Life Time

Life Time

SAN ANTONIO, TX
4.0(584 reviews)
Play-based
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At a Glance

0

Trust Score

Based on comprehensive analysis of reviews, safety records, and operations.

Ages
0mo - 13yr
Capacity
150 kids

About Life Time

Life Time San Antonio Kids Academy

Located off Highway 281, Life Time San Antonio 281 offers a physical-activity-focused environment for children from 3 months to 11 years old. Under the direction of Ana Medellin, the program provides a dynamic space where kids engage in gym games, yoga, and crafts. The facility is uniquely equipped with a dedicated kids' gym, an indoor maze, a learning lab, and both indoor and outdoor swimming pools. While popular as a convenience for club members, the center also operates licensed seasonal camps for children up to age 13. These summer programs are designed to be screen-free, focusing on active play and social interaction. The environment is bright and organized, emphasizing a 'healthy way of life' through movement-based learning and creative projects. Note that childcare services are generally limited to 2.5 hours per day for members, though full-day options are available during camp sessions.

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What Parents Say

5 reviews from parents

Y
yurley tatiana
Jan 2026
Google

I’ve been a member at Life Time mainly because of the Childcare, which was the one thing that truly made this membership worth it for me as a mom. Unfortunately, recent changes have been extremely disappointing. The childcare schedule that worked best for me — 12 PM to 2 PM — was removed. Since then, it has become much harder to book a spot. Now everyone is trying to book the remaining hours, spots fill up very fast, and it’s almost impossible to rely on the service anymore. I’ve tried to communicate and find a solution, and I’ve already sent more than two emails, with no response at all. For the price we pay at Life Time, this level of communication and service is honestly unacceptable. On top of that, the gym floor itself is overcrowded and under-equipped. I am currently training for a bodybuilding competition, and the lack of equipment is very frustrating. There is only one hack squat, one hip thrust machine, one seated curl, one abduction , and very limited cable stations for the amount of members using the gym. When one machine is taken, there are no alternatives, which makes training inefficient and stressful. There are simply not enough machines or variations for the volume of people using the gym. Almost every machine has only one unit, which is not realistic for such a busy facility. Overall, I am extremely disappointed. For a premium-priced gym, I expected better organization, better communication, and equipment that actually matches the number of members.

M
Mark Dewberry
Nov 2025
Google

I currently train at the Life Time Fitness off 281 in San Antonio, and honestly, the childcare is the only thing keeping me here. Everything else? A disappointment. The gym floor has no real training culture and almost zero etiquette. Most people in here are “working out,” not training. They are camping on machines for 10+ minutes scrolling and talking on their phones like they’re sitting on their couch at home. It’s incredibly frustrating when you actually need to use the equipment you’re paying premium prices for, and trying to keep tempo. Put in the work and move to the next movement. Just recently, an older man was posted up on a machine for a full phone call. When I asked to work in, he snapped at me, which escalated to a heated exchange that required someone to step in. That says everything about the culture here. And then there’s the equipment, which is easily one of the weakest lineups I’ve seen at any fitness facility charging this much. Over half the floor is dedicated to whatever they’re calling CrossFit now, taking up huge amounts of space while the actual strength training essentials are under-stocked or missing: No Hammer Strength high pull No pullover machine Only one plate-loaded Hammer Strength incline press Only one plate-loaded Hammer Strength chest press Only one hip thrust machine Only one adduction and one abductor machine *These machines are always tied up by phone-sitters* The entire place is sterile, bland, and completely disconnected from real physical progress. This is a “fitness facility,” not a gym, and the difference is obvious the moment you walk in. If you actually train, value equipment availability, or expect even basic etiquette from other members, this location falls way short. I stay for the childcare—and absolutely nothing else.

S
Sandra LaPlante
Nov 2025
Google

I went in to Life Time Salon for a simple root color touch-up. My hair was light — it had taken a lot of time, effort, and money to get it there. The stylist offered to do a gloss and a serum (or some kind of treatment) to help with damage. In one session, she completely darkened my hair. Everything I had worked for was gone. When I went back to have it fixed, the stylist said she’d use “crystals” or something to remove the color, but it didn’t work. I wasn’t asking for a refund — I was asking for them to fix what they broke. Instead, the only solution offered was to return my money. That doesn’t repair my hair or undo the damage caused. To be fair, Melissa was kind and tried to help with customer recovery, but the general manager chose not to make it right. At this point, I would never recommend getting color done at Life Time. For something simple like a trim or a blow-dry, maybe — but if you care about your color, go to a specialist. I made the mistake of trusting a luxury gym brand to have top stylists, and I learned the hard way that they don’t. It’s not about the money — it’s about principle and accountability. When you damage someone’s hair, you fix it.

K
Kurt Krivka
Oct 2025
Google

Both Life Time Fitness clubs are the best workout/exercise facilities in San Antonio! There are multiples of similar equipment for when it is busy and even when it is very busy, the facility is so vast it doesn’t ever seem crowded. The outdoor & indoor pools are amazing. The staff & trainers are always very friendly and incredibly helpful. The LifeCafe offers a wide variety of healthy food options plus high grade supplements. And the LifeSpa offers well-trained massage therapists, as well as hair and skin treatments. This is more than a “gym,” which is why I say they are the best in San Antonio!

C
Cali Russell
Oct 2025
Google

I've had a phenomenal experience at LifeTime 281 - San Antonio, TX. The facility is inviting, friendly, clean and organized. I started my day off at LifeSpa with a hair consultation. They were incredibly knowledgeable and respectful. I felt very comfortable learning about what is best for my hair. They also took my preferences into consideration so we could find a lovely alignment. Then I made my way to the outdoor pool. I enjoyed many laps. They provide items such as weights, noodles and kickboards which was beneficial to my health. I spent some time in the hot tub and cold plunge. I was able to go down a waterslide which was so fun. Afterwards, I sat in the steam room which has a refreshing scent of eucalyptus. I was able to enjoy their clean showers. From there , I made my way upstairs to the compression chairs. Throughout my time, I've had lovely conversations with the hospitality team and lifeguards. I'm very pleased all around. At no point did I feel over crowded or unsafe. Other members were willing to help step in when I had questions about where the restroom was, how does this machine work, etc. If you are ready to look and feel your best, I highly suggest LifeTime. It certainly is a luxury experience. ✨️ I feel wonderful.

Web Report

Aggregated insights from public records & parent discussions

Safety Record

Life Time Fitness Camps at this location is a licensed child care center (ID: 1507827) with a history of 'high-risk' violations in 2014-2015, including incidents where caregivers did not know child headcounts and one child was left in a classroom for approximately five minutes. No major recent safety incidents involving children were found in news reports, although a February 2024 medical-related death of an adult member occurred at the facility. A 2023 lawsuit against a different Life Time location in Frisco, TX, cited staff negligence following a child-on-child assault, though this is not specific to the San Antonio branch.

Parent Reputation

Parent reviews for the Kids Academy are mixed; while some appreciate the safety policies and variety of activities (yoga, gym games, and crafts) compared to other gyms, others characterize the care as 'glorified babysitting' with inconsistent class quality. BBB records show an A+ rating for the facility, though most complaints are related to general membership billing and personal training rather than childcare specifically. Parents frequently choose this location for the convenience of on-site care while working out.

Staff Insights

Employee reviews from San Antonio staff members describe a 'fun loving environment' for those who enjoy working with children, though some report issues with low pay and a workplace culture prone to 'toxic' gossip. Child center management is generally described as supportive and nice, but some workers expressed frustration with high-stress demands to meet sales numbers and a perceived lack of professional growth opportunities.

Quick Information

Address
18510 U.S. Hwy 281 N, San Antonio, TX 78259, USA, SAN ANTONIO, TX, 78259 7604
Phone
+1 210-545-5000
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