It’s not easy finding gyms with childcare in Christchurch, but this list will go a long way towards helping you get back on the fitness wagon.
Finding gyms with childcare in Christchurch doesn’t have to be a workout in itself. This list of family-friendly fitness centres will help you get back on the fitness wagon without leaving your little ones behind.
As parents, it can be tricky to find the time for ourselves. Thankfully, these childcare gyms ensure we can find the time to achieve our health goals by offering a creche, supervised play area or family-friendly hours for those with little ones in tow. Read on to see which fitness centres with childcare are in your neck of the woods.
Read more: These Christchurch Fitness Classes Welcome Children & Babies
Gyms with childcare in Christchurch:
Mamas Who Move Selwyn: Private Studio in Prebbleton
This private studio in Prebbleton gets that working out with kids isn’t always picture perfect. There’s a fenced play pen for babies and toddlers, but honestly, they’re welcome to wander around the space too. The whole setup is designed around the reality that sometimes your toddler wants to copy your squats, and that’s totally fine here. They even welcome dogs, which makes it one of the more relaxed spots on this list. With plenty of parking and that smaller studio feel, it’s less intimidating than some of the bigger gym chains.
Ages: All ages welcome (babies, toddlers, older children)
Cost: 3-Week Intro Offer available – unlimited classes, no commitment
Hours: Various class times available
Booking: Contact for class schedules
Mamas Who Move, 184 Hamptons Road, Prebbleton, Christchurch 7676, www.mamaswhomove.co.nz
Shoreline Fitness New Brighton: Free Supervised Play Area
Offering an individual approach to achieving your health and fitness goals, Shoreline Fitness based out of Brighton Mall is a 24-hour centre that runs group and individual training for its members. Knowing how tricky it can be to work out as a new (or even seasoned!) parent, Shoreline has set up a fun and supervised play area for children under 5 years old. The childcare service is free for all members and available Monday to Friday from 9am to 10.30am.
Ages: Under 5 years
Cost: Free for members
Hours: Monday-Friday 9am-10.30am
Booking: No booking required
Shoreline Fitness, 115 Brighton Mall, New Brighton, Christchurch, 03 388 3006, www.shorelinefitness.co.nz
FIT24 Halswell: 24/7 Kids Area Access
This family-owned business gets it. Located between Halswell and Prebbleton on Springs Road, FIT24 has a kids’ area that is free to use and geared up for both primary-aged and preschool-age children. The play area is unsupervised but available to use at any time of the day, making it perfect for parents with flexible schedules.
Ages: Preschool and primary school children
Cost: Free for members
Hours: 24/7 access
Supervision: Unsupervised play area
FIT24, 272 Springs Road, Halswell, www.fit24.co.nz
Snap Fitness New Brighton: Charity-Supporting Playroom
In support of “The Champion Centre,” Snap Fitness put together this gated playroom to help parents work out without worrying about the safety of their little ones. Open 9am-1pm every Friday through Monday, there are no additional fees to use the gym creche facilities. Instead, they ask for a gold coin donation so the gym can give 100 per cent of the proceeds to this organisation that does incredible work supporting children with special needs and their families.
Ages: Young children
Cost: Gold coin donation
Hours: Friday-Monday 9am-1pm
Booking: No booking required
Snap Fitness, 185 Bower Avenue Units 4 & 5, New Brighton, Christchurch, www.snapfitness.com/nz/gyms/new-brighton
Elevate Fitness Bishopdale: Baby-Friendly Group Classes
Overlooking Bishopdale Park, Elevate Fitness has a large range of strength and cardio equipment, including plenty of group classes. Its Bishopdale location runs “Bring Your Baby” group exercise classes twice a week at 10.30am on Tuesdays (Yogalates) and Thursdays (Functional Fitness). These parent fitness classes provide a safe space to work out within your baby’s reach.
Ages: Babies welcome
Cost: $8 per class
Hours: Tuesdays and Thursdays 10.30am
Booking: Contact gym to book
Elevate Fitness, Recreation Centre 13A Bishopdale Court, Bishopdale, Christchurch, www.thekindfoundation.org.nz/elevate
Ignition Health Papanui: Child-Welcome Personal Training
This privately owned gym welcomes families and is more than happy for you to bring your child along to a private training class. They also run group classes, some of which are child-friendly. Get in touch with this family-friendly gym to ask which classes are suitable for bringing little ones.
Ages: Various ages welcome
Cost: Contact for pricing
Hours: Flexible scheduling
Booking: Contact gym directly
Ignition Health, 4 Harris Crescent, Papanui, Christchurch, www.ignitionhealth.co.nz
9Round Ferrymead: 30-Minute Workouts with Kids Play
A top choice for time-poor parents, 9Round is a 30-minute boxing, HIIT-style workout that only takes 30 minutes to complete. Locations are across Christchurch, and the gym in Ferrymead offers a children’s play area complete with books, toys, and TV. Kids remain under the watchful eye of your trainer as you sweat it out. New rounds start every three minutes, so there’s no need to rush to a session or book in advance.
Ages: Young children
Cost: Included with membership
Hours: Throughout operating hours
Booking: No booking required
9Round Ferrymead, 950 Ferry Road, Ferrymead, Christchurch, www.9round.co.nz/find-a-club/ferrymead
Rangiora Fitness Centre: Hour-Long Creche Sessions
Those in Rangiora can rely on Rangiora Fitness Centre to help look after their little ones under five years old. With its creche running Mondays, Wednesdays, Thursdays and Fridays from 9.15-10.15am, take an hour for yourself while the kids enjoy plenty of activities in this supervised childcare facility.
Ages: Under 5 years
Cost: Contact for pricing
Hours: Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday 9.15am-10.15am
Booking: Call reception on 03 975 5556 or email [email protected]
Rangiora Fitness Centre, 345 Flaxton Road, Rangiora, www.sportstrust.org.nz/rangiora-fitness-centre
Lady Lee Fitness: Pre/Post-Natal Specialist
Certified pre and post-natal trainer, and mum of two, Lily, knows exactly how challenging it can be to find the time to exercise when you have children to look after. All of her services cater to a child-friendly environment, with the option to work out indoors or outdoors (featuring plenty of outdoor activities like a playhouse, sandpit, trampoline, and climbing frame).
Ages: All ages welcome
Cost: Contact for pricing
Hours: Flexible scheduling
Booking: Contact directly
Contact Lady Lee Fitness for location and booking details.
What to Look for in Family-Friendly Gyms
When choosing childcare gyms near you, consider these factors:
Safety First: Look for gated play areas, age-appropriate equipment, and clear sight lines so you can keep an eye on your children while exercising.
Supervision Levels: Some gyms offer fully supervised creche services, while others provide unsupervised play areas. Choose what works best for your comfort level and your child’s needs.
Age Requirements: Most gym childcare facilities cater to children from 6 months to 5 years old, though some welcome older children too.
Booking Requirements: Some fitness centres require advance booking for childcare services, while others operate on a drop-in basis.
Tips for Working Out with Young Children
Making the most of your gym time with kids in tow takes a bit of planning:
Start Small: Begin with shorter workout sessions to help your child adjust to the new environment.
Pack Snacks: Bring along favorite snacks and drinks to keep little ones happy during your workout.
Timing is Everything: Schedule your gym visits during your child’s best times of day, avoiding nap times or when they’re typically cranky.
Bring Comfort Items: A favorite toy or blanket can help children feel more secure in the childcare area.
Childcare Gym Etiquette for Parents
Keep these tips in mind when using gym childcare facilities:
Arrive Early: Give yourself time to settle your child into the play area before starting your workout.
Stay Nearby: Even in supervised areas, try to exercise where you can see or quickly reach your child if needed.
Respect Time Limits: Many gyms have time limits for childcare services, so plan your workout accordingly.
Clean Up: Teach children to tidy up after themselves and help them do so before leaving.
Finding the right gym with childcare in Christchurch and Canterbury means you can finally prioritize your fitness goals without compromising on family time. Whether you prefer supervised creche services or flexible play areas, these family-friendly fitness centres make it possible to maintain your health and wellbeing while keeping your little ones happy and entertained.
Read more: After the Birth: Postpartum Support Services in Christchurch
Featured image is courtesy of Pexels, image #1 is credited to Shoreline Fitness via Facebook, image #2 is credited to Snap Fitness via Facebook, image #3 is credited to Culture Fitness Halswell via Facebook
