Families from across London are helping Gymboree Play & Music celebrate its 50th anniversary this summer, sharing stories of how the much-loved children’s enrichment programme has supported generations of children through the power of play.
From Hampstead and Putney to Kensington, East Dulwich, Watford and Cheam, families continue to attend Gymboree Play & Music’s Play & Learn, Music and Art classes, designed to help babies and young children build confidence, curiosity and creativity while discovering the joy of learning through play.
As part of the anniversary celebrations, families are reflecting on the role Gymboree Play & Music has played in their lives, with some now returning with a new generation of children.
For Hampstead mum Zakiyah, the connection spans more than two decades. Her mum, Amina, taught at Gymboree Play & Music Hampstead in the early 2000s, meaning Zakiyah grew up attending classes herself. Today, she is back at the same centre with her 11-month-old son, Hadid.
She said: “Gymboree Play & Music has been part of my family’s story for many years. My mum taught at Gymboree Play & Music Hampstead when I was little, so I grew up going to classes with her, and now I’m bringing my own son, Hadid, which feels incredibly special.
“I still remember having my name sticker put on at the start of each class and celebrating my fourth birthday there. It’s amazing that some of those little traditions are still part of the experience today.
“Looking back, it’s wonderful to think that somewhere which played such a happy part in my own childhood is now helping my son discover, learn and grow through play. While so much has changed over the years, the same focus on learning through play, building confidence and creating lasting memories remains just as important today as it was then.”
For Melanie Wenham from Putney, Gymboree Play & Music has remained a constant throughout more than two decades of working with and supporting families. She said: “I first came to Gymboree Play & Music as a nanny in Putney in 2003 and have continued to bring children to classes over the past two decades, first in London and then at Gymboree Play & Music Tunbridge Wells after it opened in 2018.
“Across all those years, one thing has never changed – the welcoming atmosphere, the fantastic teachers and the way the classes help children learn, grow and build confidence through play. Even during lockdown, the online classes helped keep that sense of fun and routine going, and the open gym sessions have always offered brilliant value for families.
“What makes me smile most is that some of the children I first brought to Gymboree Play & Music are now in their twenties and still remember their Gymbo days. That says so much about the lasting impact those early experiences can have.
“It’s been a privilege to introduce so many children to the joy of learning through play, and I still love bringing little ones to Gymboree Play & Music whenever I can.”
Arleta Darusalam, Franchisor, Gymboree Play & Music UK, and Franchisee of Gymboree Play & Music Putney, the first Gymboree Play & Music centre to open in the UK, said: “As we celebrate our 50th anniversary, one of the most rewarding things has been hearing from families whose connection to Gymboree Play & Music spans generations.
“Across London and the UK, we’re hearing from parents bringing multiple children through our programmes, grandparents introducing grandchildren to Gymboree Play & Music, and families like Zakiyah’s whose story with us stretches back more than two decades. Those experiences are a powerful reminder of the lasting role play can have in family life.
“For 50 years, our Play-osophy has been built on a simple belief: children learn, grow and thrive through play. While childhood has changed enormously over that time, the need for children to explore, discover, create and build confidence has remained constant.
“We’re proud to be celebrating this milestone with families across the UK and look forward to welcoming both familiar and new faces to our anniversary celebrations throughout the year.”
Throughout July, Gymboree Play & Music centres across London will be hosting special anniversary celebrations featuring Gymbo, the much-loved Gymboree Play & Music mascot who was first introduced in 1985, bringing together families past and present to celebrate five decades of learning, laughter and play.
The celebrations will take place across Gymboree Play & Music centres in Hampstead, Kensington, Putney, East Dulwich, Watford and Cheam, giving families the opportunity to join in the anniversary festivities and celebrate 50 years of learning through play.