Mommy and me fun on Long Island

Walk into one of the Beasts classes at the Little Gym of Merrick and this is what you'll find: 18-month-old Kaylee Sandurs of Massapequa Park giggling as she tumbles on the big play mat. Parker Schulman, 2, of Oceanside holding his mom's hand as he delicately walks along the balance bar. And 2-year-old Keira Toy of East Meadow chasing bubbles at the gym, along with 11 other Long Island kids and their parents.

The classes, led by owners Evan and Eileen Marrow, take a different approach than traditional "mommy and me" classes. "It's a curriculum-based structure," Evan Marrow says. "We offer classes for kids 4 months to 12 years old where they'll learn new skills while having fun with their parents and peers."

Stacey Sandurs enjoys the special time she spends with her daughter Kaylee during the Beasts class, which is geared for kids 18 to 24 months. "I'm a teacher, so as a working mother I want to do things with her on the weekends," says Sandurs. "These classes are a safe environment where we can have fun together and she can socialize with other kids her age. Kaylee is much more confident now and has learned to do so much, like tumbling, since we've signed up for these classes."

Keira's mother, Amy Toy, agrees. "We've been members of the Little Gym of Merrick for more than a year, and what I like most about this program is that it's more than just physical activity," Toy says. "The kids learn a new skill each class, whether it's following the leader or counting while bouncing a ball, plus they practice sign language and learn a new word of the day."

These days, typical mommy and me classes are not just for kids and their moms. There are dads, grandparents, guardians and caregivers, too. And there are myriad options -- from cooking classes to yoga sessions -- to help you bond with your children while having fun. Here are a few.

SEE PHOTOS65 educational apps for kids

Find more mommy and me classes on Long Island.