Preschool & Child Programs
Preschool & Child – Health & Fitness Programs
Our YMCA is dedicated to providing a range of health and fitness programs specially designed for preschool and young children. These programs are crafted to keep kids active, engaged, and having fun, while helping them build healthy habits that last a lifetime.
Program offerings may vary by location, but all are focused on supporting the well-being and physical development of your child in a welcoming, encouraging environment. For specific class availability, please refer to your branch’s schedule for more details.
Drop-In Programs
All Sport
This program is an opportunity for participants to engage in a variety of different sports and practice physical literacy skills in sport-based games. It is all about participating, regardless of your ability level. Children will learn the basic skills needed to play sports like soccer, floor hockey, basketball, and more. This is a weekly drop-in program unless otherwise indicated. Sports offered may vary by centre and age group.
Child Karate
Karate is a martial art that combines the use of punches, kicks and defensive techniques. It is a great way to get fit while learning important life skills such as self-defense, discipline, and respect for self and others. As a result of learning this moving art form, they will also build core stability, agility, balance, flexibility, and endurance. A uniform is available however not required. This program includes one structured Karate lesson per week, led by a trained professional instructor.
Creative Play
It’s easier to learn when you’re having fun! Kids explore their creativity and imagination through activities such as drama, art, games, circle time and much more. This is a weekly drop-in program unless otherwise indicated. Creative activities may vary by centre and age group.
Family Gym
Bring your kids and enjoy some quality time together while being active at the YMCA drop-in Family Gym program. This is a time for parents and children to enjoy use of the gym for a variety of available sports and activities together. It is also a great time to connect with other families within the community. Parents must accompany and directly supervise children. Equipment will be made available for your use.
Fun Food Friday’s
Learn the basics of nutrition and food preparation while preparing simple dishes. The goal of this program is to increase knowledge on how to live healthier lifestyles by learning how to prepare nourishing meals. Dishes offered may vary by centre.
Preschool Gym
For those days when the weather isn’t cooperating, you can spend quality family time together by being active at the YMCA! Come in and play in our gym where there is a variety of fun equipment for preschoolers such as toys, mats, balls, etc. An adult must accompany and directly supervise children at all times.
Stay & Play
This program provides a safe, fun, and free environment for children to participate in so that parent(s) can have some time to enjoy the health and fitness facility and get a workout in. Parent(s) or caregiver(s) are required to remain in the facility.
- Prerequisite(s): Available to children ages 3 years old and under.
- Costs: Included in YMCA Classic and Premium memberships at the Innisfil YMCA only.
Swim & Skate
Looking for something fun to do with the kids during the weekday. Grab your swimsuit and your skates and drop by the Innisfil YMCA. The Swim & Skate program is offered every Wednesday from 10:00am to 11:00am. Be sure to bring your own skates and helmets, as skate and equipment rentals are not available at the facility. This FREE program is offered in partnership with the Town of Innisfil.
Wheel Chair Basketball
Come out and see what Wheel Chair basketball has to offer! This program provides a great workout in a fun, fast-paced, inclusive environment and is designed for both wheelchair users and non-wheelchair users to come together. Adapted basketball skills are taught throughout the session. All ability levels are welcome, and no prior wheelchair experience is needed. A basic understanding of basketball rules and game play is preferred. Wheelchairs are provided.
Y Kids
The YMCA’s popular Y Kids program provides supervised activities for children so that parents and/or guardians may workout or participate in a program! This drop-in program fosters social development and allows your child to experience a variety of activities, including crafts, sports, and outdoor play.
- Prerequisite(s): Available to children ages 3 years old to 12 years old.
Registered Programs
Basketball – Fundamentals
Participants will develop the fundamental skills of basketball, including dribbling, passing, shooting, and defensive strategy, to complete their play in full-court games. YMCA Instructors will educate players about rules and etiquette while encouraging teamwork and fitness competencies needed to play the sport.
- Ages: 3-5 | 6-9 | 10-12
Soccer – Fundamentals
Participants will grow their knowledge in the basic skills of soccer, including dribbling, passing, shooting and field strategy. YMCA Instructors will educate players about rules and etiquette while encouraging teamwork and fitness competencies needed to play the sport.
- Ages: 3-5 | 6-9 | 10-12
Move It
This active program focuses on building a variety of physical literacy skills through group games and activities that get the whole body moving. Participants will also learn to work with their peers and socialize.
- Ages: 3-5 | 6-9 | 10-12
Art Spark
Children will explore their imaginative and creative skills through a variety of arts and crafts, dramatic play, movement and musical activities. Children will have opportunities to create projects and share with others. New themes and activities are introduced each week. Materials will be provided.
- Ages: 3-5 | 6-9 | 10-12
Specialty Programs
Active Artists
The Active Artists program is sure to release the artistic side of your child! The program is facilitated by YMCA staff and children are introduced to a new art activity each week.
ABC’s
The Agility, Balance & Coordination program teaches the fundamental skills that are essential components of physical literacy. The program improves your child’s motor skills, confidence, hand-eye coordination, and athletic development through sport and exercise. Your child will learn agility, balance, and coordination through energy burning, fun activities and training drills. Age appropriate training drills will be applied to all classes.
Chefs
The Chefs program is an immersive experience that helps children discover their inner culinary artist. Children learn basic nutritional facts and develop food-preparation skills as they prepare simple and delicious recipes. Trained YMCA staff mix it up each week with games, preparation techniques, and cooking demonstrations. Participants develop cooking capabilities and healthier eating habits that they can take home to their families.
Childminding
This program provides a safe and fun environment for children to participate in so that parent(s) can have some time to enjoy the health and fitness facility and get a workout in. Parent(s) or caregiver(s) are required to remain in the facility.
- Prerequisite(s): Available to children ages 3 years old and under.
Cool Science
Cool Science is geared for active and curious preschoolers or children. If your child has a passion for exploring and experimenting, they’ll have an outstanding time exploring the silly side of science. Learn about slimy creatures, oozing fluids, and other disgusting stuff. Come prepared to explore and get dirty.
Dance
The Dance program is designed at an introductory level and is geared towards teaching the beginner dancer, the foundations of dance movements and routines. Participants will explore rhythm, coordination and key dance techniques with certified YMCA Instructors. Children will be introduced to a fun new way to stay active and be encouraged to let their creativity flourish.
Fundamental Movement & Sports
The Fundamental Movement and Sports program is a great way to introduce your child to the foundations of sport in a fun, inclusive and safe setting. The goal of the program is to increase your child’s agility, balance, and coordination through energy burning, fun activities, and imagination. Through this program, children will learn a variety of sports and social skills that foster confidence.
Hip Hop
Dance can be an incredible workout! The Hip Hop program will teach participants beginner-level combinations. It is designed to encourage a love of dance and movement while developing a stronger sense of body awareness and coordination. The class will use the latest sounds in R&B, Dance Music, Pop and Old School in combination with classic hip-hop dance elements.
Taekwondo
Taekwondo is a Korean art form that promotes full-body physicality with a focus on flexibility. Children will learn hand and foot techniques, patterns, self-defense, and sparring. In addition to learning self-defense and basic fighting techniques, kids also learn focus and discipline, improving their confidence and self-esteem.
Join the YMCA of Simcoe/Muskoka
Being a YMCA member gives you access to motivating programs, expert support, and a welcoming community. You’re part of more than just a gym: you’re joining one of Canada’s oldest charities, dedicated to helping you thrive and building a healthier community.
How do I join?
- Take a look at our membership options to determine the membership that’s best for you.
- Choose which of our YMCA locations is closest to you for your convenience.
- Purchase a membership through our YMCA Online Portal, or visit one of our locations to sign-up in person.
