503-249-5867
portland gymnastics

Inspiring Children Through Gymnastics

Our Philosophy

The Children’s Gym is a Portland children’s gymnastics gym, offering gymnastics classes and camps for kids of all ages. Our motto is “Inspiring Children for a Lifetime!” and that pretty much says it all. Inspiring children is what we strive to do. We want every child who comes through our doors to leave feeling happy about life, proud of themselves, and excited for next time!

Unlike competitive programs that focus on skill level alone, our focus is to build self-esteem and encourage positive group interaction in a non-competitive environment. Students are not competing with each other, but are striving for self-improvement. This is made possible with excellent coaches and teachers, small student-teacher ratios, and detailed lesson planning.

Our coaches and teachers use hands-on spotting and interaction. They combine this with the guided independent work from students to create a mentally and physically challenging class that instills confidence, enthusiasm, and fitness. Our staff members infuse safety with creativity, respect with kindness, and clear expectations with positively delivered discipline.

 

Our Front Desk Hours: 

Monday – Friday:
9:00am – 4:00pm

Saturday-Sunday:
CLOSED

*Please note that due to limited staffing office staff may not be available during desk hours. 

childrens gym meet the team
childrens gym join the team

Our Portland Children’s Gymnastics History

Traci Criswell was a young girl when her parents first signed her up for gymnastics class. It didn’t take long for her to develop a love for the sport, and what would turn out to be an unbreakable bond with gymnastics. Traci trained in gymnastics for many years, and when she was seventeen, began coaching at the Oregon Athletic Club. It was during this time that she, along with her mentor, developed a brand new gymnastics program specifically designed for the developmental intricacies of pre-school age gymnastics. The program flourished! When Traci assumed ownership of the program in 1984, The Children’s Gym was born.

The Children’s Gym spent the youth of its existence at 43rd and Sandy. In 2010, Traci and The Children’s Gym team made the decision to move the business to a bigger facility. One frenzied week of everyone packing and moving gymnastics equipment 26 blocks down to the new building, and the new Children’s Gym was open for business!

“It is important to me that The Children’s Gym provides great services that children love and parents value. We endlessly enjoy what we do. We want to make sure that we are always offering the very best of activities and programs to our wonderful families.” –Traci Criswell, Founder & Owner

The new 12,000 square foot facility allowed The Children’s Gym to undertake dreams that had been stashed away for many years. Traci and the team had waited for a space that could accommodate them, including the introduction and expansion of Portland gymnastics programs like the After School Care Program, Birthday Parties, Camps, Dance Classes, Music Classes, Preschool, and more!

history of the childrens gym

What Started With One Woman’s Passion for Coaching Gymnastics Has Grown Into So Much More.

The Children’s Gym is now a multi-sport facility ran by a team of skilled and enthusiastic individuals, each with their own passions and dreams. They all share a desire to create a place where children can grow, learn, and be inspired for a lifetime, all while promoting health through physical and mental activity! They have helped The Children’s Gym grow into the amazing fitness center that it is today, and they are all working hard to bring about an even better tomorrow! Your kiddo will love our Portland gymnastics facility!

Businesses Within The Children’s Gym

childrens gym irish dance company

Oregon Irish Dance Academy

Oregon Irish Dance Academy offers non-competitive Irish dancing classes, camps, and events for all ages inside The Children’s Gym, and other locations across Oregon. They are distinguished by their positive teaching philosophy, passionate instructors, and non-competitive structure. Every prospective dancer can also sign up for a free trial class!

keys to life music

Keys to Life Music School

Keys to Life Music School is located inside The Children’s Gym and offers music instruction for all ages in all genres. Classes include private instructions in piano, guitar, voice, drums, and more. They also offer group piano lessons for children ages 6-8, an introduction to music class for preschoolers, and rock band for kids 5 and up!
“My girls used to be so shy and reserved. I was worried about all the things they were missing out on when I wasn’t there to help them. When I signed them up for classes at The Children’s Gym, I was shocked weeks later when I noticed for the first time how things had changed! They are now confident in themselves, ready to speak up and voice their creative ideas and to interact with new friends. Their coaches made that happen. Thank you, TCG!” – Debbie, Current Parent

The Children's Gym

1625 NE Sandy Blvd
Portland, OR 97232

503-249-5867
Email Us

Tax ID Number: 93-1138293

Keep Up with the Latest

usa gymnastics member club
usa gymnastics member club