Best Gym Memberships for Families with Kids: The Ultimate Guide

Finding a gym that fits the whole family can be the difference between “we’ll start next month” and a sustainable, active routine. This ultimate guide walks you through what to look for, how to compare memberships, top national brands with family-friendly features, and smart ways to save—plus the safety and age-policy facts every parent should know.

Quick take:

• Look for on-site childcare, clear age policies, youth programs, pools, and flexible hours.
• Confirm costs beyond the headline rate (initiation, childcare add-ons, class fees, and cancellation).
• For young kids: YMCA and Life Time lead on programming. For school-age: add 24 Hour Fitness, LA Fitness, and select Gold’s/Crunch locations. For teens: Planet Fitness and Anytime Fitness can work where childcare isn’t needed.

Sources are linked throughout for verification.

Why family fitness matters (and what kids actually need)

• Kids 6–17 should get 60 minutes or more of moderate-to-vigorous physical activity daily, including muscle- and bone-strengthening activity 3 days per week (CDC: https://www.cdc.gov/physicalactivity/basics/children/index.htm).
• Supervised strength training is safe and beneficial for children and teens when focused on proper technique and age-appropriate loads (American Academy of Pediatrics via HealthyChildren.org: https://www.healthychildren.org/English/healthy-living/sports/Pages/Strength-Training.aspx).

Use these facts to filter gyms with real activity options for kids—not just a waiting room with toys.

What makes a gym truly family-friendly

• Clear age policies and access rules (for floor, classes, locker rooms)
• On-site childcare with check-in/out procedures and trained staff
• Youth programs (swim lessons, sports clinics, family classes)
• Pools and open swim times that align with your schedule
• Teen access options (with or without parent present)
• Flexible membership structure (family plans, add-ons, freeze policy)
• Clean facilities and family changing areas
• Transparent pricing and fees

How to choose: a simple step-by-step

1. Define your must-haves by child age
   • Infants/toddlers: on-site childcare, family locker rooms, stroller-friendly access
   • Ages 5–12: structured classes, pools, open gym time
   • Teens: access to cardio/strength floors, teen hours, beginner training
2. Map convenience
   • Proximity to home/school, parking, hours that match your routines
3. Shortlist 3–5 gyms
   • Check childcare and age policy pages; confirm at the club (policies can vary by location)
4. Tour at your real workout time
   • Observe staff ratios, cleanliness, class crowding, and kid areas
5. Test before committing
   • Use guest passes, trial weeks, or day passes
6. Compare total cost
   • Base rate + initiation + childcare + class fees + annual fees + cancellation terms
7. Negotiate and decide
   • Ask for fee waivers and month-to-month options (FTC guidance for joining gyms: https://consumer.ftc.gov/articles/joining-gym)

Top national gym options for families with kids

Note: Amenities and policies often vary by location. Always verify with your local club.

YMCA (The Y)

• Why it’s great: Family membership tiers, robust youth programs, pools, camps, and community vibe.
• Standouts: Swim lessons, sports, childcare at many locations, financial assistance at some associations.
• Considerations: Clubs are locally run; offerings, hours, and fees vary.
• Learn more: Youth development at the Y (national overview): https://www.ymca.org/what-we-do/youth-development

Life Time

• Why it’s great: Premium family focus with dedicated Kids Academy, pools, and family events.
• Standouts: Kids Academy (typically 3 months–11 years), youth classes, indoor/outdoor pools (varies by club).
• Considerations: Higher price point; program availability by location.
• Learn more: Life Time Kids & Family: https://www.lifetime.life/kids.html

24 Hour Fitness

• Why it’s great: Many locations offer Kids’ Club and broad class schedules for parents.
• Standouts: Select clubs provide short-term childcare (commonly for ages around 6 months–11 years; confirm locally).
• Considerations: Childcare availability varies; some clubs may have limited hours.
• Learn more: 24 Hour Fitness Kids’ Club overview: https://www.24hourfitness.com/about-us/kids-club

LA Fitness (including Esporta Fitness)

• Why it’s great: Widely available “Kids Klub” at many clubs and solid value.
• Standouts: On-site childcare at participating locations (often for ages ~3 months–11 years; verify at your club).
• Considerations: Childcare is typically an add-on; programming depth varies.
• Learn more: LA Fitness Kids Klub: https://www.lafitness.com/Pages/KidsKlub.aspx

Gold’s Gym

• Why it’s great: Many franchises offer Kids Club and family-friendly class schedules.
• Standouts: Childcare at participating locations; strong strength/cardio floors for parents.
• Considerations: Franchise variability is high—confirm childcare, hours, and fees.
• Learn more: Gold’s amenities (check for Kids Club at your location): https://www.goldsgym.com/amenities/

Crunch Fitness

• Why it’s great: Budget-friendly with fun programming; some clubs offer babysitting.
• Standouts: Kid’s Crunch babysitting at participating gyms; lively class scene for parents.
• Considerations: Not universal; verify onsite childcare and age rules.
• Learn more: Crunch Kids’ amenities (availability varies): https://www.crunch.com/amenities

Planet Fitness

• Why it’s great: Low-cost option for families with older teens; simple equipment access.
• Standouts: Teens can join starting at 13 with parental consent; clear minor policies.
• Considerations: No childcare; limited group programming; lunk-alarm culture may not fit all.
• Learn more: PF age policy in FAQs (minors): https://www.planetfitness.com/about-planet-fitness/faq

Anytime Fitness

• Why it’s great: 24/7 access and global network—good for busy families with older kids.
• Standouts: Teens can often join with parent/guardian consent; convenient small-footprint clubs.
• Considerations: Typically no childcare; minor access limited to staffed hours at many locations.
• Learn more: Anytime Fitness FAQ (minors/membership basics): https://www.anytimefitness.com/faq/

Also consider: Community recreation centers

• Why they’re great: Pools, courts, youth leagues, camps, and family pricing through your city/county.
• Considerations: Hours may be shorter; strength/cardio areas vary in size.
• Tip: Search “[your city] recreation center family membership” and compare program guides.

Age policies you should check (before you sign)

• Minimum age to enter the gym without a parent
• Rules for minors on the strength/cardio floor
• Supervision requirements (e.g., ages 13–14 must be accompanied)
• Access to group classes by age
• Locker room and family changing room policies
• Childcare age range, time limits per visit, and reservation rules

Examples to verify:

• Planet Fitness: Members 13–14 generally must be accompanied; 15–17 may work out independently with a parent/guardian’s signed waiver (PF FAQ: https://www.planetfitness.com/about-planet-fitness/faq).
• Anytime Fitness: Minors can typically join with parent/guardian; access may be restricted to staffed hours (AF FAQ: https://www.anytimefitness.com/faq/).
• Life Time, LA Fitness, 24 Hour Fitness: Childcare age ranges and hours vary by club—confirm locally (see brand links above).

Childcare vs. kids’ programming: know the difference

• Childcare (Kids’ Club/Kids Klub): Short-term, supervised care while a parent is in the facility; usually play-based. Time limits and ages apply (commonly infants to ~11 years). Availability and ages vary by brand/location (e.g., 24 Hour Fitness: https://www.24hourfitness.com/about-us/kids-club; LA Fitness: https://www.lafitness.com/Pages/KidsKlub.aspx).
• Kids’ programming: Structured classes or lessons (swim, sports, dance, youth fitness). Often requires registration and may have added fees (YMCA: https://www.ymca.org/what-we-do/youth-development; Life Time: https://www.lifetime.life/kids.html).

Pools and aquatics: family favorites

• Look for family swim hours, separate lap lanes, and availability of lessons.
• Ask about life jackets, swim test policies, and ratio of lifeguards to swimmers.
• For younger kids, zero-entry pools and warm-water therapy pools are a plus.

Safety and health essentials for kids at the gym

• Youth strength training should emphasize technique, controlled progression, and supervision (AAP/HealthyChildren: https://www.healthychildren.org/English/healthy-living/sports/Pages/Strength-Training.aspx).
• Kids and teens should accumulate at least 60 minutes of moderate-to-vigorous activity daily (CDC: https://www.cdc.gov/physicalactivity/basics/children/index.htm).
• Check staff training, emergency procedures, and whether childcare rooms have secure check-in/out.

Cost: how to build a realistic family budget

Expect these components:

• Initiation or enrollment fee
• Monthly dues (individual vs. couple vs. family plan)
• Childcare add-on (flat monthly or per-visit)
• Program fees (swim lessons, camps, youth classes)
• Annual or maintenance fee
• Guest passes
• Cancellation or early-termination costs

Smart-shopping tips (FTC guidance):

• Visit at the times you plan to use the gym to see crowding and childcare availability.
• Ask for a free trial or day pass before you sign.
• Read the contract carefully and get all promises in writing (FTC: https://consumer.ftc.gov/articles/joining-gym).

Tax note: Gym memberships are generally not qualified medical expenses for HSAs/FSAs under IRS rules (see IRS Publication 502: https://www.irs.gov/publications/p502).

Best picks by family scenario

• Families with infants/toddlers
  • Top picks: Life Time, YMCA, LA Fitness/24 Hour Fitness (if childcare available)
  • Why: On-site childcare, family changing rooms, stroller-friendly access
• Families with elementary-age kids (5–12)
  • Top picks: YMCA, Life Time, select Gold’s/Crunch locations
  • Why: Strong youth programs, swim lessons, sports clinics
• Families with teens (13+)
  • Top picks: Planet Fitness, Anytime Fitness, 24 Hour Fitness, Life Time
  • Why: Clear teen policies; intro training; large equipment floors

Questions to ask on your tour

• Childcare
  • What ages are accepted? Time limits? Reservation needed?
  • Staff qualifications and ratios? Illness policy? Emergency procedures?
• Access and age rules
  • What can my 10-year-old do? My 14-year-old? Are there teen-only hours?
  • Family locker room availability?
• Programs and schedules
  • When are family swim and youth classes? Seasonal programs?
• Pricing and terms
  • What’s the full monthly cost for my family including childcare and program fees?
  • Are initiation/annual fees discounted or waived? Month-to-month options?
  • Freeze policy for vacations or medical reasons?

Try-before-you-buy: a smart mini-plan

• Weekday evening visit (your typical busy time)
• Weekend morning visit
• Book childcare once and attend a class once
• Try one kids’ program (swim, youth fitness, or sports)
• Check commute time door-to-door with kids

Simple cost calculator you can copy

• Base family dues: $____/month
• Childcare add-on (flat or per-visit x expected visits): $____/month
• Youth program fees (average across the year): $____/month
• Annual/maintenance fee amortized monthly: $____/month
• Estimated total monthly cost: $____/month

Frequently asked questions

Q: What age can my child start strength training? A: With proper supervision and technique, children can safely begin resistance training when they can follow directions—often around 7–8 years old for basic bodyweight and light resistance work (AAP/HealthyChildren: https://www.healthychildren.org/English/healthy-living/sports/Pages/Strength-Training.aspx).

Q: How much activity do kids need? A: Children and adolescents 6–17 should get 60+ minutes of moderate-to-vigorous activity daily, including muscle- and bone-strengthening activities at least 3 days/week (CDC: https://www.cdc.gov/physicalactivity/basics/children/index.htm).

Q: Can I pay for a gym membership with my HSA/FSA? A: Generally no. Health club dues are not qualified medical expenses under IRS Publication 502 (https://www.irs.gov/publications/p502).

Q: Do all big chains offer childcare? A: No. Examples: Planet Fitness does not offer childcare (see PF FAQ: https://www.planetfitness.com/about-planet-fitness/faq). Many LA Fitness, 24 Hour Fitness, Gold’s, and Crunch locations do, but availability, ages, and fees vary by club. Always confirm locally (brand links above).

Q: What’s the best “value” for families? A: YMCA often offers the most youth programming per dollar and community benefits; Life Time delivers the most comprehensive premium family experience; for budget chains, look for clubs with on-site childcare and confirm teen policies to ensure real family access.

Bottom line

The best family gym membership is the one your family will actually use—regularly. Start with age-appropriate access and childcare, confirm real schedules and programs that fit your week, verify total costs, and test before you commit. With the right fit, your membership becomes a practical, fun routine that gets every family member moving.