I have been a member of both. The LFHFC is a wonderful club and very clean and much newer. For a 14 month old the child care is awesome. For a family of four, the monthly fee is over $150 including childcare. They have a nice pool too and classes that are easy to drop in on. The YMCA is about $64 for a family of four including childcare. They also have a pool. Class sizes are very small because space is limited. The facility is dated for sure. The upside is that you get to know those that you work out with and you have to commit to a class. If you miss two sessions in a row, then they give your spot to someone on the wait list. Another up to YMCA is that you can go to any YMCA. We often have a family night at the Grayslake YMCA which is much newer and nicer.
As for childcare.. we will not leave or kids with just anyone. Both kiddos have life threatening food allergies and asthma. My youngest has been to the ER 9 times this year alone. So, we are very picky. It took me about three weeks to work up to leaving her at the Y but, I am very comfortable with them now. Hope that helps : ) BTW we are at the Y now mainly b/c of cost and are just as happy.