Thursday 9 July, 2026
The rise of technology has drastically changed the landscape of childhood, with screens now playing a prominent role in family life. However, as Gymboree Play & Music celebrates its 50th anniversary this year, families across the UK are proving that the fundamental benefits of play remain unchanged.
Recent research has highlighted concerns around children’s screen use, and studies show that parents are spending less time playing with their young children than they were just a few years ago. In light of these concerns, families are recognizing the value of creating opportunities to learn, connect, and have fun together through play.
From Hampstead to Solihull and Putney, families are sharing their stories of how Gymboree Play & Music has become an integral part of their family lives over many years. Through Gymboree Play & Music, successive generations have built confidence, curiosity, and creativity through play.
For Zakiyah, a mother from Hampstead, Gymboree Play & Music holds a special place in her heart as her mother, Amina, taught at the Hampstead center in the early 2000s. Zakiyah herself attended classes as a child and is now back at the same center with her 11-month-old son, Hadid. “Gymboree Play & Music has been a part of my family’s story for many years. I still remember having my name sticker put on at the start of each class and celebrating my fourth birthday there. It’s amazing that some of those little traditions are still part of the experience today,” says Zakiyah.
In Solihull, Emma and Chris Penn have made Gymboree Play & Music a part of their family life for over ten years, bringing all four of their children to classes. “As parents, you try lots of different activities, but Gymboree Play & Music is the one thing we’ve always come back to. The classes create dedicated time to have fun together, build confidence, and make special memories. It’s been so much more than a weekly class. It’s become part of our family’s story,” says Emma.
Jane Goldstein’s connection to Gymboree Play & Music spans over a decade, starting when she brought her twins, Sam and Leah, to classes in 2010. Today, she enjoys classes with her grandchild at the Solihull center. “Watching a new generation discover, explore, and build confidence through the classes has been a real joy, and it’s wonderful to know that Gymboree Play & Music is still creating those same special memories for families today,” says Jane.
For nanny Melanie Wenham, Gymboree Play & Music has been a constant throughout her 20 years of caring for young children. “Across all those years, one thing has never changed – the welcoming atmosphere, the fantastic teachers, and the way the classes help children learn, grow, and build confidence through play. Even during lockdown, the online classes helped keep that sense of fun and routine going,” says Melanie.
These stories reflect a growing trend of families seeking opportunities to balance digital lifestyles with active, face-to-face experiences that promote communication, creativity, and meaningful shared experiences.
Arleta Darusalam, UK Franchisor for Gymboree Play & Music, says, “Perhaps the greatest testament to the power of play is the number of families who continue to make Gymboree Play & Music part of their family lives over many years. Those stories are a powerful reminder that while childhood may have changed, the importance of play has not. For 50 years, Gymboree Play & Music has helped families learn, grow, and create lasting memories through play, and today that role feels just as important as ever.”
As Gymboree Play & Music celebrates its 50th anniversary, the organization is reflecting on the role it has played in family life over the past five decades. Throughout June and July, centers across the UK will be hosting special anniversary celebrations featuring Gymbo, the much-loved Gymboree Play & Music mascot who was first introduced in 1985. These events will bring together families past and present to celebrate five decades of learning, laughter, and connection.
