Issue link: https://www.epageflip.net/i/695013
18 KIDS BAY AREA NEWS GROUP BABY A first impression "Theygrowupsofast" is one of the most overused expressions for a reason: It's true. And before you know it, your "baby" will be pushing your wheelchair. But before that day comes, make sure to cherish every step along the way. There's no better place to do that than at Brushstrokes Studio in Berkeley, where you can have your baby's footprints and handprints imprinted into clay or onto a piece of pottery for a beautiful memento. BrushstrokesStudios is at 745 Page St. For details call, 510-528-1360. Monsters of folk Your little one doesn't have to be Peter, Paul or Mary to have a good time here. Little Folkies is an engaging, educational class that mixes movement with music while teaching little ones about pitch, rhythm and other fundamentals. The class is aimed at kids ranging from babies to 5-year- olds and their parents. You never know — your baby might grow up to be the next Joan Baez. Classes are held in several Bay Area locations. For details, go to www.littlefolkies.com. Get rhythm Baby Einstein may not make your kid grow up to become a genius, but it's undeniable that music enriches the lives of children. And there's no better way to introduce your little one to music than through Music Together. In a relaxed and playful environment, kids from birth to kindergarten, joined by their caregivers, are immersed in melody and rhythm, fostering creativity, self- expression and other tools that will last a lifetime. Classes are held in the East Bay. For details, call 510-848-7464. Seeking serenity If you're in the East Bay and want to get away from it all but don't want to travel too far, look no further than Blake Garden in Kensington. The garden is home to many plants and critters and is used for projects by UC Berkeley students, most of them in the landscape architecture and environmental planning programs. Best of all, it is the perfect destination for an outing where you and the baby can get in touch with nature together while soaking in the natural splendor. Blake Garden is at 70 Rincon Road. For details, go to http:// blakegarden.ced.berkeley.edu. Making a splash Think you have a future Michael Phelps (sans the scandals) on your hands? Head to AquaTech Swim School, with locations in Alameda (2203 Mariner Square Loop) and Concord (1220 Diamond Way, Suite 110), where little ones as young as 6 months can take lessons. The Tadpole level helps babies and toddlers, joined by their parents or caregivers, begin to develop skills in the water at an early age. For details, go to www. aquatechswim.com. Outandabout BY TOR HAUGAN ARIC CRABB