Engaging Care for Kids, Self-Care for Adults
Kids Zone is a unique drop-in care program for ages 6 weeks to 13-years-old that allows adults to focus on pursuing their Whole Person Health goals at the Y, while their kids are engaging in a fun, safe, and caring environment.
Activating Brains and Bodies
As experts in youth development, you can count on the Y to not only ensure your children are having fun, getting the wiggles out, and making new friends but also learning through thoughtfully planned, play-based, and age-appropriate activities. Benefits of Kids Zone include:
Enriching Social Interactions
Your child will have a blast interacting with other kids through age-appropriate activities that get their brains and bodies moving. Opportunities to learn new skills, play games, and make new friends are endless. Activities may include:
- Skill-building projects
- Active group games
- Circle time social interaction
- Free play with a variety of toys
- Social-emotional learning activities
Caring and Certified Staff
Y Kids Zone staff are empathetic leaders who go through a rigorous screening process that includes proof of Covid-19 and MMR vaccinations and background checks. Youth Development best practices certifications are required in:
- CPR and First Aid
- Child Abuse Prevention
- Safe Sleep Practices
- Creating Positive & Safe Spaces (Bullying Prevention)
No Fees or Reservations Required
Kids Zone is an included benefit for members with Family 1 and 2 memberships that provides kids a safe, secure, and fun environment while their adults have 120 minutes all to themselves to:
- Take a favorite group exercise class
- Swim laps in the pool
- Relax in the hot tub
- Read a book in our community spaces
- Take a shower
- Get ready for the day
LEAPING into Fun
Our Kids Zone play-based program follows the seven core elements of our LEAPING into Fun activity framework which focuses on:
Literacy
Literacy through engagement in reading aloud and discussion, book inspired creations, word games, and more to instill the love of reading books at a young age.
Enrichment
Enrichment activities promoting investigation, inquiry, and discovery are explored through activities ranging from STEM projects to learning sign language and more!
Arts
Hands-on arts & crafts projects with a variety of art techniques that allow kids to creatively express themselves and take home a one-of-a-kind work of art.
Play
Structured and freeform activities, group games, and free play that engage kids in a noncompetitive environment to get the wiggles out while learning new skills.
Imagination
Fueling the imagination through role play, puppet shows, and more to promote freedom of expression, social-emotional learning, and creative problem-solving.
Numbers & Letters
Number and letter recognition, letter sounds, and counting through game play and concept activities that challenge kids to grow their math and literacy skills as they do.
Gross & Fine Motor Skills
Physical activities and craft projects that intentionally utilize gross and fine motor skills such as beading, scissor use, balance and movement games, and more.
Locations & Schedules
See below for the schedule at your local Y. Offerings may vary on holidays, during school breaks, and non-school days.
Auburn Valley Y
New hours effective Monday, April 3
- Monday– Friday: 9:00 am–11:30 am
Ages 6 weeks to 6-years-old
- Monday– Thursday: 5:00–8:30 pm
Ages 6 weeks to 13–years-old
- Saturday: 9:00 am–11:30 am
Ages 6 weeks to 13–years-old
Contact: Kasey Boettcher, Family Programs Director
Bellevue Family Y
New hours effective Sunday, January 8.
- Monday– Friday: 9:00 am–12:00 pm
Ages 6 weeks to 6-years-old
- Monday–Thursday: 5:00–8:00 pm
Ages 6 weeks to 9–years-old
- Saturday: 9:00 am–12:00 pm
Ages 6 weeks to 9–years-old
- Sunday: 10:00 am–12:00 pm
Ages 6 weeks to 9–years-old
Contact: Desiree Johnson, Family Programs Supervisor
Coal Creek Family Y
New hours effective Tuesday, September 6
- Monday– Friday: 9:00 am–12:00 pm
Ages 6 weeks to 6-years-old
- Monday– Thursday: 4:00–8:00 pm
Ages 6 weeks to 13–years-old
- Friday 4:00–6:30 pm
Ages 6 weeks to 13–years-old
- Saturday: 9:00 am–1:00 pm
Ages 6 weeks to 13–years-old
- Sunday: 9:00 am–12:00 pm
Ages 6 weeks to 13–years-old
Contact: Becca Piel, Operations Director
Dale Turner Family Y
New hours effective Tuesday, September 6
- Monday– Friday: 9:00 am–12:00 pm
Ages 6 weeks to 6-years-old
- Monday– Thursday: 4:30–8:00 pm
Ages 6 weeks to 13–years-old
- Saturday: 8:30 am–12:15 pm
Ages 6 weeks to 13–years-old
Contact: Colin Kinnaird, Operations Director
Kent Y
New hours effective Tuesday, September 6
- Monday– Friday: 9:00 am–12:00 pm
Ages 6 weeks to 6-years-old
- Monday– Friday: 4:30–7:30 pm
Ages 6 weeks to 10–years-old
- Tuesday & Thursday: 4:30–7:30 pm
Ages 10 to 13–years-old
- Saturday: 9:00 am–12:00 pm
Ages 6 weeks to 10–years-old
Contact: Danny Cage, Operations Director
Matt Griffin Y
New hours effective Tuesday, September 6
- Tuesday & Thursday: 8:00 am–11:00 am
Ages 6 weeks to 6-years-old
- Monday– Thursday: 4:00–8:00 pm
Ages 6 weeks to 9–years-old
- Monday & Wednesday: 4:00–8:00 pm
Ages 9 to 13–years-old
- Friday: 5:00–8:00 pm
Ages 6 weeks to 13–years-old
- Saturday: 8:30 am–12:30 pm
Ages 6 weeks to 9–years-old
- Sunday: 11:30 am–2:30 pm
Ages 6 weeks to 9–years-old
Contact: Chris Dunford, Family Programs Director
Meredith Mathews Y
New hours effective Monday, May 1
- Monday – Thursday: 4:00–7:00 pm
Ages 6 weeks to 9–years-old
- Saturday & Sunday: 9:00 am–1:00 pm
Ages 6 weeks to 9–years-old
Contact: Catherine Early, Operations Director
Northshore Y
New hours effective Saturday, January 7
- Monday– Friday: 9:00 am–12:00 pm
Ages 6 weeks to 7-years-old
- Monday– Thursday: 4:30–8:30 pm
Ages 6 weeks to 13–years-old
- Saturday & Sunday: 9:00 am–12:30 pm
Ages 6 weeks to 13–years-old
Contact: Becky Cherry, Family Programs Director
Sammamish Community Y
New hours effective Tuesday, September 6
- Monday– Friday: 9:00 am–12:30 pm
Ages 6 weeks to 6-years-old
- Monday– Thursday: 4:30–8:00 pm
Ages 6 weeks to 13–years-old
- Saturday: 9:00 am–12:30 pm
Ages 6 weeks to 13–years-old
Contact: Kim Payne, Family Programs Director
Snoqualmie Valley Y
New hours effective Saturday, April 1
- Monday– Friday: 9:30 am–12:00 pm
Ages 6 weeks to 6-years-old
- Monday– Thursday: 4:30–8:00 pm
Ages 6 weeks to 9–years-old
- Saturday: 8:45 am–11:45 am
Ages 6 weeks to 9–years-old
- Sunday: 8:45 am–11:45 am
Ages 6 weeks to 9–years-old
Contact: Jessica Hopkins, Family Programs Supervisor
West Seattle Family Y
New hours effective Tuesday, September 6
- Monday– Friday: 8:30 am–11:30 am
Ages 6 weeks to 6-years-old
- Monday– Thursday: 4:30–7:30 pm
Ages 6 weeks to 9–years-old
- Monday & Wednesday: 4:30–7:30 pm
Ages 10 to 13–years-old
- Saturday: 8:30 am–11:30 am
Ages 6 weeks to 9–years-old
Contact: Chris Chavez, Family Programs Director
.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
I cannot afford the full cost of the program. Is financial assistance available?
Yes! The Y is committed to ensuring all families have access to quality and enriching youth programs. If the fee for this program presents a challenge for your family, financial assistance is available.
For Y members, your program assistance is already attached to your Y account and available upon registration. For community members, please drop by your local Y or call us at (206) 382-5022 to learn more.
How long can my child stay?
Children can stay for up to 120-minutes or two hours per visit.
What room or space will my child be in?
Children are divided into groups by age to allow them to engage in age-appropriate activities. Ages for rooms and spaces vary based on time of day and location.
How many staff will be with my child?
Our staffing plan varies by the age of child. We strive to maintain the following best practices by age:
- Ages 6 weeks to 1 year: 1 staff per 4 children
- Ages 1 to 2 years: 1 staff per 7 children
- Ages 3 to 4 years: 1 staff per 10 children
- Ages 5 to 8 years: 1 staff per 12 children
- Ages 9 and older: 1 staff per 15 children
Do I need to make a reservation?
No. Kids Zone is a flexible, drop-in care program offered on a first come, first served basis to those with a Family 1 or 2 membership.
How do I know there will be space for my child?
Each location has a maximum capacity based on staff-to-child best practices and occupancy of the space. If you arrive and we are at capacity, we have a lobby area where you can interact with your child until a space becomes available.
How can I prepare for my child's first visit to Kids Zone?
Some children may feel comfortable immediately in Kids Zone, and other children may need some time to adjust. Here are some tips for helping your child transition.
What if my child needs extra support?
Our goal is for every child to be successful in our programs. This means meeting children at their level and sometimes making adjustments to help them reach their potential. If our ideas do not work for your family, we are happy to team up with you to create a plan that does.
What happens if my child is upset or crying?
Our staff make every effort to keep your child happy and content in Kids Zone. In the event that your child is not able to be consoled and has consistent crying for a period of over 10 minutes, we will seek you out, as the parent or guardian and ask for your assistance in soothing the child.
What can or should my child bring?
Please bring the following items:
- Socks (may wear or bring with)
- Jacket (for the possibility of outdoor play)
- Infants and toddlers should also have a change of clothes
- A non-glass, labelled water bottle
We provide activities for the children and ask that you not bring toys or electronics from home. All personal belongings including bottles, cups, pacifiers, and other infant items must be labeled. We are not responsible for any lost, stolen, or broken belongings.
Can I send my child with a snack?
In order to keep our Kids Zone safe for all children, including those with food allergies, food, gum, candy or drinks are not permitted except a non-glass, labelled water bottle.
If your infant will need a bottle, please make sure that the bottle is clearly labeled with your child’s name.
What do I need to know specifically if bringing an infant?
- Infants must be at least six weeks to attend our program
- We will locate you in the facility if your infant needs a diaper change
- Please label pre-mixed bottles of formula or breast milk and pack in a cooling container as we are unable to refrigerate
- Please label car seats, blankets, and comfort items
- Children must be removed from their car seats before checking in. As a safety concern, children are not allowed to sleep in their car seat while in our care.
Is there a place to nurse or feed a baby?
Please feel free to nurse or feed your baby anywhere in the building that is comfortable for you, including our Kids Zone program space.
What happens if my child needs a diaper change?
We will locate you in the facility if your child needs a diaper change. We encourage you to check-in your child freshly diapered.
What if my child is sick?
Following the guidelines below will allow us to maintain everyone’s health and well-being. We appreciate you respecting the health of the other children in Kids Zone by cooperating with us. An ill child will not be admitted and children who become ill may not remain in Kids Zone. For the safety of your child as well as the other children in Kids Zone, you may not bring a child to our program for one business day after having any of the following symptoms:
- A fever of 100 of higher
- Intestinal disturbance accompanied by diarrhea or vomiting
- Any undiagnosed rash
- Sore or discharging eyes or ears
- Profuse, colored nasal discharge not accompanied with seasonal allergies
- A communicable disease
Can a Y staff person babysit my child(ren) outside of the Y?
We are pleased that you feel comfortable and confident in our employees and that you may want them to babysit or transport children after hours; however, it is against the Y's policy without a pre-authorized consent form and a relationship that was established outside of the Y. Please don’t ask our staff to break this rule as it could be grounds for termination.
Can I use Kids Zone if I am on a guest pass?
Depending on the type of guess pass, Kids Zone may or may not be included.
- Try the Y Pass – Kids Zone access is included
- Family Daily Pass– Kids Zone access is included
- Youth Daily Pass – Kids Zone access is not included
- Guest Pass with a member – Kids Zone access is not included. A guest pass for Kids Zone of $5 per child per visit may be purchased at the front desk.
- Nationwide Membership – Kids Zone access is not included. A guest pass for Kids Zone of $5 per child per visit may be purchased at the front desk.
.
Stay Engaged with the Y
Swim Lessons
As the largest provider of swim lessons in the country, we strive to help all ages learn how to swim, so they can stay safe around water and learn the skills needed to make swimming a lifelong pursuit for healthy living.
Camp & Outdoor Leadership
The YMCA has been the leader in Summer Camp for over 130 years. Over this time, we’ve fine-tuned our programs to meet youth and their families wherever they are in their journey with the outdoors.
Join the Y!
With a shared commitment to nurturing the potential of kids, improving health and well-being, and supporting our neighbors, your membership will not just bring about meaningful change in yourself, but also in your community.
.