The best gyms with childcare include YMCA, Life Time Fitness, Equinox, LA Fitness, Gold’s Gym, 24 Hour Fitness, and Chuze Fitness—offering safe, convenient child care for ages as young as 6 weeks up to 13 years, with costs starting as low as $16/month. Finding a gym with reliable childcare can make your fitness journey easier and less stressful, especially for busy parents. Understanding your options is crucial to ensuring your kids are safe, entertained, and well-cared for while you work out.
This guide covers the leading national and regional gyms offering childcare, including age ranges, exact fees, hours, and unique perks, so you can confidently choose the right fit for your family.
For full details on each gym’s current childcare policies, visit their official membership or family services pages.
Why Choose a Gym with Childcare?
Benefits at a Glance
- Peace of Mind: Staff are typically CPR/first aid certified and background-checked.
- Convenience: Flexible hours and session booking options.
- Structured Play: Many gyms offer educational games, crafts, or sports.
- Socialization: Kids meet and interact with peers in a supervised environment.
Pro tip: Always confirm your location’s specific childcare policies and availability, as offerings and ages may vary by club or city.
1. YMCA Childcare (Best Overall for Families)
Why Parents Love It
The YMCA is known for safe, affordable, and inclusive childcare starting as young as 6 weeks old, up to 12 years at most locations.
- Cost: Family membership typically $90–$120/month (childcare included)
- Ages: 6 weeks – 10/12 years
- Time Limit: Usually up to 2 hours/day
- Features: Creative activities, games, learning time, and sometimes after-school or holiday programs
- Website: Find your local YMCA
Recent update (2025): Many YMCAs have expanded hours and improved security for childcare check-in/out.
2. Life Time Fitness Child Center (Premium Experience)
Life Time Fitness offers a luxurious Family Child Center with childcare included for ages 3 months to 11 years.
- Cost: Membership starts at ~$169/month (childcare included for 2–2.5 hrs/day)
- Ages: 3 months – 11 years
- Features: Crafts, team play, music, STEM classes, camps, and summer programming
- Note: Some clubs require pre-registration for infants/toddlers
- Website: Life Time Kids Programs
Tip: Check your location for specialty youth classes or camps.
3. Equinox Kids Club (Luxury & Learning)
Equinox offers a luxury “Kids Club” with structured play, crafts, and enrichment for infants to age 10.
- Cost: Membership from ~$176/month (club only) or $280+/month (all clubs); childcare often incurs additional per-visit fees
- Ages: Infants – 10 years
- Perks: Scheduled activities, gymnastics, art, and storytime; slot booking required
- Website: Equinox Club Amenities
2025 Update: Enhanced online reservation system for Kids Club slots.
4. LA Fitness Kids Klub (Affordable & Accessible)
LA Fitness offers flexible, affordable childcare with broad age access at most locations.
- Cost: Membership starts at ~$35/month; Kids Klub is ~$10–$15/month extra or $5 per visit
- Ages: 3 months – 11 years
- Hours: Vary by location, often mornings and evenings
- Website: LA Fitness Kids Klub Info
Advice: Some locations have recently extended weekend hours.
5. Gold’s Gym Kids Club (Great for Older Kids)
Gold’s Gym offers play-based childcare for kids up to 11 years, with educational games and homework help.
- Cost: Membership ~$40/month; some clubs include childcare, others charge a small extra fee
- Ages: Up to 11 years
- Features: Play areas, homework help, active play, and crafts
- Website: Gold’s Gym Kids Club
Check: Each location’s offerings may differ.
6. 24 Hour Fitness Kids’ Club (Flexible Hours)
24 Hour Fitness makes it easy to work out with kids, offering childcare for a broad age range and flexible payment.
- Cost: Membership + $5–$25/month for childcare (varies by location)
- Ages: 6 months – 11 years
- Hours: Often covers early morning to late evening
- Website: 24 Hour Fitness Child Care
Note: Confirm Kids’ Club availability as not all locations offer this service.
7. Chuze Fitness Kids Club (Budget-Friendly & Fun)
Chuze Fitness stands out for affordability and fun, colorful Kids Club play spaces.
- Cost: Membership from $16/month; Kids Club included or small add-on
- Ages: 6 months – 12 years
- Features: Mini cinema, crafts, basketball, interactive play
- Website: Chuze Fitness Kids Club
Family Favorite: Great staff-to-child ratio and vibrant atmosphere.
Other Noteworthy Gyms with Childcare
- Crunch Fitness: Select Signature clubs offer childcare up to 13 years; fees and hours vary.
- OneLife Fitness: $43–$53/month plus $17 add-on for unlimited childcare, mornings/afternoons only.
- Youfit: Budget chain, $10–$15/month plus flat childcare fee, up to age 13.
Common Questions & Tips
How much does gym childcare cost?
- Most range from $0 (included) up to $25/month extra; pay-per-visit options average $5–$10/session.
What ages are accepted?
- Infants as young as 6 weeks (YMCA); most gyms cap at 11–13 years.
Is staff certified?
- Reputable gyms require CPR/first aid training and background checks.
Can I book childcare in advance?
- Luxury gyms (Life Time, Equinox) and some local gyms offer booking via app or member portal.
What if my child has special needs?
- Always discuss individual requirements with staff. Many gyms are inclusive, but some accommodations may need to be arranged in advance.
Any recent policy changes?
- 2024–2025: Many gyms have increased security, improved sign-in/out procedures, and added new enrichment activities.
Comparison Table: Top Gyms with Childcare
| Gym | Age Range | Included? | Add-on Cost | Key Features | Website |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| YMCA | 6w–12y | Yes | $0 | Learning, activities | ymca.net |
| Life Time | 3m–11y | Yes | $0 | Camps, STEM, fitness | lifetime.life |
| Equinox | Infant–10y | Often extra | Varies | Luxury, enrichment | equinox.com |
| LA Fitness | 3m–11y | No | $10–15/mo | Flexible, affordable | lafitness.com |
| Gold’s Gym | Up to 11y | Some clubs | Varies | Play, homework help | goldsgym.com |
| 24 Hour Fitness | 6m–11y | No | $5–25/mo | Long hours, access | 24hourfitness.com |
| Chuze Fitness | 6m–12y | Some clubs | $0–$8/mo | Budget, fun, crafts | chuzefitness.com |
Always check with your local gym for current hours, ages, fees, and availability!
Conclusion
Finding the right gym with childcare means more “me time” for parents, plus safe, enriching play for kids. Whether you want premium perks (Life Time, Equinox), affordable access (YMCA, Chuze), or flexible schedules (24 Hour Fitness), there’s an option that fits your family’s needs and budget.