Gymnastics clubs are sitting on a holiday club goldmine – here’s how to make the most of it

For many gymnastics clubs, school holidays mean quieter gyms and unused spaces, even though the demand for holiday clubs is usually high. With the right structure in place, this becomes an opportunity to generate additional revenue while strengthening relationships with families.

In this blog, we’ll explore the benefits of running holiday activities for your gymnastics club, along with proven holiday club ideas. We’ll share what parents actually look for when booking and show you how to turn holiday clubs into a more consistent and reliable revenue stream.

Key takeaways for gymnastics clubs

• Gymnastics clubs already have trusted facilities, equipment and qualified coaches in place
• Most parents plan holiday childcare at least 1–3 months in advance
• Trust, clarity and flexibility drive bookings more than activity variety
• Shorter, flexible camps outperform full-week-only options
• Holiday clubs can increase revenue and feed term-time enrolments

Why gymnastics clubs are ideally placed to run holiday clubs

One of the biggest advantages gymnastics clubs have is that much of the groundwork is already in place. Your facility is paid for, your equipment is set up, and your coaches are already trusted by families.

During school holidays, these gyms often sit underused, even though families are actively looking for childcare and ways to keep their children engaged. In our recent research report, we found that 70% of parents used holiday clubs last year, which highlights the scale of the opportunity.

Holiday clubs allow you to make better use of your space while meeting a real need. Promoting these activities to families who already attend your classes is far easier than starting from scratch. Parents already trust your environment and your team, which makes it easier for them to say yes to additional sessions during the holidays. The result is increased revenue outside term time, without needing to significantly increase your marketing effort.

What parents want from your holiday clubs

Parents’ booking decisions shape the success of every holiday club. In our recent survey, we asked parents exactly what matters most to them. Here are the research-backed expectations they have when choosing and booking a holiday club:

Trust and safety

Parents choose gymnastics holiday clubs because they feel safe. Familiar environments, qualified coaches and clear supervision ratios all play a role. Being upfront about safeguarding, staff qualifications and how sessions are run helps build confidence early and removes uncertainty. We found that 66% of parents rebook a club based on the quality of the provision.

Clarity

Parents want dates, times and prices upfront, along with practical details like what to bring, what’s included, and how drop-off and pick-up work. The easier this is to understand, the easier it is for parents to commit without needing to check or follow up.

Most families plan school holidays 1–3 months ahead, with 27% planning between 4–6 months prior, so having dates and availability clear from the outset helps you meet that planning window.

Flexibility

Families have different schedules and budgets, especially during school holidays when childcare and additional activities need to be balanced.

Offering single-day bookings, shorter sessions, sibling-friendly options and flexible payment methods makes your holiday clubs more accessible. We found that 69% of families experience some financial strain, so flexibility not only supports your community but also makes it easier for more families to book.

Easy bookings

Parents expect to book quickly, often on their phone, without needing to send emails or call during office hours. A simple, mobile-friendly booking journey removes friction and makes it easier for parents to complete their booking there and then.

Clear communication

Early announcements, instant booking confirmations, pre-camp reminders and clear on-the-day instructions all help parents feel organised and reassured, reducing uncertainty before the session even begins.

Gymnastics holiday club ideas

Shorter camps

One of the clearest trends in holiday activity bookings is the demand for shorter sessions. Many parents do not need full-week care, they need flexible options that fit around work, shared childcare or other commitments.

Half-day or single-day clubs are often easier for parents to commit to, with 53% of parents we asked wanting to book individual days. They come with a lower price point, feel less risky for new families and are easier to fit into busy schedules. Data consistently shows that parents value this flexibility, especially when booking across a full holiday period.

Sleepovers

Sleepovers are a strong option for gymnastics clubs. They offer high perceived value and create a premium experience without requiring major changes to your setup.

Themed sleepovers, whether focused on skills, games, challenges or team activities, feel special and limited. With fewer spaces available, they naturally create demand and word-of-mouth. Clubs like Europa Gymnastics have shown how effective these events can be, both for revenue and for building a stronger club community.

Non-competitive or fun days

Games-based sessions and fun-focused days appeal to a wider range of children, including those who are less interested in competition.

These sessions often do not require additional insurance and can act as a low-pressure entry point for beginners. They also provide a way to re-engage children who may have stepped away from regular classes.

How to deliver all of this

Now that you know what drives parents to book, the next step is making it easy for them to say yes. The way your club is structured behind the scenes has a direct impact on how smooth and manageable everything feels, both for your team and for families.

Plan and promote early

Publishing your holiday club dates months in advance gives parents the confidence to plan around you. Families are balancing work, childcare and holidays, so being visible early puts your club in a stronger position.

Scheduling email reminders and promotional announcements early helps you reach families while they are still planning. It also gives you more time to understand demand and plan staffing accordingly, rather than reacting late.

Creating a more consistent approach to communication means less needs to be managed manually as bookings open.

Capture demand before bookings open

Waitlists and interest forms help you understand demand before committing fully. They also create a sense of anticipation before bookings open.

Offering early access or early-bird pricing to existing members can help reward loyalty and encourage earlier bookings. This gives you a clearer picture of demand earlier on, making it easier to plan with confidence.

Make online bookings simple

Parents expect a quick and straightforward booking experience. Live availability removes uncertainty, while clear pricing and flexible selection options make it easier to commit without hesitation.

A well-structured booking journey also builds trust. Collecting key information upfront, such as medical details, emergency contacts and expectations for the day, helps parents feel reassured and reduces follow-up before the camp begins.

When booking is clear and easy to navigate, families are far more likely to complete the process without needing to check details or come back later.

Offer multiple booking options

Every family’s needs are different, especially during school holidays. Research shows that while most parents (53%) book individual days, 18% book full weeks and another 18% choose a mix of both. Offering flexible options helps you appeal to more families, try offering a mix of the following:

• Half days
• Full days
• Full weeks
• Early drop-off or late pick-up options

The more choice you provide, the easier it is for parents to find something that fits their schedule without needing to compromise.

Flexible payments

Flexible payment options remove a major barrier to booking. Parents consistently look for ways to spread costs and manage payments in a way that works for them.

When payment options are clear and flexible, families can commit more easily without needing to delay or ask additional questions, which helps reduce drop-off during the booking process.

Automated communication

Clear, timely communication builds trust and reduces pressure on your team. Parents expect instant booking confirmations, reminders and updates throughout the process.

When communication is structured and consistent, families feel more informed and fewer questions come back to your team, making the day-to-day easier to manage.

Frequently asked questions about gymnastics holiday clubs

Why should gymnastics clubs run holiday clubs?

Gymnastics clubs already have trusted facilities, qualified coaches and existing families, making holiday camps a natural and efficient revenue opportunity.

When should gymnastics holiday clubs open for booking?

Most parents plan holiday childcare at least 1–3 months in advance, with many planning up to 6 months ahead. Opening early increases visibility and bookings.

Do parents prefer single-day clubs or full-week gymnastics camps?

The majority of parents prefer single-day bookings, with flexibility to mix days depending on their schedule.

What makes parents trust a gymnastics holiday club?

Familiar environments, clear safeguarding information, qualified staff and reliable communication all play a key role.

Can holiday clubs help grow term-time classes?

Yes. Well-run holiday activities often lead to increased loyalty and conversion into regular classes.

Conclusion

When holiday activities are planned and delivered well, the impact goes far beyond short-term income. Gymnastics clubs see increased holiday revenue, better use of facilities, stronger relationships with families and more children moving into term-time classes.

Holiday clubs are not just an add-on. For many gymnastics clubs, they are a practical opportunity to grow in a way that feels manageable and aligned with how the club already runs.

Download the full report for more parent insights and to see how your club can make holiday camps work harder for you.

Chat to one of our experts to find out how Thrive4Gymnastics can support your gymnastics club.