Ultimate guide to Milwaukee-area gyms and fitness centers

Finding the right gym for your family in greater Milwaukee has never required more homework. This comprehensive guide covers 50+ facilities across the metro area—from budget-friendly Planet Fitness locations to premium clubs like Life Time—with the detailed pricing, childcare hours, and family amenities parents actually need to make smart decisions.

Whether you're searching for a pool where your toddler can take swim lessons, a CrossFit box with Saturday childcare, or simply the cheapest 24-hour gym near your commute, this guide organizes everything by region so you can find options in your neighborhood first.

North Shore communities

The North Shore corridor from Shorewood through Brown Deer features some of Milwaukee's most family-friendly fitness facilities, with multiple options offering robust childcare programs and aquatic amenities.

Elite Sports Club – North Shore (Glendale)

5750 N Glen Park Rd, Glendale, WI 53209 | (414) 351-2900 | eliteclubs.com

This full-service athletic club anchors the North Shore fitness scene with 10 indoor tennis courts—the largest privately owned tennis facility in Wisconsin. The facility includes basketball and volleyball courts, pickleball, racquetball, sauna and hot tub, and two exercise studios offering 50+ group fitness classes weekly.

Hours: Monday-Thursday 5:30am-10pm; Friday 5:30am-8pm; Saturday-Sunday 7am-7pm

Pricing: Contact for membership rates; multi-club access available across four Elite locations (Brookfield, Mequon, River Glen, North Shore)

Family features: The well-developed playroom offers kids' events and programming with childcare hours Monday-Thursday 8am-1:30pm and 4-7pm, Friday-Saturday 8am-12pm. Tennis lessons available for all ages.

Wisconsin Athletic Club – North Shore (Glendale)

7601 N Port Washington Rd, Glendale, WI 53217 | (414) 228-2800 | thewac.com

Recently refurbished in 2024 with stunning new furnishings and cutting-edge equipment, this 37,500-square-foot facility features a 25-yard lap pool, warm-water exercise pool, indoor whirlpool, and hardwood group fitness studios. The mind/body and cycle studios, indoor turf training area, and Pilates deck with reformers create a comprehensive fitness environment.

Hours: Monday-Thursday 5am-10pm; Friday 5am-9pm; Saturday-Sunday 6:30am-7pm

Pricing: Approximately $55-$80/month with initiation fees of $60-$85 (promotions vary); day guest pass $20-$25. Month-to-month membership with no contracts.

Family features: Kids' Clubhouse childcare available; family memberships; swim lessons. Membership includes access to all 8 WAC locations throughout Milwaukee.

Rite-Hite Family YMCA (Brown Deer)

9250 N Green Bay Rd, Brown Deer, WI 53209 | (414) 354-9622 | ymcamke.org

Home to the Walter Schroeder Aquatic Center with Olympic-quality swimming and diving facilities, this YMCA serves Brown Deer, Mequon, Glendale, and northeast Milwaukee with the most comprehensive family programming in the North Shore corridor.

Hours: Monday-Thursday 5am-10pm (closes 9pm summer); Friday 5am-8pm; Saturday 7am-6pm; Sunday 8am-6pm

Child Watch Hours: Monday-Saturday 9am-12pm; Monday-Thursday 4-8pm; closed Sundays

Amenities: EGYM smart training circuit, indoor running/walking track, sauna, steam room, whirlpool, 50-foot outdoor alpine climbing tower, athletic fields, playground, and family locker rooms. Two indoor pickleball courts.

Family features: Child Watch (free with membership), before/after school care, early childhood education, summer day camps, youth sports leagues, STEAM programs, swim team, and YMCA Achievers youth development. Financial assistance available through Membership For All program.

Boutique options in Shorewood and Whitefish Bay

Orangetheory Fitness Shorewood (4155 N Oakland Ave) offers heart rate-based interval training with 60-minute coach-led sessions combining treadmill, rowing, and floor work. First class free; unlimited memberships typically $159-189/month.

Burn Boot Camp Whitefish Bay (415 E Silver Spring Dr) stands out with complimentary childwatch included with membership—a rarity among boutique studios. The 45-minute high-intensity workouts use a unique floating floor designed to protect joints. Three-day free trial available; contact (414) 800-4800.

Pure Barre Whitefish Bay (418 E Silver Spring Dr) offers low-impact, ballet-inspired workouts in a supportive community. Hours Monday-Thursday 6am-7:30pm; Saturday-Sunday 7-11am. First class free. Grip socks required.

Empower Yoga Whitefish Bay (155 E Silver Spring Dr, Suite 207) features infrared heated studios with 100+ classes weekly across three locations. Drop-in just $12; monthly unlimited $77; first month special $55. Free outdoor yoga at Klode Park Tuesdays 6-7pm in summer.

The Lift Pilates Studio (383 W Brown Deer Rd, Fox Point) celebrates 20 years serving Milwaukee in 2025. This Wade Weissmann-designed studio offers private Pilates training, small group classes, and infrared sauna services in a light-filled sanctuary setting.

Budget-friendly North Shore options

Anytime Fitness Shorewood (4009 N Oakland Ave) provides 24/7 access with global gym reciprocity at 3,000+ locations. Typically $40-50/month.

Snap Fitness Brown Deer offers 24/7 access with personalized coaching and the Snap App for workout tracking. Current promotion: first month dues waived.

Planet Fitness operates locations in Mequon (11290 N Port Washington Rd) with the budget-friendly $15/month Classic membership or $24.99 Black Card with spa amenities and guest privileges. Most locations offer 24-hour weekday access.

City of Milwaukee delivers diverse options from downtown to Bay View

Milwaukee proper offers the widest variety of fitness facilities, from historic private clubs to gritty CrossFit boxes and everything between.

Wisconsin Athletic Club – Downtown

411 E Wisconsin Ave, Suite 600, Milwaukee, WI 53202 | (414) 212-2000

This 30,500-square-foot facility spanning two floors offers stunning Milwaukee skyline views, a 1/9-mile indoor track, dedicated yoga and cycling studios, and personal training studio. Upscale locker rooms include saunas, steam rooms, and complimentary morning coffee.

Hours: Monday-Thursday 5am-9pm; Friday 5am-8pm; Saturday-Sunday 7am-6pm

Amenities: Free weights, machine weights, cardio equipment, functional training (BOSU, TRX, kettlebells), complimentary full-size lockers, towel service, free Wi-Fi, massage therapy, nutrition services. Three hours free validated parking.

Milwaukee Athletic Club

758 N Broadway, Milwaukee, WI 53202 | (414) 273-5080 | themacwi.com

Founded in 1882, this private social and athletic club combines fitness with dining and networking. The comprehensive facility includes fitness center, swimming pool, sauna, basketball court, golf simulator suites, multiple dining venues including a rooftop restaurant, and even hotel accommodations.

Hours: Monday-Friday 5am-9pm; Saturday-Sunday 7am-8pm

Pricing: Young Executive (34 and under) $119/month; Intermediate (35-40) $159/month; Executive (40+) $199/month. $300 food and beverage minimum every 6 months required.

Family features: Free childcare for members—a standout benefit. MAC Families club and kids programs. Reciprocity with 100+ private clubs nationwide.

Bay View independent gems

Bay View Fitness (2121 S Kinnickinnic Ave) stands as Milwaukee's only locally-owned 24-hour gym with free parking. The 7,000-square-foot facility includes complete cardio and weight equipment, bench presses, squat racks, deadlifting platform, and personal training.

Pricing: Day pass $15; month-to-month $34.99/month + $34.99 joining fee; 1-year contract $29.99/month; 1 year paid in full just $360.

Shape Up Shoppe Fitness Club (2697 S Kinnickinnic Ave) has served as Milwaukee's only dedicated women's gym for over 40 years. This family-owned, women-supporting-women environment offers aerobics, BoxBag (boxing for women since 1991), and boot camp classes. No contracts; appointment required to tour.

CrossFit and functional fitness

BrewCity CrossFit (1539 W St Paul Ave) has operated for 14+ years and hosts Milwaukee Barbell, the premiere Olympic weightlifting club. Programs include CrossFit classes, skill development (gymnastics, Olympic lifting), and all-day open gym. Physical therapy services available on-site through Evolv-PT. Free intro class; Elements beginner class starts monthly.

Dropout Fight Club (830 E Keefe Ave, Riverwest) combines boxing with community in a vintage boxing hall atmosphere. Founded by certified Olympic boxing coach Otto Ohlsson, the gym has grown to 1,490+ active members. Classes include 60-minute, 12-round boxing workouts, Ladies Only Fight Club, and women's sparring camp. First class free via app; no contracts.

Climbing and specialty facilities

Adventure Rock Milwaukee (2220 N Commerce St) offers over 16,000 square feet of climbing terrain with walls up to 42 feet. Top rope routes, autobelays, extensive bouldering, yoga classes, fitness center, and pro shop. Member early access hours available. Community programming includes Women's Climbing Meetup, Queer Climbing Collective, and Climbers of Color Meetup. Youth climbing team and camps available.

Adventure Rock Walker's Point (613 S 2nd St) focuses exclusively on bouldering with spray wall and training boards.

Roufusport MMA Academy (321 N 76th St) trains with world champions at this 15,000-square-foot facility. Programs include MMA, kickboxing/Muay Thai, boxing, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, wrestling, and self-defense. Kids programs start at age 4. Trial: $39.99 for five classes including free MMA gloves ($60 value). Home to former UFC champions including Belal Muhammad, Rose Namajunas, and Anthony Pettis.

Western suburbs feature Milwaukee's premier family facilities

The western corridor from Wauwatosa through Waukesha contains the metro area's most comprehensive athletic facilities, with Life Time Brookfield standing as the region's true "athletic country club."

Life Time – Brookfield

17585 Golf Parkway, Brookfield, WI 53045 | (262) 899-7130 | lifetime.life

This luxury athletic country club represents the most comprehensive fitness facility in the Milwaukee metro with resort-like amenities. Indoor and outdoor pools include a Beach Club atmosphere, plus basketball courts, pickleball courts, full-service LifeSpa, eucalyptus steam rooms, LifeCafe dining, and chiropractic services.

Hours: Monday-Friday 4am-10pm; Saturday-Sunday 6am-9pm

Pricing: Premium pricing typical of Life Time clubs—approximately $100-200+/month depending on membership tier (Standard, Signature, 26 & Under, 65 Plus). Day passes available.

Family features: This is where Life Time truly excels. Kids programming for ages 3 months to 11 years includes Kids Academy (yoga, karate, fitness, arts, dance), Kids Gym, Movement Studio, and comprehensive swim lessons. Birthday parties, Parents Night Out events, and summer camps. Medicare-eligible memberships available through ARORA program.

Classes: 100+ weekly including yoga varieties, Pilates, cycling (EDG), strength classes (Alpha, GTX, Shred, Lift, MAXOUT), barre, boxing/kickboxing, running clubs.

Elite Sports Club – Brookfield

13825 W Burleigh Road, Brookfield, WI 53005 | (262) 786-0880 | eliteclubs.com

Established in 1986 as the original Elite location, this facility recently completed multi-million dollar renovations. Features include indoor and outdoor saltwater pools (not chlorine), 8 indoor tennis courts plus 2 outdoor clay courts, 4 pickleball courts, basketball court, racquetball courts, 4 exercise studios, saunas, and on-site physical therapy.

Hours: Monday-Thursday 5am-10pm; Friday 5am-8pm; Saturday-Sunday 7am-7pm

Family features: On-site childcare (Playroom), School's Out Scamp programs, youth tennis, kids swimming lessons, birthday parties, summer camps, youth basketball leagues.

Classes: 85+ group exercise classes included—Les Mills BodyPump, Zumba, yoga, Pilates, indoor cycling, water aerobics, kickboxing, HIIT, barre.

Princeton Club – New Berlin

14999 W Beloit Rd, New Berlin, WI 53151 | (414) 427-1100 | princetonclubnewberlin.com

Named "Best in Milwaukee" and "Best in Wisconsin," this family-owned facility delivers exceptional value with 24/7 access. The aquatics complex features a 4-lane lap pool, activity pool with two waterslides, outdoor pool, and current channel.

Amenities: 6 indoor/outdoor tennis courts, 3 racquetball courts, 2 basketball courts, large suspended indoor track (12.5 laps = 1 mile), 2 exercise studios, dedicated cycling studio with 40 bikes, massage therapy, Epic MedSpa, and on-site physical therapy and chiropractic services.

Family features: Free Kids Club childcare included with membership. Swim lessons, youth tennis, birthday parties, Girl & Boy Scout activities, summer camps.

Classes: 100+ group exercise classes included—Les Mills (BodyPump, GRIT, Core, BodyCombat, BodyBalance), Zumba, cycling, kickboxing, yoga, Pilates, water classes.

Wisconsin Athletic Club – Brookfield

20075 Water Tower Blvd, Brookfield, WI 53045 | (262) 544-4111

This 60,000-square-foot facility occupies a converted movie theater with unique architectural character including a second-floor mezzanine from the original balcony. Features indoor and outdoor aquatic center, 4 group exercise studios, innovative personal training studio, and the "Adult Playground" functional training area.

Hours: Monday-Thursday 4am-10pm; Friday 4am-8pm; Saturday-Sunday 6:30am-7pm

Pricing: Approximately $50-$75/month with one-time initiation fee $50-75. Loyalty rate: $10/month reduction after 12 consecutive months. Corporate membership discounts (30% off initiation) available.

Family features: Childcare services (~$15/month for 2 hours/day add-on); kids programs; family memberships; swim lessons.

Crunch Fitness – Brookfield (New 2025)

12575 W Capitol Drive, Brookfield, WI 53005 | (262) 351-0109 | crunch.com

Occupying a former Xperience Fitness location, this new Crunch delivers exceptional amenities at budget-friendly prices. The facility includes indoor pool, HIITZone HIIT training area, sauna, infrared sauna, HydroMassage beds, tanning, cryo loungers, red light therapy, boxing area, Olympic lifting platforms, and functional training turf.

Hours: Monday-Friday 4am-12am; Saturday-Sunday 5am-11pm

Pricing:

• Base (annual commitment): $9.99/month

• Base (month-to-month): $15.99/month

• Peak: $24.99/month

• Peak Results: $34.99/month

• Annual fee: $49.99; enrollment fee $75 (often waived with promotions)

Family features: Kid's Crunch Babysitting available as add-on (included with Peak Results).

Classes: 50+ weekly—yoga, Zumba, abs, stretch, cycle, bootcamp, barre, HIITZone, boxing/kickboxing.

Additional Western suburb options

Badger CrossFit (Wauwatosa) has operated since 2011 with expert coaches, nutrition coaching, and meal planning included. Known for building a strong community where members have found friendships and even marriages. Free trial class available.

Pure Barre Elm Grove (12894 W Bluemound Rd) offers low-impact barre classes combining yoga, Pilates, and ballet-inspired movements. First class free.

Planet Fitness Wauwatosa (3203 N Mayfair Rd) is a new location with founding member specials available—starting at $15/month.

Planet Fitness Waukesha (1510 E Main St) provides 24-hour weekday access at the standard budget-friendly rates.

Southern suburbs deliver value-focused fitness

The southern corridor from Greenfield through Oak Creek offers strong value propositions, including one of the metro's most affordable community fitness centers.

Wisconsin Athletic Club – Greenfield

5020 S 110th St, Greenfield, WI 53228 | (414) 427-6500 | thewac.com

This 28,500-square-foot facility features the unique combination of a 25-yard indoor lap pool, indoor whirlpool, seasonal outdoor pool, and the Oasis outdoor cabana bar—perfect for families wanting that resort feel without premium club pricing.

Hours: Monday-Thursday 4:30am-9pm; Friday 4:30am-8pm; Saturday-Sunday 6:30am-6pm

Kids' Clubhouse Hours: Monday-Thursday 8am-12:30pm and 4-7:30pm; Friday 8am-12:30pm; Saturday 8am-12pm; Sunday 9am-12pm

Amenities: Full fitness center, indoor cycling studio, yoga studio, outdoor track, outdoor fitness space, men's and women's sauna and steam room. Complimentary full-size lockers, towel service.

Family features: Kids' Clubhouse childcare, family events, youth swim lessons, junior tennis.

Innovative Health & Fitness – Franklin

8800 S 102nd Street, Franklin, WI 53132 | (414) 529-9900 | myinnovativehealth.com

This locally-owned facility stands out with three pools—a rare amenity in the metro area. The personal training studio includes InBody body composition scanning and Theragun recovery services.

Pricing: Free 7-day trial available; multiple membership options; contact for rates.

Family features: Childcare services, swim lessons (private and group), open swim times. Specialized programs include cardiac rehab and prosthetics training accommodations. Living Well Nutrition Program available.

Classes: 75+ group fitness classes weekly including INNOV8 small group strength/cardio training and aqua training programs.

Briscoe Family YMCA Wellness Center – Franklin

7095 S Ballpark Drive, Franklin, WI 53132 | (414) 224-9622 | ymcamke.org

The region's first integrated personal wellness center, this state-of-the-art facility opened in 2024 at Ballpark Commons with innovative EGYM smart health technology that monitors vitals and tracks progress across workouts. The two-story facility includes performance turf weight room and virtual programming.

Hours: Monday-Friday 8am-5pm; 24/7 access available for $5/month add-on

Family features: Child Watch available; youth programs (ages 13+ can access wellness center). Co-located with EXOS Physical Therapy and Midwest Orthopedic Specialty Hospital. SilverSneakers, Silver&Fit, and Renew Active accepted.

South Milwaukee Fitness Center – Best budget value

901 15th Avenue, Door 24, South Milwaukee, WI 53172 | (414) 766-5084

Located in South Milwaukee High School, this community recreation center offers the lowest prices in the entire metro area:

Membership Type Monthly Annual Resident Single Adult $9.00 $90.00 Non-resident Adult $15.00 $125.00 Resident Family $19.00 $155.00 Senior Single (55+) $7.00 $60.00 Military/First Responders $5.00 $50.00

Hours: Monday-Thursday 5:35am-7:45pm; Friday 5:35am-6:45pm; Saturday-Sunday 7am-2:45pm

Amenities: 200-meter indoor walking track (free for South Milwaukee residents after one-time $5 card fee), basketball court, treadmills, bikes, free weights, racks, benches, selectorized weight machines, powerlifting platforms.

No join fees, no cancellation fees, no contracts. SilverSneakers, Renew Active, and Silver&Fit accepted for free membership.

Additional southern options

Crunch Fitness Greenfield (6251 S 27th St) opened January 2025 in a former Xperience location with hours Monday-Friday 4am-midnight and full Crunch amenities. Starting at $9.99/month with annual commitment.

Planet Fitness Franklin operates two locations (7199 S 76th St and 6529 S 27th St) with 24-hour access and $15/month Classic membership.

Anytime Fitness Cudahy (5879 S Packard Ave) provides true 24/7 access with worldwide reciprocity at 5,500+ locations. Current promo: join for $1, then $19.99 bi-weekly. 10% military/first responder discount. Apple Fitness+ included.

Oak Creek Fitness (1902 W Ryan Rd) offers an upscale adults-only boutique experience with personal attention from professionally certified staff. SilverSneakers accepted.

Sweeney's Gym (Oak Creek) provides 24/7 access with no join fee, plus sauna, outdoor gym, private training areas, and tanning.

Northern suburbs combine premium facilities with community options

Mequon, Germantown, and Menomonee Falls offer a strong mix of upscale athletic clubs and community-focused options.

Elite Sports Club – Mequon

11616 N Port Washington Rd, Mequon, WI 53092 | (262) 241-4250 | eliteclubs.com

Since a 2005 renovation, this has ranked as a premier sports club in Wisconsin. Features include indoor and outdoor saltwater pools, full-sized Sport Court basketball court, tennis courts with lessons and leagues, two group exercise studios, Cardio-Theater, Golf Lab, and luxury locker rooms with towel service.

Hours: Monday-Thursday 5:30am-10pm; Friday 5:30am-8pm; Saturday-Sunday 7am-7pm

Pricing: Range $79-$299/month depending on membership type; 1-year initial contract required, then month-to-month.

Family features: Club14 playroom/childcare, School's Out Scamp programs, family swim times, swim lessons (members only, group and private), free family programming events, Parents' Night Out.

Wisconsin Athletic Club – Menomonee Falls

N91W15700 Falls Parkway, Menomonee Falls, WI 53051 | (262) 255-5700 | thewac.com

Built as the first new WAC construction since 1976, this 47,500-square-foot facility offers comprehensive aquatics with 25-yard indoor lap pool, 25-yard outdoor lap pool, indoor exercise pool, outdoor splash pad with zero-depth entry, and indoor whirlpool.

Hours: Monday-Thursday 4am-9pm; Friday 4am-8pm; Saturday-Sunday 6:30am-6pm

Kids' Clubhouse Hours: Monday/Wednesday/Friday 8am-1pm; Monday-Thursday 4-8pm; Tuesday/Thursday 8am-2pm; Saturday 8am-1pm; Sunday 8am-12pm

Pricing:

• Single: ~$76/month (basic) to $159/month with services

• Couples: ~$121/month

• Family: $139-$223/month (2 adults + children under 23)

• Initiation fee: $29-$199 depending on type

• Guest day pass: $20-25

Amenities: Full-size basketball court, pickleball courts, Lift Studio functional training, indoor cycling studio, yoga studio, Pilates deck with reformers, boxing bags, training staircase, outdoor fitness equipment, Club Pub with bar and smoothies.

Tri-County YMCA – Menomonee Falls

N84 W17501 Menomonee Ave, Menomonee Falls, WI 53051 | (262) 255-9622 | gwcymca.org

Serving Menomonee Falls, Germantown, and Sussex communities since 1966, this nonprofit Y offers lap and warm water pools, full-size gymnasium, racquetball courts, walking/running track, cycling studio, whirlpool, dry saunas, and pickleball courts.

Hours: Monday-Friday 5am-9pm; Saturday 6am-6pm; Sunday 8am-6pm

Child Watch Hours: Monday-Saturday 8am-12pm; Monday-Thursday 4-8pm

Membership (YMCA of Greater Waukesha County):

Type Monthly Loyalty Rate* Adult (26-64) $71 $61 Household $101 $91 Senior (65+) $67 $57 Young Adult (18-25) $51 n/a

*Loyalty rate: $10/month reduction after 12 consecutive months. No join fees or contracts.

Family features: Child Watch (ages 6 weeks-7 years), day camps, youth sports leagues, swim lessons, family locker rooms, birthday parties, Parents Night Out, Summer Learning Adventures, YMCA Adventure Guides, Youth Strong program. Financial assistance available.

CrossFit and specialty options

Complete Fitness Germantown (N96 W14555 County Line Rd) was founded by a 4-time "Fittest Woman in Wisconsin" winner and works with all levels from beginners to Division I athletes, including clients with Multiple Sclerosis and Cerebral Palsy. Kids classes, youth strength and conditioning, and dog-friendly environment.

CrossFit Time Warp (W140 N5880 Lilly Rd, Menomonee Falls) offers free trial classes and CrossFit Kids Summer Camp. Serves families from Menomonee Falls, Brookfield, Wauwatosa, Sussex, Germantown, Grafton, Cedarburg, and Mequon.

Orangetheory Fitness Mequon (6071 W Mequon Rd) provides heart rate-based interval training with Elite unlimited at ~$169/month or Premier 8 classes at ~$129/month. First class free; reduced family rates available.

Form & Fitness Mequon (10590 N Port Washington Rd) offers personal training partnered with Body Renovation Physical Therapy—ideal for those with injuries or special considerations. Founded in 2001 by licensed physical therapists.

Budget comparison: Most affordable to premium options

For families watching costs, here's how Milwaukee-area gyms stack up from cheapest to most expensive monthly:

Under $20/month:

• South Milwaukee Fitness Center: $9 resident/$15 non-resident

• Planet Fitness Classic: $15

• Crunch Fitness Base (annual commitment): $9.99

$20-$50/month:

• Crunch Fitness Peak: $24.99

• Planet Fitness Black Card: $24.99

• Bay View Fitness (annual): $29.99

• Snap Fitness: $34.95

• Anytime Fitness: $30-50

$50-$100/month:

• Wisconsin Athletic Club: $55-80

• YMCA Adult: $59-71

• YMCA Household: $82-101

$100-$200/month:

• Elite Sports Club: $79-299

• Milwaukee Athletic Club: $119-199

• Orangetheory Fitness: $129-189

$200+/month:

• Life Time Brookfield: $100-200+

• Elite Sports Club Premium: Up to $299

Facilities with standout family amenities

These facilities excel at making fitness work for the whole family:

Best overall family facility: Life Time Brookfield offers the most comprehensive kids programming with care for ages 3 months to 11 years, Kids Academy classes, Parents Night Out, and summer camps—plus aquatics, spa, and dining.

Best childcare included free: Milwaukee Athletic Club (private club), Princeton Club New Berlin, Burn Boot Camp Whitefish Bay

Best aquatics for families:

• Princeton Club New Berlin: 4 pools including activity pool with two waterslides

• Innovative Health & Fitness Franklin: Three pools

• Wisconsin Athletic Club Menomonee Falls: Indoor/outdoor pools plus splash pad with zero-depth entry

Best for tight budgets: Rite-Hite Family YMCA and Tri-County YMCA both offer financial assistance through Membership For All programs, plus comprehensive youth programming.

Best teen program: Planet Fitness offers free membership for ages 14-19 during the High School Summer Pass program (June 1-August 31 annually). Teens under 18 need parent/guardian sign-up.

2026 updates, new openings, and recent renovations

The Milwaukee fitness landscape continues evolving:

New facilities (2024-2025):

• Briscoe Family YMCA Wellness Center, Franklin – Region's first integrated personal wellness center with EGYM smart technology

• Crunch Fitness Greenfield – Opened January 2025

• Crunch Fitness Brookfield – Opening 2025

• Crunch Fitness Waukesha – Opening 2025

• Crunch Fitness Hales Corners – Opening 2025

Major renovations:

• Wisconsin Athletic Club North Shore – Complete refurbishment in 2024 with new design, furnishings, and equipment

• Elite Sports Club Brookfield – Multi-million dollar renovation completed

Closures to note: All Wisconsin Xperience Fitness locations permanently closed June 2023. Former members transferred to Planet Fitness; several locations converted to Crunch Fitness.

Milestone: The Lift Pilates Studio (Fox Point) celebrates 20 years serving Milwaukee in 2025.

Facilities with multiple locations

These clubs offer multi-location access, valuable for families with varied schedules and commutes:

Wisconsin Athletic Club: 8 locations (Downtown, Brookfield, Greenfield, Lake Country, Menomonee Falls, North Shore, Wauwatosa, West Allis 24-hour). All locations accessible with membership.

Elite Sports Club: 4 locations (Brookfield, Mequon, River Glen/Glendale, North Shore). Multi-club access available.

YMCA of Metropolitan Milwaukee: 4 locations (Rite-Hite/Brown Deer, Briscoe/Franklin, Northside, Camp Minikani)

YMCA of Greater Waukesha County: 5 locations (Waukesha, West Suburban/Wauwatosa, Southwest/Greenfield, Tri-County/Menomonee Falls, New Berlin, Mukwonago)

Planet Fitness: 15+ Milwaukee metro locations with Black Card access to all 2,700+ locations worldwide

Anytime Fitness: 8+ metro locations with worldwide access to 5,500+ locations

Adventure Rock: 3 locations (Milwaukee, Brookfield, Walker's Point bouldering)

Specialty programs worth noting

Senior fitness:

• All YMCAs: FOREVERWELL active older adult programs

• SilverSneakers, Silver&Fit, Renew Active accepted at: YMCAs, WAC locations, South Milwaukee Fitness Center, Oak Creek Fitness, Anytime Fitness, Planet Fitness

• Life Time Brookfield: ARORA Medicare-eligible membership program

Teen programs:

• Planet Fitness: Free High School Summer Pass (ages 14-19, June-August)

• Roufusport MMA: Kids programs starting at age 4

• SheWolf MKE: Girls boxing (ages 6-17)

• Adventure Rock: Youth climbing team

• Complete Fitness Germantown: Youth strength and conditioning

Prenatal/postnatal:

• The Lift Pilates Studio: Safe pregnancy exercise and postpartum recovery

• Aquatic programs at WAC locations: Low-impact exercise ideal for pregnancy

Cardiac rehab and medical fitness:

• Innovative Health & Fitness Franklin: Cardiac rehab accommodations

• ProHealth West Wood Health & Fitness Center (Pewaukee): Medically-integrated fitness with disease prevention focus

• Form & Fitness Mequon: Physical therapy partnership

Trial passes and first-time promotions

Take advantage of these offers before committing:

Free first class/trial:

• Orangetheory Fitness: First class free

• Planet Fitness: Free day pass

• Crunch Fitness: One-day free pass

• Pure Barre: First class free

• CrossFit gyms: Most offer free intro/trial class

• Dropout Fight Club: First class free via app

• Burn Boot Camp: 3-day free trial

• Badger CrossFit: Free trial class

Extended trials:

• Innovative Health & Fitness: Free 7-day trial

• Anytime Fitness: 7-day free trial

• Starting Point Fitness: 2 free weeks

• Pura Vida BJJ: $30 for 30-day trial

• Empower Yoga: First month $55 (regularly $77)

Special offers:

• Roufusport MMA: $39.99 for 5 classes including free MMA gloves

• 9Round: $29.95/month after $99 enrollment or 3-month special $189

• Planet Fitness: Frequent $1 enrollment promotions

• Crunch Fitness: Join for as low as 26¢ with promo codes

Making your decision

Start by identifying your family's non-negotiables. Need childcare? Your options narrow to facilities with Kids' Clubhouse or Child Watch programs. Want a pool? Focus on YMCAs, WAC locations, Elite Sports Clubs, or Princeton Club. Budget constrained? Planet Fitness, Crunch Fitness, and South Milwaukee Fitness Center deliver solid equipment at unbeatable prices.

For most families in the Milwaukee metro, the YMCA network offers the best combination of comprehensive facilities, childcare, youth programming, aquatics, and financial accessibility. The Wisconsin Athletic Club provides excellent value at the premium tier with 8 locations and month-to-month flexibility. Life Time Brookfield justifies its higher cost for families who will fully utilize the kids programming and resort-style amenities.

Whatever you choose, take advantage of trial offers—most facilities want you to experience their community before committing. Visit during your typical workout times to assess crowds, childcare availability, and overall vibe. The right gym isn't just about equipment; it's about finding a place where your whole family wants to return.