One of the main reasons parents don’t regularly workout is because they have a hard time finding reliable drop in childcare options. Not too many providers offer spots to families for an hour or two a day. Luckily, these D.C.-area gyms seem to understand the predicament parents are in and have jumped on board the trend of offering drop-in child care options for members. Kids will make new friends, play with different toys and get a little bit of exercise in of their own while running around the area. With so much fun to be had at these 7 D.C. gyms, your kids will want you to workout every day!
1. Sport & Health, various locations
The Sport & Heath franchise has 22 locations throughout the Metro region and lots of parents are able to get their workouts in thanks to their Kids Klub Child Care center. Services may vary per location but most offer climbing mazes, games, computer games and movies to entertain kids while you burn off some calories. Looking to get your kids moving? Besides day care, parents can sign up their children for camps, programs and swimming lessons. Older kids can take part in teens and health personal training or sports training.
Cost: Varies by location.
2. VIDA Fitness, The Yards, D.C.
Where: 1212 4th St SE, Washington, DC
Opened in late 2014, this facility offers a KidsZone—a toy-filled space ready to be tackled by your kids. Open seven days a week, the facility watches children as young as eight months to 18 years old. Drop-ins are accepted every day during the morning and early afternoon hours. Parents must make a reservation for late afternoon and evening care.
Cost: For one club and one membership, the cost is between $94-$102 a month.
3. MINT, DuPont
Where: 1724 California Street Northwest, Washington, DC
While parents get in better shape, kids (ages four months to 12 years) will love spending time at this spot. Parents must book visits up to 72 hours in advance through their online system. The cost is $10 per child per visit or you can opt to get a family membership for unlimited childcare. With a room limit of 10, the maximum amount of time each child may be in the room is 90 minutes, ensuring everyone can have a chance to work out!
Cost: Married couples rate of $169 per month including unlimited child care.
4. Rock Creek Sports Club, Silver Spring
Where: 8325 Grubb Rd, Silver Spring, MD
Take a yoga, spinning or Pilates class, or just enjoy an hour alone on the treadmill at this gym while your kids have fun in their playroom. This club which offers babysitting services for children between the ages of six weeks to eight years for two hours at a time, giving you plenty of time to take a class, shower and enjoy a peace minute to yourself. Reservations are not required but there is a two hour time limit per visit.
Cost: Childcare costs are $3 per child for up to two hours. Members may chose to pay a monthly fee instead of $15 per child. Monthly memberships are $70.
5. Fitness First, Bethesda
Where: 7900 Wisconsin Ave, Bethesda, MD
Your kids can play in a clean, safe environment that has both structured activities and games, along with toys like PlayStation and Nintendo. If your kids can’t sit still, they can play on the small slides and with the toys in this childcare center. Kids (ages six weeks to preteen) will have a blast while you workout or take a fitness class.
Cost: $29.95 a month for standard membership which includes child care.
6. The Women’s Club, Chantilly, VA
Where: 14175 Sullyfield Cir, Chantilly, VA
Scheduled crafts, computer activities and games are just a few of the ways your child can have fun at the Kids Club while you work out. There is a separate room for infants and diaper changing is even available for children under three. Best of all, you don’t have to do much planning—it’s open seven days a week and you don’t need a reservation!
Cost: Kids Club by visit is $5 per child and $4 for each additional children. Unlimited access is added on to your fitness dues include $9.50 bi-weekly for one child and $5 bi-weekly for each additional child.
7. X Sports Fitness, five locations in Northern Virginia
With five locations in Northern Virginia and one coming soon to the district in Fort Totten, most families can find a location of this gym franschise near them. The child’s play area is complete with a climbing gym, toys, coloring activities and videos to watch. A little nervous to leave them? Here, while you’re running on the treadmill or lifting weights, you can watch your child in the day care on a closed-circuit television monitor.
Cost: (Alexandria, VA location) single membership—$14.95 for a month with no classes or guest privileges, or $49.95 with the ability to bring a guest and take classes.
Photo credits: fotolia/pololia, Tanya Zabula, Women’s Club
