Kids' Fitness

Regular physical activity is essential for children's health and development. According to the World Health Organisation, kids should aim for at least 60 minutes of moderate to vigorous physical activity daily. In New Zealand, many gyms offer family-friendly facilities and programmes to support this goal.

Updated June 2026 5 min read

NZ Guidelines for Kids' Activity

The Ministry of Health recommends that children aged 5-18 years old engage in at least 60 minutes of moderate to vigorous physical activity every day. This can include activities like running, swimming, cycling, or team sports. Research shows that regular physical activity can help kids develop strong bones and muscles, improve their sleep, and reduce the risk of obesity and other health problems.

Family-Friendly Gyms in NZ

Many gyms in New Zealand offer family-friendly facilities and programmes, including crèche services, kids' classes, and holiday programmes. Some popular options include YMCA, Les Mills, and City Fitness. These gyms often provide a safe and supportive environment for kids to engage in physical activity and develop a lifelong love of exercise. Exercise NZ's subsidised gym scheme can also help make gym memberships more affordable for families, with discounts of 40-70% off.

YMCA Swimming and Crèche Services

The YMCA is a great option for families, with swimming lessons, crèche services, and holiday programmes available at many of their locations. Their swimming lessons are designed for kids of all ages and skill levels, from beginner to advanced. The YMCA also offers crèche services, providing a safe and supervised environment for younger children while their parents work out.

Holiday Programmes for Kids

Holiday programmes can be a great way to keep kids active and engaged during school breaks. Many gyms and recreation centres offer programmes with activities like sports, crafts, and games. These programmes can help kids develop new skills, make friends, and have fun while staying active. Some popular options include the YMCA, local sports clubs, and council-run recreation centres.

Get Your Kids Moving

Encouraging kids to engage in regular physical activity can have a significant impact on their health and wellbeing. By finding a family-friendly gym or recreation centre, and taking advantage of holiday programmes and other activities, you can help your kids develop a lifelong love of exercise and set them up for a healthy, happy life. To find a gym that suits your family's needs, take our quiz or compare gyms now.

🎯

Not sure which gym is right for you?

Answer 6 quick questions — get a personalised NZ gym recommendation in under 60 seconds. Free, no sign-up required.

Take the free quiz →

Ready to Join?

ClassPass — Try 500+ NZ Studios Free

Not sure which gym to commit to? Try ClassPass for a month free — access yoga, HIIT, pilates, barre, cycling and more across hundreds of NZ studios.

Start free month →

Compare All NZ Gyms

Side-by-side comparison of every major NZ gym chain — verified 2026 prices, contracts, features, and honest ratings.

Compare gyms →

More NZ Gym Guides

Cheapest Gym in NZ

Real 2026 prices from $7.99/week and tips to get joining fees waived.

Read guide →

Best 24/7 Gym NZ

City Fitness, Jetts, Anytime Fitness, Snap — compared by price and coverage.

Read guide →

Yoga & Pilates NZ

Studio prices, reformer costs, and whether ClassPass beats a studio membership.

Read guide →

How to Cancel a Gym NZ

Your rights, step-by-step instructions, and how to avoid paying out your contract.

Read guide →