This blog article is based on our visit to a baby toddler gym session in November 2024 held at South Durham Gymnastics, Spennymoor (inside Spennymoor Leisure Centre)
Prices and session information may vary after publication, so please check their website for any updates HERE
OUR VISIT;
I visited with a friend and our kids, Leo (2) and Ava (4)
We all had so much fun! The kids couldn’t get enough of all the play opportunities and us adults really liked the fact we could be close to them and be involved in helping them on the balance beams and climbing out of the foam pits, but also for them to have freedom to play in a safe environment too. We were able to catch up a little too whilst they were safely playing near us, and then to also have little bonding moments with them seeing their excitement when they discovered something else to play with.
There is lots of different play equipment spread out to keep little ones interested whilst burning off PLENTY of energy at the same time. Including balance beams, trampolines, slides going into foam pits, a mini rollercoaster ride on, swings, tunnels to climb through, gymnastic bars and more!!
We visited on a Friday so we had the benefit of the inflatable challenger course being up too. This is great for bouncing around on and going through the obstacles and down the slide. The kids went on this a good few times.
There are so many active and fun opportunities in a safe, well padded environment for little ones including climbing and bouncing, to swinging and crawling, hanging, jumping and balancing…the physical activities are endless.
I went earlier this year with Leo and his cousin Harvey and it was great then, but with the new additions including the mini rollercoaster ride on and swings it was even better. I honestly can’t think of anything else they could add to make it more fun, the amount of equipment was perfect!
YOUNGER BABIES;
Tiny babies have also been thought of well too (under 6 months can go free). In the middle of everything is an area with baby and toddler toys on a large baby mat with plenty of space everywhere else for the other kids to run around. This is perfect when you just have little ones as you can sit down to relax whilst interacting with them, or if they have older toddler siblings too as they can both enjoy the same play space.
ACCESSIBILITY;
The building and hallway is fully wheelchair and pushchair accessible. There is a wheelchair accessible toilet with baby changing and general toilets in the changing rooms as well as upstairs near the viewing gallery where the cafe is.
GIVE IT A GO!
If you are looking for something a little different to soft play but plenty of active fun to burn off energy for your little ones and in a safe and clean environment, I recommend checking this place out. It’s perfect for the kids play dates and for you to catch up with friends at the same time whilst being close to your little ones supervising them.
These baby and toddler gym sessions are suitable for ages 6 months-4 years. They currently run daily generally Monday to Friday, and usually 2 or 3 sessions a day from morning till around lunchtime. The inflatable challenger is up on the Tuesday, and Friday session. The cost is £6.60 per child, £2 discount available for siblings. Under 6 months go free.
OTHER SESSION TYPES;
Family Play;
If you have older kids who you think would enjoy this sort of play session and equipment too then they also run a family session on a Sunday morning for up to ages 7. And the inflatable challenger will be up too. Siblings aged 8+ can attend these sessions, but they must attend in a support capacity only (helping younger siblings)
£6.60 per child for an hours session. £2 discount available for siblings.
Sportsability Sessions;
These popular sessions are usually available during school holiday times. They are designed for those up to 18 years old with Autistic Spectrum Disorder to be able to explore the gym in a safe and fun way with their parents and siblings. The same equipment is available to use.
£7.70 per person for an hours session.
Please read the session information for further information to make sure it is safe for your child’s needs and medical condition.
HOW TO BOOK/MORE INFO;
To book any of these sessions click HERE
Follow their business social pages too for any updates/further info;
OTHER HANDY INFO;
Where to eat or drink;
In general you are not allowed to eat or drink in the gymnasium. Breastfeeding however is very welcome and little ones can drink from spill proof beakers over near the wooden duckets where you store your belongings.
For before/after your session, there is a cafe onsite upstairs which sells reasonably priced food and drink for lunch such as toasties, paninis and salads and lite bites and picnic boxes. We visited here afterwards and were pleasantly surprised by the prices. More info about this on my post here
The kids picnic boxes in particular I thought were good value at £4 for what was included. It’s not always open on all sessions, but the leisure centre is located just a few minutes walk from the high street of Spennymoor where there cafes and restaurants. You can check opening hours on the South Durham Gymnastics website on their home page.
Getting there; The gym is located inside Spennymoor Leisure Centre. Enter postcode DL16 6DF into your Sat Nav if driving. This will take you to the main car park in front of the leisure centre where parking is free all day and there are some disabled spaces a bit closer. If the car park is full you can also park in Farmfoods or the town hall car park free of charge just a further few minutes walk away.
You can also get the number 8 bus from Darlington (Tubwell Row Stand H) to Precinct, then it’s a 4 minute walk to the leisure centre.
THANKS FOR READING 💜
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This blog has been produced by Charlotte Walcott (Business Owner of Family Fun Darlo Mum)
A bit about me- Mum to 2 boys, Kamron-8 and Leo-2, and stepmum to Damon- 15. Sharing family days out ideas, family venues and events in Darlington, County Durham, Teesside and Yorkshire.
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