PROGRAMS : Wide Range of Youth Programs Available
The heightened interest in physical fitness for kids has spawned an eclectic array of fitness programs in North County, tailored to almost every age and interest. Tennis, soccer, T-ball, swimming, gymnastics, aerobics--the list is seemingly endless. Here is a sampling of programs to keep children fit and trim:
Gymboree
Gymboree is a parent-participation program for children ranging in age from birth to 5 years that focuses on development of motor skills and socialization. Children crawl, climb, jump and roll on colorful play equipment and participate in a variety of non-competitive games and activities. At Gymboree classes, parents can meet other parents, share experiences and support. All classes are 45 minutes long. A 13-week session costs $95.
San Dieguito Masonic Lodge, 1401 Windsor Road, Encinitas.
John Landes Community Center, 2855 Cedar Road, Oceanside.
Scripps Mesa Baptist Church, 10655 Scipps Ranch Blvd., Scripps Ranch.
La Jolla Village Square Mall, 8657 Villa La Jolla Drive, La Jolla.
Calls: 434-4322 or 453-8977. Magdalena Ecke Family YMCA
The Magdalena Ecke Family YMCA in Encinitas offers swimming, gymnastics, dancing, aerobics and skateboarding. The programs are designed for children from 6 months through the teen years. Examples of some programs include: “Gymventures,” an agility and coordination building program for the 6-months to preschool age group; parent-tot water adjustment classes, and indoor soccer. Monthly family membership is $31.50. Individual membership for ages 14-17 is $8.75. For children 13 and younger, yearly membership costs $39 per year.
200 Saxony Road, Encinitas.
Calls: 942-YMCA.
Rancho Arbolitos Swim
and Tennis Club
Kids can learn to swim and play tennis year-round at the Rancho Arbolitos Swim and Tennis Club in Poway. Tennis instruction is offered for ages 4 through adult. One hour group tennis instruction costs $7. Weeklong tennis camps in spring and summer cost $95. Swimming lessons in the club’s heated pool cost $70 per month. Beginners meet twice a week for half an hour. The novice group meets three times a week and the competitive group receives 1 to 2 hours of instruction three to six times a week. Instructor Di Molenaar offers flexible schedules to accommodate working parents.
14343 Silverset, Poway.
Calls: 486-3670.
Gyminny Kids
Gyminny Kids in Rancho Bernardo features padded floors and mirrored walls where children can learn gymnastics, tumbling and trampoline. Instruction is also offered in non-impact and low-impact aerobics, movement education and ball skills. A four-week session ranges from $34-$58. Discounts are available when more than one child from the same family is enrolled.
11655 Duenda Road, Suite E, Rancho Bernardo.
Calls: 451-0204. Palomar Family YMCA
Programs at the YMCA in Escondido include instruction in swimming, dancing, karate, pee-wee T-ball, gymnastics and tennis. Yearly membership for children up to 12 years is $45. Membership for the 13-17 age group is $75 a year.
1050 N . Broadway, Escondido.
Calls: 745-7490. Encinitas Dance
and Gymnastics Center
Kids can begin to dance as early as 2 1/2 years of age at the Encinitas Dance and Gymnastics Center. Instructor Joanne O’Day offers classes in tap, ballet, jazz and gymnastics. Classes are held once a week and cost $38 per month. Special summer sessions also available.
272 N. El Camino Real, Encinitas.
Calls: 942-3943
JW Tumbles
JW Tumbles has two North County locations. Owner Jeff Woods offers programs in tumbling, gymnastics and sport preparation, with emphasis on building self-esteem, agility and coordination. An eight-week session costs $95.
140 S. Solana Hills Drive, Solana Beach.
Calls: 481-5576.
6943 El Camino Real, Suite 102, Plaza Paseo Real, Carlsbad.
Calls: 921-5922.
San Diego Ice Arena
San Diego Ice Arena offers individual and group ice-skating instruction for children starting at age 3. A 12-week session for children ages 3-5 is $90. For kids 6-12, the cost is $120. In addition to skating lessons, the arena also features instruction in hockey and figure skating.
11001 Black Mountain Road, San Diego.
Calls: 530-1826.