Updated February 2020.
You and your kids can get your sweat on at a local fitness center that offers up kid’s programs and childcare services. The following five fitness centers in Des Moines, inspire kids and parents to get fit with fun, invigorating group camps and classes. So, go ahead, rev up that energy and get your workout in while someone else wears out your kids.
Aspen Athletic Clubs
Multiple Locations • (888) 994-3834 • www.aspenathletic.com
With clubs at four different locations around Des Moines, you’re bound to find one close to home. In addition to offering traditional fitness programs, Aspen Athletic Clubs also offers up Aspen Academy/Junior Tennis Clinics and Martial Arts Classes for adults, kids and families. They also provide traditional childcare through their Kid’s Klub program. Check their website for Kid’s Klub hours.
Fitness World Ankeny
2305 N Ankeny Boulevard • Ankeny IA 50023 • (515) 223-5111 • www.fitnessworldclubs.com
This Ankeny fitness center offers a nursery and Kid’s Gym. Kids will love to tunnel their way through Fitness World Club’s brightly colored play equipment. They also offer on-going activities and crafts to ensure young children will enjoy themselves while in their care. The Kids’ Club is available for kiddos ages 6 months to 11 years.
Lifetime Fitness
11911 Hickman Road • Urbandale, IA 50323 • (515) 362-3500 • www.lifetimefitness.com
Urbandale is home to this enormous 166,000 square foot fitness paradise and spa that offers a wide variety of group fitness classes, as well as tennis, basketball and aquatics. Members are welcome to drop off kids, ages three months to 11 years, at Kids Academy for three hours each day. Kids Academy has a dedicated space for art and other activities. Lifetime Fitness even offers enrichment programs, like tumbling, swimming lessons and creative movement, as well as childcare and camps for days when the kids are off from school.
Prairie Life Fitness
4875 Mills Civic Parkway • West Des Moines, IA 5026 • (515) 223-5999 • www.prairielife.com
This West Des Moines fitness center “gets” families and offers a number of programs that caters to them. Drop your kiddo (6 weeks and up) off at one of their child care rooms to enjoy craft projects, games and more. Prairie Life Fitness also offers a full range of Youth Programs including swim lessons, sports camps, martial arts, dance, gymnastics, story time, crafts, cheerleading, and more! So, go ahead, get your fitness on without worrying about the kids.
YMCA of Greater Des Moines
Multiple Locations • www.dmymca.org
Youngman there’s a place you can go….the granddaddy of providing fit family fun, the YMCA of Greater Des Moines has nine locations scattered throughout the metro. With family programs, overnight camps, group classes, after-school care, and more, the YMCA of Greater Des Moines is more than just a fitness center, it’s a huge part of the community. The Y will keep your kiddos moving with age-appropriate sport programs, fun swim lessons and other activities.
Does your favorite gym offer childcare and kid’s programs? Let us know in the comments!
