The Little Gym York Review 2026 – Our Almost 5-Year Journey (Giggle Worms & Beyond)

Leo has been attending The Little Gym York since he was 10 months old. I had been interested in joining The Little Gym for a while but wanted to wait until Leo was a bit older. This was because I was put off by another class that I had attended where Leo was unable to sit unaided and I was really uncomfortable. This was caused by the back issues I had but is getting better thanks to my chiropractor.

I regret waiting now! The first class (known as ‘Bugs’) is for babies between 4 months and 10 months. There have been some 4-month-old babies there and the skills that we learn all have many variations so they can be done by small babies up to babies who can crawl!

We’re still going to The Little Gym York and Leo is now almost 5 years old! He’s in the Giggle Worms class now and absolutely loves it. We’ve been members for almost 5 years, and I can honestly say it’s been the best activity we’ve ever done. All the teachers are brilliant – they’re understanding of when children may not want to participate or are feeling upset or dysregulated, and they help calm them down and get them involved. It’s been amazing watching Leo’s confidence and physical abilities grow over the years. The Little Gym York has earned glowing reviews from other parents too, with families praising the staff, facilities, and developmental benefits.

Finding the Right Class at Little Gym York

Leo was just about to turn 10 months when I first joined and I wasn’t sure which class to put him in because he wasn’t crawling. After speaking to someone from The Little Gym on the phone, she explained to me that the Bugs class would be better as even though it says to 10 months, that’s just a guide and as Leo isn’t crawling, he should be in Bugs until he is a strong and confident crawler.

So off to Bugs we went. I paid over the phone and booked a class for the next day!

This is something I really appreciate about The Little Gym York – they place children based on ability rather than just age. Over the years, I’ve seen how this approach benefits every child, ensuring they’re challenged appropriately without being overwhelmed.

The Little Gym York Location & Facilities

The Little Gym York is in the York Community Stadium Leisure Complex at Monks Cross. It’s on the second floor and as soon as I stepped into The Little Gym, I knew I had made the right choice.

Address: York Community Stadium, Kathryn Avenue, Monks Cross, York YO32 9AF
Contact: 01904 307404 | york@thelittlegym.co.uk
Open: 7 days a week, term-time and most school holidays

Going to a baby class on your own can be quite daunting. Well, going anywhere on your own can be quite daunting. You’ve got to get yourself ready, a baby ready and remember to bring many things for every eventuality (I’ve never needed to change Leo’s nappy but take his full changing bag, snacks, a change of clothes…). Then you have to figure out the logistics on the other side with a pram! You worry about getting there on time and what mood your baby might be in. It can feel a lot!

But as soon as I walked in, one of the gym teachers said ‘is it Leo?’ and came over to introduce herself and one of the other teachers. They told me a bit about the gym and what we needed to do. I’ve seen them do that to other new members, too. I think it’s brilliant that they know when someone new is arriving and make the effort to say hello as I know some parents can be really scared to come on their own with a baby.

Four years later, this welcoming atmosphere hasn’t changed. The staff still greet everyone warmly, remember children’s names, and make you feel like part of a community. Some of the teachers have known Leo from the start and I do feel a bit attached to them! Although we don’t see them as often as they tend to work during the day when Leo is at school, it’s always lovely when they are covering someone and we can have a catch-up.

Inside The Little Gym York

I think I had low expectations about how The Little Gym would be. I thought it would just be a little baby gym with some soft play equipment. I think this is because I’ve been to a few baby classes where it’s just a few mats on the floor in a community hall. But the Little Gym in York is brand new, bright and kitted out!

You walk into a ‘cloak’ area which has plenty of storage for your belongings and to leave your pram. There’s seating to get yourself ready (well, take your shoes off!). You have to be buzzed in, so it’s safe to leave your things there. It’s all open plan, and the door is opposite the reception desk. There’s also a toilet and a kitchen area with high chairs. You can have tea or coffee (and mince pies at Christmas).

There are a couple of sofas and soft mats to sit on whilst you wait for your gym session to start. Then the gym is behind glass walls and doors. There are a few chairs there so other parents or family members can view the gym session.

The gym itself consists of a large floor mat and gym equipment such as a tumble track, springboards, a beam on the floor, a high beam, rings, bars and plenty of large soft blocks. I didn’t really expect the gym to be so well equipped, but the gym runs classes and workshops up to the age of 12, so it’s fully equipped to give a child a great basis for gymnastics! There are also other smaller props that they bring out for activities.

Even after four years of attending, I still love how clean, bright, and well-maintained everything is. The equipment is regularly updated, and the space always feels safe and inviting.

Bugs Class Structure (4-10 Months)

The classes are 45 minutes long, and they start with a song with some bells that each child shakes as we sing. We then go around and share our child’s name. Sometimes we share ages or something they’ve just started doing – it depends on the size of the class really.

Next, we do some activities in a circle on the mat. These can be things like arm stretches, some backwards rolls, and various other skills. Then we also do something with a prop, like a big parachute that we all sit around and move up and down or let the babies sit under it whilst we let it float over them.

Every time we do an activity, the teacher speaks to us about what benefit this has for the baby.

It’s fine to let the babies crawl about. Leo is always going up to others and they have a little chat. I just keep an eye on him near the younger babies and get ready to stop him if he tries to grab them. Like any baby class, just do what you need to do if you need to feed them or take them out to change a nappy. There have even been times when the younger ones have fallen asleep. There is freedom to move about as long as this is done safely.

After this, we go and explore the gym. This is when we are free to take our babies on the equipment. Every week, they switch the equipment around a little bit. So there can be little obstacle courses, sensory scarves and bells tied to things, sticks and shakers to play with.

Every so often, the teacher will say ‘FREEZE EVERYONE’ and then show us a skill. There are usually two skills in each class, and these are things like rotating our baby over a bar (teacher-assisted) and helping them improve grip strength, or doing rolls down the big soft wedges.

The teachers pick babies to use as an example and always describe variations for the younger babies and those who can move around on their own. This is always fun as it’s great to see the teacher do a move with your baby as you get to see their response to it.

At the end, we finish by playing with sensory balls and then the bubbles come out. Before you know it, the 45 minutes is up!

Then you can stay for a tea or coffee if you like. I usually go to the desk to book my next session and then go.

Leo loves it. It’s like a massive sensory experience for him and he gets to explore and be around other babies.

The Little Gym York Classes – All Ages

Now that we’ve been attending for over four years, I’ve experienced multiple class levels with Leo. Here’s what The Little Gym York offers:

Parent-Child Classes (4 Months to 3 Years)

• Bugs (4-10 months): Where we started! Perfect for babies learning to crawl
• Birds (10-19 months): For confident crawlers and early walkers
• Beasts and Super Beasts(19 months – 3 years): More adventurous, climbing and jumping

Important note: Under 3’s membership can enjoy unlimited classes each week for no extra cost! This is brilliant value if your child loves it.

Independent Classes (3-12 Years)

• Funny Bugs (3-4 years): Where Leo is now! This is where children start doing classes without parents
• Giggle Worms (4-5 years): Building on skills
• Good Friends (5-6 years): More advanced gymnastics
• Beginner, Intermediate, and Advanced classes (6-12 years): Serious gymnastics skills

Leo moved from Super Beasts to Funny Bugs when he turned 3, and the transition was smooth. The teachers are so understanding if children are nervous about being without their parents – they’ll take time to help them settle and build confidence.

What Makes The Teachers at Little Gym York Special

Over four years, we’ve had many different teachers, and honestly, all of them have been brilliant. What stands out to me is how understanding they are when children may not want to participate or are feeling upset or dysregulated. They help calm them down and get them involved without pressure.

Leo went through a phase around age 3 where he didn’t want to do certain activities. The teachers never forced him – they’d encourage gently, offer alternatives, and celebrate when he did try something. This patience and understanding meant he always left happy and wanting to come back.

How Much Does Little Gym York Cost? (2026 Pricing)

Pricing has changed slightly since we first started, but this is the prices as of April 2025.

Block Bookings (Under 3’s):

• 10 classes for £130 – £190 depending on the calss.
• Valid for 4 months
• Flexible – book one or multiple classes per week
• Can cancel with notice (usually by 9:30am for 11am sessions)

Membership Option (Under 3’s and Older Children):

• Around £69 a month – discount for paying annually.
• Unlimited classes each week for under 3’s!
• Discount for siblings.

Holiday Camps:

• £35 half day
• £60 full day
• Breakfast/Lunch club £5

Special Offers:

• They run offers regularly – follow their Instagram for deals
• FREE coffee mornings for babies 0-12 months on Tuesdays during term time (10:45am-12:30pm)

The pricing is very reasonable considering the quality of facilities, small class sizes, and expert instruction. We started with block bookings but once we were going multiple times a week, the unlimited membership was much better value.

What to Wear to The Little Gym York

Wear something comfortable. I usually wear leggings or jeans with a tee, sometimes we do movements where we have the baby on our legs and rock back and forth so comfort is key. Leo just wears leggings or joggers and a top.

Important: Parents wear socks in the gym, whilst the little ones need to be barefoot.

For older classes, The Little Gym York sells leotards in various colours and sizes (ages 4-14) if your child wants to feel more like a “proper gymnast.” They also sell The Little Gym balls (the ones used in class) for £8 and signed copies of “You Can Get Active” by Kate Henebury (owner of The Little Gym Harrogate, Leeds & York) for £7.

Our Five-Year Journey at Little Gym York

Year 1: Bugs to Birds (10 Months to Walking)

Leo started in Bugs when he was 10 months and not yet crawling. Within a few weeks of starting The Little Gym, he became a confident crawler! I don’t know if it was a coincidence or if the gym helped, but either way, the classes gave him so many opportunities to practice movement.

He moved to Birds once he was confidently crawling and stayed there while he learned to walk.

Year 2: Beasts (Walking to Age 3)

The Beasts class was brilliant for his toddler energy! He could climb, jump, and explore safely. This was during the pandemic restrictions too, and The Little Gym was one of the few activities we could do safely. Then he moved to Super Beasts at around 2.5 years old, which is very similar to Beasts but gets them ready for classes without the parents.

Year 3: Transition to Funny Bugs (Age 3-4)

This was a big change – going into the gym without me! Leo was nervous at first, but the teachers were so patient. They’d let me stay near the door initially, but he was so comfortable at the gym he was fine. Now he runs straight in without looking back!

Year 4: Giggle Worms and Beyond (Age 4-5)

Leo is now 5 and still loving The Little Gym York. He’s learned to do forward rolls, handstands (sort of!), and has such confidence on the equipment. His physical development has been amazing to watch. He’s been in the Giggle Worms class for a while now and it’s brilliant – the sessions are more structured than the younger classes but still so much fun.

But more than that, I’ve seen his social skills, ability to follow instructions, and willingness to try new things all improve. When a teacher asks the class to do something, Leo now joins in enthusiastically even if it’s something he’s never done before.

The Little Gym York Reviews – What Other Parents Say

We’re not the only ones who love The Little Gym York! Looking at reviews across various platforms, the feedback is overwhelmingly positive:

Facebook: 100% recommend rating with 17 reviews
Google: Excellent reviews from local parents
York Mumbler: Featured and recommended

What Parents Love:

• “The team are absolutely fabulous!” – Multiple parents praise the staff
• Developmental benefits – Parents note speech improvement, confidence building, physical skills
• Birthday parties – Highly recommended, staff are “fantastic and hands on”
• Friendly atmosphere – Welcoming to new members
• Quality facilities – Clean, bright, well-equipped
• Small class sizes – Personalised attention for each child
• Understanding teachers – Patient with children who are nervous or having difficult days

One parent mentioned their twins have been going since 18 months and love it. Another said their 19-month-old “hadn’t yet started to speak when we started, but he has come on leaps and bounds.”

The consistent theme in Little Gym York reviews is how much children love attending and how the staff make everyone feel welcome and supported.

What Else Little Gym York Offers

Birthday Parties

The Little Gym York offers birthday parties and they get rave reviews! Parents love how hands-on the staff are, how well-organised everything is, and how much fun the children have. The gym provides a safe, supervised environment where kids can burn energy whilst you relax.

Holiday Camps

They run Ofsted-registered holiday camps during school breaks. These are brilliant if you need childcare and want your child to stay active and have fun. The camps include gymnastics activities, games, and crafts.

Special Events

Throughout the year, The Little Gym York hosts special events:

• Christmas events with Santa visits
• New Year parties with mocktails and crafts
• Seasonal activities and celebrations

FREE Coffee Mornings

For babies 0-12 months, they offer FREE coffee mornings on Tuesdays during term time (10:45am-12:30pm). This is a great way to try out the gym before committing to paid classes!

Tips for New Parents at Little Gym York

After four years, here’s what I’ve learned:

1. Don’t Wait Too Long

I regret waiting until Leo was 10 months! The Bugs class from 4 months would have been perfect. The teachers adapt everything to each baby’s abilities.

2. Trust the Class Placement

The staff are experts at knowing which class is right for your child. It’s based on ability, not age. Trust their guidance.

3. Consider Unlimited Membership

If your child loves it (like Leo does), the unlimited membership for under 3’s is incredible value. We went from once a week to 3-4 times a week! It’s just a relaxing place to go due to the set-up so you don’t feel rushed. It’s a great way to get your baby out of the house and see some friendly faces.

4. Follow Them on Social Media

The Little Gym York regularly posts offers on Instagram. We’ve saved money multiple times by booking during promotional periods.

5. Don’t Pressure Your Child

Some weeks your child might not want to participate. That’s okay! The teachers understand and never force children. Often just being in the environment helps them learn.

6. Arrive a Few Minutes Early

This gives you time to get shoes off, use the toilet, and let your child settle before class starts. You can even sit and have a coffee before if you wish. It’s great if you’re breastfeeding as you can just settle for 10 minutes before the class starts.

7. Try the FREE Coffee Morning First

If you’re nervous, attend a free coffee morning to see the facilities and meet staff before booking paid classes.

8. Ask About Sibling Discounts

If you have multiple children, there’s a 20% sibling discount available!

Why The Little Gym York Has Kept Us for 4+ Years

I’ll be honest – we’ve tried lots of different activities over the years. Some Leo loved, some he didn’t. But The Little Gym York is the one constant that has remained throughout his early childhood.

Here’s why we keep coming back:

The Teachers: Every single teacher we’ve had has been brilliant. Patient, enthusiastic, knowledgeable, and genuinely caring about each child’s development.

The Facilities: Still as clean, bright, and well-equipped as day one. Everything is maintained to a high standard.

The Approach: Non-competitive, child-led, ability-based placement. Every child progresses at their own pace without pressure.

The Community: We’ve made friends through The Little Gym York. Other parents are friendly and supportive.

The Results: Leo’s physical development, confidence, social skills, and ability to follow instructions have all flourished.

The Flexibility: With the unlimited membership, we can book classes around our schedule. If we need to cancel, it’s easy with notice.

Most importantly, Leo still runs to the door excited every single time. After four years, that enthusiasm hasn’t waned. That tells me everything I need to know.

My Final Thoughts on The Little Gym York 2026

The Little Gym is my favourite class. It was my favourite when Leo was a baby, and it’s still my favourite now he’s almost 5. I genuinely can’t recommend The Little Gym York highly enough.

If you’re considering activities for your baby or child in York, please give The Little Gym a try. Attend one of their FREE coffee mornings, speak to the staff, watch a class through the glass doors. You’ll see what I mean about the quality, the care, and the fun.

Leo will continue going to The Little Gym York as long as he enjoys it (and at this rate, that might be until he’s 12!). He’s still very young so if he decides he wants to try other activities, that’s okay too. But for now, The Little Gym is where he wants to be.

The skills he’s learned – physical, social, and emotional – will benefit him for life. The confidence he’s gained is incredible. And the memories we’ve made over these four years are precious.

Thank you to all the amazing teachers at The Little Gym York who’ve supported Leo (and me!) through this journey. You truly are making a difference in children’s lives.

The Little Gym York
York Community Stadium
Kathryn Avenue, Monks Cross
York YO32 9AF

Contact: 01904 307404
Email: york@thelittlegym.co.uk
Website: york.thelittlegym.co.uk

Open: 7 days a week (term-time and most school holidays)

We also do Waterbabies, and have tried other activities. If your child loves climbing, you may want to check out Agility York, I’ve written a whole post about it here!

I hope you found my Little Gym York review helpful. If you are interested in going with your child, it’s worth following their Instagram page as they often have offers on to attract new members. There are many gyms around the UK, so if you are not from York, then have a look to see if there is one near you.

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