Like pocket watches, energetic kids must be wound up every morning in order for their moods—hungry, confused, or asleep—to tell you what time it is.

Ensure that the little hands point in the right direction with today's Groupon at Kids First Sports Center, located on East Kemper Road. Choose between the following options:

• For $65, you get up to 10 weeks of classes at Starfish Swim School (up to a $164 value).
• For $75, you get up to 10 weeks of Gym Jam gymnastics (a $183 value).

Kids First wins the award for best gymnastics facility from Cincinnati Family Magazine, thanks in part to its policy of prioritizing individual achievement and fun over cutthroat competition. Two and a half acres of gym, sports, and pool space keep underage muscles and minds engaged in a variety of activities, and comfortable viewing areas let parents watch the unbridled giggle fits of their fledgling Mark Spitzes and Nadia Comanecis. Three to four feet of 90-degree water in Kids First's custom-designed pool provides a familiar womblike atmosphere during swim lessons. Caring instructors present a simple, logical curriculum with which parents can follow along, emphasizing achievements rather than defined skill levels. A variety of available class times accommodates most schedules, and ages go from 3 months up.

Junior tumblers can roll into one of two giant gymnasiums for gymnastics training based on the U.S.A. Gymnastics Junior Olympic program. Classes aim to enhance conditioning and flexibility in a noncompetitive, achievement-oriented atmosphere. Girls and boys are grouped separately with age groups starting at first grade. Kids should sport comfortable clothing such as leotards, shorts and T-shirts, or bubble-wrap overalls.