Finding a gym that works for the whole household is easier when you know which clubs offer family memberships, guest privileges, childcare, and multi-club access. Below are 11 widely available options—national and regional—with the most family-friendly features and ways to save.
- YMCA (The Y) — Best overall for families and youth programs
- Why it stands out: Community focus, robust youth programming, and broad access through reciprocity.
- Family/multi-person perks:
- Many Y locations offer household/family membership categories; benefits and pricing vary locally.
- Nationwide Membership lets active members visit most participating Ys across the U.S. at no extra cost (check local participation) source.
- Kids and teens: Ys commonly provide child care, day camps, and youth sports (programs vary by branch) source.
- Deal tip: Ask your local Y about income-based pricing/financial assistance and employer or health-plan partnerships.
- Life Time — Premium family clubs with childcare and family membership types
- Why it stands out: Resort-style clubs with pools, sports, and comprehensive kids programming.
- Family/multi-person perks: Membership options for individuals, couples, and families (availability varies by club) source.
- Kids and teens: Life Time’s Kids Academy, swim, youth sports, and camps at many locations source.
- Deal tip: Pricing differs by location and access tier; tour mid-month and ask about fee waivers or limited-time promos.
- Planet Fitness — Most affordable way for two people to work out together
- Why it stands out: Low monthly rates and a generous guest policy with the PF Black Card.
- Family/multi-person perks: The Black Card membership includes “bring a guest anytime” at participating clubs source.
- Kids and teens: Planet Fitness has also run seasonal High School Summer Pass programs in recent years source.
- Deal tip: Watch for sign-up fee specials; if two people will attend together, a single Black Card often beats two base memberships.
- Chuze Fitness — Unlimited guest privileges (Premium) + Kids Club at many clubs
- Why it stands out: Budget-friendly with high-value perks.
- Family/multi-person perks: Premium membership typically includes unlimited guest privileges (check club) source.
- Kids and teens: Many locations offer a Kids Club childcare add-on source.
- Deal tip: Annual prepay and occasional promos can reduce total cost; ask about multi-club vs. single-club pricing.
- EōS Fitness — Guest privileges on top tier + Kids’ Club
- Why it stands out: Big-box amenities with approachable pricing.
- Family/multi-person perks: Higher-tier (e.g., Black) memberships usually include guest privileges; benefits vary by market source.
- Kids and teens: Kids’ Club child-sitting offered at many clubs (hours vary) source.
- Deal tip: Look for grand openings or club anniversaries for the best initiation-fee deals.
- 24 Hour Fitness — Multi-club access tiers and Kids’ Club
- Why it stands out: Large footprint with flexible access tiers.
- Family/multi-person perks: Memberships are available with single- or multi-club access (offerings vary by region) source.
- Kids and teens: Select locations offer Kids’ Club child-sitting source.
- Deal tip: Ask about corporate/health-plan discounts (e.g., employer wellness programs) and off-peak pricing.
- LA Fitness / Esporta Fitness — Widely available with Kids Klub and multi-club options
- Why it stands out: Extensive network and familiar amenities.
- Family/multi-person perks: Single- and multi-club access options are common; features differ by location source.
- Kids and teens: Many clubs offer Kids Klub childcare; hours and age limits vary source.
- Deal tip: Join toward month-end or during local promo periods for reduced initiation fees; ask about adding family members at your home club.
- Bay Club — West Coast resort-style clubs with true family memberships
- Why it stands out: Multi-sport campuses (tennis, golf, aquatics) and family-centric programming.
- Family/multi-person perks: Membership types include individual, couple, and family options (varies by campus) source.
- Kids and teens: Camps, childcare, and robust family programming across many locations source.
- Deal tip: Pricing is premium; consider off-peak access tiers or single-campus membership to save.
- VASA Fitness — KidCare add-on and guest privileges at select tiers
- Why it stands out: Strong value in regions they serve, with modern amenities.
- Family/multi-person perks: Certain memberships include guest privileges; specifics differ by market source.
- Kids and teens: VASA offers KidCare child-sitting at many locations (check hours and ages) source.
- Deal tip: Watch for $0 enrollment promotions and ask about discounts for adding multiple people.
- Fitness Connection — Low-cost option with guest privileges and Kid’s Club
- Why it stands out: Budget-friendly clubs with broad amenities.
- Family/multi-person perks: Higher-tier plans commonly include guest privileges (verify at your club) source.
- Kids and teens: Many locations feature a Kid’s Club source.
- Deal tip: Ask about prepay discounts and location-specific promos; some clubs offer “month-to-month” flexibility.
- Crunch Fitness — Guest privileges on Peak memberships
- Why it stands out: Fun, class-forward environment with flexible tiers.
- Family/multi-person perks: Peak and Peak Results memberships typically include guest privileges (location-specific) source.
- Kids and teens: Amenities vary by Crunch Standard vs. Crunch Signature; check your club for any youth/childcare options.
- Deal tip: Crunch runs frequent national and club-level promotions—compare joining fees and annual fees across nearby locations.
How to choose a family-friendly gym near you
- Confirm who can be on one plan: Ask whether the club offers family/household memberships or only individual plans with guest privileges.
- Check childcare hours and ages: Ensure Kids Club/Kids’ Club times match your schedule and the age range fits your children.
- Verify access: If you travel or have split schedules, multi-club or nationwide access can be a big value.
- Tour at your workout time: Make sure the gym is comfortable and not overcrowded when you’ll actually use it.
- Read the fine print: Look at contract length, freeze options, cancellation rules, and any annual fees.
Smart ways to save on multi-person memberships
- Stack discounts: Ask about employer, student, military, first responder, or health-plan partnerships.
- Time your join date: Many clubs offer reduced initiation fees near month-end, holidays, grand openings, or anniversaries.
- Consider one premium + guests: With clubs like Planet Fitness, a single higher-tier membership with guest privileges can be cheaper than two base plans.
- Go single-club when possible: Multi-club access costs more—pick the access you’ll actually use.
- Ask about freezes: If you travel or have seasonal schedules, freeze options can prevent wasted months.
Note: Offerings and pricing change frequently and vary by location. Always confirm current benefits and terms at your local club before joining.