Laugh, Learn & Play
Member childcare at The St. James, with free play, structured classes, and dedicated staff watching over every child while you train.
A Gym With Childcare so You Can Train
Ages: 2 months - 12 years
Hours: M-F 9 AM–8 PM | Sat 7 AM–6 PM | Sun 7 AM–4 PM
Three hours of childcare a day is included when your child is added to your Performance Club membership.
Built for Busy Minds and Bodies
Our 1,725-square-foot play space gives kids room to move, create, and explore while you train. It has a climbing wall, basketball hoop, arts and crafts, and more. In addition to free play, structured programming is offered throughout the week, including:
- Arts and crafts around 10 AM on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays
- STEM lessons on Wednesdays at 10 AM and 5 PM
- Read-aloud sessions twice daily


Scheduled Classes
Classes rotate throughout the year, so there's plenty for kids to explore. Find the current lineup and reserve a spot in The St. James Member app or online below.
Check in at Laugh, Learn & Play, and staff will escort children to class. Arrivals more than 15 minutes late may not be accepted.
Little Artists
Creative arts and crafts with a take-home project.
Ages 4–11
Creative arts and crafts with a take-home project.
PE
Active games and movement designed to keep kids engaged and moving.
Ages 4–11
Active games and movement designed to keep kids engaged and moving.
Tott Music & Dance
Music, movement, and dance for younger children.
Ages 2–4
Music, movement, and dance for younger children.
Sports Stars
An introduction to specific sports, teamwork, and play.
Ages 4–11
An introduction to specific sports, teamwork, and play.
Little Climbers
Guided rock climbing that builds strength, coordination, and confidence.
Ages 4–11
Guided rock climbing that builds strength, coordination, and confidence.
Little Explorers
Active, creative play throughout Super, Awesome & Amazing.
Ages 4–11
Active, creative play throughout Super, Awesome & Amazing.
Guidelines
Laugh, Learn & Play is available 7 days a week to members only, ages 2 months to 12 years.
- Daily limit: Up to 3 hours per child.
- Playtime reservations: Required for children under age 1. Reserve online, through The St. James app, or call 703.239.6936. Please book three slots if staying for three hours.
- Classes: Optional scheduled classes are available and require advance registration through The St. James app.
- Capacity: Up to 30 children at a time, including a maximum of 4 infants.
- Arrival: We recommend arriving early if you have a class or training appointment.
- Food & drinks: Water bottles are encouraged. Food and other drinks are not permitted in the childcare area, except infant bottles.
- Diapers: Staff do not change diapers and will contact parents if a change is needed.
For more details on first visits, trial and guest visits, electronics, comfort, and other guidelines, please review our full childcare policies before your visit.
Childcare FAQs
Is Laugh, Learn & Play available to non-members?
Childcare is available to members only, ages 2 months to 12 years. The children must be included on the Family Membership to be eligible.
Trial visits must be arranged in advance as part of a membership visit.
Guest visits may be available for a fee based on space.
Is Laugh, Learn & Play a daycare?
No, it is not a daycare. Laugh, Learn & Play provides supervised child watch for Performance Club members while they use the club, with up to three hours per child each day.
Can I take a class while my child is in childcare?
Yes. We recommend arriving early to check your child in before your class or training appointment.
Do I need to make a reservation?
Reservations are required for children under age 1. Children age 1 and older may attend without a reservation, subject to room capacity.
How long can my child stay?
Each child may stay for up to three hours per day.
What if it's my child's first visit?
Will staff change my child's diaper?
No. For health and safety reasons, staff do not change diapers. If a change is needed, a parent will be contacted.
What activities are available for children?
Children can enjoy supervised play, creative activities, movement, and age-appropriate programming in a welcoming environment. Optional classes may include arts and crafts, STEM activities, read-alouds, sports, music, and more.
What can my child bring?
Children may bring a water bottle and personal electronics at a parent’s discretion. Food and other drinks are not permitted in the childcare area. Infant bottles are allowed.
What happens if my child arrives late for a scheduled class?
If the group has already left Laugh, Learn & Play, a parent may need to bring their child directly to class. Arrivals more than 15 minutes late may not be accepted.
Where can I find the club’s full childcare policies?
You can review our full childcare policies here for details on first visits, guest and trial visits, electronics, comfort, food and drinks, and other important guidelines.
More for Families at The St. James
Membership goes beyond Laugh, Learn & Play, with more ways for kids to stay active, build skills, and have fun. Performance Club members save 20% on seasonal camps and youth sports programs, plus enjoy free access to indoor play space Super, Awesome & Amazing.
