YWCA - Uptown Branch050

In addition to fitness programming, specialized classes for kids, and swim lessons and teams (go Otters!), the Uptown Y offers before and after school childcare - including school release days - for kids ages five to 12. Babysitting is also offered, on a limited schedule and with advance reservations, for younger kids while parents work out.

The facility has seen some updates in recent years, and provides locker rooms especially for young girls and boys with their own showers and bathrooms beside the larger Men's and Women's locker rooms downstairs. Couches just outside, across from vending machines stocked with snacks, give parents a place to wait for kids changing after lessons. Barefoot parents are welcome to observe swim lessons from chairs beside the pool; with shoes on, they can observe from tables beside a large window in the entry lobby overlooking the pool.

Expect to pay $0.50-$2 per visit for parking in the attached ramp; those fees are not included in monthly dues, but it's that or walking or biking over - street parking is nearly impossible in this area. Parking spaces right beside the entrance are reserved for parents picking up children from childcare; if they can get in and out within 15 minutes, there's no charge.

Birthday parties: Both the gym and the pool can be rented by the hour ($50 and up). Call 612.874.7131 for more information.