BCYF Family Gym returns February 8

Boston Centers for Youth & Families’ (BCYF) Family Gym Program is coming back for the spring season and will be at more BCYF community centers than ever before! Family Gym is a free, weekly play program that promotes physical activity for children ages 3-8 and their families.  

Family Gym will run on Saturdays beginning February 8 from 10-11:30 a.m. at BCYF Blackstone Community Center in the South End, BCYF Gallivan Community Center in Mattapan, BCYF Holland Community Center in Dorchester, and BCYF Menino Community Center in Roslindale and BCYF Jackson-Mann Community Center in Allston.  Family Gym will also be offered from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at BCYF Vine Street Community Center in Roxbury. Over 3,700 children and caregivers have participated in the program since it began in 2011. More than 360 college students have volunteered for Family Gym contributing more than 9400 volunteer hours.

 “Family Gym is all about getting families playing and exercising together which is good for their health and is a great bonding experience,” said William Morales, Commissioner of BCYF. “Thanks to our partnership with Children’s Hospital, The Foundation for BCYF, Northeastern University and many other area colleges, BCYF is proud to be able to offer this program for free at more centers than ever.” 

Children and adults move at their own pace in supervised activities. Colorful play equipment encourages individual, small, and large group play. Families can jump rope, play on an obstacle course, do the limbo, or play parachute games or sports. No pre-registration required however caregivers must participate and remain in the gym with their children at all times. Thanks to a partnership with Northeastern University, Simmons University, the University of Massachusetts Boston, and Boston University, student volunteers serve as Activity Leaders at Family Gym. Family Gym is sponsored by The Foundation for BCYF, Boston Children’s Hospital, and Northeastern University. 

“Family Gym is one of the highlights of our week, an activity our entire family can participate in and benefit from, particularly our active 5 year old,” said Caroline Gelinas, who has attended Family Gym with her husband Matt and son Sebastian for several years. “Living in the city means it can be difficult to find indoor activities--especially during the colder months--for young children that allows them to interact with others while also being creative and using their seemingly limitless energy.  Family gym provides a safe and healthy space to have fun, be active and most importantly, to build community. Thank you for the fun and the opportunities provided by Family Gym.”

For updated information or program cancellations follow @BCYFCenters.