When asking yourself about something to do near me in Ann Arbor with a group of friends or family, consider
Orchard Hills Athletic Club
Why Orchard Hills Athletic Club is a fun option when searching for things to do near me with friends and family
Orchard Hills Athletic Club (OHAC) in Lancaster, Massachusetts, is one of New England's largest and most comprehensive full-service athletic clubs. Established over 35 years ago, OHAC excels in providing a vibrant and welcoming environment where individuals of all ages and fitness levels can thrive. The club features state-of-the-art facilities including a large fitness center with hundreds of cutting-edge equipment pieces, a massive functional training zone, TRX systems, and a three-lane indoor walking and jogging track with dedicated stretching areas. Beyond fitness, the club boasts a dynamic outdoor complex complete with a waterslide, an indoor pool year-round, and a whirlpool, catering to family fun and serious aquatic training alike. Orchard Hills also offers extensive programs such as group exercise, school vacation and summer camps, basketball, pickleball, personal training, and senior wellness. This variety of offerings makes it an ideal gathering spot for friends looking to stay healthy, socialize, and engage in community activities. Every member can find something to enjoy, from casual lap swimming to competitive sports and social events, ensuring a rich, community-focused experience.
Here's what people think of Orchard Hills Athletic Club
As of recent, Orchard Hills Athletic Club holds a 4.9-star rating based on 18 reviews.
Reviews of Orchard Hills Athletic Club highlight its exceptional facilities and friendly, supportive atmosphere, contributing to its outstanding 4.9-star rating. Positive feedback frequently mentions the wide range of available programs for all ages and abilities, the quality and variety of fitness equipment, and the cleanliness and upkeep of the club's amenities. Members appreciate the welcoming environment, professional and knowledgeable staff, and the family-friendly outdoor complex, including the waterslide and swimming pools. Social activities and camps also receive praise for fostering a strong community feel. On the other hand, some less favorable reviews note occasional crowding during peak hours and the desire for more varied class schedules. A few members have expressed concerns about the pricing and membership costs. Overall, the majority of reviews confirm that Orchard Hills Athletic Club successfully balances high-quality fitness offerings with a community-centric approach, making it a favored destination for fitness enthusiasts and families alike.
Highlights from reviewers (Most Relevant)
Ann Arbor Bunnell Family
This pool is the centerpiece of our summer. Our kids meet up with their friends and enjoy the swim and dive team. It was a great way for us parents to meet more people in northeast Ann Arbor, and the Friday night potlucks are a great tradition and open to everyone. The family membership is a bargain for two pools, and these two assets are part of what makes our neighborhood so awesome. Looking forward to another fun summer coming up.
Susan Wyman
We love this pool! Great place to meet up with friends and neighbors. We like to bring food to grill on the grill there and potluck on weekends. They host a 4th of July party and other social activities. Great family atmosphere. Kids love the lifeguards. The swim and dive team is really fun and an excellent source of swim lessons for kids of all abilities. Great value!
Anne McKee
OHAC is a great bargain for high quality family activities and fitness. It's not just a pool but a community, Well supervised, with plenty of seating its a great way to spend those warm days. The swim program seems ideal with more emphasis on team, technique and sportsmanship than competition. Young swimmers, especially, have a very positive experience. There are also casual social events for the family from Memorial Day, 4th of July and the last day of school. This club is one of the best ways to become part of the neighborhood.
Kelly VanEe
OHAC is a great pool! It is run by wonderful people who keep it looking beautiful and in tip-top shape. I enjoy swimming laps there as well as attending some of the fun social events the staff plans.
Linda Klimach
This is a great family pool with activities for all ages: Swim and dive teams for kids, lessons for both children and adults, lots of family-friendly opportunities, and this include the dogs, who have their own dog-swim event after the pool closes for the season! Members can rent the pools for birthday parties or have an adults-only party (with adult beverages) for so much less than anywhere I know.
How to reach Orchard Hills Athletic Club
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Why Orchard Hills Athletic Club may become Your Favorite Meetup Place for Catching Up, Celebrating or Just Hanging Out
Why rally at Orchard Hills Athletic Club with your friends?
If you’re looking for a vibrant and welcoming place to gather with your friends or family, Orchard Hills Athletic Club (OHAC) in Lancaster, Massachusetts, stands out as an exceptional choice. With a sterling 4.9 rating from 18 reviews, this expansive athletic club offers more than just a typical gym experience—it’s a thriving community space designed for people of all ages and interests to connect, be active, and have fun together. The club’s spacious, well-maintained facilities and wide variety of programs make it easy to plan a meetup that caters to everyone’s preferences, whether your group enjoys intense workouts, aquatics, racquet sports, or simply spending relaxed time outdoors.
Orchard Hills Athletic Club invites groups to rally here because it goes beyond a conventional fitness center to offer memorable social and recreational experiences. From its scenic outdoor complex with a waterslide to its indoor pools, jogging track, and versatile group classes, the club encourages bonding through shared activities suitable for beginners and athletes alike. Its year-round kids’ programs, summer camps, and senior wellness services also make it a multi-generational hub where families can unite, making group visits meaningful and inclusive. Hosting a meetup at Orchard Hills means everyone finds their niche in a vibrant, health-focused environment that’s easy to access and embraced by the local community.
What activities does Orchard Hills Athletic Club offer for groups?
Orchard Hills Athletic Club is famed for its impressive array of activities that cater superbly to groups looking to engage in fun and fitness together. First and foremost, the club features comprehensive indoor and outdoor sports facilities, including multiple tennis courts where players of all levels can enjoy matches or lessons, continuing the club’s long-standing reputation as a regional tennis leader. Basketball courts and floor hockey areas provide dynamic indoor team sports, perfect for groups seeking friendly competition or physical challenges in a social setting.
Aquatic enthusiasts will find a heated indoor swimming pool and whirlpool that lend themselves well to group swim sessions, lessons, or water aerobics classes, excellent for members of varied ages and abilities. For those who prefer jogging or walking, the club’s indoor jogging track ensures that the exercise can continue regardless of weather conditions. Additionally, Orchard Hills hosts group fitness classes ranging from high-intensity workouts to calming yoga, letting your meetup include both exhilarating and restorative options to suit diverse fitness tastes.
Outdoor lovers will appreciate the club’s unique outdoor complex featuring a waterslide, which not only adds an element of fun and adventure but also serves as a gathering spot for energetic group activities and seasonal celebrations. Beyond sports, the club’s vacation programs, creative arts, and STEM activities foster social interaction and learning for kids, making Orchard Hills ideal for family meetups with younger participants. Altogether, these varied activities offer multiple avenues for friends and family to make memories together around shared wellness and recreation themes.
Why is Orchard Hills Athletic Club perfect for hosting group meetups?
Orchard Hills Athletic Club excels as a venue for group meetups because it combines top-tier facilities, flexible scheduling, and a community-focused environment designed to accommodate groups of all sizes and interests. Its operating hours are expansive—opening early at 5:00 AM on weekdays and remaining accessible until 9:00 PM on most days, with weekend hours from 7:00 AM to 8:00 PM—providing plenty of opportunities for groups to plan sessions that fit their collective schedules. This availability ensures convenient meetup times, whether it’s an early morning workout, an afternoon pool party, or an evening fitness class together.
The club’s spacious layout and multi-purpose venues cater well to groups that want to engage in activities simultaneously or split into smaller sub-groups based on individual preferences. For example, while some meet in the basketball or pickleball courts, others can enjoy a swim or take part in group exercise classes. This variety helps keep everyone involved and excited, avoiding the common challenge of finding a one-size-fits-all activity for mixed groups.
Furthermore, Orchard Hills thrives on its reputation for personalized hospitality and community-building. Members frequently highlight the friendly staff and welcoming atmosphere, which create a comfortable setting conducive to socializing and networking within the group. Their comprehensive children’s programs, summer camps, and senior wellness offerings also mean meetups can include everyone from youngsters to older adults without logistical headaches. Whether a casual get-together, a sports-focused day, or a multi-activity family outing, Orchard Hills provides infrastructure and support to make group gatherings smooth, enjoyable, and memorable.
What makes Orchard Hills Athletic Club stand out among other fitness and social venues?
Orchard Hills Athletic Club distinguishes itself by blending the scale of a large regional facility with the warmth and personalization often found in smaller clubs. Established over 35 years ago, it has matured into one of New England’s largest full-service athletic clubs, yet it maintains a community-centric vibe where members feel recognized and valued. Its diverse offering not only covers standard gym and fitness services but also extends into flourishing recreational sports, children’s education programs, and senior wellness—making it truly multi-dimensional.
A unique feature setting Orchard Hills apart is its year-round operation of both indoor and outdoor complexes. While many clubs might boast indoor pools or courts, Orchard Hills adds a distinctive outdoor waterslide and open-air environments that foster playful gathering outside of traditional gym activities. This versatility appeals especially to social groups who want more than just exercise—they want opportunities for fun and relaxation combined with fitness.
The club’s commitment to comprehensive programming is also a cornerstone of its appeal. From structured school vacation camps hosted during December, February, and April breaks, to STEM and creative arts workshops for kids, Orchard Hills serves as a community hub beyond workouts. Personal and private training sessions, senior programming, and group exercise classes create ongoing schedules of engagement, helping all members build lasting friendships through shared goals and interests. This holistic approach makes it a destination that supports health, learning, and camaraderie in equal measure.
How can you maximize your meetup experience at Orchard Hills Athletic Club?
To get the most out of a group meetup at Orchard Hills Athletic Club, thorough planning and taking advantage of the club’s broad resources are key. Start by exploring the many activity options available—whether your group prefers competitive sports like tennis, basketball, or pickleball, or collective fitness experiences such as group classes or swimming. Scheduling a multi-activity session where different subgroups rotate through courts, pools, and fitness studios ensures everyone remains engaged and energized throughout the meetup.
Consider incorporating a guided fitness or personal training session for your group, which the club offers, to add value and expert motivation to your event. For family gatherings, integrating children’s programs or creative workshops during your visit can keep the younger members entertained with meaningful activities while adults socialize or exercise.
Planning around the club’s flexible hours allows your group to meet at convenient times—perhaps starting early with a refreshing swim or jog on the indoor track, followed by a fun outdoor waterslide session and ending with a group fitness class or casual game on the courts. Utilizing club amenities like the whirlpool for relaxation after activity also rounds out the day and leaves a positive, lasting impression.
Lastly, communicating with the club’s friendly staff ahead of time can help tailor experiences or coordinate group needs like booking courts, arranging lessons, or organizing parties. This proactive approach ensures your meetup at Orchard Hills Athletic Club is seamless, inclusive, and packed with meaningful moments for everyone involved.