The Little Gym

The Little Gym

Franzy VerifiedInformation based on 2026 FDD

Children's Services · Youth Fitness

Investment min
$420.3K
Total: $420.3K–$722.8K
Avg gross revenue
$1.04M
Unit-level, 2026
Franchise fee
$59.5K
Per current disclosure
Royalty
8%
of gross revenue
Locations
255
Franchising since 1992

Description

What is The Little Gym?

Movement-based learning classes for ages 1 month to 12 combining gymnastics, dance, and sports with cognitive development

The Little Gym, established in 1976, is a pioneering children's fitness franchise that has revolutionized early childhood development through movement-based learning and play. This unique concept combines physical activity, cognitive development, and social skills in a non-competitive, nurturing environment designed specifically for children.

At The Little Gym, experienced instructors lead age-appropriate programs that help children develop strength, flexibility, and coordination while building self-confidence and social skills. The curriculum includes gymnastics, dance, sports skills, and parent-child classes for infants as young as 1 month through children up to 12 years old.

What sets The Little Gym apart is its 'Three-Dimensional Learning' approach, which incorporates physical activity, brain boost, and life skills into every class. The program helps children build not just physical abilities but also problem-solving skills, listening skills, and self-confidence in a fun, positive atmosphere.

The franchise is particularly renowned for its exceptional birthday party programs, parent survival nights, and seasonal camps. Each location maintains high cleanliness standards and features state-of-the-art equipment specifically designed for children's safety and development.

With overwhelmingly positive feedback from parents nationwide, The Little Gym has established itself as a trusted name in children's enrichment programs. Parents consistently praise the professional, energetic instructors, structured curriculum, and the visible progress they see in their children's physical and social development. Whether it's a child's first tumble or their first independent class experience, The Little Gym provides a supportive environment where every child can grow, learn, and most importantly, have fun.

  • Infant to elementary programming
  • Developmental motor-skill focus
  • Non-competitive enrichment model
  • Structured play-based learning
  • Dual-income family targeting
  • Preschool-age specialization

Location Analysis

Where The Little Gym wins

The Little Gym follows clustering patterns typical of children's enrichment franchises dependent on family catchment areas, with suburban and metro-adjacent siting. Locations are generally placed in retail centers accessible to surrounding residential neighborhoods. The brand also maintains an international footprint spread across multiple countries alongside the U.S. base. The concept targets families with children from infancy through roughly the pre-teen years, with appeal to households prioritizing structured early childhood development and physical activity. Parents seeking non-competitive, instructor-led enrichment rather than competitive athletics, and areas with birthday-party and camp demand from young families, represent the demographic profile. Candidates should validate local density of target-age families, competitor saturation, and availability of suitable retail space in accessible locations.
Total Locations
256
Franchise units
255
Corporate locations
1
Avg. sq. footage
3500

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Financial Analysis

The numbers behind The Little Gym

Avg gross revenue$1,043,656
Investment range$420,324 – $722,773
Investment midpoint$571,549
Brand fund1%
Royalty8%
Franchise fee$59,500
Min. net worth$250,000
Min. liquid capital$100,000
The Little Gym, founded in 1976, operates 255 units and requires an initial investment between $420,324 and $722,773. The franchise fee is $59,500. Reported gross revenue is $1,043,656. The investment reflects the cost of a dedicated indoor facility outfitted for gymnastics-based movement classes, along with space to support classes, camps, and birthday party bookings. Trained instructional staff is required to deliver the structured curriculum. The capital requirement accounts for real estate, build-out, equipment, and working capital necessary to launch a family-accessible location with convenient parking and visibility. The brand operates within Unleashed Brands' multi-concept youth enrichment portfolio.
Did you know? The Little Gym is a youth fitness franchise in the children's services industry. The initial investment ranges from $420,324 to $722,773. The franchise fee is $59,500. The brand, founded in 1976, operates 255 units offering gymnastics-based movement classes, camps, and birthday parties for children.

Financing partners

Vetted partners, tailored to franchisees

Your Franzy advisor can connect you with these partners later in the process — competitive rates, specialized in franchise financing.

FranFund

Lender

CRF USA

Nonprofit SBA lender; provides financing for franchise acquisitions, startups, and expansion.

Lender

First Bank of the Lake

Lender

Pension Pros

Lender

The model

How The Little Gym works

01
Ownership
Part-Time (Executive)

Owner stays in an executive role — sets strategy, hires a manager, and oversees crews. Typically 5–20 hr/wk after ramp; many keep their day job.

Full-Time

Owner runs the business as their primary job — leads the team day-to-day on the ground, 40+ hr/wk.

02
Revenue
Revenue model not specified.
03
Customer
B2B

Sells to businesses, contractors, or property owners.

B2C

Sells directly to consumers and homeowners.

Mixed

Serves both businesses and consumers.

FDD Item 7

Initial investment range

$420.3K–$722.8K
Most common
$420,324
Minimum
$571,549
Midpoint
$722,773
Maximum

The investment range midpoint (from range reported on Item 7) is $571,549 and financing can reduce cash-at-close by 80–90%.

FDD Item 19

Average gross sales

Avg
$794.2K
YOY change (2024 -> 2026)
+47%

According to Item 19 of the Franchise Disclosure Document, The Little Gym has an average gross revenue of $1.04M. (Note: This information is based on the latest FDD in our records. Please review the Franchise Disclosure Document (FDD) and confirm this information directly with the brand. We make no claims of accuracy for the information presented.)

Over time

+37% YoY
255 units open as of 2026 FDD+69 in last 12 mo

2026 Franchise Disclosure

FDD documents

Below are items 2, 3, 4, 7, 11 and 19 for The Little Gym's 2026 FDD. The complete FDD is delivered to you directly by the franchisor, per the FTC Franchise Rule.

Estimated initial investment
FDD Item 7 · PDF
Financial performance representations
FDD Item 19 · PDF
Members-only items
Executive team
FDD Item 2 · PDF
Litigation
FDD Item 3 · PDF
Bankruptcy
FDD Item 4 · PDF
Franchisor assistance
FDD Item 11 · PDF
Members only
Unlock the 2026 FDD

Connect to download Items 2, 3, 4, and 11 — direct from the franchisor.

Buyer FAQs

Frequently asked questions

The initial investment for a The Little Gym franchise typically ranges between $420,324.00 and $722,773.00. This includes the franchise fee, equipment, real estate, and other startup costs. To get a detailed breakdown and better understand the financial requirements, we recommend scheduling a call with the Franzy team. We'll walk you through the specifics and answer any questions you might have. For more detailed information, refer to the financial sections of the FDD.

Disclaimer. The information provided on this page is based on the latest Franchise Disclosure Document (FDD) we have on record, which was issued in 2026. This information is for informational purposes only and is not intended to constitute legal, financial, or business advice. We make no guarantees or claims regarding the completeness or accuracy. Only the franchisor can confirm that the information is complete and accurate and we recommend consulting the franchisor directly for the most recent FDD and regarding any questions that you may have about the information provided.

The Little Gym
The Little Gym
$1.04M avg revenue · 255+ US franchises