The Y is for Families
Families love coming to the YMCA, and we love welcoming them. Whether you’re looking to spend screen-free time with your children, stay active, or connect with other families, our programs, activities, and events help your family grow and thrive together.
From sports and fitness classes to outdoor adventures like camping, being active together is a great way to take a break from daily routines, build healthy habits, and create lasting memories as a family. Use our Activity Finder to explore our current programs by category, age, and day!
Family Fun Nights
McGaw YMCA’s Family Fun Nights provide a welcoming, safe environment where families can enjoy time together. Activities include a bounce house, Family Gym, Family Swim (advance registration required), board games, arts and crafts, family dance, movie viewings, and more.
Hosted most Friday nights, these events are free for members with a Family Membership. Community Family Fun Nights are offered at select times throughout the year and are open to everyone. Activities vary by event and are subject to change.
Check out our calendar for the next Family Fun Night and other events!
Pool Time at the Y
As one of the few places in Evanston with two pools, the Y offers a unique space for families to swim, play, and stay active together. Enjoy our warm 4-lane pool (84–86°F), perfect for family fun, and our 6-lane pool (79–81°F), ideal for lap swimming and workouts.
From Family Swim on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays to lap swim, water fitness classes, and other recreational swim opportunities, there are plenty of ways for members to get in the water and make the most of your family time together.
To reserve your spot in the pool, use the Pools & Swim Time Schedule.
Kids Club
Kids Club is our popular drop-off child care service at the Y, offering up to 2 hours of free care while you use McGaw YMCA facilities. Supervised by caring, trained staff, children enjoy a safe, engaging play space with toys, games, arts and crafts, and active play.
Available for kids ages 2–11. Free with a McGaw Y family membership. No reservations required. Kids Club operates on select days and is closed during McGaw Y holidays and facility closures.
Parents' Day Out
Parents’ Day Out at the Y gives kids a fun, supervised experience on select Saturdays while you enjoy some well-earned time to yourself. Led by caring, trained Kids Club staff, kids enjoy games, activities, and playtime. Children must be fully potty trained. A light snack is provided.
Available for kids ages 3-10. FREE with McGaw Y family membership. $12 per child with youth membership. Space is limited—register by the Tuesday prior to secure your spot.
Family Camp
McGaw YMCA's Camp Echo offers 4-day, 3-night family camps in the peaceful woods of Michigan, giving families a chance to relax, unplug, and connect. Step away from homework, afterschool activities, and technology, and strengthen family bonds through outdoor fun and shared experiences.
Camp Echo welcomes all definitions of family. Enjoy swimming, archery, paddle sports, arts & crafts, and community favorites like campfires, talent shows, and more—fun, meaningful time for all families.
Check out the Camp Echo website to learn more!