Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Get the details about our operational hours, guest passes, financial assistance, and other membership management process questions. Learn more about the benefits of your Y membership and how our non-profit status fuels our community service mission. We aim to provide you with all the information you need to make the most of your YMCA experience. If you need further assistance, please see our support center.

FAQ Sections

General FAQs

What time is the Y open?
Can I go to any YMCA location?

YMCA of Greater Seattle members can access any of our 14 locations, including 11 aquatic centers. Find your local Y's hours of operation.

As a member of the YMCA of Greater Seattle, you can easily access more than 2,600 Ys throughout the United States using a benefit called Nationwide Membership. Please contact the local Y you plan to visit to ensure they're accepting Nationwide Membership at this time.

Can members bring guests to the Y?
I am not a member, can I visit the Y for just the day?

Yes, you may purchase a day pass in-person at your local Y. If you would like to try the Y before becoming a member, we recommend exploring a one-day Try the Y pass.

What is included with membership?

There are so many benefits to membership!

  • Unlimited access to all Greater Seattle Ys 
  • Free personalized wellness plan
  • Free Kids Zone with family membership (at select locations)
  • State-of-the-art equipment & amenities, including indoor heated swimming pools
  • And more!

See a full list of member benefits

Does membership at the Y include child watch while I exercise?

Yes, Family 1 and Family 2 memberships include access to Kids Zone, a unique drop-in care program for ages 6 weeks to 13-years-old that allows adults to focus on pursuing their Whole Person Health goals at the Y, while their kids are engaging in a fun, safe, and caring environment. 

Learn more about Kids Zone.

Does the Y offer financial assistance for membership and programs?

Yes, income-based financial assistance is available to help cover the cost of membership. To get started, please complete our financial assistance form or visit a branch near you.

How does payment work?

Signing up for a membership includes a one-time joining fee and recurring monthly dues. Most members pay dues through a monthly bank draft via a checking account, savings account, debit card, or credit card. You can also pay for your membership on an annual basis.

Learn more about managing payments

How do I apply a coupon code to my purchase?

You may have a coupon code to reduce the price of your joining fee or activity. Please follow the steps below to apply your coupon code. 

Step 1: Add your membership and/or activities to your cart.

Step 2: Once you have added all items to your cart, follow the checkout process. 

Step 3: Review your Order Summary and add your coupon code below Due Now.

coupon code

Step 4: Review your new Due Now amount and confirm your coupon code has been applied. 

coupon code
Do I have to sign a contract to become a member?

No, we do not impose contracts on our members. You're free to cancel membership at any time.

Should you decide to cancel your membership within 30 days after joining, you may request and receive a full refund to your original payment method.

Learn more about our refund policy.

How do I cancel my membership?

To cancel your membership please start your request here.

Is the YMCA a nonprofit?

Yes, the YMCA is a 501(c)(3) non-profit social services organization dedicated to Youth Development, Healthy Living, and Social Responsibility. Our tax identification number is 91-0482710. 

Learn more about us

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Financial Assistance FAQs

I submitted my financial assistance application two weeks ago and haven’t heard back. When can I expect an update?

To thoughtfully process applications can take us a little bit of time. We appreciate your patience. If it has been 14 business days or more and you have not heard from us, please contact us. We may be experiencing a high volume of requests and apologize for the delay.

I need financial assistance for a class or program, for example swimming lessons, but don't want a membership. Can I do that?

Yes, you can apply for a program award or subsidy. Go to our financial assistance application and select “Program Subsidy Only” under the "Membership or Program Assistance" dropdown menu.

Why would my financial assistance award, also known as your "Affordable for All" pricing, change?

Financial assistance awards or "Affordable for All" pricing rates are determined based on household income, number of household members, and financial assistance scholarship funds available from the YMCA of Greater Seattle. Your "Affordable for All" pricing may change based on any of these factors changing.

What if I can’t afford my new "Affordable for All" pricing or membership rate?

The Y strives to provide options for your membership. Did you know that several insurance companies help cover the cost of a Y membership? Visit our membership through insurance partnerships page to learn more.

Other ways to engage with the Y that may fit your unique interests include licensing via the Y to be a foster parent for a youth in need, talking with your doctor about one of our chronic disease prevention programs if applicable, or launching a career with the Y in which membership is included, along with other employee benefits!.

If none of these options are a good fit, please feel free to re-submit your financial assistance or "Affordable for All" application and indicate that you would like to discuss your financial assistance scholarship award with a Y representative in the "Additional Information" field of the application. A Y staff person will be in touch within 7-10 business days.

My financial assistance or "Affordable for All" membership pricing rate changed and over drafted my bank. What do I do?

If you do not re-apply for financial assistance 30 days or more prior to your "Affordable for All" pricing award expiring, your membership rate will be updated to the standard membership rate, and you will be charged the new rate. You are responsible for all charges accrued, including overdraft banking fees and other corresponding bank charges.

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