Keeping a family active isn't always easy. Between different ages, different interests, and the general chaos of family life, finding something that works for everyone — and doesn't cost a fortune — can feel like a challenge.
But for thousands of families across the Highlands, a highlife family membership is exactly that. Sarah, a member from Grantown-on-Spey, has had one for nearly a decade.
"Our family of 4 have had a highlife family membership for nearly 10 years because it offers amazing value for money and flexibility across so many different highlife locations. The kids have worked their way through the swimming lesson levels, which has been fantastic to see and I love being able to fit in a gym session or a class while the children are at their activities and sports clubs. The Craig MacLean Leisure Centre has become the social hub of village life for us - we're always bumping into friends there!"
It's the kind of flexibility that keeps families coming back year after year. Here's everything that's included.
Swimming — for every age and stage
Swimming is at the heart of what we do for families. It's accessible, it's fun, and it's one of the most valuable life skills your child can have.
Our leisure centres with pools offer a range of swimming sessions throughout the week — from family swims and term-time lessons to lane swimming for older children and adults who want to build fitness in the water. Whether your little ones are just finding their confidence or your teenagers are looking to clock up some lengths, there's a session to suit.
Check the pool timetable at your nearest centre to see what's available and when.
Swimming lessons — included in your membership
This is one of the most valuable things families might not realise is included. A highlife family membership includes term-time swimming lessons for your children — structured, progressive, and delivered by qualified instructors across our leisure centres.
Learning to swim is one of the most important things a child can do, and having lessons included in your monthly membership rather than as an extra cost is a real bonus. Sessions are age and ability appropriate, from water confidence for very young children right through to stronger strokes for older swimmers.
Fitness classes for the adults
A highlife family membership gives both adults full access to our group fitness timetable — over 100 classes a week across 24 leisure centres. From indoor cycling and Body Pump to yoga, Pilates and Aqua Fit, there's something to suit every taste and fitness level.
Whether you time it to coincide with the kids' swimming lesson or simply fit it around your own schedule, the classes are there whenever you need them.
The gym too
Both adults on a family membership have full access to our fitness suites across our leisure centres. Whether you want to work out while the kids are in a session or make the gym a separate part of your routine, it's all included.
Our gyms are fully equipped with modern cardio and resistance machines, free weights and more — and if you're new to the gym or returning after a break, free inductions are available to help you get started with confidence.
There's more to explore at your local centre
Every High Life Highland leisure centre is different — and many offer activities beyond the gym and pool that are well worth exploring. Depending on your nearest centre, you might find:
- Teen Gym — supervised gym sessions for young people aged 11 to 16, designed to build confidence and healthy habits in a safe and welcoming environment
- Gymnastics — structured courses for children at selected centres, building strength, coordination and confidence
- Soft play — great for younger children at certain venues
- Birthday parties — some centres offer party packages including bouncy castle hire, bookable separately
- Rookie Lifesavers — a fun, confidence-building class for children aged 8–14 that teaches essential water safety and lifesaving skills through games and challenges. No experience needed
The best way to find out what's on at your nearest centre is to visit their page or give them a call.
Find your nearest leisure centre
Make a day of it at Inverness Leisure
Your membership card works across all our venues — so if you're looking for a proper family day out, Inverness Leisure is hard to beat. As the Highlands' largest leisure facility, it has a leisure pool with water flumes, waves, geysers and a lazy river that children love, alongside a 25-metre competition pool, fully equipped gym, fitness studios, a dedicated HYROX training zone, sports hall, and a health suite with sauna, steam room and spa.
It's all included in your membership — and with opening hours from early to late 7 days a week, there's plenty of time to make the most of it.
Find out more about Inverness Leisure
Your membership card opens more doors than you think
Being a highlife member comes with benefits beyond the leisure centres too. Your membership card gives you access to a range of discounts at High Life Highland attractions and local businesses across the Highlands — just by showing your card.
For families, some of the most useful include:
- 10% off at Highland Folk Museum Café
- 10% off at Inverness Botanic Gardens & Café
- 10% off at Inverness Museum and Art Gallery Café
- 10% off at Ben Nevis Visitor Centre
- 10% off at Ferrycroft Visitor Centre
- 15% off at Inverness Kart Raceway
There are plenty more discounts across hospitality, shopping and services too.
See the full list of local benefits
What does a family membership actually cost?
At £44.99 per month, a highlife family membership covers two adults and unlimited under-18s in your household. That includes swimming, swimming lessons, gym, fitness classes, and access to 24 leisure centres across the Highlands. No joining fee, no minimum contract. You also get discounted access to premium services including Love to Swim and personal training.
Our family of 4 have had a highlife family membership for nearly 10 years because it offers amazing value for money and flexibility across so many different highlife locations.
Family highlife member
Get the family moving
One membership covers the whole family — swimming, classes, gym and more.
