#USA #Dallas #Unleashed Brands #The Little Gym #Tummy Timers

The Little Gym Achieves New Heights in Franchise Rankings

In an impressive display of growth and innovation, The Little Gym has ascended to the No. 125 position on Entrepreneur magazine's annual Franchise 500® list. This marks a notable leap of 73 spots from its previous year's ranking, underscoring the brand’s dedication to enriching children’s physical development and social skills. For seven consecutive years, The Little Gym has earned its place on this highly regarded list, making it a prominent competitor in the youth enrichment franchise sector.

This year’s recognition follows The Little Gym's significant expansion across the United States, which included the opening of 44 new locations in key markets. Major growth was seen particularly in established areas such as Chicago and new markets like Canada, signaling a robust demand for children's enrichment programs. In addition, the company successfully signed 74 new franchise agreements in 2025, showcasing a flourishing interest among entrepreneurs looking to make a positive impact within their communities.

The milestone achievements of The Little Gym were not solely confined to numbers; they also reflect a deep connection with families, engaged through various milestone events and a comprehensive array of programs. With over 150,000 active members participating in classes and events, including more than 15,000 birthday celebrations, the center has become a vital part of many families' lives. This record engagement highlights the effectiveness and appeal of their unique approach to childhood development.

In conjunction with its notable franchise accomplishments, The Little Gym also earned recognition from Franchise Times, landing on their Top 400 list for global systemwide sales—a testament to its financial strength and brand stability.

Looking forward to 2026, The Little Gym plans to continue building on its momentum with the exciting launch of a new program known as Tummy Timers, designed specifically for infants aged one to three months. This initiative reflects The Little Gym’s commitment to broadening its developmental offerings and supporting parents in fostering their children's growth from their earliest days.

Brand President Samantha Musonda expressed pride in the 2025 achievements, stating, "Being recognized on Entrepreneur's Franchise 500® is a powerful validation of the work our team and franchise owners have accomplished together. We experienced tremendous growth, from expanding our footprint to serving more families and enhancing the support systems for our franchisees."

The Little Gym, founded in 1976 by Robin Wes, has been on a mission to teach children essential skills through three-dimensional learning—physical activity, cognitive skills, and social-emotional learning. Nearly 400 locations in over 31 countries deliver programs designed to help children experience achievement and build self-confidence, with a focus on laying the foundation for future success.

For those interested in exploring franchise opportunities or learning more about The Little Gym, additional information can be found at The Little Gym Franchise.

To view the complete Franchise 500 ranking, visit Entrepreneur, with results published in the January/February 2026 issue of the magazine available in stores starting January 13, 2026.