Children, Youth & Families

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YMCA Kids Programs

The goal of YMCA child and youth membership is the total development of the child. YMCA membership programs provide high quality experiences that enable children and youth members to develop skills, clarify values and learn self responsibility, charity and leadership.

Membership entitles children to participate in unlimited open access programs and one swim lesson. YMCA programs are offered all year round including the summer months.

The Y's program schedule is designed to allow families the opportunity to participate in programs with family convenience in mind. The YMCA offers skill development and a variety of programs to children members.

For a complete list of Child and Youth Programs available to you including day, time and availability, please visit the branch nearest you:

Family Programs

Our YMCA offers opportunities for families to participate in a safe, friendly environment. Our membership program schedule and babysitting service is designed to provide families with opportunities to participate together, or for everyone to do their own "Y" thing at the same time.

Our Membership sales hosts would be pleased to help you coordinate your family's program schedule.

Family Swims

Parents with their children can enjoy designated "Family Swims" at each Membership Branch. Water wings, flutter boards and floatation belts are available.

Family Time at the Y

At the YMCA of Niagara, we strive to build strong families and include activities where families can participate together. Sunday afternoons at the St. Catharines Walker Family Branch (2:00 - 5:00 pm) and at the Niagara Centre or Niagara Falls YMCA (1:00 - 4:30 pm), children are welcome to use the track with their parents, provided that they are supervised within arm's reach of their parent or guardian at all times and can keep within the lanes. Children are also invited to shoot some hoops or play catch in the gym with Mom & Dad for some fun and sportsmanship.

Preschool Parent Participating Programs

These programs offer parents the opportunity to play, learn and grow with their children. Offered at each Membership Branch, these programs are available during the day, on weekends, and in the evenings. For specific class days, times, and program information, contact one of our Membership Branches.

Special Family Events

These special events offer something for all ages- crafts, face painting, games, refreshments and more.

Family Changerooms

These locker/change rooms are offered at each YMCA of Niagara Branch, and provide privacy for adults an opposite sex child (under six years), while also giving consideration to other members using the general change room. During peak times such as during swimming lessons, the lockers 1-20 at the St. Catharines Branch in the General Change Room may be used as "overflow" to accommodate parents with opposite sex children. We ask that all members co-operate in making the change room experience comfortable for everyone.

Membership Plus Changeroom
Available at all three YMCA of Niagara Membership Branches

YMCA Memership Plus parents can bring in their same sex children who are also members into the Membership Plus Changeroom on Sunday afternoons. Check at each branch for the times. Children may change and shower in the plus changerooms with their parents. For health and safety reasons, children do not have sauna, steam or whirlpool privileges.

For a current listing of Family oriented programming available to you including day, time and availability, please visit the branch nearest you:

YMCA Babysitting Services

The YMCA's babysitting services allow adult YMCA members the opportunity to participate in programs with the assurance that their children are being cared for in a safe and secure environment.

Babysitting is available at all three YMCA of Niagara membership branches for infants and children up to 12 years of age.

Babysitting will be offered on a fee for service basis per child. Adult members may also purchase a Multi-Visit Babysitting Pass.

Babysitting services are to be used by adult members who remain in the building while using the service. Hours vary from Centre to Centre so be sure to check the schedule.

Children 6 years and older

Children over six years of age may use our babysitting services in the evening and on weekends. Special schedules or program offerings will be made available of Christmas, March Break and school holidays.

Safety of Children

For your child's security, all children must be registered when accessing this service. When you come to pick up your child, please ensure that your child is "signed out" by a YMCA staff member.

The YMCA is a shared space for everyone to enjoy. If your child has any kind of infection (cold/flu) or symptoms of, please refrain from bringing them.

What to Bring

Help us give the best care for your child. Parents should provide disposable diapers, wipes and a bottle or 'sippy-cup' with juice or water. A change of clothes for children who are in training is recommended. Please ensure that all personal articles are labeled with your child's full name.

We recommend parents do not bring personal toys. The YMCA will provide a selection of toys, for a variety of ages, to be used while visiting.