Press Release

World's Premier Children's Enrichment Franchise Opens Milestone Gym in Waco, Texas

June 25, 2018 // Franchising.com // SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. - The Little Gym International, the world's premier children’s enrichment and development franchise that offers movement-based learning and imaginative play for children ages four months through 12 years, announces the opening of its milestone 400th location today in Waco, Texas. Since opening the first The Little Gym in 1976, the children's franchise continues to deliver on its promise of Serious Fun and serving as a springboard to life's adventures.

“It's incredibly fulfilling to see families benefit from our programs while our franchisees achieve their dreams,” said Alex Bingham, President and CEO of The Little Gym International. “In the 26 years since The Little Gym began franchising, we have experienced plenty of joys and challenges that come with building an iconic brand. With the opening of our 400th location, we feel exceptionally rewarded and humbled that our concept is embraced the world over.”

An innovative educator, musician and kinesiologist, The Little Gym Founder Robin Wes envisioned a nurturing place where children could explore their physical development while also growing socially, emotionally and intellectually. He opened the first The Little Gym in 1976 in Bellevue, Washington, and infused those early classes with the same positive, noncompetitive spirit that characterizes The Little Gym today.

The company began franchising in 1992 and today embraces a philosophy of “Three-Dimensional Learning”:

• Get Moving!, which builds flexibility and strength and lays the groundwork for a lifetime of healthy activity
• Brain Boost!, which fosters listening skills, sustained concentration and decision-making to stretch the mind and develop a love of learning
• Citizen Kid, which promotes sharing, teamwork, listening and leadership - all valuable tools to help kids grow into well-adjusted, well-rounded citizens of the world

“Over the years, The Little Gym program has evolved as a result of a desire to continually improve the quality and value for parents and children,” said Bingham. “While the core purpose and foundation of the program has remained the same, we consistently push ourselves to enhance the program through smart, calculated adjustments to meet kids’ developmental milestones as well as parents’ wants and needs.”

Today, The Little Gym International operates in 400 locations in 32 countries, including the U.S., Canada, China, the United Kingdom, Australia and more. 

About The Little Gym

The Little Gym is an internationally recognized program that helps children build the developmental skills and confidence needed at each stage of childhood. The very first location was established in 1976 by Robin Wes, an innovative educator with a genuine love for children. The Little Gym International, Inc., headquartered in Scottsdale, Ariz., was formed in 1992 to franchise The Little Gym concept. Today, The Little Gym International has 400 locations in 32 countries.