Family Programs & Activities
Families love coming to the YMCA, and we love having them. Whether you want to deepen your relationships, play and be active, or meet other families, our activities, programs, and events encourage families to grow together. We hope to cultivate the values, skills, and relationships that lead to positive behaviors, better health, and educational achievement.Events
Family Fun Fridays
Alternating Locations
Every month, we host a Family Fun Friday—usually at the Nir Family YMCA, but occasionally at the Midtown YMCA or one of the City Pools. Each Family Fun Friday features a different theme with activities for you and your family to enjoy together.
Healthy Kids Day®
Spring Events in Wilmington & Clinton
Enjoy free family fun at our annual Healthy Kids Day® events in Wilmington and Clinton, NC! The goals for Healthy Kids Day® are to encourage healthy lifestyles and active living and to reduce childhood obesity.
Kids' Night out
We are not sure who is going to have more fun — the parents getting a night out or the kids who get to hang at the YMCA! Kids' Night Out is for children in grades K-8, and they get to play sports, make arts & crafts, and watch a movie! Dinner, snack, and water will be provided. View our Kids' Night Out locations, including Midtown YMCA, Nir Family YMCA, and Sampson County YMCA, below! Parents' Morning out
Support yourself with a little me-time, run some errands, enjoy a hot cup of coffee — the choice is yours when you drop off your children at Parents' Morning Out! This program provides positive experiences that nurture your child, as they learn and socialize with new friends and participate in age-appropriate activities with a new theme every month.
YMCA Races
The Y hosts a number of family-friendly races and triathlons throughout the year. Proceeds from many of these events benefit our programs, like Girls on the Run and STRIDE.
YMCA Camp Kirkwood Events
Did you know that YMCA Camp Kirkwood hosts family days and camps? These events offer the best of camp, from theme nights and family challenges, to the ropes course and canoe races. What better way to spend quality time with the family than sitting around a campfire singing silly songs and telling stories?
Aquatics
Family Swim Time
Make a splash with the whole family! Check our pool schedules for Family Swim and Open Swim times!
Parent/Child Swim Lessons
In our Swim Starters stages, parents accompany their infants and toddlers as they learn to be comfortable in the water and develop swim readiness skills through fun and confidence-building experiences.
Splish-Splash Story Time
Available at the Nir Family YMCA
Enjoy quality family time with a learn-to-swim or water safety story by the pool, followed by 30 minutes of play and water exploration time. This is a great opportunity for parents to introduce swimming and water safety to young children.
Health and Wellness
Family Fitness
Introduce your kids to fitness through fun, high-energy group exercise classes they'll love. Ages 8-12 may participate in adult group exercise classes with a supervising guardian.
Healthy Weight and Your Child
This program offers guidance with making lifestyle changes to help you and your child (age 7 to 13 with excess weight), develop awareness, improve healthy eating, and discover fun ways to get more active.
Meet the Rabalais Family
The Rabalais Family joined the YMCA in 2018 and have made it their place to have fun. From soccer practice and swim lessons to family racquetball games, they enjoy spending quality time together at the Y. Watch their story below!
Host Your Party at the Y!
Looking for a place to host your special occasion? The Y is the place for you. We can host a variety of parties and celebrations. Start planning your event today!
Useful Resources
Looking for child care solutions? The Y can help! Check out the links below:
