Best National Gyms with Childcare: Rates, Hours, and Age Requirements

Being a better parent starts with taking care of your physical and mental health. Believe it or not, the benefits of regular fitness exercise go beyond just you; it’s actually a wonderful gift for your kiddos and your entire family—no matter what stage of parenthood you’re in.

If you’re already planning to get in shape and prefer hitting the gym, you might want to check out gyms and studios with on-site child sitting services.

Gym Childcare: why does it make sense?

It offers guilt-free workouts while kids have fun nearby

It’s common for parents to feel guilty about carving out time for themselves. A gym with proper daycare services can help eliminate the stress of juggling multiple responsibilities, allowing you to focus on a serious cardio workout while ensuring your tiny tots are well taken care of.

Moreover, sometimes both you and your children need a break from that house-prison. A kid-friendly gym can be your go-to as many of them have special play areas geared for children, where they can enjoy age-appropriate fun games and interact with other kids. Think about it: your little ones are having fun and staying active themselves (right nearby!), while you work out. Later, you can head home together after breaking a sweat, with plenty to share along the way.

It’s budget-friendly

Then, it’s about the budget. Care.com data for 2023 shows nanny costs averaging $3190 per month, daycare centers $1230 per month, and home daycare $992 per month. This may explain the increasing popularity of gym daycare as a short-term care option. Whether it’s through additional hourly fees or included in the membership dues, many parents still find gym childcare services to be well worth the cost compared to a typical daycare center or a nanny.

It helps you become a more involved and active parent

Wait, there might be some unexpected perks—a more consistent exercise schedule and more patient, engaged parenthood. A mom, paying just $40 a month for her gym membership, shares that her motivation to hit the fitness center every day is to have a solid 90 minutes of guilt-free “Me Time”.

Kiddos are adorable, and every moment with them is precious. But, let’s face it, being on duty 24/7 isn’t always delightful. A gym offering childcare allows you to briefly separate from your children, ensuring their safety while you get killer abs. When a fitter version of you returns to your littles, you feel more energized, patient, and better able to engage with them.

Gym Childcare: What should you consider?

Key Points	Details
Safety	– Ensure staff and sitters are qualified for trusted care.
Safety	– Maintain a reasonable ratio of children to staff.
Safety	– Cleaning and sanitizing frequency, staff/sitter qualifications, and toy condition.
Safety	– Check if tables, cabinets, and chairs in the child activity area have smooth rounded edges.
Safety	– Ensure power outlets are placed out of reach of young kids and have safety plugs installed.
Child Engagement	– Check out the gym’s child play area for age-appropriate equipment, toys, and activities.
Child Engagement	– Schedule a visit for your kids to see if they enjoy the environment.
Proximity	– Opt for a gym nearby to easily drop off kids and increase motivation for regular attendance.
Budget	– Look for all-inclusive deals or family packages for cost-effective options.
Budget	– Consider drop-in rates for occasional gym visits to save money.
Additional Considerations	– What ages are accepted?
Additional Considerations	– Are there separate playrooms for different age tiers?
Additional Considerations	– Does your membership include childcare or is it an extra cost?
Additional Considerations	– Is booking ahead required?
Additional Considerations	– Is there a daily time limit for childcare services?

Safety

This is undoubtedly the top priority. When you use its babysitting services, it means the fitness center is legally responsible for the safety of your child. This means the staff and sitters must be qualified to ensure proper supervision and care. This also involves maintaining a reasonable ratio of children to staff: the more kids there are to watch over, the more staff should be on hand to help out.

Before enrolling in daycare services, you can ask about the gym’s cleaning and sanitizing frequency, whether the staff/sitters are young kids or moms. Are the toys clean and in good condition, with no damage? The list goes on.

Child Engagement

Tip: Schedule a visit for your kiddos to check out the place and let you know if they like the vibe. You want your little adventurers to have fun while you focus on yourself. That’s why it’s crucial for the gym’s child play area to offer age-appropriate equipment, toys, and activities. This ensures that your kids not only feel comfortable but also fully entertained and engaged. Note: If the gym has enough space for kids to run, jump, tumble, and climb, especially with a sun-drenched outdoor activity area, that’s definitely a bonus!

Proximity

Being close means parents can easily drop off their kids at the gym’s child play lounge and focus on their workout. Another awesome thing is, research shows that proximity to the gym greatly bolsters motivation as it reduces the psychological barriers of travel time and energy. Therefore, choosing a gym nearby increases the likelihood of regular attendance and developing consistent exercise habits.

Budget

When it comes to making smart lifestyle choices, budget is key, and gym memberships are no different. Lots of gyms offer these awesome all-in-one deals that include childcare, and family packages are a great option for those with more than one kid. Oh, and if you’re not hitting the gym all the time, you might wanna check out the drop-in rates for childcare – they could save you some serious cash compared to monthly fees.

A few more things to consider: What ages does the fitness club accept? Are there separate rooms designated for big and little kids? Do they have any accommodations for special needs kids? Does your membership cover childcare, or is it an additional cost? What are their hours of operation( Not all gyms offer childcare all day, so make sure it aligns with your schedule)? Do you need to book ahead? Is there a daily time limit?

Gym Childcare: What are some common concerns?

Staffing

First off, gym daycare services are set up to provide limited, short-term child minding while parents are present on the premises. This means they are unlikely to have the same level of professionalism as traditional childcare providers. Some fitness studios hire young college students or inexperienced individuals to babysit, which may result in interruptions during your workout as they may not be able to change diapers or mix a bottle.

Licensing

Traditional child sitting is subject to strict operational and educational regulations. However, most gym childcare centers operate legally but without licensing, meaning they are not required to meet state government health and safety standards. Therefore, parents need to spend more time assessing whether the childcare environment is clean, and if toys and facilities are regularly disinfected.

Age Restrictions

Many gyms set an age limit for kids using their child-sitting programs: babies under 6 months are not accepted.

Which national gyms/studios have childcare?

EōS Fitness

Seeking a family-friendly gym where you can keep an eye on your kids on-screen in the open gym space? Look no further. While each location may have different minimum age requirements, EōS Fitness generally caters to kids between 6 months to 12 years old.

So, what can you expect? EōS Fitness ensures that while parents actually get moving, their kids also enjoy a great time, as they say, “EōS means serious fun for kids!” Here, your little ones might immerse themselves in games designed for children, jungle gym equipment, mini basketball courts, a kids’ movie theater, and more.

Their fees? In California, it’s $25 per child per month for unlimited use of their sitting service, while outside California, it’s $20 per month. Note that this is an additional charge on top of your membership.

• Gym Name: EōS Fitness
• Child Watch Cost:
  • In California: $25 monthly
  • Outside California: $20 monthly
• Accepted Ages: 6 months – 12 years
• Kids’ Club Hours:
  • Mon-Thu: 8 AM – 12 PM, 4 PM – 8 PM
  • Fri-Sat: 8 AM – 12 PM
  • Sun: Closed
• Basic Monthly Membership: starts at $9.99/mo

VASA Fitness

Thinking about hitting the gym but not sure who’ll watch the kids? VASA’s KIDCARE has got you covered. Childwatch is offered at 47 spots across various VASA locations.

You’ll love that their caregivers are CPR and First Aid certified. Besides, what sets VASA apart from other gyms with childcare is that they not only keep your kiddos happy and entertained but also offer activities like yoga, fun aerobic games, obstacle courses, and dance to help them burn energy and stay healthy alongside you!

To get access to VASA’s KidFit, you need to be a specific type of member: Fitness, VASA FIT, or STUDIO. They have different pricing depending on your child’s age and the number of children you have. The good news is, STUDIO members can enjoy a $15 bundling discount—potentially lowering your monthly fee from $25 to $10 for one child.

• Gym Name: VASA Fitness
• Child Watch Cost:
• Drop-In rates:
  • $5 per child (6 weeks to 2 years old)
  • $3 per child (2 years to 12 years old)
• Bundled rates:
  • $25/month for 1 child
  • $50/month for 2 children
  • $75/month for 3 children
  • $100/month for 4 children
• Accepted Ages: 6 weeks – 12 years
• Typical Childcare Hours: M-S 8 am – 12 pm & M-Th 4 pm – 8 pm
• Basic Monthly Membership: starts at $9.99/mo

Chuze Fitness

Imagine a gym where your child can’t wait to go and hates to leave. Chuze Fitness aims to be just that.

What’s in store? First off, Chuze is the only gym that explicitly follows a strict 1:10 staff-to-child ratio. Moreover, every caregiver holds CPR and AED certification and has undergone a background check. Secondly, the Kids Club here offers a variety of engaging crafts, fun activities, and age-appropriate toys that will have your little Chuzers begging to come back. Most locations are equipped with facilities such as a children’s theater, basketball court, game room, and craft area.

How about pricing? Well, just like your gym membership, you pay a monthly fee for your child’s access: $20 per month for the first kid, with each additional child costing an extra $10 per month.

• Gym Name: Chuze Fitness
• Child Watch Cost:
  • $20/month for the first kid
  • $10/month for each additional child
• Accepted Ages: 6 months – 12 years
• Kids’ Club Hours:
  • M – F: 8am – 12pm & 4:30pm – 8:30pm
  • Saturday & Sunday: 8 am – 12 pm
• Basic Monthly Membership: starts at $9.99/mo

In-Shape

With over 45 gyms in California, all In-Shape employees have passed California background checks. Worth noting is that it’s also the only gym chain openly partnering with third-party safety and verification programs.

In-Shape Family Fit’s Kid Zones feature age-appropriate and secure mazes, basketball courts, soccer areas, craft zones, and indoor/outdoor play areas. Your little ones will stay active or enjoy tornado runs for up to 2 hours while you break a sweat. Right now, kid Zones cater to children aged 3 months to 11 years, with the infant area separated from the older kids. And guess what? You can enjoy this amenity with an entry-level membership.

• Gym Name: In-Shape
• Child Watch Cost: Free for Members
• Accepted Ages: 3 months – 11 years
• Typical Childcare Hours:
  • Mon-Fri: 8:00 am – 12:00 pm, 4:00 pm – 8:00 pm
  • Sat: 8:00 am – 12:00 pm
  • Sun: Closed
• Basic Monthly Membership: $44.99

LA Fitness

LA Fitness undoubtedly stands out in this landscape due to its overwhelming number of locations providing childcare amenities. According to gymscompared.com, out of all 466 LA Fitness locations, 328 offer daycare services. The babysitters at these branches are reportedly background-checked and experienced with children aged three months and up. It’s important to note that the service is not included in the standard membership fee; members need to pay an additional fee. However, they offer flexible payment options, including a monthly Kids Klub membership fee or a pay-per-visit option.

• Gym Name: LA Fitness
• Child Watch Cost:
  • Free for family membership
  • $10 to $15 per two-hour session for a drop-in visit
  • $10 to $15 monthly, with no limits for members
• Accepted Ages: 3 months and up
• Operating Hours: Varies
• Basic Monthly Membership: $39.99

YMCA

The Y offers free drop-in attendance for kids aged 6 weeks to 12 years old for family/household memberships, with a maximum of two hours of care per day. Adult YMCA members, other YMCA affiliates/national members, and community members can access the service by paying $5.00 per child.

As marketed by the Y, they select staff who genuinely enjoy and understand children to operate the child watch center. Some branches occasionally offer new mom and kid-friendly classes. Plus, many locations provide outdoor/playground areas. The family-friendly gym operates on a first-come, first-served basis, so it’s super recommended to make a reservation in advance.

• Gym Name: YMCA
• Child Watch Cost:
  • Free for members
  • $5 for non-members per two-hour session
• Accepted Ages: 6 weeks to 12 years
• Typical Operating Hours:
  • Mon-Fri mornings: 9 a.m. – 1 p.m.
  • Mon-Thu evenings: 5 p.m. – 8 p.m.
  • Sat mornings: 9 a.m. – 12 p.m.
• Basic Monthly Membership: $67.33 on average

Equinox

Equinox would be a pricier option because it prioritizes promoting various developmental milestones for kids, whether they are newborns, toddlers, or teens. Its Kids Club covers activities like crafts, active games, and story reading. Some Equinox locations even offer preschool classes and summer camps.

This chain offers childcare services at 40 of its 106 locations nationwide, per gymscompared.com’s investigation. At Kids Club, babysitting is provided for children aged 3 months to 7 years old, with a fee of approximately $20 for up to two hours. Is reservation required? Yes, it is recommended to check for availability through the EQX+ app or at the front desk. The hours can vary by location but typically run from 8 am to 2 pm. Additionally, teens aged 15 can access the club as guests but must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian at all times.

• Gym Name: Equinox
• Child Watch Cost: $20 per two-hour session
• Accepted Ages: 3 months – 7 years
• Typical Operating Hours: 8 a.m. to 2 p.m
• Basic Monthly Membership: $200 to $405

Esporta

If you’ve ever come across an Esporta Fitness, you might find the building very familiar. That’s because it is an umbrella brand launched by LA Fitness in 2020.

Esporta has approximately 110 clubs across the United States that offer facilities and programs designed to accommodate children and teens. These facilities are almost identical to LA Fitness in appearance and feel but offer more competitive pricing, similar to budget gyms. Like other kid-friendly clubs, the child-minding hours may not always align with the club’s opening/closing hours.

• Gym Name: Esporta
• Child Watch Cost:
  • Free for family membership
  • $10 to $15 per two-hour session for a drop-in visit
  • $10 to $15 monthly, with no limits for members
• Accepted Ages: 3 months and up
• Operating Hours: Varies
• Basic Monthly Membership: $34.99

Crunch Fitness

Voila! A safe place for moms and dads to exercise with a tot in tow. You’d love to hear that there are up to 110 Crunch locations nationwide equipped with childcare amenities. At its Kid’s Crunch, children ages 6 months to 13 years old are welcomed, with the youngest separated from older kids.

In the main workout areas at Crunch, children must be at least 13 years old and accompanied by parents. Anyone 12 years old or younger can stay with the club’s super sitters while their parents stay active. So, here’s how you enter: Free daycare services require the purchase of a “Peak Results” membership, allowing up to two hours per visit. Non-“Peak Results” members need to pay an additional fee, with Reddit users reporting charges of $10 per month or $9 per hour.

• Gym Name: Crunch Fitness
• Child Watch Cost: Free for Peak Results Membership
• Accepted Ages: 6 months – 13 years
• Typical Childcare Hours:
  • Monday to Friday: 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. and 4 p.m. to 8 p.m.
  • Saturday: 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.
  • Sunday: 1 p.m. to 4 p.m.
• Basic Monthly Membership: $29.99

Gold’s Gym

How is your fitness routine before and after having a child? Trust me, you can juggle workouts and parenting seamlessly — there are approximately 49 Gold’s Gym locations nationwide that provide a safe place for moms and dads to exercise with their children.

Hmm…the downside is that the information they provide about this crucial amenity is not clear enough. For example, the minimum age for daycare is not specified: some locations welcome kids aged 6 weeks to 12 years, while others accept children aged 9 months to 12 years, or 1 to 11 years. As for the fees, monthly childcare ranges from $25 to $30 for unlimited access, with temporary services at $10 per visit. Like most gyms with sitting capabilities, the duration of each session is up to 2 hours.

• Gym Name: Gold’s Gym
• Child Watch Cost:
  • $25 to $30 monthly
  • $10 a drop-in visit
• Accepted Ages: Varies
• Kids’ Club Hours:
  • Mon-Thu: 8:00 am – 12:00 pm or 1:00 pm, 3:00 pm – 7:00 pm or 8:00 pm
  • Fri: 8:00 am – 1:00 pm
  • Sat: 8:00 am – 12:00 pm or 1:00 pm
  • Sun: Closed
• Basic Monthly Membership: $41.32 on average