Movement and exercise are an important part of a child’s overall development. Being active helps youngsters increase their coordination and strengthens their large and fine motor skills.
According to the Zero to Three Foundation, an organization that transforms the science of early childhood into helpful resources, these types of skills are very important because not only do they ensure your child will grow up their healthiest, but they can be precursors of academic excellence. Fine motor skills and physical dexterity make it possible for kids to write more easily, as well as complete other academically related activities.
We gathered some fun group activities near ann arbor that your child can participate in to stay active.
Gym America
Gym America gives Washtenaw County youth the opportunity to take a variety of different types of gymnastics classes to improve their skills and flexibility. The school has a monthly package where parents can pay between $84-$104 to enroll their children in either a boys, girls or preschool aged gymnastics class. They also have half-day and full day camps over the summer, and a drop-in gym time where parents can bring their youngest children (18 months and above) to run, walk and climb using the school’s equipment.
5555 Hines Drive, Ann Arbor
Born Yoga
Born Yoga is located in Birmingham and is a yoga studio with classes for parents and kids. According to their philosophy, yoga can promote feelings of well-being and peace in people and can be beneficial for children needing to calm any feelings of anxiety. Classes are offered for families to participate in together and teach the basics of yoga, including postures and flow movements. They also have a yoga kids camp which are day long themed events for older children (ages 7-13). All participants must bring their own yoga mat and water bottle to each class.
2121 Cole Street, Birmingham
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Dance Theatre Studio
Dance Theatre Studio is a full-service dance center in Ann Arbor, with both youth and adult classes. The classes on their schedule for children include ballet, jazz, tap, musical theatre, pointe and pre-pointe. They also offer a preschool class for the youngest learners who are interested in learning about dance and also potentially progressing through the different and more advanced levels at the school. Dance Theatre Studio hosts classes between the hours of 3pm and 7pm, with summers off. Students must bring all dance wear and shoes with them to class, and make sure that their hair is appropriately tied up and away from their face.
713 N. University Avenue, Ann Arbor
YMCA
The YMCA in downtown Ann Arbor offers many different classes that engages children in exercise and movement. Some of the unique ones on their schedule include aquatics, which takes place in the YMCA’s swimming pool, and focuses on building up strength and knowledge in swimming and diving. The YMCA also provides a beginners and advanced guide to fencing, a sport with roots stretching all the way back to the 17th century and features learning how to combat using a foil sword instrument with a blunted tip and protective gear.
400 W. Washington Street, Ann Arbor
The South-East Martial Arts Academy
The South-East Martial Arts Academy in Saline offers Jiu-Jitsu classes as well as self-defense instruction for both kids and adults. They have a program for the youngest learners aged 3-5, a children’s one for those 6 years of age and higher, and a teen and adult program as well. According to their philosophy, learning these skills can help to foster confidence and discipline in children and their families. Kids can attend after school and they even have a free class you or your child can attend, which will serve as an evaluation of any previous background or knowledge and for placement purposes.
6564 S. State rd., suite 500, Saline
