Childcare is an ongoing struggle for parents these days. In the past, finding care for the kids could be as simple as getting the 15-year-old neighbour to watch the kids or calling up grandma down the street.
2026 feels a bit more complex; many live far from family, and the cost of short-term child care is becoming unaffordable for many families.
The Kicking Horse Gymnastics Club has introduced a date night program for the summer that runs every second Friday between 5 and 8 p.m. The program costs $40 and is intended to give parents the chance to have a date night, run some errands, or just have a much-needed break from the kids.
The evening is designed to keep children active and entertained from start to finish.
Participants can look forward to glow-in-the-dark gymnastics and parkour, team-building games, crafts, fort building, a pizza dinner, and winding down with a movie before heading home.
“The inspiration for our Date Night program came from the belief that parents deserve time to reconnect, recharge, and simply enjoy a few hours for themselves—without having to worry about whether their children are safe, active, and having fun,” said Coach Lisa Weppler.
While parents enjoy a few hours to themselves, the gymnastics club hopes children leave with new friendships and positive memories.
The program is also open to children who have never visited the gym before, giving them a chance to experience the facility in a fun, welcoming, and pressure-free environment.
“We hope these evenings create special memories for the kids, meaningful time for parents and stronger connections throughout our community,” Weppler said.
Registration is available through the Kicking Horse Gymnastics Club, with all children welcome, regardless of previous gymnastics experience or club membership.
