Summer hits and suddenly the house is full of bored teenagers staring at screens. It happens every year. But if you're looking for a way to get them moving without draining your wallet, you've probably heard rumors about the free summer membership Planet Fitness offers. It’s called the High School Summer Pass. Honestly, it’s one of the few corporate "giveaways" that isn't wrapped in a dozen annoying strings or hidden fees.
They do it to build brand loyalty early. Smart move.
If you are a parent or a student between the ages of 14 and 19, this is basically the golden ticket to air-conditioned workouts from May through August. You don't need a credit card on file for the kid, and you don't have to be an existing member yourself. It is straightforward, but there are a few quirks regarding state laws and digital waivers that can trip you up if you just show up at the front desk unannounced.
What is the High School Summer Pass exactly?
Most people just call it the free summer membership Planet Fitness program, but the official name matters when you're searching their app. This isn't a year-round thing. It’s a seasonal window designed to keep high schoolers off the streets and into a "Judgement Free Zone."
The program typically kicks off in mid-May and runs until the end of August.
If you're 14, you're in. If you're 19, you're still in, provided you're still a student. But here is the thing: if you are under 18, a parent or guardian has to sign the waiver. You can do this online, which is way easier than dragging your mom to the gym on a Tuesday afternoon. Once that digital signature is logged, the teen gets a digital club pass in the Planet Fitness app.
Don't expect a physical card. They don't do those anymore.
Why Planet Fitness does this (And why it matters for your health)
Let’s be real. Gyms are intimidating. For a 15-year-old who has never touched a dumbbell, walking into a powerlifting gym is terrifying. Planet Fitness leans into the "no lunk" policy. No gallon jugs of water, no screaming while deadlifting. For a teen, this environment is actually productive.
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The CDC has been sounding the alarm for years about adolescent physical activity. Most kids aren't getting even thirty minutes of vigorous movement, let alone the recommended hour. By removing the cost barrier—which is usually the $10 to $25 monthly fee plus those pesky $49 annual fees—Planet Fitness removes the "I can't afford it" excuse.
It's about more than just biceps.
Exercise during the summer months has a massive impact on mental health. We see a "summer slide" not just in academics, but in mood. Routine helps. Having a place to go at 2:00 PM when the sun is scorching and there’s nothing on Netflix provides structure. Plus, the program usually includes free workout plans specifically designed for beginners, so they aren't just wandering around aimlessly looking at the rowing machines.
The Nitty-Gritty: Registration and the App
You can’t just walk in and start benching. First, you have to go to the Planet Fitness website and find the High School Summer Pass landing page. You’ll pick your "home" club. This is important: the free summer membership Planet Fitness gives you is tied to one location. You can't bounce between the club near your house and the one by your grandma’s place across town.
- Go to the official High School Summer Pass page.
- Select your specific gym location.
- Enter the teen's details.
- If under 18, provide a parent's email for the waiver.
- Download the PF App.
The app is the key. It has a "Crowd Meter." This is actually super helpful for teens who have social anxiety. They can check the app to see how busy the gym is before they leave the house. If it’s at "five bars," maybe wait an hour. If it’s at "one bar," the gym is basically empty.
One thing most people miss? The scholarship aspect. In previous years, Planet Fitness has tied the summer pass to a scholarship program. They often award thousands of dollars to students who submit videos or essays about their fitness journey. It’s worth checking the fine print in the app once you’re registered to see if that’s active for the current year.
Common Misconceptions and Reality Checks
People often think "free" means "limited." Sorta, but not really. Teens get access to all the cardio and strength equipment. They don't get the "Black Card" perks, though. No massage chairs. No tanning beds. No bringing a guest. It is a classic "Classic Membership" experience.
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Is it crowded? Yes.
When the free summer membership Planet Fitness starts, the gyms get noticeably busier between 3:00 PM and 7:00 PM. If you're a regular adult member, this might annoy you. If you're a teen, you probably want to go earlier in the morning or later at night to avoid the rush.
Another weird rule: You have to be in the "correct" age bracket. If you turn 20 in July, you might lose access mid-summer. If you're 13, you have to wait until your 14th birthday to sign up. They are pretty strict about the ID check on the first visit. Bring a school ID or a birth certificate if you don't have a driver's license yet.
Making the most of the gym time
Don't just go and sit on the phone while occupying a leg press machine. That's how you get "the look" from the regulars.
Start with the 30-minute express circuit. It’s a green-and-red light system that tells you when to move and when to rest. It hits every major muscle group. It's foolproof. For a teen who doesn't know a squat from a deadlift, it’s the best way to learn the mechanics without getting hurt.
Also, focus on the free weights—but start light. Planet Fitness usually only has dumbbells up to 75 lbs and fixed barbells. You won't find many heavy-duty squat racks, but you will find plenty of Smith machines. Smith machines are great for beginners because the bar is on a track. It's safer.
Safety and Etiquette for the Summer Crowd
Gym etiquette isn't taught in schools. If you're using the free summer membership Planet Fitness provides, follow the unwritten rules. Wipe down the equipment. Seriously. Use the yellow spray bottles and the paper towels. Nobody wants your sweat on the back of their head.
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Don't film TikToks in the locker room. Most gyms have strict "no filming" policies in sensitive areas for privacy reasons. Keep the selfies to the designated "Selfie Stations" or just the general gym floor, provided you aren't getting twenty other people in the background of your shot.
- Wear the right shoes. No flip-flops. No Crocs in "sport mode." You need closed-toe athletic shoes.
- Limit phone time. If you're resting between sets, that's fine. But don't sit on a machine for ten minutes scrolling through Reels while someone else is waiting.
- Ask for help. The staff at PF are generally pretty chill. If you don't know how to adjust the seat on a shoulder press machine, just ask. They’d rather help you than have you break the machine or yourself.
Transitioning after the summer ends
The biggest question is always: "What happens on September 1st?"
The pass expires. Automatically. No, they won't suddenly charge your parents' credit card because you never gave them one to begin with. The account just goes inactive.
However, Planet Fitness usually offers a "back to school" deal for those who want to keep going. Usually, it's something like $1 down and $10 a month. If the summer experiment worked and the teen actually went three times a week, it’s a worthy investment.
But for the summer? It's the best $0 you'll ever spend on their health.
Actionable Steps to Get Started Now
Don't wait until July to do this. The program has a hard cutoff date for registration.
- Check the Dates: Visit the Planet Fitness website in early May to see the exact start date for the year.
- Verify Your Location: Use the online gym locator to find the club closest to you. Remember, you're locked into this one spot for the summer.
- Get the Waiver Done: If you're a parent, stay on top of the email invite to sign the digital waiver. The teen can't move past the "pending" screen in the app until you do.
- Plan the First Visit: Bring a photo ID (school ID is fine) for that first check-in so they can verify the age and "activate" the digital key tag.
- Set a Schedule: Gym habits are built on consistency. Aim for three days a week—Monday, Wednesday, Friday is a classic for a reason.
By the time school starts again, the goal isn't necessarily to be "ripped." It's to have built a habit of moving. That's the real value of the free summer membership Planet Fitness offers. It’s a low-stakes way to try out a healthy lifestyle during the one time of year when kids actually have the hours to spare.
Get the app, sign the waiver, and get them out of the house. It's a win for everyone.