We love our families. Here at our Y, we offer programs and events where families can come together to be healthier, stronger, and happier.

Family Wellness

Working out as a family gives us the chance to achieve a healthier lifestyle while spending time with the ones we love. We encourage all of our families to stay active together by taking advantage of our open gym and family swim times, or by joining us in one of our wellness programs designed specifically for families.

Bouncing Bears Open Gym (Ages 4 and under)

Free with a Family Membership or when enrolled in a Bouncing Bears Gymnastics class; $15.00 for all others. Non-members and local Y reciprocity members may not register for Open Gym unless they purchase a day pass in addition to paying for admission. Please note: For the safety of all, each Open Gym time is limited to 12 children on a first come, first served basis. Parents are required to stay and supervise play. Please pick up an Open Gym pass at the Front Desk.

Days: Not currently running*
Hours: 3:15-4:00 PM
Location: Kid Zone
Fee: Free with a Family Membership or when enrolled in a Bouncing Bears Gymnastics class; $15.00 for all others

*Open Gym days/times are subject to change and will vary during vacation weeks.

Drop-in Classes/Free to Members

Group Exercise Classes are open to all Y members ages 15 and older: Youth ages 12-14 may attend classes with a parent (excluding Strength Train Together). Cycle 30 Together is open to ages 10 and older, as long as leg length is 30″ from top of hip bone to bottom of foot.

Family Open Gym

Family Open Gym play is available on a first-come, first-served basis. View our schedules or on the New Canaan YMCA mobile app. Open Gym Rules & Procedures: Please try to bring your own equipment. Borrowed basketballs will be available but must be wiped down before and after use.

Free Swim

Free Swim times are open to individuals and families interested in enjoying unstructured time in our Scooter Pool. Advance sign-up for Free Swim times is available online through our membership portal. View our Scooter Pool schedules online or on the New Canaan YMCA mobile app.

Youth Strength Training (F.I.T. Pass, Ages 12-14)
*Free with Family Membership

The Families in Training (F.I.T.) program is designed to strengthen families by providing opportunities to exercise together in a safe and fun environment at the Y. Youth ages 12-14 will earn a F.I.T. pass upon completion of a youth strength training course, which teaches sound principles of strength training, aerobic endurance, muscle conditioning, as well as Wellness Center safety.

F.I.T. pass holders may work out on their own between 2:00-5:00pm or with a parent at any time in the Wellness Center Please note: F.I.T. pass privileges do not include use of the Zone. Each course is taught by a certified Y personal trainer. Youth Strength training classes are free to Y family members and fee-based for Y youth members. Teens also have the option of earning a F.I.T. pass through completing three, one-on-one sessions with a personal trainer upon successful completion of the Youth Strength Training exam. Personal Training rates apply for these sessions. More information about the current offerings and fees are available in our current brochure. Registration is available online or at the Front Desk. If you have any questions about Youth Strength Training or if you need help getting started, please contact Eva Saint at 203-920-1623 or by email.

Family Events

In addition to our family programs and open gym/free swim times, we also host special family events throughout the year for the families in our community to come together and have fun.

Family Fun Events

The Y hosts several family events throughout the year. Past events include our Family Fun Obstacle Run, Dive-In & Drive-In Movie Nights, Healthy Kids Day, and more! Be on the lookout for upcoming events, see you there!

Family Dinner Night at the Y

Family Dinner at the Y was inspired by “Family Day,” a national movement that informs parents that the engagement fostered during frequent family dinners is an effective tool to help keep America’s kids substance free. The motto for this movement is “Dinner Makes A Difference!” Themed family dinners are held at the Y throughout the school year. Families enjoy a family-style dinner with themed activities offered after dinner. Family Dinners at the Y are free and open to the community.

Family Fundays

A special event benefit for new Canaan YMCA Family Members: Y members with a Family Membership are invited to an afternoon of fun activities at the Y, including family gym activities, arts and crafts, and Kid Zone fun! Dates: TBD

Family Volunteer Day of Service

In celebration of World Kindness Week, the Y hosts annual Family Volunteer Day of service events where families and friends can enjoy time together while assisting with a variety of service projects. Past organizations served by the Y’s community service efforts:

• The Tiny Miracles Foundation
• Operation Gratitude
• Waveny Lifecare Network
• Filling in the Blanks