Saturday each week.
Cost: $78 per 4-week session (1 class per week)
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