As summer transitions to fall and school is back in full swing, families are adjusting to the familiar rhythm of kids being in the classroom. But once the school buses roll around for drop-off, what’s next?
Being intentional about how your children spend their post-school hours can have a significant effect on their development and well-being. At Life Time, there are options for kids to keep learning, engage in healthy behaviors, and have fun. Plus, as a parent, it gives you time to spend at the club prioritizing your own well-being.
“When your kids are at Life Time, they’re being taken care of,” says Glory Casillas, kids leader at Life Time in Centennial, Colo., who has worked on the Life Time Kids team for the past eight years (and has been bringing her two daughters to Life Time for nearly 11 years). Her youngest is now 10 years old and “she’s done it all,” according to Casillas, starting from the infant room to structured play in the Kids Academy. “For my family, Life Time is more than just a club, it’s a second home.
“My family has a routine at Life Time,” she explains. “On Mondays, we practice soccer. On Wednesdays, we rock climb. Then on Fridays, we go to the pool together. It feels so special as a family to close out our days here. And you can do something different every day, so your kids want to keep coming back.”
Both parents and kids can benefit from disconnecting from the fatigue of having to plan at the end of the day, according to Casillas. “Plus, Life Time can be cheaper than a babysitter — as a member, you can get up to two and a half hours of drop-in care every single day.”
To help you easily plan your after-school time so you can form your family’s routine, we rounded up a list of all the activities your kiddos can do in the afternoons and evenings at Life Time.
1. Kids Academy Drop-In Play and Classes
The Kids Academy provides educational and movement-focused activities for kids ages three months through 12 years old (ages may vary based on club location), all in a safe and secure setting with trained team members. Often centered on fun weekly themes, these activities are designed to give kids the freedom to explore new ideas and gain hands-on experiences. (Learn more: “Fun at the Life Time Kids Academy: A Sneak Peek.”)
“There is no reservation needed for non-infant drop-in play at the Kids Academy, so it’s a great option for parents needing something last minute to keep their kids entertained and engaged,” says Casillas.
Drop-In Classes are held all day for kids to join, whenever their parents or caregivers bring them. (Although not required, if you are able to plan in advance, reservations are preferred for classes when possible.) There are different options for ages 3 to 11 years, and the classes are varied, including tumbling, stretching, dancing, arts and crafts, sports, yoga, S.T.E.A.M., interactive nutrition games, and more. There is also toddler programming for 1- to 2-year-olds.
2. Kids Studio Classes
Kids often like to do the same things their parents do, and the Kids Studio Classes can be a fun introduction to the Life Time studio classes you know and love. Kids between the ages of 5 and 13 (grouped appropriately by development) can try the SOL yoga, Warrior Sculpt, SHRED, and Barre formats that are designed specifically for them.
Some clubs also intentionally schedule Kids Studio Classes to match the adult group classes being offered — you may see Danze Jam (kids’ Zumba) happening at the same time as adult Zumba, for instance. Clubs may also offer Grown-Up and Me Classes, where kids get to attend fitness classes with their parents. “It’s something fun that kids and parents can do and bond over together,” notes Casillas.
3. Swim Lessons, Swim Team, or Family Swim
Improving the swimming skills of your children can be a year-round initiative. Whether your kids are at the stage of learning how to swim or have the desire to improve their stroke and be more competitive, Life Time has instructors and programs to suit all levels and abilities.
Begin with Intro to Splash swim lessons (ages 3 months to 2 years) to get kids comfortable in the water with you before transitioning them to be on their own in swim lessons (ages 2 years and older). (Learn more: “Everything You Need to Know About Life Time Swim Lessons.”)
As your child grows, sign them up for swim clinics for specialized training (ages 5 to 12 years) or for competition by joining the swim team (based on your child’s ability, typically ages 5 to 18).
“Families can also come during Family Swim hours to work on water skills together or simply have fun playing games in the pool,” says Casillas.
4. Open Gym
During Open Gym hours, the world — or in this case, the court! — is their oyster. Kids can play familiar basketball favorites like around the world, HORSE, or lightning, challenge family members to a friendly game, or just run around to burn energy. Kids under 12 years old must have a parent or adult supervisor who is present.
5. Life Time Basketball
Kids can’t get enough of Open Gym time on the basketball court? Life Time’s basketball programming works with kids of all ages and skill levels on shooting, dribbling, teamwork, and other abilities necessary to fine-tune their hooping abilities. Basketball can be a great way to strengthen your kids’ motor and social skills all while having fun playing.
6. Junior Tennis
Life Time’s SMART tennis progressive programming focuses on fun and athleticism first, and tennis skills second. Kids start playing with others right away, learning this lifelong sport as they go and advancing to levels appropriate for their age and development.
7. Junior Pickleball
If you’ve heard all about the appeal of pickleball, it’s likely your kids know about this popular sport too. Pickleball is a sport that anyone at any age can pick up — kids included!
Junior Pickleball is an offering for Junior Members who are interested in getting involved with the sport and growing their abilities. This play-based programming emphasizes teaching young athletes to take joy in the game, while also improving their technical and tactical skills. (Learn More: “What Is Junior Pickleball Programming at Life Time?”)
8. Pickleball or Tennis Open Court Time
Want to engage in some family-friendly competition? Reserve a court and play against your kids in a round of pickleball or try singles or doubles tennis as a family. For kids, these moments of fun shared with their loved ones can have a positive impact. “There’s nothing better than seeing parents come in with their pickleball paddles and seeing the kids ready to go with their own paddles,” says Casillas.
9. Rock Wall
Challenge your child’s body and mind by encouraging them to climb to new heights as they explore routes on the rock wall. Only kids ages 5 and up can climb; a parent must be present to supervise kids ages 5 to 11 years old.
Note: Child care offerings, kids’ activities, and amenities may vary by age and club location.
