[dannysgirl2004]

Hi there, I'm currently as SAHM and I'm not originally from here so I don't know a lot of people, so I thought I'd ask here for some help.

I have a 19 month daughter and lately she's been having these awful tantrums (I think she needs to socialize w/ other kids her age) so today I went to the Gymboree out on LI (The Source Mall) and signed up for a free trial class.

I've also looked into ThinkerTots. But they are so so expensive so I'm wondering if they are worth the $$$

OK I'll get to the point. For those of you who have attended either Gymboree or ThinkerTots - Which one would you recommend?

On another note - I live right on the border of Queens and Nassau. Are there any play groups that people would recommend?

Today, while out with my daughter I overheard a lady saying that she needed to sign up her daughter for a playgroup and I was so so tempted to ask if she knew of any playgroups around the area BUT then I didn't want to sound like a

to them

It's sad but I do miss home so so much and I've been here for 5 years already!

 

[tofersmomma]

Aww, I'm sorry! That's cool, I grew up in the Queens/Nassau border. My parents still live their. I have a five-year-old son otherwise I'd offer to start a playgroup!

Well, I only did Gymboree and I liked it, but money-wise it wasn't for us. I think there are other activities that are more worthwhile for the money. For example, swim lessons at NYSC are well-priced for how many weeks of lessons you get. I also did this program called "Music Together." That was a lot of fun.

I would continue to search/ask around these forums or even check craigslist or google "playgroups in nyc". I KNOW I've seen groups around the web specifically for meet ups, but I didn't save any.

 

[OGirlieMama]

I'm in Suffolk, but grew up in Nassau and have been to that Gymboree several times. We usually go out closer to my home, either to Woodbury or E. Northport. But I really like Gymboree. I don't know anything about ThinkerTots.

What I like about Gymboree is that it mixes physical activity with pretend play. The kids are running and jumping and climbing, but they are also pretending to be frogs, or dogs, or chefs or postal delivery workers. My girls started around 22 months, and I was really impressed at how being in Gymboree encouraged their physical development (they were pretty timid and uncertain at first and now they go flying around the place) and really gave them a lot of fodder for pretend play. They love it, and so do I.

 

[dannysgirl2004]

Thanks ladies for the info!

We are actually trying out tomorrow the gymboree. And I also found this place giggles and grins in LI where they charge only $5 for the kids to use their play area (unlimited time) of the jungle gym, toys and books...so excited

 

[MoxieMom]

Hi-

I have taken our daughter to Kindermusik classes and she has really enjoyed them. To find a class near you visit http://www.kindermusik.com/

Hope this helps!

 

[Chamsia]

Your local library should have a free toddler time once or twice a week. There and the playground is where I met most of my SAHM friends. Now I honestly can't keep up with all the playdates.

Best wishes!

 

[JamieBrewHa]

I highly recommend My Gym and I believe there is one in that area... you can check it out on their site www.mygym.com. (Before I had kids I was a director of one and just really loved their programs and philosophy compared to other programs I've had my kids involved in and seen).