Legend: BLUE-open, RED-closed, GREEN-by donation
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Saturday, June 24, 2006

where to take the kids

while scanning yoga studio websites to see what's new, i came across what sounded like a bizarre-sounding yoga class at jiva yoga in the palisades:

Animal Yoga and Break Dance

... i started to imagine paris hilton, britney spears, and the like doing yoga poses with their tiny yap-yap dogs, dressed in matching yoga tops and diamond-studded collars...

until i read the class description:
A “Kid friendly” version of YOGA combining music, dance and fun yoga poses!! ANIMAL YOGA is a pro-active way to exercise and learn. Geared for children ages 5-10, ANIMAL YOGA provides an entertaining and constructive outlet for children in a non-competitive atmosphere, while watching real-life Yoga instructors in a one-of-a-kind interactive YOGA safari!

thank goodness the LA yoga scene hasn't lost its mind. yet.

which got me thinking about kids yoga in LA. while my own kids are now old enough to join in the adult-level classes (and still have no interest in joining their mother in a yoga-bonding session), i know there are people out there who are trying to figure out how to keep their kids busy this summer.

so here are some places to try. i've included the kids' class price when it varies from the adult class price... (note: i've added two studios, insight yoga and mukti yoga, to the original list)

at jiva yoga in pacific palisades ($12):

Kids Yoga 4-7: Monday 3:30-4:15pm
Kids Yoga 8-12: Wednesday 3:30-4:15pm
Increases focus, coordination and flexibility in a noncompetitive environment. Kids will learn poses through the use of playful imagery and games.

Animal Yoga and Break Dance: Saturday 1:00-2:30pm
A “Kid friendly” version of YOGA combining music, dance and fun yoga poses!! ANIMAL YOGA is a pro-active way to exercise and learn. Geared for children ages 5-10, ANIMAL YOGA provides an entertaining and constructive outlet for children in a non-competitive atmosphere, while watching real-life Yoga instructors in a one-of-a-kind interactive YOGA safari!

at santa monica yoga in santa monica ($10):

Kids Yoga: Monday 3:45-4:45pm
Ages 7 and up (ages combined for summer)
6 week series July 10 to August 14, $48 all 6 or $10 each
Kids may join a session in progress for a pro-rated price.

Parents, please join us for level 1 yoga Monday and Wednesday 3:45-4:45pm while your kids take class.

Yoga Playdate (parent and toddler): Friday 10:35-11:50am

at mission street yoga in south pasadena ($12):

Kids Yoga (6-8 years): Monday 3:30-4:30pm
Kids Yoga (3-5 years): Wednesday 3:30-4:30pm
Kids Yoga (9-12 years): Wednesday 4:30-5:45pm
Stretch, strengthen and improve coordination and posture in a nurturing, fun environment. Three different age groups: 3-5, 6-8 and 9-13 years.

at golden bridge yoga in hollywood ($10):

Walking Toddler and Parent: Monday/Friday 10:30am-noon, Wednesday 2:30-4:00pm

Children's Yoga Ages 3-7: Saturday 9:30-11:00am, Sunday 9:30-11:00am
Children's Yoga Ages 8-12: Saturday 9:30-11:00am, Sunday 9:30-11:00am
Children's Yoga is fun! It sets your child for a lifetime of good health, radiance and happiness! By using nature and animal-themed games, dance and song to stimulate the mind, the creative spirit and enhance the health, our program is a safe and fun environment for children ages 3-12 years of age to expand, explore and express their unique physical, emotional, mental and spiritual gifts. Classes follow a flexible structure based on the age, interest, and ability of the child. Stories and music accompany our fun and educational "journeys" to exotic lands. The children use their imaginations and Animal Yoga postures to learn new vocabulary, develop motor and movement skills, and to understand balance and relaxation through meditation and breath. Partner poses and group meditations give children the experience of teamwork and trust with others; naming and teaching their very own yoga poses provides children with leadership and confidence-building skills. Our Children's Yoga Classes combine yoga postures and meditation to help transform the body, mind and spirit of our young ones, building the foundation for a bright tomorrow for all of us!

at maha yoga in brentwood ($10):

Groovy Kids Yoga: Tuesday 3:30-4:15pm
A fun, playful and expressive yoga class for kids ages 3 to 6 years old.

at yoga works on montana in santa monica ($12):

Yoga Kids Ages 7 and up: Tuesday 3:30-4:25pm
Yoga Kids Ages 3-6: Thursday 3:30-4:25pm

at yoga works in larchmont village ($12):

Yoga Kids Ages 4-6: Tuesday 4:00-5:00pm

at silver lake yoga in silverlake:

Kids (8-11 years): Tuesday 3:45-5:15pm
4 class summer series July 11th - Aug 1st: $50
Come join us for an hour of mindful play. Yoga helps to develop strength, flexibility and self-awareness, while reinforcing values such as truthfulness, kindness and being a good friend. Did we mention it's great fun!

at yogahop in santa monica:

Kids Yoga: Tuesday and Thursday 1:00-2:00pm
A fun, playful yoga class for kids ages 4 to 10. While the kids have fun, join us in the All Levels class in the East Coast room at the same time!

at yoga house in pasadena ($10):

Yoga for Kids (ages 4-7): Tuesday 4:00-5:15pm
Yoga for Kids (ages 8-12): Friday 4:00-5:15pm
Strengthens children's growing bodies, develops excellent posture and balance while building self-confidence and teaching relaxation and breathing skills that last a lifetime. And, it's fun!

at black dog yoga in sherman oaks ($10):

Black Puppy Yoga Ages 3-5: Wednesday 3:30-4:00pm
Black Puppy Yoga Ages 6-12: Wednesday 4:15-5:00pm
Fun and age-appropriate. Siblings can always take together.

at insight yoga in pasadena ($75 for the series, pre-registration is suggested):

Yoga for Kids 6-11 years: Wednesday 2:30-4:00pm (June 28th-Aug 2nd)
Designed for kids 6-11 years, this fun-filled session will provide your child the opportunity to learn valuable life skills through dynamic, interactive yoga explorations.

at karuna yoga in los feliz ($10, babies and tots series is $120):

Itsy Bitsy Yoga (babies): Thursday 1:30-2:30pm
Itsy Bitsy Yoga (tots): Thursday 2:30-3:30pm
6 weeks ongoing series for babies and toddlers. A calming, nurturing and fun yoga class where parents help their babies unfold motorskills, sleep better, digest easier and feel happier. Pre-registration required. Please call Khefri at 323-549-5383.

Children's Yoga: Friday 4:30-5:30pm
Children LOVE yoga! Balancing focus & play, children learn coordination, physical and mental flexibility, stillness and relaxation. Yoga greatly helps your child understand self appreciation and contributing to the benefit of the group. This class will spark their imagination and alight their hearts!

at mukti yoga in manhattan beach (by donation only):

Kids yoga: Thursday 3:00-4:10pm, starting July 13th
Kids will learn:
- Different breathing techniques
- Hatha and kundalini yogic exercises
- Various meditations
- Chanting, singing, and celestial communication
- Yoga games to increase intuition
- How to transform the energy centers (chakras) in the body
- Most importantly, how to relax, have fun, and be yourself!
If you have any further questions, call Jessie at (310) 798-2768

at liberation yoga in los angeles ($10):

Kids Yoga (ages 5 & up): Thursday 4:30-5:45pm
Kids Yoga (ages 7-12): Friday 4:30-5:45pm
A class to provide a safe, fun way for children to explore movement and creativity while calming their restless minds in a non-competitive environment. They will learn the yoga postures, sun-salutations, play games, and discover ways to channel their energy and celebrate their spirit.

Family Yoga: Sunday 10:00-11:00am
A one-hour all levels Hatha Yoga class for the whole family to enjoy!
The class will explore standing poses, sun salutations, breathing and relaxation techniques and fun interactive yoga games. It's an opportunity for bonding with family while sharing the health and well being that yoga brings. Ages 4 to infinity!

at exhale in santa monica ($10, using student rate):

Kids Yoga for 4-10 year olds: Friday 3:30-4:25pm
Our kids yoga playfully guides children through postures that are selected to appeal to children and are inspired by nature and animals, such as the mountain, tree, fish and dog. By stimulating children's creativity and imagination we explore a world where movement and breath are linked and become a part of every day living.


and for your teenage daughters -- they may not think of themselves as children, but deep down inside, you know they're still your babies:

at shakti's elements in santa monica:

YogaTEEN Goddess - One Session: $210, Two Sessions $395

Session 1: Trust Your Inner Goddess
Monday 4:15-5:45pm (June 12th - July 24th)
or Wednesday 4:15-5:45pm (June 14th - July 26th)

Session 2: Confident and Beautiful Goddess
Monday 4:15-5:45pm (July 31st - Sept 11th)
or Wednesday 4:15-5:45pm (Aug 2nd - Sept 13th)

Create, play, connect, discover your inner-goddess in our 6-12 week program designed specifically for Teenage Goddesses. Learn about yourself and others through yoga, "Mind Loosening" techniques, "Circle Chats", acting exercises, creative projects, jewelry making and loads more!

at insight yoga in pasadena ($75 for the series, pre-registration is suggested):

Yoga for Teens: Thursday 2:30-4:00pm (June 29th-Aug 3rd)
Teenagers face a very special set of challenges-- and Yoga can help! Through postures, meditations, breathing exercises and reflection, teens will learn strategies and techniques applicable to real life situations.

at karuna yoga in los feliz ($10):

Teen Yoga: Friday 6:00-7:30pm
Whether you're into athletics, dance, or just want to experience a new way to move and challenge your body, yoga will work for you. In TEENS YOGA you practice in an hour long class that is fun, always different, and never gets boring. It's a great way to exercise, have fun with friends and flow right into your weekend!

at mission street yoga in south pasadena ($12):

Teen Girls: Saturday 11:00am-12:15pm
A fun, supportive yoga practice encouraging awareness and empowerment for teenage girls 13 to 17.