When asking yourself about something to do near me in Denver with a group of friends or family, consider
University Hills - Schlessman YMCA
Why University Hills - Schlessman YMCA is a fun option when searching for things to do near me with friends and family
The University Hills - Schlessman YMCA in Denver stands out as more than just a gym; it is a vibrant community center blending fitness, wellness, and family-friendly activities. Located conveniently at 3901 E Yale Ave, this full-service YMCA offers extensive facilities including indoor lap and family pools, a gymnasium, a Pilates reformer studio, racquetball courts, and a cycling studio. Fitness enthusiasts can enjoy a variety of classes such as HIIT, yoga, Pilates, cardio burn, Zumba, water aerobics, and group exercise sessions without prior booking. For families, the center provides quality childcare, after-school programs, and youth sports year-round, making it a go-to destination for engaging all ages. Additional amenities such as a sauna, steam room, personal training, and massage therapy further enhance the holistic wellness experience. Open early mornings to evenings throughout the week, University Hills - Schlessman YMCA combines a friendly community atmosphere with top-tier fitness and recreational services, making it a great place to meet and stay active with friends.
Here's what people think of University Hills - Schlessman YMCA
As of recent, University Hills - Schlessman YMCA holds a 4.3-star rating based on 115 reviews.
Users consistently praise the University Hills - Schlessman YMCA for its welcoming environment and diverse program offerings. Many highlight the professional and supportive staff who help members achieve their fitness goals. The availability of various classes, from swimming lessons to group fitness and Pilates, receives frequent commendations, emphasizing the convenience of no-required bookings for activities. Positive reviews also appreciate the comprehensive childcare services and youth programs, noting the YMCA as a family-friendly facility. Spacious and clean facilities, including well-maintained pools and modern gym equipment, contribute to members' satisfaction. On the other hand, some negative feedback points to occasional overcrowding during peak hours and limited parking availability, which can affect overall convenience. A few reviews mention that some equipment or areas could benefit from updates or more frequent maintenance. Despite these critiques, the general consensus reflects a positive experience, with members valuing the inclusive community atmosphere and the YMCA's commitment to holistic health and wellness. Overall, reviews depict University Hills - Schlessman YMCA as a reliable and resourceful center for fitness, recreation, and family engagement.
Highlights from reviewers (Most Relevant)
Willis W. Walker III
Dear YMCA University Hill / Schlessman, I wanted to take a moment to express my appreciation for Kristen, who has made my introduction to EGYM an exceptional experience a few weeks back. From the moment she assisted me with my initial setup, her personable and warm approach stood out. She made the process easy, fun, and engaging, and I even found myself laughing and enjoying the experience. Kristen has a unique ability to connect with members, and she made me feel completely comfortable as I explored this new tool. On my second visit, I noticed Kristen was off duty and preparing to leave, yet she still went out of her way to help me with a small adjustment and answer other members' questions about EGYM. In my two interactions, Kristen's commitment to member satisfaction and willingness to go above and beyond did not go unnoticed and deserves recognition. In addition to my gratitude for Kristen, I also want to share how much I’ve come to love EGYM. As someone who stays active with yoga, cycling, running, and kettlebells, I’ve found EGYM to be the perfect complement to my existing routine. It offers an easy-to-understand way to measure progress, which has kept me motivated and engaged. The routine is also quick as well. I can be in and out with a solid maintenance workout in 30 mins or less. The setup and tracking features have me hooked, and it’s quickly becoming a favorite part of my fitness regimen. Thank you for creating an environment that fosters this level of service and innovation. Kristen and the EGYM system are true highlights of my membership experience. Sincerely, A newly converted YMCA member
Geoff Lee
Joined this YMCA this year. The staff are amazing. The facilities, if working are fine. It does get busy after 5pm. I am annoyed the family pool has been under maintenance for most of the Winter. We have 2 children who love the pool and we were looking forward to using the pool as a way to get out of the house and get them exercise in the dark winter months. But the pool has been out of commission for a while now. It was a big reason we got the family membership. Hopefully it gets fixed soon because they also just raised the membership prices. I'm honestly pretty mad they did this while the pool is down. I've been a member for only a few months and so far, their facilities are not working and they are raising their prices!
David Brown
I was a member here in the past and let my membership laps because I was new and felt the staff treated us poorly. Not so this time we have been treated with respect and a friendly staff that gave us a tour of the new facility and offered to help us using the equipment.
Carrie McCready
This YMCA is excellent! We have utilized the Adventure Zone for our kids as well as Parents Night Out and our kids are always happy to be there and we feel that they are safe. The kids are also in swim class and we feel like they've made great progress in a few weeks. We utilize the fitness classes, aerobics and weights and are pleased with everything the gym has to offer. Only complaint is with the patrons - wish they wouldn't sit and look at their phones while others are waiting to use the weights/machines.
Tom Bishop
I have been a member of the ynca for 15+ yrs in multiple cities and states. I have the worst experience in the YMCA in University Hills Child Watch in Denver. The kids watch employee lacks empathy, understanding, customer service, yelling at kids. No respect for brown families. This has happened several times, the lady, is always angry, does not enjoy her job, give unrequested parenting advice, does not care to understand multiculturalism, multilingualism, does not pay attention to the kids, giving them her back. we had raised the issue to management but no action has been done, the same staff is in charge of the kids. I will. ot recommend you leave your kids with her
How to reach University Hills - Schlessman YMCA
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Why University Hills - Schlessman YMCA may become Your Favorite Meetup Place for Catching Up, Celebrating or Just Hanging Out
Why rally at University Hills - Schlessman YMCA with your friends? Because this vibrant community hub in Denver offers more than just a gym—it’s a welcoming space that blends fitness, fun, and friendship in an environment designed for togetherness. Whether you want to energize your workout with friends or enjoy recreational activities as a group, this YMCA location makes it easy to connect and stay active side by side. With a strong sense of community, diverse class offerings, and facilities that cater to all ages and interests, it’s an ideal spot to gather, socialize, and motivate each other toward healthier lifestyles. The combination of indoor pools, sports courts, fitness studios, and social clubs means there’s something for everyone, from fitness enthusiasts to families looking for quality time. Plus, the YMCA’s warm, inclusive atmosphere encourages teamwork and positive experiences, making your meetup memorable and meaningful. Rallying here isn’t just about exercise—it’s about sharing fun, wellness, and friendship in a supportive setting that feels like a second home.
What activities can you enjoy at University Hills - Schlessman YMCA?
University Hills - Schlessman YMCA offers an extensive array of activities that suit groups of all sizes and interests, creating perfect opportunities for friends and family meetups. A key highlight is their group fitness classes which include indoor cycling, BodyPump, yoga, pilates reformer classes, HIIT (High-Intensity Interval Training), cardio burn, Zumba, and aqua fitness. These classes accommodate different fitness levels and engage participants through motivating group energy. Participating together in these classes strengthens bonds while working toward personal health goals.
For water lovers, there is a lap pool and a warm family pool, ideal for swimming laps, water aerobics, or simply relaxing together after a workout or sporting event. Swim lessons and water aerobics classes are also available, making it easy for groups with kids or different skill levels to enjoy aquatic activities safely. Beyond exercise, the pools become social hubs where friends can cool off and chat.
The YMCA also features a gymnasium and racquetball courts, along with a popular pickleball court, a fast-growing sport perfect for groups that want to enjoy friendly competition. Pickleball’s ease of play and social nature make it an excellent choice for a family or friends gathering. Additionally, the gym has extensive strength and cardio equipment for those looking for a solo workout or paired training sessions. Together with personal training and EGYM, there’s ample support for effective, customized workouts.
Why is University Hills - Schlessman YMCA perfect for hosting group meetups?
What sets University Hills - Schlessman YMCA apart as a meetup spot is more than just its facilities—it’s the welcoming community vibe and the flexible scheduling that allows groups to tailor their gatherings. The YMCA’s hours are generous, opening early in the morning (as early as 5 AM on weekdays) and extending well into the evening, making it convenient for diverse group schedules. This flexibility is crucial when organizing events with friends or family who may have varying commitments.
The YMCA also hosts member social clubs like bridge, mahjong, sudoku, and writers clubs, which offer stimulating, low-key activities perfect for socializing. These clubs meet regularly and provide opportunities for friendly interaction beyond physical fitness, appealing to groups with varied interests. Special events such as Easter egg hunts, Rockies game day gatherings, and community celebrations further enhance social connection and provide wonderful occasions to meet up.
In addition, the facility’s family-friendly programs, including after-school childcare, preschool, youth sports, and a vibrant playground and Adventure Zone, make it an exceptional place for mixed-age family gatherings. Parents can enjoy fitness time while children engage in structured, safe activities. The availability of amenities such as showers, lockers, a sauna, and steam room rounds out a comfortable experience that supports both active and relaxed social moments.
How does the YMCA support group wellness beyond the physical activities?
University Hills - Schlessman YMCA promotes holistic wellness, supporting physical, mental, and social health for groups meeting there. Nutritionist services are available, enabling groups or families to learn about healthy diets together, which can complement workout routines and lifestyle goals. For those interested, personal training and virtual wellness programs deliver tailored guidance for individuals or small groups, boosting motivation and tracking progress.
Mental wellbeing is a priority, too. The YMCA supports stress reduction and mindfulness through yoga and pilates classes with calming effects, as well as community opportunities to combat social isolation—making it ideal for friends seeking both physical fitness and emotional connection. The presence of wellness programs aimed at reducing burnout, combined with a supportive community network, helps members sustain healthier, happier life habits.
Moreover, having Wi-Fi access means meeting groups can blend fitness with productive social time, whether coordinating schedules, sharing achievements on social media, or even organizing hybrid meetups with virtual components. Overall, the YMCA's integration of physical activity with community connection cultivates a balanced approach to wellness, ensuring each group visit empowers both body and mind.
What facilities make University Hills - Schlessman YMCA a comfortable and convenient meetup location?
Practical amenities at University Hills - Schlessman YMCA enhance comfort and convenience for groups. The facility includes well-maintained lockers, showers, and parking, ensuring that your group’s visit is hassle-free from arrival to departure. Being able to freshen up or change comfortably is essential, especially when meetups combine exercise with socializing or are part of a day’s itinerary.
Unique features like the sauna and steam room add an extra layer of relaxation post-workout, creating a spa-like retreat setting where friends can unwind together. Such spaces foster casual conversations and recovery, encouraging longer and more enjoyable visits. The YMCA’s childcare options and youth programs also provide peace of mind for parents who want to join meetups without worrying about their children’s supervision.
The facility’s location near Robert H. McWilliams Park adds to its appeal, offering nearby outdoor spaces where groups can extend their time together with picnics, sports, or strolls before or after their YMCA activities. This connectivity to both indoor and outdoor recreational options creates a versatile experience tailored to what the group prefers.
How can University Hills - Schlessman YMCA accommodate diverse group sizes and ages?
University Hills - Schlessman YMCA is structured to accommodate families, friends, and groups of nearly any size thanks to its wide-ranging facilities and flexible programming. The space includes dedicated areas for youth with safe playgrounds, an Adventure Zone, and organized youth sports, making it easy to tailor outings that include children. The Y Academy Preschool Program offers educational opportunities for younger kids, allowing parents to engage fully in activities while children learn and play.
For adult groups, the variety of fitness classes, social clubs, and recreational sports means participants can pick activities based on interests and energy levels. Even larger groups can split into smaller teams for basketball, racquetball, pickleball, or group cycling sessions, yet regroup for social time in lounges or common areas. The gym's ample capacity and multiple studios allow simultaneous activities under one roof without feeling crowded.
Special programs like day camps and after-school care can also support families attending meetups that span several hours or after typical school times. This adaptability demonstrates how inclusive the YMCA is for mixed-age meetups and multi-interest gatherings, supporting communal health and social bonding across generations.
University Hills - Schlessman YMCA is a comprehensive community center and fitness hub that offers everything needed to create memorable, healthy, and fun meetups with friends and family. From dynamic fitness classes and aquatic amenities to social clubs and family programs, it delivers a balanced range of opportunities to connect, exercise, and relax together. Its inclusive environment, excellent facilities, and flexible hours make it an outstanding destination for anyone looking to rally a group around wellness and friendship.