We joined Gymboree thinking it was fabulous. Later, I found their sock policy was not enforced, particularly at free play time when as many as a dozen adults (some with dried, cracked cuts on their feet!) were allowed on the play area, regardless of the posted sock policy. I spoke to an employee who told me I should leave if I didn't like it, but she wasn't going to do anything about the people without socks. I pursued the issue with managers and the corporate office and was assured that it would be remedied. It continued to happen and the final straw was when an employee slipped off her sandals and walked onto to the play area barefoot herself. I assume the sock policy is for health and safety concerns, but if the staff isn't enforcing or following it what's the point? I got a refund, which was thankfully, very easy because I had already discussed it so much with the corporate office. The bathroom and changing area is sub-par and was sometimes dirty. The one time I used their facility, I refused to lay my son on the changing table (there was visible feces on it), standing him to change him. I only ever saw them cleaning the mats first thing in the morning once, but I like to think they did it more often. The teacher for our class was FANTASTIC, but not enough to keep me going back to dirty conditions. Wish we could have stayed, but I care about germs and cleanliness. If this is not an issue for you, you might be happy. Be sure to sample the class you plan to attend because some teachers are not so good.

When my daughter was about 6 months old, I started taking her to the classes, she loved it. It's very convenient because it's inside a mall and there are many things to do before and after classes.

I am a mother of four (two sets of fraternal twins; 3 boys and 1 girl) and my mother-in-law and I have been taking the kids to the Gymboree Play and Music at Westside pavilion for two years. Before moving to LA, we had tried Gymboree and found it to be a fun distraction, but the Gymboree in Westwood is different! It is a corporate site and not a franchise site, which means: 1. There isn't just one "fabulous" teacher; all of the teachers are great! 2. The classes are all taught to fulfill corporate Gymboree expectations: These are the CHILD DEVELOPMENT SPECIALISTS who create the programs. 3. The cleanliness standard is time tested. Even though the equipment may show some signs of wear, the toys, mats and other equipment are fully sanitized daily or between classes. With the franchise site, we felt like the Gymboree was a good indoor playground, but at the Westside Pavilion Gymboree, we really feel like the kids are learning. My youngest son even took his first steps in class! All of the teachers are great! So even though the staff goes through normal changes, we've never felt like the loss of a particular teacher has damaged the experience. Thank you to some of our current teachers: Lindsey, Karen, Elsa, Jullian, Eliza and Betsy!

It was enjoyable for a free class but I wouldn't want to attend that class more than once. There was only one song that was cute and I felt that the instructor wasn't that into it. I wouldn't recommend it. There are so many music classes for kids like at cool baby or music n me that I would try other classes out to see which one you think would be best for your child. My child was 7 months when we went to that class.

This Gymboree is the place to go if you want a warm and fun experience for you and your baby! The place is immaculate and the staff is very friendly. I've only been in the 0-6 month class but based on that, I think we're going to stay until they kick us out!