Most chains post only some of their kids club rules, and most states don't license gym childcare, so the front desk is your best source. Of the 11 chains we list with childcare, 3 post their rules on diapers, sick kids, food and medication, and 3 post none of them.
About the room
- Whether you need to book a spot, especially for evening sessions
- Whether the room is staffed for all of its posted hours. Parents often report it closing early when staff call out, so call the same day
- How long your child can stay each visit, and whether there's a daily limit
- What happens if your child gets upset: how long they wait before calling you back, and how they reach you on the gym floor
About care
- Whether staff change diapers, or page you to do it
- Their sick-child policy, and whether they turn away kids with a cough or runny nose
- Whether your child can bring a snack, a bottle or a water cup
- Whether staff can give medication or keep an EpiPen or inhaler for your child
Safety questions
- Are staff CPR and first-aid certified, and background-checked?
- How many children does each staff member watch at busy times?
- Are infants kept apart from older kids?
- Are there cameras, and can you see the footage if something happens?
- How will they tell you about an injury or incident, and is it written down?
- Does the kids club hold a state child care license? If not, why is it exempt?
Most states exempt gym kids clubs from daycare licensing because parents stay in the building. See the rule in your state.
What each chain posts
Ask means the chain doesn't post that rule online, so it's a question for the club. Tap a chain for the rules it does post.
| Chain | Clubs with childcare | Ages | Time limit | Booking | Diapers | Sick kids | Food and drinks | Medication |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| LA Fitness | 342 | Ask | Ask | Ask | Ask | Ask | Ask | Ask |
| Crunch Fitness | 214 | Ask | Ask | Ask | Ask | Ask | Ask | Ask |
| Life Time | 180 | Posted | Posted | Posted | Posted | Posted | Posted | Posted |
| EoS Fitness | 107 | Posted | Ask | Posted | Posted | Posted | Ask | Ask |
| VASA Fitness | 66 | Posted | Posted | Posted | Posted | Ask | Posted | Ask |
| In-Shape Fitness | 57 | Posted | Posted | Ask | Posted | Posted | Posted | Posted |
| Chuze Fitness | 46 | Posted | Posted | Posted | Ask | Ask | Ask | Ask |
| CLUB4 Fitness | 39 | Posted | Posted | Ask | Posted | Posted | Posted | Ask |
| The Edge Fitness Clubs | 35 | Posted | Posted | Ask | Posted | Posted | Posted | Ask |
| Mountainside Fitness | 19 | Posted | Posted | Posted | Posted | Ask | Ask | Ask |
| Gold's Gym | 11 | Ask | Posted | Ask | Posted | Posted | Posted | Posted |
On the day
Visit the room during the hours you plan to use it, and keep your first visit short. Bring what the club allows (a labeled water cup, diapers and wipes) and keep your phone on while you work out.