As we get into the craziness that tends to be the holiday season, it’s helpful for parents to have a few nights of kid-free time to tackle to-dos — whether that’s shopping for gifts, cleaning for guests, preparing to host a party, or simply taking a restful break from all the obligations.
The Life Time Kids team has planned a handful of Parents Night Out events in November and December for your kids to take part in themed fun — and so you can get that time to yourself.
Tweens get their own unique version of fun at these events, too, with special activities designed just for them. Plus, some clubs host exclusive Tween Takeover events throughout the year.
“This time of year is busy enough for families,” says Shelly Forsberg, director of kids and aquatics at Life Time. “We’re here to make it easy for parents by providing an enjoyable place for their kids to spend time with other kids their age, and do this while parents can take advantage of some extra time to complete tasks or do something they enjoy.”
These are the events and themes taking place in November and December:
November
Monthly Theme: Harvest Happiness
Woodland Wonders
Ages: 3 to 13 years old (ages may vary by club)
Length: 3 hours
Calling all creatures! Enter a magical forest full of whimsical games and hands-on activities. Kids will work on forest-themed crafts like making a fox out of a paper plate, an owl out of forks, or a mushroom out of paper bags. They’ll then head to the woods — or rather, gym — for games like “rabbit hole,” “mushroom ball,” and “save the turkeys.”
Apple Adventures
Ages: 3 to 13 years old (ages may vary by club)
Length: 3 hours
Kids will embark on a sweet and crisp adventure celebrating autumnal fun. There will be apple-themed arts and crafts like create-your-own apple pies, caramel apples, and apple paintings. Then, kids will play gym games like “hungry apple worms,” “apple harvest relay,” and “protect the orchard.” This event promises a bushel of fun!
Sweater Weather Social
Ages: 3 to 13 years old (ages may vary by club)
Length: 3 hours
It’s officially sweater weather, and it’s about to get cozy at this fun event. During creative time, kids will make a paper sweater, lace yarn through a cardboard leaf, or craft a paper lantern that lights up to reveal an autumn tree. Gym games will include “leaf jump adventure,” “squirrel food frenzy,” and “sweater weather.”
Toy Story Takeover (Drop Off & Shop)
Ages: 3 to 13 years old (ages may vary by club)
Length: 3 hours
Step into the coolest pretend toy store ever! At this event, kids get to make their own toys and gifts to take home and enjoy toy-themed games. Crafts will include making paper puppets, a spin-and-tell spinner, and a squishy (made of a balloon and pillow stuffing) that looks like a mochi. Kids will head to the gym after to play games like “sky bowling,” “roller battle,” and “hungry, hungry hippos.”
Bonus: Parents can use this time as an opportunity to cross off items on their to-do list or make some headway on holiday shopping.
December
Monthly Theme: Frozen Adventures
Gingerbread Jam
Ages: 3 to 13 years old (ages may vary by club)
Length: 3 hours
This event is sure to be sweet: Kids will create gingerbread-themed arts and crafts out of various materials like puffy paint, clay, and slime. Then, after some sweetness comes the sweat; kids will play “catch the gingerbread man” or “who stole the gingerbread man.” This night is sugar, spice, and everything nice!
Polar Party
Ages: 3 to 13 years old (ages may vary by club)
Length: 3 hours
Get ready to chill out with some arctic fun. Starting off with some cool crafts, kids will create abominable snowmen, a paper plate snow globe, and an exploding snowman with baking soda and vinegar. Then they’ll blow off some icy steam with gym games like “penguin iceberg shuffle,” “polar bear ice rescue relay,” and “polar freeze tag: iceberg survival.”
Toy Story Takeover (Drop Off & Shop)
Ages: 3 to 13 years old (ages may vary by club)
Length: 3 hours
Make, play, and create! Back again from last month, kids will have the opportunity to make their own toys and gifts to take home. For this month’s Toy Story Takeover, kids will craft a paper plate frisbee, penny spinners, and a magical folding cube made from duct tape. Once the toy makers are finished, they’ll transition to the gym to play games like “escape from the toy shop,” “elf in the chimney,” and “toy story belt dash.”
Bonus: Parents can use this time as an opportunity to cross off items on their to-do list or make some headway on holiday shopping.
Confetti Countdown
Ages: 3 to 13 years old (ages may vary by club)
Length: 3 hours
Ring in the new year with confetti showers, dance parties, and silly countdown games. Kids will make their own confetti party poppers, celebration clay, and confetti slime. The New Year’s bash continues in the gym, where they’ll play games like “confetti color stomp,” “countdown balloon pop,” and “countdown knockout.” This will be a New Year’s Eve bash your kid is sure to remember!
Specific event dates and details may vary by club location. Check your club’s schedule for more information and to register.
Common FAQs About Kids Events
Shelly Forsberg, director of kids and aquatics at Life Time, shares answers to commonly asked questions from parents.
Life Time | What can I expect if I sign my child up for a Life Time Kids event?
Shelly Forsberg | Each event has a theme, and we build the curriculum around that so there are always fun, new activities for kids to take part in. There is a new theme each week to help accommodate family schedules and to allow for a greater chance for every child to attend. Kids’ events occur every Friday and Saturday, or Saturdays only, depending on the demand.
Regardless of the theme, every lesson plan follows an intentional format. The evening starts with an icebreaker to help kids get to know one another, then transitions into creative time with arts and crafts. Games and movement-based activities are also included to keep kids active and engaged. Dinner is then served, which is usually pizza and juice.
Events typically last two to three hours and can accommodate kids ages 3 to 13 years old (ages may vary by club based on state requirements). All children must be potty-trained. Tween Takeover events are generally for kids ages 9 to 13 years old, though that may vary by club as well.
Our Life Time Kids team members go through training before being entrusted with your kids. This training includes CPR training, a child-development course, and a classroom-management course to ensure your kids are in the safest hands.
LT | Do parents need to stay at the club while their child is attending an event?
SF | No. Parents can leave the club or stay on site. Most often, we see parents using this time in the club, whether that be to take a fitness class, use the space and machines on the workout floor, relax in the sauna or steam room, grab a bite to eat in the LifeCafe, or hit the pickleball court with friends.
LT | Is there a cost to these events? And do you have to be a Life Time member to participate?
SF | All Kids events are included at no cost in Junior Memberships. Your child does need to be on a Life Time Junior Membership to attend the events.
LT | Is there a no-show policy for Parents Night Out events?
SF | To best serve our members and ensure we can accommodate as many families as possible, a $25 fee per child will be charged to your club tab for any reservation not canceled at least five hours before the event. This policy helps us manage resources effectively and allows families on the waitlist the opportunity to attend.
If your child is on the waitlist, there is no penalty if they are pulled from the waitlist less than 24 hours in advance and are unable to attend.
LT | How do I sign my child up for an event?
SF | Reservations can be made up to 30 days prior to each event. View the kids events schedule on the Life Time app here.
If your child is registered and you need to cancel, we ask that you please do so at least five hours prior to the event so that slot can go to someone else.
