I’m really excited to have Stacey on board as a contributing writer. She approached me because she wanted to see more east side adventures listed (and I, as a west sider, definitely get over there far less). Super pumped for her help to expand the map – plus, she’s funny and real, which is awesome.
PERPETUAL GYMNASTICS
WOODBURY AND BLAINE, MN
VISIT WEBSITE
“No, bookcases aren’t for climbing.”
“Hey, we don’t crawl on top of the kitchen table.”
“Please stop swinging from the chandelier.”
Well, my kids don’t necessarily swing from the chandelier, but they are busy and brave little monkeys who certainly would if they could figure out how to reach it.
I have a kid-friendly home, but my 3-year old daughter and 20-month old son are very active. And very quick. I’m at that point where I can’t take my eyes off of them for a second – especially my boy. I’m constantly reinforcing rules, redirecting and realizing I sound like a no-fun mom. We have rules for their own safety and my sanity, but I get tired of saying “No!”
That’s when I discovered Perpetual Motion Gymnastics in Woodbury and their Preschool Open Gym – a place where both of my children can run free with abandon, and I don’t have to worry about steep falls or sharp corners.
What is it?
Perpetual Motion Gymnastics is an indoor gymnastics center located off of I-94 and Woodbury Drive (there is a Blaine location too). Programs include the full spectrum from preschool recreational classes to competitive gymnastics and cheerleading skill-building. You do not need to be an enrolled student to participate in open gym.
The Woodbury location features five trampolines (including one trampoline track), two foam pits perfect for jumping or sliding, bars at various heights for swinging and hanging, a huge cushy carpeted floor, countless mats set up as obstacle courses for your child’s climbing pleasure, and Disney music playing in the background. (Tip: If you attend open gym in the last two weeks of a regular class session, your tot can enjoy the giant inflatable bounce castle and slide as well!)
Fit for what ages?
At both the Woodbury and Blaine locations, Preschool Open Gym caters toward kids from walking toddlers up to five years old. Both venues offer a separate recreational open gym time for ages six and up.
How much are we talkin?
Cost for open gym is $10 per child and $5 for each additional sibling. There are a few vending machines on-site with Gatorade, soda, etc. for standard prices. A pair of drinking fountains offer free water.
Want some tips?
All children must have a waiver signed by a parent or legal guardian to participate in open gym, which can be printed online then completed, signed and sent in with the child. There is a great seating area for observation, but due to how busy it can get, I recommend you follow your child for safety reasons. We had about two dozen kids running around during our session and there is plenty of space for everyone to be safely entertained. The staff does a great job of keeping an eye out and reminding people of their rules (for example, only one person on a trampoline at a time), but the staff isn’t there to babysit your kids.
Wear comfortable clothing – both you and your kids. No skirts, jeans or dresses. No shoes or socks are allowed on the gymnastics floor. This is so kids don’t slip when they are climbing on mats. Parents can get away with wearing their socks, but don’t lose them in the foam pit! Staff also asks that you don’t bring cell phones on to the floor.
If your busy toddler has a smaller sibling who can’t walk yet, strap them in a baby carrier and tote them around with you that way. You’ll want free hands to assist your toddler on the obstacle course or on a balance beam. I recommend you let them crawl out of the foam pits themselves – it’s a great way to burn energy!
There are a large number of hooks for hanging coats and bags, but no lockers. Leave any real valuables in your locked vehicle.
You’ll find free hand sanitizer on the counter. Not a bad idea to use it on your way out the door. Also, kids get a hand stamp on their way out – oh, the simple joys of a stamp!
FYI: Blaine cleans all of their mats on Tuesdays. Woodbury gets a wipe down on Thursdays.
Birthday parties are available at both Perpetual Motion locations and range in price from $190 to $355 depending on the package selected. The inflatable bounce castle is always part of the party!
Hours and Location
257 Rivertown Dr. | Woodbury, MN 55125
12440 Aberdeen St. NE, Suite 101 | Blaine, MN 55449
Hours vary based on classes and open gyms. Currently, open gym is on Tuesdays and Fridays from 11:30am-12:30pm. Recreational open gym (for older kids) hours vary by location.
View complete schedule online.
Woodbury location: Get directions
Blaine location: Get directions
Thank you, Stacey!
Stacey Morgan lives in Woodbury with her husband Jesse and their two children, Brighton (4 going on 14) and Vail (2). Stacey is a former television news reporter turned SAHM. In the last ten years, she has lived in five states and was happy to return to the east metro and settle down where she was born and raised. Stacey loves taking her kids on adventures and rediscovering all that Minnesota has to offer families.
