Our cause

At the Y, strengthening community is our cause. We work side-by-side with our neighbors to make sure that everyone, regardless of age, income or background, has the opportunity to learn, grow and thrive.

The Y’s mission is to put Christian principles into practice through programs that build healthy spirit, mind and body for all.

To bring about meaningful change in individuals and communities, we must be focused and accountable. At the Y, we measure the success of our cause by how well we engage communities in our three areas of focus:

  • Youth Development—nurturing the potential of every child and teen
  • Healthy Living—improving the nation’s health and wellbeing
  • Social Responsibility—giving back and providing support to our neighbors

At the Y, we value what everyone brings to the table. We work to ensure that all segments of our communities are welcome at the Y, and have equal opportunities to become connected to other participants, members, staff and volunteers at all levels of the organization. We make it a priority to educate and empower staff and volunteers to intentionally think, act and communicate with a diverse, inclusive and global approach to serving all.

The Y promotes and provides access to healthy lifestyles for all children and adults, including those with disabilities. Through positive recreational experiences, we emphasize each person's abilities and individuality and help participants build social skills. Our adaptive programs will work toward a healthy mind, body and spirit.

Hours

Most YMCA of the North locations are open 5:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m. Check the locations page for specific hours.

Hours for Kids Stuff – free child care while you work out – vary by location. Children must also be members to participate.

YMCA location holiday hours: 

2024

  • New Year's Day: 7 a.m. - 5 p.m.
  • Easter: Closed
  • Memorial Day : 7 a.m. - 12 p.m.
  • Fourth of July: 7 a.m. - 12 p.m.
  • Labor Day: 7 a.m. - 12 p.m.
  • Thanksgiving Day: Closed
  • Christmas Eve Day: 7 a.m. - 12 p.m.
  • Christmas: Closed
  • New Year's Eve Day: 7 a.m. - 5 p.m.

Holiday hours may vary at some individual locations.

Locations

Get contact information and hours for all YMCA of the North locations.

General policies

The YMCA does not allow multimedia items (examples: iPods, iPhones, smart phone, gaming consoles) in program areas, unless for music and game purposes only. For the comfort of others, talking on cell phones is prohibited in program areas. Please make and take calls in the lobby areas of the YMCA. All cell phone usage and picture taking is prohibited in all locker rooms for the security and comfort of members and guests. Violation of this policy can result in termination of membership.

YMCA Member, Participant, and Guest Code of Conduct

Our YMCA Code of Conduct embodies the spirit of the Y and is intended to help everyone including members, participants, and guests feel welcome and safe at the YMCA.

By using YMCA facilities and programs as a member, participant or guest, you agree to follow our Code of Conduct, which is rooted in our core values of caring, honesty, equity, responsibility, and respect. As such, the following personal conduct is prohibited in all YMCA facilities, programs, and online communities:

  • Inappropriate attire. Activity-appropriate attire which covers all private parts must be worn at all times. For the safety of all participants, appropriate footwear should be worn for all activities. No clothing with vulgar language, obscene gestures, racial slurs, or anything that may contribute to a hostile environment or would be considered inappropriate in a family facility.
  • Inappropriate language. Hostile, vulgar or explicit language including swearing, name-calling or shouting, or language that may contribute to a hostile environment or would be considered inappropriate in a family facility.
  • Unwelcome or threatening physical contact. Physical contact with another person in any unwelcome, hostile or threatening way including but not limited to “play fighting”.
  • Sexualized behavior or sexual activity. Any conduct of a sexual nature, by words, gestures or behavior, or sexual contact or activity with another person, whether welcome or unwelcome.
  • Discrimination, harassment, or intimidation. Discrimination on the basis of any dimension of diversity, harassment or intimidation by words, gestures, body language or any menacing behavior that demeans another person or culture.
  • Disruptive behavior or inappropriate conduct. Any other conduct of an disruptive, threatening, inappropriate, or offensive nature. This includes any inappropriate or violent language or threats directed at team members, members or other participants.

    Any violent or inappropriate language or actions directed at team members will not be tolerated at any time and may result in suspension and/or termination of membership.
     
  • Theft or destruction of property. Theft or behavior that results in the destruction of property. The YMCA is not responsible for lost or stolen property. We ask that you lock up all valuables at all times or keep them on your person while working out.
  • Loitering. Loitering is not permitted inside or outside YMCA facilities or programs.
  • Inappropriate use of technology. Mobile devices or photographic/video equipment use of any kind – organizing playlists, music, texting, camera functions, video recording – is not permitted in the restrooms or locker rooms at any time. Taking video/recording other members, participants, or families is not permitted anywhere in YMCA spaces. Phone calls are not allowed in fitness areas. 
  • Alcohol, marijuana/THC/cannabis, and illegal drugs. Using or possessing alcohol, marijuana/THC/cannabis products or illegal drugs on YMCA property, in YMCA vehicles, or at YMCA sponsored programs. If you are suspected to be under the influence of alcohol, marijuana/THC/cannabis, or any illegal drugs, you may be asked to leave the premises. YMCA facilities, grounds, programs and vehicles are a drug and alcohol-free environment.
  • Tobacco. The use of tobacco or tobacco-like products, including e-cigarettes, are not permitted in or outside YMCA facilities or programs, or on YMCA property or program sites. YMCA facilities, ground, programs, and vehicles are a tobacco-free environment.
  • Weapons. Carrying or concealing any weapons or devices or objects that may be used as weapons (including items that appear to be real). The YMCA bans all weapons including firearms on premises with or without a permit.

If a member, participant or guest feels unsafe in confronting someone directly about offensive behavior or other issues that may be in violation of the Code of Conduct, they should report the behavior to a YMCA team member. 

Suspension or termination of YMCA membership may result from a violation of this Code of Conduct. While an incident is being investigated, the membership of the person(s) accused of violating this Code of Conduct may be temporarily suspended pending a final decision.

To create and maintain a space that embodies our core values, the Y is serious about being clear regarding activities that are not allowed. If you, your family member, or your invited guests violate this Code of Conduct, consequences can include termination of membership or program privileges. The YMCA reserves the right to make situational decisions based on its mission and core values.

The YMCA of the North is committed to the elimination of disparities and eradication of unjust systems to become a multicultural, anti-racist and anti-oppressive organization as we serve all. We do not and shall not discriminate on the basis of individuals’ differences in age, color, abilities, ethnicity, family or marital status, gender identity or expression, language, national origin, physical and mental ability, political affiliation, race, religion, sexual orientation, socio-economic status, veteran status, and other characteristics that make each individual unique. The YMCA commits to continually conduct institutional racism and oppression review of our policies, procedures and practices and the ongoing development of a multicultural, anti-racist and anti-oppressive work environment, and culture that promotes equity and respect for the human dignity of all.

If you believe the YMCA of the North has discriminated on the basis of age, color, abilities, ethnicity, family or marital status, gender identity or expression, language, national origin, physical and mental ability, political affiliation, race, religion, sexual orientation, socio-economic status, veteran status, and other characteristics, you can file a grievance with: Mary Herbst, Senior Director of Enterprise Risk Management, 651 Nicollet Mall, Suite 500, Minneapolis, MN 55402 or mary.herbst@ymcamn.org.

The Y may decide to cancel a program or class (particularly for children) if weather is a hazard. Guidelines for cancellation of a class or program will be closure of shopping malls, public buildings and other businesses.  School closings are not sufficient to warrant cancellations as schools close with more frequency due to busing situations. The Y may announce closures or program cancellations on the website, via email and/or on social media.

Get involved as a volunteer

You can make a difference in your community and your personal wellbeing by volunteering with the Y. YMCA volunteers do many things—here are just a few examples: care for kids after school, coach sports teams, greet and assist members, teach fitness skills or help with fundraising efforts.

Find opportunities