Paddle and Play

Parent-Child Programs

Winter, Spring, Summer

PADDLE & PLAY OPEN SWIM

0-5 Yr Olds + Guardian

A special time in the pool for parents and young children to enjoy playtime with friends. For your convenience, we provide life jackets, puddle jumpers and infant floats for non-swimmers. A guardian must be in the water and provide direct supervision for their child.

FAMILY OPEN SWIM

Infants-Adults

Family Open Swim is a great time for all ages to enjoy the pool - from infants to teenagers to adults! We have diving board, youth water slide, basketball hoops, various pool toys and floats, life jackets, puddle jumpers, infant floats + more. Come join the fun! 

  • Aquatics Calendars
  • Pool Rules & Policies
  • Cost: 
  • Half Day Open Swim (1:30pm-3:30pm) 
    • Feb 10, 11, 27, 28
    • Apr 4, 7, 9, 11
    • May 9
    • June 4, 5, 6 
  • Open Swim on Snow Days: 
    • During the school year, Zeeland Recreation makes every effort to add open swim from 1:30-3:30pm on snow days. Follow us on social media for the latest news!

ZEELAND WEST PARENT-SON BASEBALL CLINICS

2nd-6th Gr

Join the ZW Varsity Baseball coach, Bryce Muller, for this 4-week parent-child baseball camp to develop your hitting, catching, pitching and fielding skills, while also learning drills that the participant and a parent/guardian can replicate at home to continue their development! Participants can sign up for the entire 4-week camp OR sign up for specific weeks that include skills they are most interested in improving. Each week we include showing participants various drills to help develop the specific skills we are teaching so they can be practiced during the clinic and easily replicated at home. Participants will have fun, improve their skills to better prepare them for baseball at a higher level in the future. 

  • Register Here
  • Cost for All Sessions (4 Weeks): $55r/$70nr
  • Cost Per Session: $20r/$35nr
  • Coach: Bryce Muller (ZW Varsity Baseball Coach)
  • Full Camp:  Sat | Feb 1-22 | 1:00pm-2:30pm
  • Fielding Session: Sat, Feb 1 | 1:00pm-2:30pm
  • Catching Session: Sat, Feb 8 | 1:00pm-2:30pm
  • Hitting Session: Sat, Feb 15 | 1:00pm-2:30pm
  • Pitching Session: Sat, Feb 22 | 1:00pm-2:30pm
  • Location: ZWHS Gym and Multi-Purpose Rooms

DANCE & MOVEMENT WITH MY GROWN-UP!

2-3 Yrs + Guardian

Join us to bond with your little one while they learn basic dance steps and terminology through songs, stories and play! On top of that, your little ones will also blossom while building self-confidence! Parents/guardians will participate actively in the class, so this is the perfect program for children who may still need a little more time before separating from a parent or caregiver. Ballet shoes and leotards are recommended for children, but not required. Enroll based on age at start date. 

  • Register Here
  • Cost: $59r/$73nr 
  • Instructor: Cydney Sheneman
  • Session 3: Wed | Feb 5-Mar 19
  • Session 4: Wed | Apr 16-May 28
  • Time: 10:00am-10:45am
  • Location: Zeeland Recreation - Shoreline Sprinkling Studio

GIRLS LACROSSE PARENT-CHILD CLINIC

5 Yr Olds-4th Gr

Join the Zeeland Varsity Girls Lacrosse coaches to learn more about lacrosse and to improve your lacrosse fundamentals! Parent-figure(s) and participants will be together for the first portion of the clinic to learn the basics of the game and equipment needs for younger players. After the parent-child portion, players will then work with Zeeland Varsity coaches on fundamentals of the game while also playing some beginner lacrosse games together!

  • Register Here
  • Cost: $20r/$35nr
  • Coach: Brooke VanderStelt (ZPS Varsity Girls Coach)
  • Date: Sat, Feb 8
  • Time: 3:00pm-4:30pm

  • Location: Creekside MS - Main Gym 

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®)
  • Session 4: Thur | Feb 13-Mar 20 | 9:15am-9:45am | Recreation Dance Studio
  • Session 5: Thur | Apr 17-May 22 | 9:15am-9:45am | Recreation Dance Studio

PARENT-CHILD SWIM LESSONS

6-Months-3 Yr Olds (With Guardian)

Learning how to swim can save your child’s life! Join us to start the process of getting your child comfortable in the water. This is an water adjustment class designed to enhance motor coordination, social skills, water adaptation, and safety. Parents and children enjoy time together in the water while basic water skills are introduced.

  • Register Here
  • Swim Lesson FAQ's
  • Instructor-Swimmer Ratio: 6-1 
  • Feb 17-Mar 24: Mon | 6:30pm-7:00pm | $73r/$88nr 
  • Feb 19-Mar 26: Wed | 6:30pm-7:00pm | $73r/$88nr 
  • Feb 20-Mar 27: Thur | 10:00am-10:30am | $73r/$88nr 
  • Feb 22-Mar 29: Sat | 8:30am-9:00am | $73r/$88nr 
  • Apr 14-May 12: Mon | 6:30pm-7:00pm | $61r/$76nr
  • Apr 16-May 14: Wed | 6:30pm-7:00pm | $61r/$76nr
  • Apr 17-May 22: Thur | 10:00am-10:30am | $73r/$88nr
  • Apr 19-May 24: Sat | 8:30am-9:00am | $73r/$88nr
  • June 9-25: Mon & Wed | 6:30pm-7:00pm | $73r/$88nr
  • July 7-23: Mon & Wed | 6:30pm-7:00pm | $73r/$88nr

Daddy Daughter Prom

5 Yr Olds-5th Gr

Daddy-Daughter prom sure is SWEET! Step into a magical evening at our Daddy-Daughter Prom, featuring a Candyland theme! Join us for a night filled with dancing, photo booths, glowsticks, snacks and more. This special event is a perfect opportunity for father-figures and daughters to bond and to create lifelong memories in a whimsical, candy-inspired wonderland! Spots will fill up fast, so be sure to register ASAP.

  • Register Here
  • Date: Sat, March 8
  • Cost: $19 per person
  • Time: 7:00pm-9:00pm
  • Location: Cityside MS - Main Gym

parent-child hairstyle class

5-13 Yr Olds + Guardian

Looking for a fun and unique adult-child activity? Grab your mom, dad, grandpa or grandma and join us to make fun memories while learning how to braid, curl and do a simple updo with Emily Nicole Hair Studio! Whether you are looking to make your mornings go a little smoother or to simply have a fun morning…this class is perfect for you! Participants are asked to bring a curling iron, hairbrush and hairspray with them.

parent-child prom hairstyle class

5 Yrs-5th Gr + Guardian

Join us for a fun and interactive Parent-Child Prom Hairstyle Class, where you and your little one will learn how to create stunning, easy-to-do updos for Zeeland Rec's Daddy-Daughter Prom that same evening! Emily Nicole Hair Studio will teach you both the tips and tricks to master the perfect updo and you’ll leave with your hair ready for the prom! Participants are asked to bring a curling iron, hairbrush and hairspray with them.

steam-warts family night out: sheltering from the sinister class

All Ages

Grab the entire family and dive into a magical realm where creativity knows no bounds and learning is an enchanting adventure! Families will work together as they engage in a series of thrilling challenges that will transport you to a world filled with imagination and innovation. Prepare to build the magnificent Library Tower Bridge, a feat of engineering that will stretch your teamwork and creativity to new heights! And that's not all—unleash your inner wizard as you concoct Slime Protection Orbs and master the Snitchee Charm! Plus, hold on tight as we launch the Flight of the Dragon, a soaring experience that promises to be a blast! Join us for a fun evening of STEAM based family activities! 

  • Register Here
  • Cost: $79r/$94nr (per family)
  • Registration Deadline: Sat, Mar 8 (or when full)
  • Instructors: Rachel Franklin & Challenge Island Staff
  • Date: Sat, Mar 15
  • Time: 5:00pm-8:00pm

  • Location: Cityside MS - ELA Room

sewing for beginners - "let's sew"

16 Yr Olds-Adults

Whether you’ve never sewn before or are just looking to refresh your sewing skills, this beginners level class is a great way to learn a fun, new hobby! You will enjoy the fun, patient instruction from Julie Blakely while learning how to use a sewing machine, create your own projects, and gain confidence with a new skill. By the end of the class, you will have created your own pin cushion and “Sweet Dreams” pillow case. Join us… it won’t be the same without you! All supplies and machines are provided. 

  • Register Here
  • Registration Deadline: Thur, May 1 (or when full)
  • Cost: $48r/$63nr
  • Instructor: Julie Blakely
  • Date: Wed, May 7
  • Time: 6:00pm-8:00pm
  • Location: City on a Hill - Suite 175 (100 Pine St, Zeeland)

creative sewing - sew a zipper cosmetic bag

16 Yr Olds-Adults

If you already know a bit about sewing but are looking to take the next step, join us for this fun class with Julie Blakely! This class will build on the sewing knowledge you already have and give you more confidence with a sewing machine by teaching you advanced skills like seam building, zipper placement and more. During the class, participants will learn how to make a Lazy Girl Design Becca Bag, which is a fun bag that cleverly stays open when unzipped! All supplies and machines are provided. 

  • Register Here
  • Registration Deadline: Thur, May 15 (or when full)
  • Cost: $48r/$63nr
  • Instructor: Julie Blakely
  • Date: Wed, May 21
  • Time: 6:00pm-8:00pm
  • Location: City on a Hill - Suite 175 (100 Pine St, Zeeland)

drawing birds in nature

14 Yr Olds-Adults

Perfect for nature and/or art enthusiasts! This class will guide you through the techniques needed to capture the elegance and detail of birds, while also getting to enjoy all the benefits of nature. We’ll cover basic bird identification characteristics and then develop our drawing techniques as we sketch birds using photographs and real-life observation. Bring binoculars (not required, but helpful), drawing supplies (paper, clipboard, journal, pencil, pen, coloring tools, etc.) and an easy-to-carry folding chair. The path is accessible for wheelchairs and participants will have the option to sit in one place or meander. All artistic and bird watching skill levels are welcome!

  • Register Here
  • Cost: $25r/$40nr
  • Instructor: Ria VanderKlok
  • Date: Fri, May 23
  • Time: 9:00am-11:00am
  • Location: Upper Macatawa Natural Area (1300 84th Ave, Zeeland - 84th Ave Entrance)

islandmon steam-quest family night out

All Ages

Join us for a mini-monstrous journey into the Challenge Island wild! Our adventurous family STEAM teams are on a quest to catch, collect and train all of the island's mini-monsters. You’ll visit gyms, earn badges, go on treasure hunts and even engage in a battle or two. With the help of their Islandmon allies, STEAMaroo and her baby STEAMpuff, our STEAM teams will tackle an island-full of engineering challenges as you evolve into true STEAM Champions.  Ready? Let's go!

  • Register Here
  • Cost: $79r/$94nr (per family)
  • Registration Deadline: Tue, June 3 (or when full)
  • Instructors: Rachel Franklin & Challenge Island Staff
  • Date: Tue, June 10
  • Time: 5:30pm-8:30pm

  • Location: Cityside MS - ELA Room

cornhole tournaments (adult, high school, parent-child)

18 Yr Olds+

Grab a partner and join us for an exciting series of Cornhole Tournaments this summer! We're offering new options this year to suit all ages: Adults-Only Tournament, High School Tournament and a Parent-Child Tournament. 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
  • Cost: $33r/$48nr per team
  • Adults-Only Tournament (18 Yrs+): Thur, June 12 | 6pm-8pm
  • High School Tournament (9th-12th Gr): Thur, June 19 | 6pm-8pm
  • Parent-Child Tournament (5th-8th Gr & Guardian): Thur, Aug 7 | 6pm-8pm
  • Adults-Only Tournament (18 Yrs +): Thur, Aug 21 | 6pm-8pm
  • Location: Main Street between Church St & Elm St

botanical sketching in nature

14 Yr Olds-Adults

Immerse yourself in the beauty of the natural world through our Botanical Sketching in Nature program! Perfect for artists and nature enthusiasts alike, this program combines field exploration with hands-on sketching. Participants will learn to observe and capture the intricate details of plants, flowers, and trees using a few fundamental sketching techniques. Whether you want to enhance your art skills or simply enjoy a peaceful outdoor activity, this program is for you! Please bring binoculars and/or a magnifying glass (not required, but helpful), drawing supplies (paper, clipboard, journal, pencil, pen, coloring tools, etc.) and an easy-to-carry folding chair. The path is accessible for wheelchairs and participants will have the option to sit in one place or meander. All artistic and natural experience levels are welcome. 

  • Register Here
  • Cost: $25r/$40nr
  • Instructor: Ria VanderKlok
  • Date: Fri, June 13
  • Time: 5:30pm-8:00pm
  • Location: Upper Macatawa Natural Area (1300 84th Ave, Zeeland - 84th Ave Entrance)

ze father-son quarterback clinic

3rd-8th Gr

This clinic is a great opportunity for father-figures and sons to learn about the quarterback position together so they can use the skills they learn to continue practicing at home! Participants will learn proper throwing and footwork fundamentals that are essential to success on the field. Please enroll children only. Register based on 2025-26 grade level.

  • Register Here
  • Cost: $50r/$65nr
  • Coach: Sam Nichols (Former HS & College Coach) & Joe Woodruff (ZE Varsity Coach)
  • Dates: June 24-26
  • Time: 6:00pm-7:30pm
  • Location: Zeeland Stadium

watercolor in nature

14 Yr Olds-Adults

Join us to explore nature’s beauty while learning the techniques of watercolor painting! We will take to the trail and paint what we see as we go. Participants will learn a few field sketching and watercolor techniques to help get what you notice onto your paper as we look closely, ask questions, and develop our skill of observing the world around us. All supplies will be provided and participants will go home with a watercolor journal, watercolor field kit, and water brush. The path is accessible for wheelchairs and participants will have the option to sit in one place or meander. 

  • Register Here
  • Cost: $75r/$90nr
  • Instructor: Ria VanderKlok
  • Date: Fri, July 11
  • Time: 5:30pm-8:00pm
  • Location: Upper Macatawa Natural Area (1300 84th Ave, Zeeland - 84th Ave Entrance)