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27 reviews for Bubbles Academy
27 reviews in English
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Review from S B.
Chicago, IL
I love Bubbles. It's been a wonderful place for both my baby boy (now 16 months) and myself. The classes are pretty good (love Miss Victoria), but the best perk is that when you enroll in a class, you can attend open play as much as you want without paying extra.
Open play is such a great resource for those days when I need to fill an hour or two, or when the chicago weather is too hot/cold/rainy to go outside (the majority of days, unfortunately). Since it's designed for very young kiddos, you can relax a bit as a parent since all of the climbers/toys are made from gym mat material and the potential for falls, bruises, etc., are much less than when they're at a playground. It's great for the kids to be around others their age and start to learn about sharing, socializing, etc.
Sometimes when we're out running errands, I'll stop in just to do a diaper change/snack/10 minutes of play. Since the facility is so clean and baby-friendly, it's always comfortable. Plus parking is easy and free.
I was a bit afraid when I first signed up that it would be snotty, but all of the staff are super friendly, down-to-earth, and I've met lots of great moms there. Bubbles is pricey, but it is totally worth it! -
Review from Abee A.
Chicago, IL
Bubbles Academy Stroller Class
My children have participated in many Bubbles Academy classes. I have only positive things to say about the academy and our experiences. My son, now age six, has a huge smile on his face whenever he talks about Bubbles. He attended the preschool class and also the summers camps. Personally my favorite class is the Stroller fitness class, which we are currently enrolled in. It meets three days a week at the Lincoln Park Zoo or De Paul University (winter months). It's a friendly group of mothers and children. My two year old daughter comes along with a stroller or some days without one. She plays with other children while watching mommy workout. The group is filled with a nice combination of new moms and toddlers. Watching me get healthy is also a great example for my daughter.
Not only has this class made me physically stronger, it has helped me manage my stress level. Before this class I made excuses that I was too tired to exercise, but this class has actually increased my energy level. The instructor's name is Kim and she is very understanding of tired moms and is a great motivator. Overall I am a much happier person when I am taking this class. If I miss a class, I get withdrawal. The class is one hour long and meets three days a week on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays. Drop ins are allowed. Come join us! -
Review from Claudia S.
Chicago, IL
I love Bubbles! Granted, I haven't been to any classes here, but my boss bought a play pass and NPN seems to have events here somewhat regularly, so I've been here a few times. Before I go into a review of Bubbles Academy, if you don't know, someone (or rather, different someones) are at Whole Foods on Wednesdays and Thursdays from 10-10:30. Singing and dancing by the coffee bar!
Onto why Bubbles is great. First, I have yet to encounter a staff member who was anything but super friendly. I've learned to grab a parking pass ahead of time (valid for the month), but they always ask if I need them to watch little man while I run to the car. I don't, but I can see where some parents would happily take them up on this offer.
Now, I've only been in two rooms here, but they're all so cute and inviting! The one on the main floor is my favorite and the later you go (during free play), the more crowded it becomes, but it never actually feels crowded.
Of course no matter where you go, there will be a parent who isn't watching their child, but for the most part, parents are watching and intervene quickly when necessary. If you have a really little one (sitting, crawling, walking with help) and are going for open play, go earlier. The older children who are walking tend to come later and then it's disaster-city.
I appreciate that the employees come in to get the play areas back in order as well as to blow bubbles!! The kids love it and I love watching little man try to catch them.
My only gripe is with the restrooms. Last time I was there it seemed almost every buckle was broken on the changing table. I can still change a diaper, but those buckles definitely help when you have a kid who is practically flipped over before you've even laid him down. Overall, I think Bubbles is great and not badly priced. I've definitely recommended it to my friends who have children. -
Review from Sarah M.
Chicago, IL
I take the Bubbles stroller classes at Depaul with the instructor Kim. She's great, the right blend of motivation and modification. She gets you to give just a little bit more then you might on your own but also offers modifications for new moms or soon to be moms. It is a great workout, with toys and childcare for the kiddies. It is a huge relief that there is someone to keep an eye on my little one and the workouts leave me sore but smiling, as I can now fit into my before pregnancy jeans!! I have become a devoted follower as every workout is different but they are all challenging and keep me motivated. I think they offer a free trial class and you can also check it out at Lululemon on Damon Tuesdays at 9 for free.
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Review from Maryam F.
Chicago, IL
If you're a mom who wants to get in shape the Stroller Fitness class through Bubbles Academy is for you! The class meets 3 times a week and it works! I started the class when my daughter was 3 months old and 6 months later I couldn't be happier with the results. I'm back in shape and feel more FIT than ever. The instructor Kim S. keeps the class fun with a good variety. She is very MOTIVATING and modifies workouts based on your ability (especially if you're expecting). The moms in the class are friendly too, making it a great place to meet moms while your kids play supervised by a CAREGIVER. Plus, if you want to enjoy the summer weather you'll find the class is held @ Lincoln Park Zoo starting in May. You can drop in for a free trial and see for yourself.
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Review from Elisabeth N.
Denver, CO
While I can't speak to the classes (we haven't registered for any just yet) we had our daughter's 2nd birthday party at Bubbles Academy, and it was an awesome experience.
Basically, all the work was done for us- decorations, tables, chairs, balloons- everything was ready to go when we arrived. We had a bunch of dedicated helpers who heated up food, displayed it, and got everything ready (while I got to relax and chitchat with guests). They helped move guests from the play area (we had an open play party) to the other room where food and cake was served.
The kids had a blast, the parents got to hang out and chat, and I didn't have to lift a finger. While the parties here aren't cheap it was worth it for the sheer stress-free event they pulled off. All the ladies who helped with the party were friendly and helpful- I got to actually enjoy my daughter's party and take photos, rather than worrying about food, drinks, etc.
Overall, a wonderful experience- we wouldn't hesitate to come back or host a party here! I do think that next time we'll go with one of the activity parties, but since my daughter was turning two (and has a limited attention span) the open-play party was great for her age group.
Thanks again, Bubbles! -
Review from Andrea R.
When I first told my hubby that I signed up our 8 week old daughter for a music class at Bubbles he said "Whaaatt? She can't do anything yet!" I then explained it wasn't really for the baby, but for me. It can get exhausting staying home with a baby all day so any activities that get me and baby out of the house these days are much appreciated.
I was running about 10 minutes late for class, which is basically on time for me these days with a baby in tow. We parked in their free (hooray) parking lot across the street and joined about 8 other lil ones. Our instructor, Kimberly, was very smiley and energetic. She immediately came over to introduce herself and did a fabulous job of remembering everyone's names.
We sang, we danced and we even played the drums. And Baby R slept thru the ENTIRE class! My little piggy did open her eyes at the very end of class when they were blowing bubbles and tried to eat them. She sure missed out on a lot of fun because I had a blast learning new songs and playing. I had so much fun that I signed up for an 8 week session. They also have open play time, which is complimentary for anyone who's signed up for a class. Hopefully Baby R will be able to stay awake next time, but if not at least I"ll have fun.Listed in: Chicago Indoor Playspaces
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Review from Tim B.
Chicago, IL
Bubbles. The place I wish I had access to when I was younger!
It is like a little fairy land. The main room is green with dreamy landscapes painted on the walls and concave corners - so you can't quite tell where the floor ends and the walls begin - and random bubbles floating around, which all add to the dreamy of the place.
The new upstairs is similarly cool, a bit more polished, with a projection of a running stream on the wall. Both rooms have tons of big padded blocks for climbing and other assorted toys.
The classes are cool, usually a girl with a guitar singing songs and involving the children and parents through the use of props and sing-alongs. The children are usually decently engaged - though my son alternates between standing right in front of the teacher to wandering around ignoring the whole show!
We had my son's first birthday party here, and it was, as they say, off the chain.
Finally, the staff is great. I really liked Miss something-or-other (her name escapes me but I think she had brown curly hair), as did my son. But they are all friendly and helpful.
Great place. -
Review from Christmas D.
Chicago, IL
I've been taking my (now) 2 y.o. to Bubbles since he was 6 months old, convinced that as the right time to start him on getting "socialized"...HAHAHAHA...ho..hoho...heeee!!! In retrospect, it was really just something I could take to baby to "do" to get the #*$% out of the house during the winter. He LOVES it there. He has always loved it there. It's fun, stimulating, the classes are divided into appropriate age-ranges.
The main classroom space is HUGE with super-cushy green carpet, murals on the walls and fun stuff hanging from the ceiling (it's designed to look like a fantastical, cartoon-meadow). They have tons of great toys that are designed for climbing in/on/under (the sort of stuff you wish you could have at home but are WAY too big for most urban abodes), plus lots of the stand-bys like balls and push/pull toys. Moreover, everything is so CLEAN. They clean/disinfect their stuff everyday and I know they have replaced the main-room carpet at least once in the past year and a half. What a relief it is to be able to bring your child somewhere they can get all handsy without fear that they're gonna contract every rash of stomach flu and croup that has been passed around the playground for the past several weeks.
There's another large room in the back where they conduct their version of "pre-school" and offer creative open play. The "common" areas are also spacious, comfortable and inviting with places to park your stroller, put your coats, bags, and stow your shoes (the 2 big classrooms are shoe-free zones). There are even areas for parents and older siblings to play/hang while waiting for...whatever.
The staff here is sweet, helpful and very accommodating. They happily prorate the class subscription price if you come in mid-session and your tot is eligible to come in for their scheduled "open play" times for free during the session he is signed up for a class (normally it's $10 for non-members).
In the past year I've taken my son to other places and checked out other classes, programs and facilities. But NONE of the other options I've looked at have compared to the quality of the programs, the caliber of the facility, the built-in conveniences (parking!!!) and the overall cleanliness of everything (in case you haven't noticed, kids have a tendency to pass every little bug to anything they come in contact with). I guess, when I was exploring other options, I thought that maybe Bubbles was just a little pricey. This is a classic case of "you get what you pay for"...and I can't really find a way to put a price on my child's health or the avoidance of being up all night attending to a puking and fever-addled child.Listed in: A little something for the…
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Review from Chris B.
Chicago, IL
We have been taking now 3 year old Josie and Emma to Bubbles since they were 6 mos. old -- we did 'Goo Gaa Bubbles' with about 20 other babies on Saturday mornings and loved it -- music, motion, HUGE studio room with plush carpet and decorations...amazing. And the teachers: all cool hipster 20-somethings -- are energetic and polite and fun and talented.
I also did a 'Dads and Tots' class with the girls on Wednesday evenings for awhile -- very fun! Katrina, one of the most talented teachers, led a bunch of post-work Dads and their kids in a great near-workout, and it was terrific bonding for all of us.
Best of all -- we just did the girls' birthday party there! Katrina and Anna, the event coordinator, did a great job -- we had the whole complex for 1 1/2 hours, it was a "Where the Wild Things Are" theme! They read the book out loud to all of the kids, and then they did an art project (masks) based on the 'monsters' of the book...sort of demystifying the scary parts of the story...then, they did an open play session in the main playroom while some of the staff cleaned up the rest of the art mess (NOTE: Jacky and I did not have to lift a FINGER during this...worth. every. penny.).
Katrina then led the kids on a reenactment of the book...crowns like Max, taking their boat to the island...meeting the monsters (images from the book projected on the wall), and then having a Wild Rumpus with blocks and toys and balls and a great soundtrack. After that -- Sweet Mandy B's cupcakes, snacks and juices (Izzes for the grownups). Just a tremendously run party, and all of the adults -- us included -- commented on how relaxing it was to let the kids have fun without us being stressed about anything.
Gregoire and his wife have done a great job with this Academy since day one -- we're going back for a new class (this Thursday, actually!), and encourage all parents to give it a try! You'll love it... -
Review from Sarah G.
I recently moved to Chicago and was looking for a gymboree type place to take my 6 month old daughter. A friend of mine kept saying to me "You MUST take your daughter to Bubbles". I had been to gymboree and mygym ... I just figured it was basically the same thing but more expensive.
Since bubbles offers your first class free I decided to give it a try.
WOW!!!!!!!!! This place is seriously AMAZING. Seriously. From the time class started I had a HUGE smile on my face and so did my daughter.
Bubbles is not like gymboree at all. First of all the main play room is humongous and the floor is a very clean plush green carpet. Our instructor Sarah had a class with about 20 babies and during several different songs she used all the babies names. How she remembered baby after baby I have no idea but I was impressed! Not only did Sarah remember the babies names but she also played guitar and actually had a nice voice!
Baby Riley loved class. She loved all the interactive toys (which by the way are super clean and are washed after any baby lays a finger on it)...all the great songs and all the dancing around.
As an added bonus bubbles has FREE parking right across the street.
When class was over we immediately signed up. There was no way I was going back to gymboree after experiencing bubbles! If you have any doubt if this program is right for you and your baby I suggest giving it a try...after all the first class is free. I guarantee once the first song in class is over you will already know that this place ROCKS. -
Review from Lynn P.
Chicago, IL
Like another reviewer, I really signed my infant up for baby music for my own sanity. My baby let out a blood curdling scream at two weeks and hadn't stopped. I hoped she would stop for forty-five minutes for the class.
When we walked into Bubbles the heavenly gates opened. The place is whimsical, to say the least, with themed rooms with brightly painted walls and the sounds of birds chirping piped into the walls. It soothed me and soothed the little screamer. I heard a sound I hadn't heard from her for two months...silence. And the silence lasted for thirty-five minutes as we sat in a circle with the other babies and listened to songs performed by the leader of the group who has a really lovely voice. We even danced a little. Yes, my baby started screaming again before the leader blew the bubbles at the end of the class, but nobody asked me if she needed to go to the doctor, a common response in the outside world. Rather, they gave me empathic looks. And as the weeks have gone by, my baby now can last the full forty-five minutes. Now, I believe I am going for her as well. She rolled over for the first time in a Bubbles class. Other nice things about Bubbles are the free parking, the open play room and the almost Stepford nice people working there. -
Review from rachel g.
Chicago, IL
My husband, daughter and I went to the Bubbles Yelp event a few days ago and we loved Bubbles. I am giving it 4 stars as we have not been to an actual class yet, although we signed up for the crawling class which starts next week and will be a necessary winter adventure for our family.
The open play we went to was wonderful, the room was large and bright but not overwhelming for a little one. Ours is only 8 months old and she was having the best time with all the big kids. I can't wait to get started in the class and to go for open play in the winter months when there are few escapes for kids during the cold. Thanks for the great play date event, and I hope to see many fellow yelper parents at Bubbles soon! -
Review from Alicia F.
Chicago, IL
We took the Brainy Bubbles Baby Signing class here and I rave about it to other parents. Now my daughter can ask for "more" and tell me "all done" without throwing a temper tantrum! They have all sorts of classes for infants, toddlers, preschoolers and even some fitness classes for parents. The facilities are spacious and creatively painted. We just signed up for their "Independence Class" and I'm looking forward to it! Check out their website http://www.bubblesacad...
for more info. -
Review from Diana P.
Bubbles is a wonderful place for taking your kids to engage them in music. We started when my son was about 5 months. We have also taken classes at the Old Town School of Folk Music in LP, which we enjoyed as well, however, I prefer Bubbles. They have a huge parking lot which makes coming to class with little ones very convenient. Also, the staff is remarkable, friendly and always upbeat. Our favorite teach is Sarah!
We had our son's first birthday party here too and everything ran so smoothly because of the staff. We really didn't have to do ANYTHING during the party, it was great. I highly recommend birthdays/events here, esp. since the space is very large and can accommodate a lot of friends and family.
A hidden treasure in the city! -
Review from Kay S.
Chicago, IL
So we've taken our 14 mo daughter to a variety of places including old town music and gymboree. While those places are good, Bubbles is slightly better. I like Sarah. She captivated all the kids when she played the guitar and sang. The facility is nice and large and CLEAN :). Easy parking lot is a plus in the neighborhood and you can do shopping and lunch at the WholeFoods after class on a Saturday.
I highly recommend you do a trial class (I think 1 is free). You'll never go elsewhere. -
Review from Chris S.
Chicago, IL
I am so glad that my friend told me about Bubbles Academy! This is great place for kids and also for parents. My daughter loves to spend time there. She can learn something new from teachers or other kids and play.
Teachers are high-energy, expressive educators and very friendly.
We have always fun!! -
Review from Anna S.
Chicago, IL
Tried the rest...Bubbles is the best!
I rely on Yelp, Amazon etc reviews like my life depends on it, but I rarely take the two minutes to write my own. But I could write an essay on Bubbles Academy and how awesome it is. My daughter and I took our first class there almost 3 years ago (stroller fitness with Kim) when she was just a newborn, and Bubbles Academy has been an amazing resource for our family ever since. It's so much more than just fun classes (best classes in the city bar none imo)--they do moms' groups, holiday parties, special events, workshops, speakers etc. They also offer a great class for parents called "Navigating the Preschool Search." It's been over two years since we took it, but I emailed the instructor a question over Easter weekend and she called me first thing Monday to talk and was just so generous with her time and resources--two years later! Bubbles is a truly special place. -
Review from Amaliya L.
Chicago, IL
Best friend Baby and I met up with a fellow Yelper and her son here for a play date. We had never been to Bubbles Academy before. The location is off the beaten path, it's located within a crazy triangle of bars, strip clubs, and restaurants. I drove around the area 3 times before I finally gave up and called for directions. I guess I just didn't go far enough. They offer free parking across the street which definitely earns an extra star in my book.
The facility is very clean and creative. We visited on a free open play day...it was their birthday..so Best friend baby and all of the playmates were treated to organic cupcakes, apple juice, and helium balloons. I liked the fact that they ask you to sign in and provide information regarding who you are, your child's pediatrician, emergency contact, etc. In this day and age, you can never be too careful. We had a blast playing in the big open muralled room. Lots of fun toys, soft gym equipment etc. Plus I met an awesome mommy and her son...bestfriend baby and I hope to get together with them more often. Though Bubbles Academy isn't really in our neighborhood, I think that we will definitely be visiting more often...especially as the weather gets colder.Listed in: Kid Culture
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Review from Caitlin S.
Chicago, IL
I'm a nanny, and finding out about bubbles was one of the best things for not only my charge, but myself. The classes are very high quality, age and developmentally appropriate and the instructor was so nice, informative and energetic! We try to make it open play when we can, which is such a fun thing for the babies and I also have a good time with the kids too. They bring out all of their climbers, slides, tunnels and toys and the kids are free to play with whatever they'd like. I like that it's a comfortable and safe environment to bring kids! We taken various children's classes at other gym and music facilities but none of them compare. I highly reccomemend taking a class here, and taking advantage of the free open play when you become a student.
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Review from isa b.
Chicago, IL
Trial class complete success! Loved it and wish it wasn't so expensive.
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Review from Jennifer D.
Chicago, IL
My son and I love Bubbles! We first experienced Bubbles at Whole Foods. We loved going to see Ms Lauren on Wednesdays at Whole Foods. When Halloween was upon us and my son was too little to go trick-or-treating and we weren't to sure what to do, we found Bubbles had a Halloween party for kids. This was so much fun! My husband, son and I had a blast. We decided to take a class starting in January. We had a good time. Got to say though, some of the moms were not the most friendly and wanted to talk more than interact with the kids or with the music. Not Bubbles fault however. Just a side note. My son just loves the music and adores the meadow room. He is all over the place and not only gets music but open play so he gets lots of time to move. There is a place for me to feed him quickly before or after class. He sits and eats and dances to the music. All staff members have always been super nice! The mountain room and side smaller baby/crawler room are just the best. We are actually on our way to open play today and are so excited. It is a little pricey but I found it was well worth it.
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Review from Suj S.
Chicago, IL
Great place for kids. The classes are fun and age appropriate; the instructors are friendly; the space is terrific; and there is free parking!
Four stars only because the classes are a little expensive. -
Review from Kelly H.
Evanston, IL
Bubbles is the best - bring your kids!! Now, that being said - I only have one complaint about Bubbles and it doesn't even have anything to do with the business itself. We have been going to Bubbles since our oldest son was 8 months old. (he's 3 now) We now bring both of our boys to classes there. As everyone has already said - its just amazing for babies and toddlers. We generally have our boys in seperate classes and we opt for the Bubbles childcare during the classes for the child who is not in that class. This season, we are trying something different and we are going to put them both in a family class together. The teachers and staff there are wonderfully attentive, talented and detail oriented. (and so helpful with signing up for classes - I once signed the kids up for a class while riding on a bus - on my cell phone and didn't even have to pull my wallet out because they had us on file!) We've done the Goo Gah Babies Crawlers class(es), Goo Gah Babies Walkers class(es), Pre-preschool class and we regularly attend the Open Play times. They also have fun holiday events for children to go to seasonally - which is especially nice for "city kids" who may not have a traditional area to trick-or-treat in, etc. (they also have a Christmas party, Easter party, Valentine's Day, etc) We've also been to birthday parties hosted by the Bubbles staff and they are just wonderful. So - its a fabulous place and you should bring your kids. (and there is parking!!) That said - we occasionally run into "uncomfortable-ness" with many of the parents there. There is a general "type" of family that brings their kids to Bubbles, but of course not every single family there is just like that "type". Still - I have really gone back and forth about whether or not to sign the boys up for a class next season due to this fact. We think that moving forward if we actively stay clear of any socializing with the other parents there we should mostly be fine. I know that sounds crazy - but literally yesterday a woman there began drilling me about our careers and asking so many pointed detailed questions about our income I thought she might request a copy of our tax return before our kids could play together there! She was actually making insulting comments about my husband's career - it was kind of shocking. I would love love to say that was an isolated event - but it wasn't and it has happened to a friend of mine and one of my co-workers who brought their children to Bubbles for classes. (one of them no longer attends because of this) I actually found out about Bubbles from my co-worker and I thought it was a great idea so we checked it out and loved it. Several weeks later, she stopped bringing her little girl to classes there because so many of the parents kept asking how long she had been a nanny and how long she had worked for the family. (it was her daughter - they look almost exactly alike and she is an executive making 6 figures) So - to the parents who typically go there - its all about your "look" and your income if you want to socialize. Similarly, I was not feeling my best yesterday and so I only dressed very casually in a (nice but college team) t-shirt and jeans to go to the open play and someone actually chastised me for wearing a t-shirt to the children's center (one of the parents, not the staff). So - its a bit like having to deal with the cliques in high school if you can believe that. BUT - if you can steer clear of actually interacting with any of the parents there - its a wonderful, stimulating and engaging place to bring your kids! (a bit pricey - but it worth it I think) And - just to reiterate that I of course realize that not all of the parents there are like that (but it really does seem to be a trend)- we did meet a couple of very nice lovely families last year who we ended up forming a play group with.
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Review from Erica M.
Chicago, IL
Both of my kids have taken classes here. I heart Bubbles academy. Their classes are great! A little expensive, but worth it!! :-)
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Review from J. A.
Chicago, IL
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Review from Victoria T.
Chicago, IL
My son is 7 months old. We moved here from California when he was 6 weeks old and joined Bubbles soon after we got here. It was one of the best decisions we have made! After doing free trials of two other children's classes... Bubbles is BY FAR the cleanest and the comfiest... the best! We are in our second session of Bubbles and we are very impressed by their cleanliness. The meadow room took my breath away when I walked in... I can only imagine what my son thinks of it! Each toy that is handed to my son goes in a "to be washed" basket and I feel just fine about letting him put the Bubbles toys in his mouth because I feel confident that they are freshly clean. The parachute is clean, the carpets are clean, the bathrooms are clean. You can just tell that the staff really puts a lot of effort into their business and the little details can be noticed everywhere. The teachers are awesome... super spirited and talented. They pay attention to each child and make the class fun for the kids and the adults. My son just stares in awe at the teachers! Everyone there is friendly... including the moms that I have met there. We love having Bubbles to go to each week and will continue to sign up for session after session. We recommend it to all the moms that we meet. I feel that Bubbles FAR exceeds the quality of the other classes that I sampled and we are very happy there!
