A trio of local moms are working together to offer inexpensive toddler/preschool classes and social pop-up events for kids and their parents, with the goal of creating a community of families.
"The whole goal is to basically offer tons of different type of mommy and me classes, although we're trying to be more inclusive and call it caregiver and me classes," said Joanna Urbina, owner of Little Cardboard Rockets. "Little kids come with parents and we do an hour's worth of activities with mom...One of our goals is to create a community of families."
Regular classes include Little Spanish Movers & Shakers, which is an introductory Spanish class for families with toddlers, Little Spanish Preschoolers and Young Explorers, which is a science-based class that incorporate STEAM (Science, technology, engineering, art, mathematics) based activities, as well as reading, storytelling and circle time.
"I try to keep it open-ended," Urbina said. "We have a hike coming up at Fort Lowell Park, where we are going to observe the animals in the pond. We want to leave it open ended to make it fun for parents and children."
Classes meet once a week and last seven weeks, however you can opt to drop-in when you can rather than signing up for the whole session.
Seven week sessions start at $40. Drop-in rates start at $7.50 per class.
Pop-up events are one day events and are usually free or $5 to attend.
An example of a pop-up event is "Cafecito Mug Monday" where moms brought in their coffee mugs and a snack to share so they could hang out while the kids played. It was a free event that gave moms and kids a chance to relax and socialize.
Upcoming pop-up events
We're Bugging Out! 4 p.m. on Oct. 13 for kids ages 2-5. They'll learn all about different bugs and why they're important. The cost is $5.
Fort Lowell Park Pond Lab & Hike: 10 a.m. on Oct. 17 for kids ages 2-5. You'll explore both ponds and then stay for a picnic and story time. The cost is $5.
Little Halloween Fun! 4 p.m. Oct. 27. There will be free STEAM activities, Halloween songs and a story and trick-or-treating. They'll be giving away a few classes for the 2017 year. Have the kids dress up. This is a free event, but an RSVP is required.
Events and classes take place at The Studio, which is located at 4648 E. Speedway, unless otherwise noted.
Click here to sign up or RSVP for pop-up events or classes.
