I stood back and watched as my 2-year-old daughter slowly made her way up her brother’s bunk bed, a determined little climber on a mission. When she reached the top, she beamed with pride and began clapping for herself. At that moment, it hit me. My daughter is a climber.

As a wave of anxiety crept in, imagining all the future furniture she might conquer, I remembered spotting a sign for a local kids gym in Ventura, fittingly named My Gym.

For the past two weeks, my daughter and I have been attending the Gymsters/Terrific Tots class at My Gym Ventura, and we’re already counting down the days until our next session.

The author received a My Gym Membership for this article. All thoughts and opinions expressed are her own.

Every parent understands the importance of play and movement in early childhood development, and My Gym delivers on that promise and more. The class blends physical activity with fun, building both strength and coordination in a safe, nurturing environment.

But what stood out even more was the boost in my daughter’s confidence. She tackled each new obstacle with growing excitement, celebrating every small victory. I could see her sense of self grow as she tried, failed, and then tried again. She eventually mastered the challenges that had once intimidated her.

Beyond physical development, My Gym provided incredible opportunities for socialization. We practiced patience as we waited our turn for the slide. My daughter giggled and exchanged high-fives with another little girl as they hung from the bars together. At cleanup time, she happily joined her new friends in putting the toys away, without being asked twice!

As a parent, the class also gave me something unexpected: connection. I had the chance to chat with other moms and dads navigating the same unpredictable stage of toddlerhood. The camaraderie was comforting, and every parent I met was warm, open, and understanding.

The class structure struck a perfect balance between free play and guided activities. Each session began with a fun warm-up and circle time, where the kids introduced themselves through songs. The instructors would then create themed obstacle courses that kept the kids engaged and imaginative. During our first class, for example, the children were “monkeys in the jungle,” swinging from ropes and climbing over jungle-themed setups that turned exercise into a storybook adventure.

As I reflect on the past few weeks, I’m incredibly grateful for this space where my daughter can safely explore, connect, and grow. Watching her light up with each class reminds me how powerful play can be, not just for children, but for parents too. My Gym has quickly become a highlight of our week, and I can already see the seeds of lifelong confidence and curiosity being planted.

My Gym Ventura Wants You to Try Their Classes This Summer!
My Gym Ventura is excited to offer you two exclusive summer deals to help you stay active and have fun:

🌟 1-Week Unlimited Trial – Just $29!
Enjoy unlimited classes and Practice & Play sessions for an entire week.

🍎 Teacher Summer Special – 10% Off!
All teachers receive 10% off unlimited classes during June, July, and August—our way of saying thank you for all you do!

Come join the fun— Tell them Macaroni Kid sent you - we’d love to see you in class!

When visiting events and local businesses, be sure to tell them Macaroni KID sent you... and don't forget to tell all your friends!