Classes for 1 Year Old in Arlington / Alexandria

We live in Arlington County, and have taken quite a few Arlington Recreation classes through the county. At 1 year, we enrolled in a Music and Me class, but have also taken Kindermusik clourses and preferred those at that age. Other classes in the area we have taken are the swimming at W-L high school, Tiny Tot classes at Long Branch Nature Center (start at 18 month, but are fabulous and only a few dollars each class)and attended Open Gym classes at Barcroft Gym during the week when it's raining out/snowing out.

You say she loves music -- We had great experiences with the Music Together program (a competitor to Kindermusik; I've never tried Kindermusik). Music Together is designed for kids from about 8 months to age 4 so it's right for her age. It has a very strong emphasis on parent participation with the child. These are group classes and you'll also meet other parents! She will get her hands on lots of things like rhythm sticks, rattles, tambourines etc. You also get a CD (and used to get sheet music and a cassette as well) of all the music used in the course, so you can play it in the car and at home for your baby (plus, it's addictive for adults and is based on traditional music, not just "kids' songs.")It's a franchise like most of these kinds of courses, so you may find you click with some teachers more than others, but both our teachers at different times were very good and well trained. I don't live in your area but I know they have Music Together all over the place here, so look them up online.

Go with your county/town recreation centers for things like gym-style classes - usually much cheaper than Gymboree or other private kids' gym classes. If she were older you could check out the kids' gyms but at her age, a county "tumbling tots" type of program should be fine. Have fun together!

Almost all of the libraries in the metropolitan area offer storytime sessions, and a fun-to-read summer series, complete with storytellers, puppeteers, magicians, and scientists. Get a schedule from your favorite branch, but know you are free to visit any of them.

We got to JW Tumbles on Duke street and my daughter loves it. We also do storytime at Shirlington Library (Tuesdays at 4pm, free) and open gym at Barcroft (10-12 Tuesdays and Thursdays--$3).

I would check with the county you live in. They have some great activities, or just open gym time for play. We take the swimming classes (water tots), but they have gymnastics and other types of classes as well.

I would suggest going to a free trial class for each of the big playgyms. I went to one at Gymboree on Pickett St. in Alexandria and it was great. I really liked the teacher and my son had a blast. It was just out of budget to sign up for classes there. But JW Tumbles and My Gym seem a bit more affordable. Also, check out the classes at the Rec Centers in Arlington (Park & Rec Department). Your baby is too old for it now (I think) but I took a post-natal fitness class on 4 mile Run and it was great. Have fun!