Paddle and Play

Parent-Child Programs

Winter, Spring, Summer

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!

  • Aquatics Calendars
  • Cost: $3 p/visitor OR Splash Pass (details below) | Included in Fitness Memberships | Free Open Swim While Enrolled in Swim Lessons 
  • Halfday Open Swim (1:30-3:30 PM): Jan 16, 19, Feb 9, 10, 26, 27, Apr 3, 6, 8, 10, May 8, June 3, 4, 5 
  • 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!
  • Pool Rules & Guidelines
  • Location: Zeeland Recreation East Warm Pool

paddle & play open swim

0-5 Yr Olds + Guardian

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

adaptive OPEN SWIM

All Ages

Our Adaptive Family Open Swim program provides a welcoming and inclusive environment where people of all abilities can enjoy unstructured pool time with their families. This program is designed to support individuals with disabilities or adaptive needs as they explore, play, and enjoy the water at their own pace in a comfortable and encouraging setting. Lifeguards are on duty to ensure safety and adaptive equipment are available for participants who may benefit from them. Parents, guardians, or caregivers are encouraged to join participants in the water at no additional charge and are responsible for offering any personal support their family member may need. Participants should bring a swimsuit, towel, and any preferred personal flotation devices.

  • Registration: Not required - Just show up!
  • Cost: $3 per adaptive participant | Caregivers swim for free | Included in Fitness Memberships 
  • Dates: Saturdays | Jan 10, Jan 24, Feb 7, Feb 21, Mar 7, Mar 21
  • Time: 11:00 AM-12:30 PM
  • 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
  • Cost: $59r/$74nr 
  • Instructor: Cydney Sheneman
  • Session 3: Wed | Feb 11-Mar 25  | 9:00-9:45 AM
  • Session 4: Wed | April 15-May 27 | 9:00-9:45 AM
  • Location: Zeeland Recreation - Shoreline Studio

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
  • Cost: $49r/$64nr
  • Instructor: Deb Weiss-Gelmi (founder of Sing Song Yoga®)
  • Feb 19-Mar 26: Thur | 9:15-9:45 AM | Zeeland Recreation
  • Apr 23-May 28: Thur | 9:15-9:45 AM  | Zeeland Recreation

parent-child Prom

5 Yr Olds-5th Gr

Step through the looking glass and join us for an enchanting Parent–Child Wonderland Prom! This whimsical evening invites you and your child to tumble down the rabbit hole for a magical night of dancing, games, and unforgettable memories inspired by the beloved world of Alice in Wonderland. Whether you're twirling under a canopy of imagination or joining a Mad Hatter game, this experience promises joyous moments for all ages. Spots are limited—don’t be late to register and secure your passage to Wonderland! 

This event was formerly called “Daddy-Daughter Prom,” but we've renamed it “Parent–Child Prom” to celebrate all caregiver-child relationships. All are welcome, no matter your gender or guardian role!

  • Register Here
  • Cost: $19 per person (register each child and each guardian separately)
  • Date: Sat, March 7
  • Time: 7:00-9:00 PM

  • Location: Cityside MS– Main & Aux Gyms

free family cooking class - snack edition

School-Aged Kids & Their Families

Join us for a fun and interactive family cooking and nutrition class where healthy snacking takes center stage! In this engaging session, families will learn simple, nutritious snacking tips while creating delicious, no-bake energy bites together. Discover the benefits of wholesome ingredients, explore creative snack ideas, and enjoy hands-on fun as you mix, roll, and taste your way to healthier habits as a family!

  • Register Here (Online Registration Opens Mon, Jan 19 @ 10am)
  • Registration Deadline: Mon, Apr 13
  • Cost: Free - Registration Still Required
  • Instructor: Heidi Lynema (Corewell Health Dietitian & CATCH Instructor)
  • Date: Thur, Apr 16
  • Time: 6:30-8:00 PM
  • Location: Cityside Middle School - Room 135

parent-child cookie decorating - under the sea

5-8 Yr Olds + Guardian

Join us for a beginner-level cookie decorating class with a fun ocean theme! Participants will learn how to use royal icing techniques, and will go with a dozen beautifully decorated sugar cookies - plus new cookie decorating skills! Please note: the cookies are prepared in a home kitchen that has not been inspected by the Michigan Department of Agriculture & Rural Department. Allergen information: these cookies contain wheat, eggs, dairy & almonds; additionally, the icing contains artificial food dyes.

  • Register Here (Online Registration Opens Mon, Jan 19 @ 10am)
  • Registration Deadline: Sat, Apr 25
  • Cost: $50r/$65nr per parent-child couple
  • Instructor: Jen Meyering (Owner - One Smart Cookie) 
  • Date: Sat, May 16 
  • Time: 10:00-11:30 AM
  • Location: New Groningen Elementary - Cafeteria

birding for beginners

8 Yr Olds-Adults

Curious about birding? Join us on a guided walk through the Upper Macatawa Natural Area with our very own naturalist guide! You’ll learn the basics of birding, how to use binoculars, and helpful tips for identifying and appreciating the birds we see. This outing welcomes bird lovers of all experience levels — first-timers and seasoned watchers alike. Session 1 is wheelchair-accessible, so everyone can participate. Bring binoculars if you have them (optional but useful).

  • Register Here(Online Registration Opens Mon, Jan 19 @ 10:00 AM)
  • Cost: $15r/$30nr
  • Instructor: Ria VanderKlok
  • Session 1: Sat, May 23 | 9:00-10:15 AM | Upper Macatawa Natural Area - 84th Ave Entrance | 1300 84th Ave, Zeeland
  • Session 2: Sat, May 30 | 9:00-10:15 AM | Upper Macatawa Natural Area - 76th Ave Entrance - 2171 76th Ave, Zeeland

cornhole tournaments

12 Yrs-Adults

Grab a partner and join us for an exciting series of Cornhole Tournaments this summer! Ages 12 years olds to adults are welcome. All tournaments are round-robin style and will be held outdoors on Main Street during the City of Zeeland’s “Music on Main” event. Each team will compete against every other team once. The team with the best win-loss record at the end of the tournament will win a trophy and gift card. Sign up as a team and get ready for some fun competition!

  • Register Here(Online Registration Opens Mon, Jan 19 @ 10:00 AM)
  • Tournament Rules & Guidelines
  • Cost: $33r/$48nr per team
  • Session 1: Thur, June 11
  • Session 2: Thur, July 23
  • Session 3: Thur, Aug 20
  • Time: 6:00-8:00 PM
  • Location: On Main Street between Church St and Elm St (in front of 129 E Main)

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!
  • Instructors: Deb Weiss-Gelmi (June, August) + Tori McClure (July)
  • Dates: Thur | Jun 11-Aug 27 (skip July 2)
  • 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)

free family popsicle make & take workshop

School-Aged Kids & Their Families

Get ready for a fun, hands‑on class where families will laugh, learn, and see just how much sugar is hiding in everyday foods — but in the most tasty way possible! You’ll enjoy a refreshing popsicle in class, then get to experiment with creating your own healthy popsicle flavors to take home. Along the way, you’ll pick up easy, real‑life tips for cutting back on added sugars — all while having a great time together.

  • Register Here (Online Registration Opens Mon, Jan 19 @ 10am)
  • Registration Deadline: Sat, June 20
  • Cost: Free - Registration Still Required
  • Instructor: Heidi Lynema (Corewell Health Dietitian & CATCH Instructor)
  • Date: Thur, June 25
  • Time: 1:00-2:30 PM
  • Location: Cityside Middle School - Room 135