Parkour and Ninja Warrior Classes for East Bay Kids

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

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. Find class schedule and pricing >>

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 >>

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 >>

X-Fit Training East Bay, El Cerrito

Lil’ Ninja Warrior classes are held at the Castro Clubhouse, next to Korematsu Middle School, after school on Tuesdays and Thursdays. They are for kids ages 5-8 and for 9-12. Obstacle courses and padding are set up for kids to race through, while developing their balance and strength.
Learn more on the XFit Training East Bay website >>

Honorable Mention: University Village, Berkeley

We love University Recreation programs (open to non-UC families!) for their affordability and convenience. Parkour was not listed at the time of this writing, but historically it is one of the classes offered, as well as aerial, circus, and tumbling. The facility is small but perfect for kids 12 and under.
Learn more about University Recreation programs >>

More East Bay Gymnastics and Dance Studios that offer Parkour + Ninja-style training

• Bay Island Gymnastics, Alameda | Parkour info >>
• Kids ‘N Dance, Oakland | Parkour info>>
• Head Over Heels, Emeryville | Ninja Stars class info >>
• Bay Aerial Gymnastics, Fremont | Ninja Zone 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!