Paddle and Play

Parent-Child Programs

Summer

fREE Yoga in the Park (Parent-Child + Adults)

All Ages

Join us for FREE yoga classes on the Lawrence Street Park greenspace! We offer a “Family” option for guardians/children as well as an “Adults” option. Join us to get a great workout or to make great family memories! No yoga experience is necessary. Please bring your own mat or towel. Classes may be canceled due to inclement weather… follow us on social media for weather decisions. 

  • Cost: FREE... just show up!
  • Instructor: Deb Weiss-Gelmi
  • Dates: Thur | Aug 6, 13, 20, 27
  • Family Yoga (All Ages): 9:00-9:45 AM
  • Adults Yoga (12 Yr Olds-Adults): 10:00-11:00 AM
  • Location: Lawrence Street Park (100 W Lawrence Ave, Zeeland)

little ninjas

2-5 Yr Olds

Little Ninjas is the perfect outlet for active little ones, and a great way for parents to connect and build community! This program blends fun gymnastics-inspired movement with exciting obstacle-course challenges that help kids burn energy, build coordination, and explore their growing independence. Each class invites children to jump, climb, balance, and tumble their way through playful stations while parents cheer them on and join in the fun. The shared activities create natural moments for parents to meet, socialize, and support one another, turning the class into a welcoming community space as much as a movement program. With its upbeat atmosphere, creative challenges, and family-friendly focus, Little Ninjas offers both a joyful workout for kids and a chance for parents to connect, unwind, and build lasting relationships!

  • Register Here
  • Cost: $33r/$48nr (per family - parents can bring more than one child, if desired)
  • Instructor: Kelly Nadeau 
  • Aug 10 & 24: Mon | 9:30-10:30 AM
  • Aug 10 & 24: Mon | 10:45-11:45 AM

  • Location: ZPS Early Childhood Center (Indoors & Outdoors)

Fall & Winter

FAMILY Open Swim

Infants-Adults

Enjoy affordable quality pool time for the whole crew—infants, teens, adults—all are welcome! Take a plunge with our diving board, youth slide, basketball hoops, and a variety of toys, floats, life jackets, puddle jumpers, and infant floats. Bring your family and make a splash together!

  • Registration: No registration - just show up!
  • Aquatics Calendars
  • Pool Rules & Guidelines
  • Cost: $3 p/visitor OR Splash Pass (details below) | Included in Fitness Memberships | Free Open Swim While Enrolled in Swim Lessons 
  • Half Day Open Swim (1:30-3:30 PM): Sept 4, 25, Oct 9, 29, 30, Nov 5, 6, 25, 27, Dec 11, 21, 23, 28, 30, Jan 18, 22, Feb 15, 16, Mar 4, 5, Apr 2, 5, 7, 9, May 7, June 11 
  • Snow Day Open Swim: During the school year, Zeeland Recreation makes every effort to open the pool on ZPS snow days. Follow us on social media for the latest news!
  • Location: Zeeland Recreation - East Warm Pool

dance & movement with my grown-up!

2-3 Yrs + Guardian

Come enjoy a special bonding experience with your child as you dance together! Through familiar songs, stories, and playful movement, your little one will learn basic dance steps and terminology while gaining self‑confidence. Parents or guardians are actively involved—making this class ideal for children who need extra time before separating from caregivers. Please enroll according to your child’s age on the start date.

  • Register Here (Online Registration Opens Mon, Aug 3 @ 10:00 AM)
  • Cost: $59r/$74nr 
  • Instructor: Rachel Plaggemars
  • Session 1: Fri | Sept 11-Oct 13 | 9:00-9:45 AM
  • Session 2: Fri | Dec 4-Jan 22 (Skip Dec 25, Jan 1) | 9:00-9:45 AM
  • Session 3: Fri | Feb 19-Mar 26 | 9:00-9:45 AM
  • Session 4: Fri | Apr 16-May 22 | 9:00-9:45 AM
  • Location: Zeeland Rec - Shoreline Sprinkling Studio

mini-movers

18 Month Olds-3 Yr Olds (+ Guardian)

Join your mini mover for an exciting adventure in movement and play! This parent-and-child class is the perfect first program for toddlers, providing a fun, supportive introduction to learning in a group setting while helping them develop body control, balance, coordination, and motor skills through music and age-appropriate activities. With the support of a parent or caregiver, children will build confidence, explore movement, and develop physical awareness in a safe and encouraging environment. Mini Movers provides a strong foundation for future physical activity while creating special bonding time for you and your child. A parent or caregiver must participate with each child. Please enroll based on your child's age on the class start date. 

  • Register Here (Online Registration Opens Mon, Aug 3 @ 10:00 AM)
  • Cost: $49r/$64nr 
  • Instructor: Kelly Nadeau
  • Session 1: Mon | Sept 14-Oct 12 
  • Session 2: Mon | Oct 19-Nov 16 
  • Session 3: Mon | Nov 30-Jan 11 (Skip Dec 21 & 28)
  • Session 4: Mon | Jan 25-Mar 1 (Skip Feb 8)
  • Session 5: Mon | Mar 15-Apr 19 (Skip Apr 5)
  • Session 6: Mon | Apr 26-May 24
  • Time: 9:00-9:45 AM

  • Location: Zeeland Rec - Shoreline Studio

parent-child swim lessons

6-42 Month Olds

Introduce your little one to the water in a safe, playful environment! Children will learn to feel comfortable in the water through songs, games, and gentle movement, learn to blow bubbles, submerge their face, and practice basic kicking and arm movements, all while gaining confidence and interacting more independently with instructors. 

Note on 3 Year Olds: While Preschool Lessons begin at age 3, Parent-Child Lessons are often the best fit for children who are new to swimming or still building comfort and confidence in the water. This supportive, in-water experience allows children to learn alongside a parent while developing foundational skills. 

Why Parents Love It: These early skills build water comfort, safety awareness, and the foundation needed for independent swimming

  • Register Here (Online Registration Opens Mon, Aug 3 @ 10:00 AM)
  • Cost: $88r/$103nr
  • Instructor to Swimmer Ratio: 4-1
  • Location: Zeeland Recreation Pools
  • Sept 14-Oct 19: Mon | 6:20-6:50 PM
  • Sept 16-Oct 21: Wed | 6:20-6:50 PM
  • Sept 19-Oct 24: Sat | 9:00-9:30 AM
  • Nov 2-Dec 14 (Skip Nov 16): Mon | 6:20-6:50 PM
  • Nov 4-Dec 16 (Skip Nov 18): Wed | 6:20-6:50 PM
  • Nov 7-Dec 19 (Skip Nov 28): Sat | 9:00-9:30 AM
  • Jan 4-Feb 8: Mon | 6:20-6:50 PM
  • Jan 6-Feb 10: Wed | 6:20-6:50 PM
  • Jan 9-Feb 13: Sat | 9:00-9:30 AM
  • Feb 15-Mar 22: Mon | 6:20-6:50 PM
  • Feb 17-Mar 24: Wed | 6:20-6:50 PM
  • Feb 20-Mar 27: Sat | 9:00-9:30 AM
  • Apr 12-May 17: Mon | 6:20-6:50 PM
  • Apr 14-May 19: Wed | 6:20-6:50 PM
  • Apr 18-May 22: Sat | 9:00-9:30 AM

family lunch workshop - new school year, new lunch ideas!

School-Aged Kids & Their Families

Join us for a fun, hands-on family class where you'll discover how to build healthy, balanced lunches that fuel both your body and your brain. Learn practical tips for packing nutritious meals, then put your new skills into action by creating a lunch to take to school the next day. Along the way, you'll also make and sample fresh, homemade hummus together. It's a delicious and interactive experience the whole family will enjoy!

  • Register Here (Online Registration Opens Mon, Aug 3 @ 10:00 AM)
  • Registration Deadline: Sat, Sept 19 (or when full)
  • Cost: $15 per family
  • Instructor: Heidi Lynema (Corewell Health Dietitian & CATCH Instructor)
  • Date: Thur, Sept 24
  • Time: 6:00-7:30 PM
  • Location: Cityside Middle School - Room 135

PARENT-CHILD SING SONG YOGA

2-6 Yr Olds + Guardian

Sing Song Yoga® is an international kids musical yoga program in which song lyrics instruct children how to get into the poses and yoga-based activities. This is a fast-paced, 30 minute class created specifically for 2-6 yr olds that will help your child develop motor skills and attention span while also making fun memories with a parent or caregiver! Parents and kids sign up for this yoga class together. Enroll based on age at start dates.

  • Register Here (Online Registration Opens Mon, Aug 3 @ 10:00 AM)
  • Cost: $49r/$64nr
  • Instructor: Deb Weiss-Gelmi (founder of Sing Song Yoga®)
  • Session 1: Thur | Oct 1-Nov 5 | 9:15-9:45 AM
  • Session 2: Thur | Jan 7-Feb 11 | 9:15-9:45 AM
  • Location: Zeeland Recreation - Dance Studio

paddle & play open swim

5 Yr Olds & Under (+ Guardian)

Dive into a splash-filled playtime perfect for caregivers and little ones! We provide life jackets, puddle jumpers, and infant floats for non-swimmers. A caregiver must be in the water for hands-on supervision. 

pumpkinfest cornhole tournament

12 Yrs-Adults

Grab a partner and join us for our Pumpkinfest Cornhole Tournament! This will be a round-robin tournament that will be played outdoors on Main Street in downtown Zeeland during the City of Zeeland’s “Pumpkinfest” event. Each team will play every other team in the tournament one time. The team with the best win-loss record at the end of the tournament wins a trophy and gift card to a local restaurant! Participants should sign up as a team. 

  • Register Here (Online Registration Opens Mon, Aug 3 @ 10:00 AM)
  • Tournament Rules & Guidelines
  • Cost: $33r/$48nr per team
  • Date: Fri, Oct 2
  • Time: 5:00-7:00 PM
  • Location: On Main Street between Church St and Elm St (in front of 129 E Main)

homeschool family open swim

All Ages

Take a midweek break and make a splash together! Homeschool Family Open Swim offers dedicated pool time for families of all ages—from infants to adults—to swim, play, and enjoy the water at their own pace. Families can take advantage of the diving board, youth slide, basketball hoops, and a variety of toys, floats, life jackets, puddle jumpers, and infant floats. Whether you're building water confidence, practicing skills, or simply having fun together, this open swim provides a welcoming space for family recreation and connection.

Note: Open Swim is open to the general public on school half-days, snow days, and select holidays and may not be exclusive to homeschool families on those dates. 

adaptive open swim

All Ages

Adaptive Family Open Swim provides a welcoming and supportive environment for individuals with disabilities or adaptive needs to enjoy recreational pool time at their own pace. Certified lifeguards are on duty, and accessible amenities include a pool lift, stair entry, handicap-accessible doors throughout the facility leading to the pool, accessible showers, and an adult changing table in our Family Locker Room. Participants are encouraged to bring any personal flotation or adaptive swim equipment they prefer. One caregiver may attend and participate free of charge to provide any needed supervision or assistance. The entire family is welcome to attend and enjoy the pool together. Standard fees or applicable memberships apply to all participants beyond the one designated caregiver who is admitted free of charge. Please note that one-to-one supervision and personal care services are not provided by Zeeland Recreation staff.

  • Registration: No Registration Needed - Just Show Up!
  • Cost: $3 p/visitor OR Splash Pass (details below) | Included in Fitness Memberships | Free Open Swim While Enrolled in Swim Lessons 
  • Dates: Sat | Oct 10, 24, Nov 7, 21, Dec 5, 19, Jan 9, 23, Feb 6, 20, Mar 6, 20    
  • Time: 11:00 AM-12:30 PM 

  • Location: Zeeland Recreation - East Warm Pool

eat whole grains the whole day

School-Aged Kids & Their Families

Join us for a fun, hands-on family nutrition class where you’ll create your own delicious grain bowl for dinner and bake wholesome cookies together for dessert. Along the way, you’ll learn how to identify true whole grains on food labels and pick up simple, practical tips for incorporating more whole grains into your everyday meals. Come hungry and ready to cook, learn, and enjoy everything you make together! 

  • Register Here (Online Registration Opens Mon, Aug 3 @ 10:00 AM)
  • Registration Deadline: Thur, Jan 21 (or when full)
  • Cost: $15 per family
  • Instructor: Heidi Lynema (Corewell Health Dietitian & CATCH Instructor)
  • Date: Thur, Jan 28
  • Time: 5:30-7:00 PM
  • Location: Cityside Middle School - Room 135

parent-child Prom - fairytale

4 Yr Olds-6th Gr

Join us to create magical memories together at our Fairytale Parent & Child Prom - an enchanting evening designed for caregivers and children to share a night full of dancing, activities, and unforgettable moments inspired by beloved fairytales. Dressed in your royal best, you’ll step into a storybook setting where imagination comes to life and every moment feels like a dream come true!

Formerly known as Daddy-Daughter Prom, this event has been renamed Parent–Child Prom to celebrate all caregiver-child relationships. All are welcome, regardless of gender.

  • Register Here (Online Registration Opens Mon, Aug 3 @ 10:00 AM)
  • Cost: $19 per person (register each child and guardian separately)
  • Date: Sat, March 6
  • Time: 7:00-9:00 PM

  • Location: Cityside Middle School