As the fall season approaches, families in San Antonio don’t have to look far for family-friendly activities that don’t come at a high cost.

The YMCA of Greater San Antonio is planning a litany of events for not only its members but also for the general public.

“These are free events that you can enjoy on the weekends with your family, and you don't have to spend money to have fun,” said Shannon Gowen, vice president of marketing and communications.

Events the Y will host this year include the annual Boo Bashes, trunk-or-treats, family line dance classes, flick and floats, Paws in the Pool, field days, family dances, family bike rides, pool parties, food truck days, teen nights, decorating cookies with Santa and much more. Interested guests can view the YMCA’s Fall Activity Guide online.

Some of the biggest events that happen each year are the Turkey Trot, and the Reindeer Dash 5K and Rudolph Kids Dash. These events do cost money, but YMCA offers discounts and members receive 20% off the cost of any Y programming that has a price tag attached.

Boerne Family YMCA 13th Annual Turkey Trot 5K & 10K

• Nov. 23, 8-11 a.m.
• $20-$65
• Boerne Main Plaza, 100 N. Main St., Boerne

3rd Annual YMCA 5K Reindeer Dash & Rudolph Kids Dash

• Dec. 14, 8 a.m.-3 p.m.
• $20-$45
• O.P. Schnabel Park, 9606 Bandera Road, San Antonio

“That's one of the big differences between us and other gyms,” Gowen said. “To be a part of any activity, they require a membership. We're open to everyone. If you want to do swimming lessons with us one time, you don't have to be a member. If you are a member, you get 20% off anything else you sign up for. This is great for sports and summer day camps. We also offer camps during the holidays. We have a Thanksgiving week camp for parents who are still working. We also have a camp during winter break, for those families that are still working, and we've got lots of fun activities for those kiddos.”

Currently in San Antonio, the YMCA has 12 locations across greater San Antonio, where memberships grant access to gym equipment, swimming lessons, youth sports, healthy living classes, personal training and diabetes prevention classes.

Membership pricing varies slightly depending on which location someone signs up at, but it grants access to all locations. For those who have trouble affording a membership, the YMCA does offer scholarships.

“I think many people don't know that we are a nonprofit,” Gowen said. “A lot of people, with their membership fees, they think that is a part of that donation. Unfortunately, membership fees help offset operational costs because we're so big. Instead, we have a campaign every year where we reach out to local businesses, the local community and our members, trying to raise money to make sure everybody can be a part of the Y without barriers to access.”

To learn more about the YMCA of Greater San Antonio, visit the website to stay up to date on upcoming events.

The above story was produced by Community Impact's Senior Multi Platform Journalist Sierra Rozen with information solely provided by the local business as part of its "sponsored content" purchase through our advertising team.