Frequently Asked Questions

About ZenHippo & Choosing a Class

  • ZenHippo offers classes and experiences for children from approximately 6 weeks through 5 years old, with each program thoughtfully designed for a specific developmental stage. Age recommendations are listed with each class description.

  • Our studio and shop are located at 485 7th Street in the NORA District of West Palm Beach, Florida. We also offer select programs at outdoor and community locations, including Pan’s Garden in Palm Beach and the Ann Norton Sculpture Gardens in West Palm Beach.

  • Start with your child’s age and your family’s interests. Each ZenHippo class offers a different combination of play, movement, music, art, sensory exploration, or developmental support. Not sure where to start? Email connect@wearezenhippo.com and we’ll be happy to help you find the right fit.

  • Our youngest programs welcome babies beginning at approximately six weeks old. Please follow the guidance of your pediatrician regarding participation after birth or for any individual health considerations.

  • Our age ranges are designed to create the best experience for the children in each class, but we know development doesn’t happen on an exact timeline. If your child is close to the listed range and you’re unsure whether a class is a good fit, email connect@wearezenhippo.com and we’ll be happy to guide you.

  • Both. ZenHippo classes thoughtfully balance educator-led experiences with opportunities for independent exploration and child-led play. The balance varies by program, but our goal is always to provide enough structure to inspire children without directing every moment of their experience.

    For babies who are not yet sitting, please bring a swaddle or small blanket.

  • We want every family to feel welcome at ZenHippo. If your child would benefit from a particular accommodation or additional support, please contact us before registering. We’ll talk through the class environment and work with you to determine the best fit whenever possible.

  • Most classes are intentionally limited to approximately 10–12 children, allowing families room to explore while giving our educators the opportunity to engage meaningfully with each child.

Caregivers, Siblings, and Class Experience

  • We believe you are your child’s most important teacher. Caregivers are encouraged to participate, model engagement, and enjoy the experience alongside their child. During guided portions of class, we kindly ask that side conversations be kept to a minimum. We also encourage caregivers to give children space to explore materials, solve problems, and participate as independently as is safe and developmentally appropriate.

  • Absolutely. We welcome parents, grandparents, nannies, and other trusted caregivers. Whoever attends should be prepared to participate alongside the child and follow the guidance of the class instructor.

  • Yes. Registration includes one child and up to two adults. Parents, grandparents, nannies, and other caregivers are all welcome.

  • Babies who can remain safely in a carrier or stroller may accompany an older sibling when necessary. Older siblings who are not registered for the class generally cannot participate unless otherwise noted. If two children in the same family are age-appropriate for a class, we offer sibling’s registration for $30 by selecting “add a sibling” when registering. If you have a specific childcare situation, please contact us before class and we’ll do our best to help.

  • Of course. Babies are always welcome to nurse or bottle-feed as needed. Please make yourself comfortable and care for your baby in whatever way works best for you.

  • That’s completely okay. Young children learn through observation as well as participation. We never expect children to perform, sit still, or participate in every activity. They are welcome to observe, warm up at their own pace, and engage in ways that feel comfortable while caregivers help maintain a safe and respectful environment.

  • Big feelings are part of early childhood. You are welcome to comfort your child, step outside for a few minutes, and return when they are ready. Our educators are there to support you and your child without judgment.

Registration & Enrollment

  • Click Book Now on our website to explore current classes, workshops, events, and available registration options.

  • Not always. Many of our signature classes are offered as semester-long programs, allowing children to build confidence, familiarity, and relationships through consistent participation. We also offer select drop-ins, mini-semesters, workshops, special events, and seasonal programming throughout the year.

  • Our semester programs are intentionally designed around consistency, repetition, and connection, allowing children to become comfortable with their teachers, classmates, routines, and environment. While we do not typically offer trials for semester classes, we offer drop-in opportunities, mini-semesters, workshops, and seasonal events throughout the year for families looking for more flexibility.

  • Registration includes your child’s participation, up to two accompanying adults, and all standard class materials unless otherwise noted.

    If you miss a drop-in class, we can provide a make up with 3 days notice.

    For drop-in families, a cancellation fee will apply; however, a rescheduled drop-in will be provided.

    Email connect@wearezenhippo.com for assistance.

  • ZenHippo offers programming throughout the year, with fall, winter, and spring semesters, as well as shorter summer mini-semesters and seasonal programs. Registration dates and schedules are announced through our website, Instagram, and email list.

  • Yes. If your preferred class is full, please email connect@wearezenhippo.com to join the waitlist. If a space becomes available, we’ll contact families according to our registration and waitlist policies.

  • Yes. ZenHippo offers a limited number of memberships for families who want to make ZenHippo a regular part of their weekly rhythm. Membership includes weekly classes, drop-in opportunities, guest passes, priority registration, discounts, and additional community benefits. Please visit our Membership page for current details and availability.

    For cancellations of semester classes made outside of this window, we offer a 50% refund or we can work with your family to find another class option that better suits your schedule.

    Please contact connect@wearezenhippo.com for assistance.

Health, Safety, and Policies

  • The health of our community is important to us. Please stay home if you or your child are experiencing symptoms of illness. Semester families may use available makeups for missed classes, subject to our makeup policy and class availability. If you need to reschedule a drop-in class, please provide as much advance notice as possible. For assistance, email connect@wearezenhippo.com.

  • For outdoor classes, please refer to the rain plan provided in your welcome email. Some locations offer covered or indoor alternatives, while others may require cancellation. If a class needs to be canceled due to weather, we will notify registered families by email as early as possible and generally at least one hour before class.

  • If ZenHippo cancels a class due to weather or another unforeseen circumstance, we will provide a makeup class or another appropriate alternative. Families enrolled for the semester may use their allotted makeups for classes missed due to illness, travel, or other circumstances. Makeups are subject to availability and must be used within the applicable semester. For help scheduling a makeup, email connect@wearezenhippo.com.

  • For drop-in classes, refunds are available for cancellations made at least three days before the scheduled class. For semester programs, refunds are available for cancellations made at least two weeks before the first class of the semester. A $5 processing fee applies to refunds. Please email connect@wearezenhippo.com for assistance.

  • We know you’ll want to capture special moments. Personal photos of your own child are welcome when they do not interfere with the class experience. Please be mindful of other families’ privacy and avoid photographing or posting other children without their caregiver’s permission.

  • We occasionally capture photos and videos of classes and events for ZenHippo communications and social media. Families may opt out of having their child photographed; please let our team know your preference.

  • The safety and well-being of our children, families, and team are a priority. Please report any safety concern, hazard, unsafe condition, or incident promptly to Loren Klein, Director, at loren@wearezenhippo.com.

  • Unused merchandise in its original condition may be exchanged for another item. All merchandise sales are final; we do not offer refunds.

Before you Arrive

  • We provide all materials needed for class. For outdoor programs, we recommend bringing water, sunscreen, and a sun hat. For Sunshine Yoga, please bring a yoga mat. For babies who are not yet sitting independently, we recommend bringing a swaddle or small blanket. Any class-specific instructions will be included in your confirmation or welcome email.

  • Comfortable, play-friendly clothing is best. Many of our classes include art, sensory exploration, water, or other delightfully messy materials, so we recommend bringing a change of clothes. For especially messy or water-based play, children are welcome to participate in a bathing suit or diaper.

  • Yes. Parking is available throughout the NORA District near our studio at 485 7th Street in West Palm Beach. Please allow a few extra minutes before your first visit to park and find the studio.

  • Yes. Strollers are welcome. Please park them in the designated stroller area so entrances, walkways, and classroom spaces remain clear.

  • We recommend arriving approximately 5–10 minutes before class so you have time to settle in. To preserve the rhythm of the class and minimize disruptions for other families, please do your best to arrive on time.

  • We understand that getting out the door with little ones doesn’t always go according to plan. If you arrive late, please enter quietly and join the class in progress. Depending on the activity or class format, there may be times when very late entry cannot be accommodated.

  • To help keep our play spaces clean and comfortable for babies and young children, please follow the shoe policy posted at the studio or the guidance of your instructor upon arrival.

  • Please avoid eating in the classroom unless food is part of the class experience. If your child needs a snack before or after class, please ask our team where you may comfortably enjoy it. For the safety of our community, please be mindful of common food allergies.

Discounts, Parties, and More

  • Yes. We are pleased to offer veterans and first responders 15% off with code COMMUNITYHELPER.

  • Yes. ZenHippo regularly hosts parent education workshops, conversations, and special events featuring experts in early childhood development, feeding, wellness, parenting, and family life. Have an idea for a workshop or speaker you’d love to see at ZenHippo? Email connect@wearezenhippo.com.

  • Yes. ZenHippo offers thoughtfully designed birthday celebrations for young children, both at our studio and at select off-site locations. Visit our Parties page or contact us for current options and availability.

  • Yes. We can create private ZenHippo experiences for playgroups, parent groups, schools, community organizations, hotels, and other partners. Contact connect@wearezenhippo.com to discuss possibilities.

  • Yes. Our NORA studio includes a curated shop featuring thoughtfully selected toys, books, art materials, gifts, and care products for children and families. You’re welcome to stop in and shop during posted retail hours.

  • Join our email list and follow @wearezenhippo on Instagram for new semesters, drop-ins, workshops, community events, pop-ups, and special programming.

  • We’re happy to help. Call us at (561) 850-1079 or email connect@wearezenhippo.com.