My kids spend some part of every day jumping off of and hanging from things, and generally being upside down. The plus side is they are incredibly fit and strong. The challenge is that they literally climb the walls everywhere we go, like ninja warriors, and often scare the general public with their parkour stunts.
This is how my son chose to pose for a photo when we went to see Hamilton in San Francisco.
Thankfully for parents with kids like mine, the emerging trend of parkour and American Ninja Warrior-inspired classes and activities for children allows us to find facilities where they can build these skills safely.
Here is a list of parkour classes and similar activities for East Bay Kids
Action Arts Gym, Richmond
Action Arts blends the energy of athletics with the creativity of theatrical performance. Their dynamic classes, ranging from gymnastics to parkour, encourage kids to move with purpose, build strength and coordination, and express themselves through movement. They offer classes, camps, and birthday parties for all ages, from walking toddlers to adults. Learn more >>
Athletic Playground, Emeryville
We have had mixed experiences at Athletic Playground. When my son was younger, he was in a class that was way too large and didn’t get a chance to do a lot. More recently, he got into the groove, enjoying some camp days and eventually took teen classes that were rewarding. Athletic Playground offers a variety of movement classes, including aerial silks, parkour, acrobatics, and “mini monkey” classes for kids as young as two years old. Parkour birthday parties, too.
Learn more >>
Kids Warrior Fitness, Concord
Entry-level ninja warrior programs for ages 18 months up to age 12. Daily classes, parent/child classes, and even adult options available. Looks like they also offer birthday parties and Parents’ Night out (woot!). They also offer a free trial class. Check out their website here>
MVMNTM (formerly Sqvadron and APEX NorCal), Concord
Founded by an actual contestant on American Ninja Warrior (who is also a practicing chiropractor), MVMNTM is a unique facility that offers Parkour classes and Ninja Warrior classes at all levels. I even took one myself (age forty-something). Access to Open Gym time is earned through taking some structured classes first. MVMNTM offers camps and birthday parties as well. Kids may be disappointed to learn that the actual Ninja Warrior training circuit that is set up at MVMNTM is for ages 13+. However, there are plenty of bars, platforms, warped walls, foam pits, and springy mats onto which a person may hurl their body.
Schedule and prices on MVMNTM website >>
Traverse Fitness, Richmond
Started by members of the Ninja community, Traverse Fitness is a premiere ninja and fitness gym with classes for age 6 and up. At this warehouse-style facility in Richmond, kids (and adults) can run, jump, hang, and put their strength and agility to the test. The facility is gigantic. We love birthday parties there too. Find class schedule and pricing >>
X-Fit Training East Bay, El Cerrito
X-Fit Training’s Lil’ Ninja Warrior training is designed for all ages and athletic levels. It’s a non-competitive program that helps kids develop gross motor skills, core strength, balance, and control of their body in an athletic atmosphere. Lil’ Ninja Warrior Training available to ages 5-9 years which is considered X-Fit Jr. There’s also X-Fit Lil’ Ninja TOTs, which is designed for toddlers ages 3-4. This is a PARENT PARTICIPATION class. Learn more on the XFit Training East Bay website >>
More East Bay Gymnastics and Dance Studios that offer Parkour + Ninja-style training
- Bay Aerial Gymnastics, Fremont | Ninja Zone class info >>
- Bay Island Gymnastics, Alameda | Ninja Warriors >>
- Head Over Heels, Emeryville | Ninja Stars class info >>
If your kiddo is too young for most of these options, check out the Toddlers Class Guide and browse for martial arts, gymnastics, and dance!
