Honestly, I have no idea how to describe Urban Monkeys. It's not a gym, it isn't really a yoga studio, I wouldn't call it a spa, and it's certainly not a daycare, yet it combines elements of all of these.

It's one big beautiful space in South Lake Union where you can talk with a nutritionist, practice Asana Yoga, get your nails done, and enroll your little ones in a movement class--and that's just for starters. Every time I think I've figured out all they have to offer, I discover one more thing. They have open gym for the monkeys (as they call kids), they have adult nutrition classes on subjects as diverse as letting go of emotional eating and digestive wellness, they have personal trainers. It's the kind of place where you might be tempted to just move the entire family in and let them take care of you for a week or two. Except I don't think they offer that.

You can drop-in or buy a quarterly package membership that allows you to enjoy a set amount of services each month. There are kid packages, adult packages and family packages, with three different levels of each. For example, if you choose the family wellness package at the basic level you will receive one kids' class, unlimited open gym for kids, one nutrition class a month, two one-on-one nutritional consults per quarter, two half-hour spa treatments per month, and oh yeah, that exercise thing everybody says is so good for you. There are so many differnt combinations and services to choose from that if you can't find something that is perfect for you, I just think you're being difficult on purpose and might need a time-out (or maybe a massage).

It's no surprise to me that Urban Monkeys was founded by two moms (Gina Hadley and Jeanna Peterson). They obviously get what modern parents want: activities and services that really engage the whole family. If you've got little ones under seven, I don't see how you can possibly resist the call of the wild in their urban jungle and oasis.

Urban Monkeys
www.urbanmonkeys.com
1124 Harrison Street, Seattle
for more info call 206.262.9282 or
email: info@urbanmonkeys.com

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