Kids go free as Junior Lifestyles membership launches in Liverpool

Kids go free as Junior Lifestyles membership launches in Liverpool

Liverpool City Council is set to introduce a new free leisure membership aimed at children and young people, designed to make it easier for families to engage in physical activities and stay connected within their communities. Beginning on Monday, 6 July 2026, young residents of Liverpool between the ages of 8 and 17 will be able to register for the Kids Go Free membership as part of the council’s Active Lifestyles Youth Offer.

This initiative grants members complimentary access to gym and swimming facilities at various participating Lifestyles centres throughout the city. The program’s main goals include promoting healthier lifestyles, enhancing wellbeing, and ensuring local youngsters have access to safe and inclusive leisure spaces. Liverpool City Council hopes this new membership will lower the barriers to physical activity, ensuring every child can benefit from regular exercise.

Registration can be completed either online through the Lifestyles website or in person at any of the participating centres. Upon signing up, children and young people will receive a free membership card. The membership covers free gym sessions during specific hours, free swimming during public sessions, and access both in term time and school holidays. Children currently holding an Activ8 junior membership who use only gym and swimming facilities are eligible to switch to this free option.

Regarding gym use, all young members must complete an induction before using the facilities; those who have already been inducted within the past 12 months through Activ8 might be able to transfer their induction. During term time, gym access is available Monday to Friday from 3pm to 6pm and throughout weekends all day. In school holidays, access expands to 9am to 6pm on weekdays and all day on weekends. Children in primary school must have a responsible adult with them in the gym, while secondary school-aged youngsters can attend independently during the designated times. Swimming is also included, with normal supervision rules in place, such as a 1:1 adult-to-child ratio for children under four years and no more than two children per adult for ages four to seven. Free swimming remains available for children under eight.

Eligibility for the Kids Go Free scheme requires participants to reside in Liverpool and pass a postcode check at registration. Membership will end automatically the day before the member’s 18th birthday. This scheme is offered at Liverpool City Council-run Lifestyles centres but excludes Walton Sports Centre and Cardinal Heenan. Those wishing to join can register online or in person from 6 July at any participating venue. For further details, individuals can visit the Lifestyles website or inquire with staff at their local leisure centre.

Councillor Harry Doyle, Liverpool City Council’s Cabinet Member for Health, Wellbeing and Culture, expressed enthusiasm about the program, stating: “We are delighted to introduce the Kids Go Free membership, helping more children and young people across Liverpool enjoy the physical, mental, and social benefits of being active. By removing financial barriers to gym and swimming access, we’re investing in healthier futures for our young people and supporting families across the city. This is a fantastic scheme that we encourage all young people to get involved in. It’s a brilliant opportunity to get active, have fun, and improve your physical and mental health – all for free.”

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