My husband and I are really thinking hard about getting a family YMCA membership. Since I work, I like the idea that they have child care during the evening hours so I can begin working out again.

Does anyone else go to the YMCA? Any opinions? Especially on thier children's programs and activities.

Thanks!

i work at the ymca part time when my two oldest are with their dad on saturdays its nice my daughter goes to the after school program and loves it and i have my 15 month old in swimming lessons its a great place for famlies

Hello, I am an after school Site Manager for the "Y". I have worked for them for four years. I have a free membership and pay just $20 a month for my family membership. We put Savannah in their nursery during a work-out, which is rare because we are lazy when it comes to this! Oh, and staff only pay $5 a week for after school child care. Fee would normally be $50 weekly. The "Y" is hiring in several area's. It is also a good family atmosphere to be in.

VegasMom,

We have had a Y membership for several years and have truly enjoyed it. Like a second home to us. We have coached some of the sporting activities there as well and our children have been very active in their activities.

Their activities are amazing and Brian Hernandez, the Sports Director, is FABULOUS! He is very well organized, friendly, and has a super work ethic for being a young man (only recently or about to graduate college!) At least one, if not two, of his brothers is/are there as well. I think their parents did a super job of raising respectable young men! They are great role models for the other children.

The activites are well rounded and if you are a member you receive a discount for their programs, which is usually about half off!! Their programs are very good stepping stones to the county/local programs that are usually more intense in their play.

I've enjoyed their group workout programs especially since they have them throughout the entire day, I can go and fit it around our daily schedule or that of my husband's. They even offer Saturday workouts! I wouldn't mind meeting up with other moms for some workout time and then enjoying a small lunch/dinner following someplace.

They have a nice indoor area for parents to watch their children play (not a drop off) great for those rainy days, but still want a change of scenery from home. As well they have a larger outdoor playground that is mostly enclosed with lots of picnic tables. Next to that is a grass field where they play their sports, but can be used for families otherwise. We have gone to play kickball and baseball or throw frisbees on our own. You can also utilize their pools.

Also, being a member, you have access to that area for parties! We have had birthday parties out there and with all the trees, have enjoyed the nice shade, playground, and field for different party activities. Although, I will include they offer birthday packages, but they can be costly.

Overall, I can't deny the Y's amazing well rounded family activities and options.

Which YMCA do you go to? I have been considering joining but would have to travel from WH to Lakeland. The one here does not have a pool. I would really like to go somewhere to get Aeryn swimming. She is only 7.5 months old.

i go to the one off of clevland heights

Ann thanks for mentioning about them hiring. I might have to check into that.
Rachel

Thank you, everyone, for the feedback. It sounds like I will not regret my decision to obtain a membership.

Perhaps I'll even see some of you there!!! I'll be the one with the screaming three year old. hehehe

Gritsrus, If you want more job info. just email me. boxer421@tampabay.rr.com
Ann

quote:

Originally posted by boxer421-Ann:
Gritsrus, If you want more job info. just email me. boxer421@tampabay.rr.com
Ann

You've got mail.

Yes, yes, and yes again. I think the YMCA is worth the membership! We LOVE Brian! We started going when Jessica Holcomb was the Sports Director and thought she was super. Brian had shoes to fill and he sure has! I've enjoyed watching him grow into his own and think he has fantastic plans there. He does all the tee shirt designs now, too. My husband rides his bike up to the Y to work out and then back on his days off. We'll drive up to meet him and he and the boys play and I work out. Well, at least that's what we've done in the past. We need to get moving on that again here soon. lol Oh, there are some workout programs they used to charge for - kick boxing and another one, but I forgot that one - they don't charge members anymore. Anyway, we have definitely gotten our monies worth! Check them out.