The Benefits of Preschool Gymnastics: Developing Motor Skills, Confidence, and Teamwork in Young Children

At Momentum Athletic Center, we believe every child deserves the freedom to move, explore, and connect in a space that celebrates who they are — from their very first steps (or scoots!) to their first friendships. That’s the heart behind Extraordinary Stay & Play, our newest open gym program for children 4 and under and their caregivers. Designed with inclusivity at the core, Stay & Play welcomes every child — whether they’re neurodiverse, navigating developmental delays, or simply in need of a safe place to burn energy and build confidence. What Is Extraordinary Stay & Play? Stay & Play offers a fun, purposeful environment where your little ones can: Move freely on age-appropriate gymnastics equipment Engage in sensory play and active exploration Socialize and learn through play with their peers Build motor skills, emotional regulation, and confidence Spend quality time with caregivers — with support, not judgment Parents, grandparents, and caregivers stay during the session and can use the time to connect with others who understand what it’s like to be in this stage of life — especially for those navigating neurodiversity, developmental delays, or high-energy personalities. 📅 When: Monday, Wednesday, Thursday from 12–3 PM 💵 Cost: $50/month per child for unlimited visits 👶 Who: All children 4 and under and their caregivers — all abilities welcome This isn’t just indoor play. It’s a chance to get out of the house, release some energy, and enjoy a community that gets it. Why It Matters For many families — especially those caring for children with medical complexities or unique support needs — finding safe, supportive, and judgment-free spaces can be hard. Extraordinary Stay & Play changes that. We’ve created a warm, welcoming environment where children can move at their own pace, caregivers can breathe, and connection can grow — both on the mats and in the moments between. It’s not a therapy session or a baby program. It’s real, joyful play that supports healthy development and builds emotional and social confidence in a way that home routines simply can’t. And sometimes, the most powerful growth is in the little things — like a high-five from a new friend or a smile from a fellow parent who just gets it. Meet Hunter: From Escape Artist to Preschool-Ready When Hunter first joined our Extraordinary Athletes program, he had one goal: find the lights and turn them on. Fast. Known lovingly as our “escape artist,” Hunter had big energy — and a big heart. For his mom, Jacklyn it was the first place he could be completely himself. “This is the only day I don’t have to tell him ‘no.’ We would come here every day if we could.” With time, guidance, and lots of movement, Hunter started making friends, sharing equipment, and gaining the confidence to try new things. He’s now in preschool, thriving socially and emotionally — and he happily attends our Extraordinary Athletes class each week. Hunter is a reminder that with the right environment, every child can thrive. A Parent’s Perspective: Don’t Miss the Joy We often see something magical happen in these classes — not just with the kids, but with the parents. One recent moment says it all: a young athlete who had only been with us a few sessions noticed his parents mid-conversation with other adults and, without hesitation, turned around and headed in for another Extraordinary Athletes session on his own. No prompt. No nudge. Just joy. That confidence — that feeling of this is my place — is exactly what we hope to build. Parents often tell us: ✔️ “I didn’t know this kind of place existed.” ✔️ “This is the only place my child is truly free.” ✔️ “Here, I get to connect with other parents who understand.” In a world where so many families feel isolated or judged, Stay & Play is a space of encouragement and belonging — for the kids, and just as much for the grownups raising them. Inclusion Means Everyone Extraordinary Stay & Play isn’t just for one type of child or one kind of family. It’s for: The child who needs to move The parent craving community The toddler working through motor or social development The caregiver who just wants a place to be with no pressure The kid who’s high-energy, quiet, cautious, curious, or everything all at once This program is here to support the whole family, in whatever stage you’re in — with no labels, no expectations, and all the joy. Come Move With Us Looking for a place where your child can explore safely, socialize freely, and feel like they belong? Extraordinary Stay & Play might be just what you’ve been searching for. Come visit. Bring your little one. Chat with another parent. Stay and play — as often as you like. ✨ Because early childhood should be full of movement, connection, and joy — for every child, and every caregiver. And we’d love to welcome you to our community

Discover how Momentum Athletic Center’s Extraordinary Athletes program in Parker, CO helps children with autism and developmental needs thrive through movement, gymnastics, and sensory-friendly coaching.

Discover how the Extraordinary Athletes program at Momentum Athletic Center in Parker, CO supports emotional regulation, social growth, and confidence-building for neurodiverse children through inclusive gymnastics and movement-based classes.

This is Elliott. She is the daughter of an EI provider. Elliott was very apprehensive about joining in the class. This was her first experience doing an activity separate from her mom and her grandma who cares for her during the week. Elliott was all tears the first class and mom held her and would put her down all while encouraging her to take part in the class. After all, mom is a Developmental Interventionist and knows the importance of being able to separate from mom and the confidence that builds in a child. The second class I held her the whole time and we walked around the class tearful and talking and intermittently trying the equipment. The third time, she entered with tears which soon dissipated, and she took part in everything! Elliott is a fun, enthusiastic athlete who tries everything and she has a supportive and very happy mom!

This is Mekayla. She entered the program and was disengaged socially. She didn't have body and spatial awareness and had to be monitored very closely. She is now fully engaged with all the equipment and coaches and does not need close supervision at all! She navigates all the stations and equipment with little supervision. She is smiling through the class, and is very brave and does all the equipment and is willing to try new things!

Preschool gymnastics is an amazing way for kids to develop their physical abilities and fitness. One of the most exciting parts of preschool gymnastics is the vault “event”, where preschool gymnasts can showcase their strength, coordination, and balance by running, jumping, and landing on a springboard. In preschool, we use a smaller springboard but the concept is the same – train the brain and body and develop confidence and a love for gymnastics that will carry them through the event as they grow.

Do you remember the thrill of standing on your head as a child, seeing the world from a completely new perspective? Do you recall the thrill of running full tilt, turning cartwheels across the grass, or the pride that swelled in your chest when you finally mastered that backflip on the trampoline? At Momentum Athletic Center, we have a program that invites your children to experience these delights and so much more.