Family Time

A Place for Families

Today’s families have incredible demands on their time. Long work hours, household chores, keeping up with a child’s busy schedule — all of this can make for a tricky balancing act.

At the Y, there are opportunities for families to spend time together, and have fun while getting some healthy exercise! And when parents sometimes need a night out — Kids’ Night Out provides a safe place for your kids to have fun, while you recharge.

PLEASE NOTE: Beginning Oct. 9, 2023, Family Swim, Family Recreation, Member Child Care, and Birthday Parties will be open to GBYMCA Family Members only. Kids’ Night Out will remain open to Non-Members, although Members register early and pay a reduced rate.

Family Swim

Time is set aside each day for families to have fun and swim together in our warm program pool. Beginning Oct. 9, 2023, Family Swim is a benefit of Family Membership only.

Family Swim is by reservation only. Reservations open 48 hours in advance of your preferred time slot, and are limited to one slot per day.

To view the Aquatics Schedule and sign up for Family Swim, click below. Family Swim is free for Family Members, sign up is required.

Family Recreation

Let the kids run around, shoot hoops, or use any equipment available in the Gym during this time set aside for families only.

Beginning Oct. 9, 2023, Family Recreation is a benefit of Family Membership only. Learn more about membership types here.

Family Recreation is offered on Fridays and Sundays, 10:15 – 11:45am. Sign up for a spot on the Group Ex schedule by clicking the button below.

Kids’ Night Out

Have your child (age 3 – 12) join the Y for a Kids’ Night Out! Parents can enjoy an evening to themselves as kids swim in the program pool, enjoy pizza, and play in the gym! Please bring a water bottle.

Time:  5:30 – 8:30 pm
Date:  Sept. 9, Oct. 7, Oct. 28
Location:  Greater Burlington YMCA
Cost:  $40 for members / $60 for non-members + $17 / additional child

Pre-registration is required as space is limited.

Birthday Parties

Have your child’s birthday party at the Y!

When: Saturdays between 2:00 and 5:00pm. Times and dates are on a first-come first-served basis.

Locations: Program Pool (warm pool, includes splash pad), Gymnasium — set up as for Family Rec with bounce house, and/or Member Child Care (as a party space).

Who: Birthday parties are a membership benefit, and require an active Family Membership.

Cost: Full use of Program Pool or Gym = $100/hour. Over 20 kids for a pool party = $40 additional fee per hour for a mandated extra lifeguard.  
Party Space = $125. Includes set up, tables and chairs, tablecloths, plates, cups and utensils, and clean up. Member Child Care is the only rental space where food and drink is allowed.

Parties include a Family Programs Staff coordinator. 

Pool Rules

We require 1 adult in the pool for every 3 swimmers who require supervision. 

  • Ages 5 & Under: A parent/guardian must provide supervision — defined as being in the pool and within arm’s reach. 
  • Ages 6-9: May be in the pool alone if they have passed the swim test. In-water supervision by parent/guardian required if child has not passed a swim test. 
  • Ages 10-12: May be in the pool alone if they have passed the swim test. In-water supervision by parent/guardian required if child has not passed a swim test.
  • Ages 13-17: May be in the pool alone. 

Additional Aquatic Center Rules 

  • You must shower before entering the pool.  
  • No glass or street shoes are allowed in the pool area. 
  • Please do not swim if you are ill — you may infect others. 
  • Always WALK on the pool deck. 
  • NO DIVING! The pool is shallow, spinal injuries can occur. 
  • Use of all equipment is at the discretion of the Lifeguard. Use of fins is not permitted for open swim in the Program Pool. 
  • Refrain from underwater distance swimming and breath-holding activities. 
  • No dunking, pushing, or rough play. 
  • Please supervise your children in the Splash Pad area, which is not lifeguarded. Children should use “inside voices” and may not climb on structures.  
  • The strip between pools is for Aquatics Staff ONLY. 
  • Be respectful of Lifeguards enforcing these YMCA policies. It is their responsibility to keep all swimmers safe!  
  • Inflatable flotation devices such as arm wings are prohibited. 
  • Children cannot swim alone with only a flotation device; a parent must be in arm’s reach at all times and not rely on flotation devices.