If you’re looking for a fun way to escape the house after the newborn fog has lifted to spend some quality time bonding with your tiny tot, look no further than the new parent and me center, Little Knights, at Camelot Kids. The program is an offshoot of the amazing Silver Lake preschool and offers unique, developmental classes for babies, toddlers and their grown-ups.
photo: Little Knights
The Space
Both you and your mini will be excited when you arrive at Little Knights. This isn’t an ordinary rec room class at the Y. The colorful, bright center built behind Camelot Kids is the kind of welcoming, kid-friendly, totally fabulous environment you really just want to hang out at… like all day. In fact, the only downside to taking a class here is that they eventually end and you have to leave. Classes meet in the spacious studio, featuring a wall of sliding doors that open onto a shaded patio and playground with plenty of space to move.
The lobby has an adorable boutique where you can load up on unique toys, gifts, baby gear and (bump) wear, their own private line of maternity apparel. If you’re waiting for a class to start, then chill out in the Womb Room. This open-air, canopied space, filled with giant bean bag chairs, offers a comfortable spot to breastfeed, chit-chat with other parents after class, or just delay your exit from this awesome place.
photo: Little Knights
Parent and Me Time
Little Knights offers classes designed to cover both physical and cognitive development, as well as social skills. Most importantly though, the classes are about having fun and bonding with your baby or toddler. The programs are divided by age, starting with the Incy Wincy Dragons (5 to 12 months) that incorporates music, story time and infant massage. Young toddlers can then move on to the Itty Bitty Dragons (12 to 18 months), where they’ll work on motor skills and communication through sensory activities and pretend play.
The oldest group, Discovery Dragons (18 to 36 months), helps prepare your little learner to enter preschool by focusing on building independence, establishing routine and working together in group activities. The class meets twice a week, instead of once, includes a snack time and runs an hour and 15 minutes instead of the shorter 45 minute classes in the younger levels. In addition, they also offer a variety of unique enrichment classes, for tots ages 3-36 months, that focus on one area, like art, music or language.
photo: Little Knights
Fun For Grown-Ups
Kids aren’t the only ones who get to grow and learn at Little Knights. The center also offers fitness classes for parents every morning. Unlike a gym or private studio, where you have to find childcare, here you can squeeze in a workout while your little one plays just outside within view. The licensed staff will supervise kids on the outdoor patio while you workout in the studio; your toddler doesn’t even need to be enrolled in a class to attend. Besides making the separation easier on clingier kids, watching energetic toddlers run around gives you plenty of motivation to get moving. Each day of the week features a different workout class, from aerial fitness training to boxing.
photo: Little Knights
A Little Something Extra
Beyond all the classes, Little Knights features some other fun activities, like a monthly family dance party and educational workshops. Shake off the stress of the week at Disco Knights, when the whole family can boogie down with a live DJ, musical instruments, kid snacks and wine and cheese for the grown-ups. Or say goodbye to your little dancing queen at Parents Day Out, where kids can stay and play, while you can spend some adult time checking out local restaurants and businesses that offer specials and discounts to Little Knight families. The center will also be hosting workshops on various topics, like prenatal care and starting solid foods.
photo: Little Knights
The Details
Classes can be booked online or via the Little Knights smartphone app. Sessions run 4 weeks in length and prices start at $140 for a series and go up depending on the class. There’s plenty of parking available in the Camelot parking lot, and if your little knight is having trouble saying goodbye to all the fun in class you can transition out with a quick stop at the chicken coop in the lot on the way to your car.
2880 Rowena Ave.
Silver Lake
323-662-2663
Online: littleknightsla.com
Have you visited Little Knights yet? Share your favorite parent and me classes in the comments!
—Shahrzad Warkentin
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