Pros and Cons of Offering Childcare at a Gym – Boost or Burden?
Thinking about offering childcare at your gym? We break down the pros, cons, legal considerations, and how Exercise.com can help manage the details.
Should a gym offer childcare? Many gyms and fitness studios consider it a competitive advantage—but it also comes with added costs, liability, and operational complexity. From gym childcare hours and gym insurance requirements to childcare software integrations and parent communications, successful implementation depends on more than just a spare room. With Exercise.com’s best gym management software, gym owners can streamline scheduling, automate waivers, and create custom access permissions—making it easier to offer childcare safely and efficiently.
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Popular States with Childcare Regulations | California, Texas, Florida (check local health and safety codes) |
| Common Liability Needs | Gym childcare insurance, staff background checks, parental waivers |
| Space Requirements | Minimum square footage per child; childproofed and separate area |
| Staffing Guidelines | Qualified, CPR-certified caregivers; consistent scheduling system |
| Pricing Strategies | Included in premium memberships or $5–$10 per child per visit |
| Software Features Needed | Check-in tracking, waiver automation, parent-child account linking, role-based access |
| Exercise.com Tools | Custom-branded app, digital waivers, attendance tracking, smart access control, automated billing |
So, is childcare in a gym a solution or a stress for you, the gym owner?
For many gym owners, especially in suburban or family-focused markets, adding childcare services seems like an easy win. Parents get a workout, kids stay supervised, and memberships grow.
But as anyone who has tried it knows, the reality can get complicated fast.
- Scheduling headaches. Who’s staffing the childcare room at 6am or 7pm? How do you manage rotating shifts?
- Liability and insurance. One bump on the playground can turn into a lawsuit if you don’t have the right gym childcare insurance and waivers in place.
- Cost vs. ROI. You might wonder, how much should a gym charge for childcare just to break even?
- Regulations by state. From California to Texas to Florida, gym childcare regulations and licensing vary dramatically.
- Space constraints. How much childcare space is needed to stay compliant or even get insured?
Add in the fact that many gym management systems don’t support family-linked memberships or dual check-ins, and it’s easy to see why childcare becomes more hassle than help.
That’s why gyms using Exercise.com are ahead of the game. With custom waivers, automated family accounts, parent/dependent relationships, and flexible scheduling tools, they can easily manage childcare operations and deliver the seamless member experience parents expect.
Pros and Cons of Offering Childcare at a Gym
✅ Pros
1. Increase Gym Memberships
- Parents with young children are often underserved in fitness.
- Providing childcare can be a game-changer in terms of retention.
2. Competitive Differentiation
- A gym with childcare stands out in crowded markets.
- It’s an amenity that adds perceived value.
3. Higher Lifetime Value
- Childcare services encourage long-term memberships.
- Easier upsells to family plans and youth programs.
4. Supports Group Training Attendance
- Parents are more likely to attend evening classes or weekend bootcamps if childcare is covered.
5. Community Building
- Parents often form social bonds in the gym—which improves retention.
❌ Cons
1. Liability Risks
- Childcare means additional insurance for gyms, especially in the form of childcare liability coverage.
2. Staffing Costs
- Reliable childcare providers cost money. Cutting corners creates risk.
3. State-Level Regulations
- Should a gym offer childcare in California? Only if you’re ready for licensing headaches.
- Florida and Texas have their own legal hoops too.
4. Operational Complexity
- Scheduling, waivers, background checks, sanitation protocols—none of it is passive income.
5. Space Trade-Offs
- That unused storage room? Might not be legally large enough for a childcare room, depending on your region.
Key Questions to Ask Before Launching Gym Childcare
- Is my facility compliant with local childcare laws?
- How much liability coverage do I need?
- Can I create child-specific waivers and tie them to a parent’s account?
- Will my software track family attendance and fees easily?
- How much should I charge for childcare in a gym setting to make it worthwhile?
If your current gym software doesn’t let you do these things quickly and reliably, then you need a better system.
Why Exercise.com Is the Best Gym Management Software for Gyms with Childcare
If you’re exploring gym childcare cost structures, waiver automations, or secure mobile check-ins for parents, Exercise.com has everything you need in one platform:
- Parent and child profile linking with role-based permissions
- Waiver automation for both members and minors
- Attendance tracking by location, room, or staff member
- Childcare booking inside your custom-branded app
- Payment automation for pay-per-use or membership-based childcare
- Secure digital record keeping for compliance and liability
You can even lock and unlock access to the childcare area via smart scheduling and role-based controls—ensuring only eligible members and staff are granted access during gym childcare hours.
So… Should a Gym Offer Childcare?
If you have the space, staff, and community demand, offering childcare can absolutely boost your gym’s appeal. But without the right systems in place, it becomes a liability nightmare. (Learn more about gym insurance options and check out our gym legal guide here).
Whether you’re just exploring the idea or already managing childcare, Exercise.com gives you the tools to offer it with confidence—and without headaches.
Book a free demo today and learn how Exercise.com can power your childcare services, streamline your gym operations, and make life easier for your team and your members.
How much do gyms charge for childcare?
Gyms typically charge between $2 to $10 per child per visit for on-site childcare services, though some include it in a premium membership tier. Some facilities offer unlimited childcare for an added monthly fee (usually around $20 to $40 per child). Pricing varies by location, gym size, and length of childcare sessions.
What are the benefits of using gym childcare at a gym?
The main benefits of gym childcare include convenience for parents, reduced barriers to consistent exercise, peace of mind, and a more inclusive fitness environment. Quality gym childcare also helps increase member retention by supporting busy parents who might otherwise skip workouts due to childcare responsibilities.
Can little kids come to the gym?
In most cases, little kids are allowed in gyms only in designated childcare areas. Children under 13 typically aren’t permitted on the gym floor due to safety and liability concerns. However, many gyms offer kids’ fitness programs, daycare spaces, or activity rooms to accommodate families.
Do gyms let kids in?
Yes, but access is usually limited. While children can enter gyms for childcare or youth-specific classes, they often aren’t allowed to use workout equipment unless they meet age requirements and are supervised. Policies vary, so always check with the specific gym.
How much is reasonable to charge for gym childcare?
A reasonable fee for gym childcare is about $5 per child per visit or $25 to $40 per month for unlimited access. Pricing should reflect staff qualifications, child-to-caregiver ratios, and local market rates. Offering affordable options can enhance the gym’s value for families.
Does Crunch Fitness have childcare?
Crunch Fitness does not offer childcare at most of its locations. However, policies can vary by franchise, so it’s best to call your local Crunch club directly to confirm.
Does LA Fitness provide childcare?
Yes, LA Fitness offers childcare through its Kids Klub program at many locations. The service typically costs $5 per visit or around $10 to $15 per month per child with an add-on membership.
Does Planet Fitness offer childcare?
No, Planet Fitness does not provide childcare services at any of its locations. The gym markets itself as a low-cost option and excludes childcare to maintain affordability.
What is the right age for kids to go to the gym?
Most gyms allow kids to start using gym equipment at 13 to 16 years old, often with a parent or guardian present. For younger children, gyms usually offer structured fitness programs or childcare services instead of general access to equipment.
Can too much exercise stunt a child’s growth?
There is no scientific evidence that normal, age-appropriate physical activity stunts a child’s growth. However, excessive or improperly supervised exercise (especially with heavy weights) may lead to injury. Structured youth fitness programs with certified coaches are ideal for developing healthy habits.
How much is child care at Crunch Fitness, Planet Fitness, and other larger corporate franchise gyms?
- Planet Fitness: Does not offer childcare.
- Crunch Fitness: Most locations do not offer childcare.
- LA Fitness: Around $5 per child per visit, or discounted as a monthly add-on.
- YMCA: Often includes childcare in family memberships or offers it at a low cost.
Pricing varies by region and membership type, so always check locally.
How much should you charge for a kids fitness program?
Kids fitness programs typically cost $10 to $25 per class, or $60 to $150 per month for small group training. Pricing should reflect the instructor’s credentials, class size, curriculum, and any equipment or facility use. Programs tied to schools or sports performance may command higher rates.
What are the gym childcare insurance requirements?
Gym childcare insurance requirements typically include:
- General liability insurance (minimum $1M per occurrence)
- Professional liability insurance for staff
- Abuse and molestation coverage
- Workers’ compensation if staff are employees
Coverage requirements may vary by state or insurer, but most gym insurance providers expect facilities to conduct background checks, follow strict safety protocols, and meet staff-to-child ratio standards. Learn more at Exercise.com’s guide to gym insurance.
What is the best gym software for working with parents and dependents?
The best gym software for managing family accounts is Exercise.com. It allows you to:
- Link child and parent accounts
- Manage dependent check-ins
- Schedule kids’ fitness classes
- Track attendance
- Handle waiver forms and parental consents
- Automate billing for families
Exercise.com is the all-in-one platform that helps gyms offer a seamless experience for parents while ensuring childcare and youth programming run smoothly.
