When asking yourself about something to do near me in Seattle with a group of friends or family, consider
Meredith Mathews East Madison YMCA

Why Meredith Mathews East Madison YMCA is a fun option when searching for things to do near me with friends and family
The Meredith Mathews East Madison YMCA, located in Seattle, is a vibrant nonprofit community center ideal for meeting up with friends and engaging in a wide variety of activities. This YMCA branch boasts excellent facilities including a 25-yard swimming pool, a fully equipped gymnasium, a fitness center, and a group exercise studio, providing numerous options for group workouts and recreational activities. Beyond fitness, the YMCA operates a youth center and offers diverse programs such as parent/child activities, aquatic programs, and youth and adult sports leagues, making it a great place for socializing across all age groups. One of the highlights is the Kids Corner, a drop-in childcare service for children ages 3 months to 6 years, which allows parents to work out or participate in programs without interruption. The community-focused environment extends to multiple Community Learning Centers located at local middle schools, enriching the educational and recreational opportunities available. The Y's accessibility with comprehensive hours during weekdays and weekends ensures members can plan visits according to their busy schedules. Overall, it delivers a welcoming and supportive atmosphere that strengthens community ties while promoting health and well-being.
Here's what people think of Meredith Mathews East Madison YMCA
As of recent, Meredith Mathews East Madison YMCA holds a 4-star rating based on 87 reviews.
User reviews for the Meredith Mathews East Madison YMCA reflect an overall positive experience, as indicated by its solid 4.0-star rating out of 87 reviews. Many reviewers praised the YMCA for its friendly and helpful staff, clean and well-maintained facilities, and the wide range of available programs and classes. The swimming pool, basketball court, and well-equipped fitness areas are particular favorites, noted for supporting both casual exercise and more structured fitness routines. Parents appreciate the Kids Corner childcare service, enabling them to enjoy workouts with peace of mind about their children's safety and engagement. However, some negative feedback exists mainly around operational hours, which some users found restrictive, and occasional overcrowding during peak times, leading to limited access to certain amenities. A few patrons also mentioned that certain facilities could benefit from modernization or upgrades. In conclusion, while the Meredith Mathews East Madison YMCA offers a robust and community-oriented environment fostering fitness and social interaction, potential visitors should consider timing their visits to less busy hours to maximize their experience.
Highlights from reviewers (Most Relevant)
Charles Johnson
1 stars for convenience of location, but that's it. Paid $200 for a basketball program lil dribblers for kids age 3-5 and there was no basketball hoops! They lowered the regular hoop and none of the kids could reach it there for they used a hula hoop SMH. And to take cake they actually tried say they have all the proper equipment for a full gym. HaHaHaHaHa. All the balls were flat. West Seattle had 4 basketball hoops for the kids 3-5.... And they always start late!
Julie Shaffer
I’m extremely disappointed in my experience with the Meredith Mathews YMCA and am formally documenting my interactions for transparency and accountability. (Please go to my Yelp review to see the beginning of ths review.) ADDITIONAL FINANCIAL MISMANAGEMENT: Besides the $41.79 and the prorated $12+, I also had a $12.00+ credit sitting on my account that was never returned. I’ve requested a copy of the transaction record that shows this, and I am demanding it be returned immediately. These unreturned credits are not isolated issues. During COVID, I had a similar experience with Meredith Mathews YMCA. I joined for a NuStep, and when it wasn’t available, I asked for a refund. After repeated emails and delays, I only got a refund after calling the Downtown YMCA directly and speaking with someone who admitted that if a member doesn’t escalate or call in, they won’t process the refund request. This is unacceptable. ❌ INACCESSIBLE, UNETHICAL, AND UNSAFE: I was dismissed and not listened to as a person with medical needs and visible disability. I was asked to leave the NuStep machine early for others while unused machines sat empty. I was told to “go upstairs and try equipment” without any accommodation. A staff trainer offered me made-up exercises and unsafe practices instead of what my physical therapist prescribed. I was pressured into unnecessary services like nutrition programming I never requested or needed. No basic equipment orientation was provided without pushing paid personal training. ⚠️ THIS YMCA IS NOT SAFE FOR PEOPLE WITH DISABILITIES This branch of the YMCA fails to honor even the most basic tenets of accessibility, safety, and integrity. Their own mission says: “Guided by our core values of caring, honesty, respect, and responsibility, the Y is dedicated to giving people of all ages, backgrounds, and walks of life the opportunity to reach their full potential with dignity.” They failed every one of these values in my experience. Until there is a change in leadership, a financial audit, and a public commitment to accessibility and accountability, I cannot and will not recommend the Meredith Mathews YMCA to anyone. I urge anyone reading this—especially those with chronic conditions, disabilities, or special needs—to seek out alternatives with better support, transparency, and values.
Jilay Karab
The women’s bathroom on the first floor has broken flush and it hasn’t been fixed since almost a year. The steam room and sauna is also always out of order.
Johnathen Johnson
Jeremy was an awesome staff member who helped make this visit to the Y a friendly an happy visit. Good staff all around❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️. Jeremy helped guide and direct me to the pool & locker room, love this YMCA I’ll be back😊😊😊😊☺️❤️
sam rogge
This YMCA is the worst YMCA I've ever been to. I was a member to this location for 3 years. When I tried to cancel my member ship last month they charged me again yesterday for another month after I expressed how that would bring my checking account to the negative if they charged me again. They cant be bothered to take there staff brake room out of the sauna. So no Sauna for anyone. Will not go there ever again!
How to reach Meredith Mathews East Madison YMCA
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Why Meredith Mathews East Madison YMCA may become Your Favorite Meetup Place for Catching Up, Celebrating or Just Hanging Out
Why rally at Meredith Mathews East Madison YMCA with your friends?
Gathering at the Meredith Mathews East Madison YMCA offers a unique blend of community spirit, diverse activities, and an inviting atmosphere tailored for all ages, making it a top choice for meetups with friends or family. The YMCA is not just a gym; it’s a vibrant community hub located in Seattle, dedicated to promoting health, wellness, and social connection. When you rally here, you benefit from a space designed to accommodate groups seeking enjoyable, healthy, and engaging shared experiences. Whether your group is into sports, fitness classes, swimming, or simply relaxing in a friendly environment, this YMCA branch caters to all interests and fitness levels. The welcoming environment fostered by the YMCA’s nonprofit mission creates an inclusive atmosphere where connections flourish, making your gathering more meaningful and refreshing. Beyond the physical activities, you experience support through community programs and child care facilities, which makes it a practical venue for families and groups with mixed ages. The facility’s excellent location and extended operating hours ensure flexibility and accessibility, allowing your friends to join in on the fun anytime during the day. Choosing Meredith Mathews East Madison YMCA guarantees a healthy, fun, and convenient spot where every member of your group feels comfortable and energized.
What activities and facilities make Meredith Mathews East Madison YMCA perfect for group meetups?
Meredith Mathews East Madison YMCA is outfitted with a comprehensive range of facilities that make it an ideal venue for groups looking to engage in diverse activities. The centerpiece is its 25-yard swimming pool, perfect for group swim sessions, water aerobics, or casual fun, accommodating both beginners and experienced swimmers. The large gymnasium offers space for team sports such as basketball or volleyball, fostering friendly competition or cooperative games ideal for socializing and physical exercise. For fitness enthusiasts, the fitness center is equipped with numerous machines and free weights, allowing your group to workout together or individually. The group exercise studio hosts a variety of classes ranging from yoga and aerobics to more specialized fitness sessions, typically designed to promote camaraderie and motivation when done with friends. Children are well taken care of at this YMCA with the Kid’s Corner, a safe drop-in childcare area for kids ages 3 months to 6 years, so parents can relax or participate in activities without worry. Additional youth centers and community learning spaces enable educational and recreational opportunities for younger members. These many options ensure your meetup can be as active or relaxed as desired, while the facility’s design supports social interaction and shared experiences.
What makes Meredith Mathews East Madison YMCA’s environment and schedule suitable for group events?
The Meredith Mathews East Madison YMCA operates with a schedule geared towards maximum accessibility, supporting groups that want flexibility for meetups. Open early until late most days of the week, the facility is available Monday through Thursday from 6:00 AM to 9:00 PM, Friday until 8:00 PM, and weekend hours extending from 7:00 AM to 5:00 PM on Saturday and 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM on Sunday. This broad range of hours means groups can plan meetups around their working hours, school schedules, or other commitments without stress. The welcoming and community-oriented environment encourages inclusivity, where people of varying ages and fitness levels feel comfortable. Group programs and membership options help streamline access and coordination. Seasonal and registration-based activities such as swim lessons, personal training, and wellness plans encourage participation with friends for skill improvement or health-driven goals. The YMCA also offers live streaming and on-demand fitness videos through YMCA360, allowing your group to plan complementary activities at home or within the facility. Whether organizing a casual afternoon swim or a serious fitness challenge, the flexible hours and supportive environment help groups maintain consistent and enjoyable meetups.
How does Meredith Mathews East Madison YMCA support families and children during group events?
This YMCA location is distinctly family-friendly, making it particularly appealing for groups that include children or parents wanting time for both wellness and socializing. The Kid’s Corner childcare service provides a safe, stimulating environment for children aged 3 months to 6 years while parents or guardians utilize the gym or attend classes, all included with Family Membership at no extra charge. This lets parents enjoy peace of mind knowing their kids are engaged with trusted caregivers and fun activities, which is especially valuable during group gatherings or fitness sessions. Beyond childcare, the YMCA runs youth programs, sports leagues, and educational initiatives focusing on health and wellness. Activities tailored to younger participants create opportunities for families to mix fitness and learning in any group event. This structure encourages multigenerational participation, making group meetups more inclusive and enjoyable for everyone. The YMCA has a youth center and multiple community learning programs affiliated with local schools, supporting ongoing engagement beyond the facility and enhancing the value your group gains from involvement.
What community and social opportunities enhance the Meredith Mathews East Madison YMCA experience for groups?
The Meredith Mathews East Madison YMCA serves as a community cornerstone beyond just fitness and recreation, which adds a special dimension to group meetups. Its nonprofit nature means the focus is very much on social impact, inclusion, and community support. Volunteering opportunities abound, with activities such as coaching youth sports or assisting with community programs that groups can participate in together, giving your gathering a meaningful purpose and enhancing social bonds. The YMCA also relies on community donations and actively encourages support and involvement, which creates a culture of collective contribution and pride. Social events, registration-based programs, and special classes are regularly offered to foster interaction among members and friends. Having a meetup at the YMCA can also be a gateway to joining a broader network of like-minded individuals, extending your social circle beyond the immediate group. This holistic community approach ensures that a visit here is not just about exercise but about creating connections, giving back, and building lasting relationships in a positive environment.
How can membership and support services at Meredith Mathews East Madison YMCA enhance your group’s experience?
Membership at Meredith Mathews East Madison YMCA unlocks a wealth of benefits that streamline group activities and enhance enjoyment. Various membership plans, especially family options, facilitate easier access to all facilities and programs, including childcare services and specialized classes. The YMCA’s support center offers assistance for membership changes and help with navigating available programs, ensuring that your group can customize its experience seamlessly. Personal training services and wellness plans provide custom guidance for groups wanting specific fitness goals while staying motivated together. The YMCA also delivers flexible support with accessible phone and email contacts in case your group has questions or needs help coordinating activities. This comprehensive support network makes organizing meetups stress-free and allows you to focus on fun and fitness. With a 4.0 rating from 87 reviews, the Meredith Mathews East Madison YMCA combines quality facilities with attentive community service, making it a dependable venue for recurring events and special group occasions.