Youth Programs and Activities

Aqua Toddler Swim / Sensory Time

Monday–Friday  ▶ 10:30 a.m.–12 p.m.
Ages 0–4 with adult present 
$50 for 10 punches or $90 for 20 punches
1 punch visit = 1 parent and 1 child 
Free for members!

Time specific for families with children sensitive to loud noises or big splashes of water. During this time, all fountains, slides and water features are turned off. Children can explore the zero depth, shallow water and therapy pool without fear of big kids splashing. This isn't a swim lesson and won't be instructor led. Parents must be in the water with their children.  

Infant Aquatic Survival Swim - Nonwalking

This six-week program teaches infants and toddlers between 6 months to 1 year old to roll over from a face-down or submerged position onto their backs to relax and breathe. Lessons are 15 minutes, one-on-one, four days a week. Instructor: Mary Jo

Monday–Thursday  ▶  June 2–July 10  ▶  Times Vary  ▶  Register

Monday–Thursday  ▶  July 14-August 21  ▶  Times Vary  ▶  Register

Infant Aquatic Survival Swim - Walking

This eight week program teaches toddlers and younger children the swim-float-swim sequence. Children learn to swim a short distance with their face fully submerged, to roll onto their back, to float and rest whenever they need to breathe, and flip back onto their tummy to continue to swim to safety while fully clothed. Lessons are one-on-one, four days a week for eight weeks.  Instructor: Mary Jo

Mondays–Thursdays  ▶  June 2–July 24  ▶  Times Vary  ▶  Register 

MJ's Kids

Mary Jo Klier works with children specifically focusing on strokes and stroke development.  This punch pass class includes two 15-minute sessions.  The instructor and guardian will determine times and days that work best for them.  Instructor: Mary Jo

Punch Pass Program ▶ Register at Merriam Community Center Welcome Desk 

2 punches: $50 / 4 punches: $100 / $6 punches: $150 / 8 punches: $200

KU Sensory Enhanced Aquatics

This program provides swim lessons for children with autism spectrum disorders. Individual and small group lessons are available to meet the children's learning needs. We're proud to offer scholarships to all participants, with support from the USA Swimming Foundation. Instructor: The University of Kansas Medical Center Department of Occupational Therapy Education Staff

Thursdays  ▶  June 5–August 7  ▶  6-6:30 p.m.  ▶  Register beginning May 2 at 6 p.m.

Thursdays  ▶  June 5–August 7  ▶  6:35-7:05 p.m.  ▶  Register beginning May 2 at 6 p.m.

Thursdays  ▶  June 5–August 7  ▶  7:10-7:40 p.m.  ▶  Register beginning May 2 at 6 p.m.

MJ's Kids

Mary Jo Keiler works with children specifically focusing on strokes and stroke development. This punch pass class includes two-15 minute sessions. The instructor and guardian will determine times and days that work best for them.  

Punch Pass Program  ▶  Register at Merriam Community Center Welcome Desk 

2 punches: $50 / 4 punches: $100 / 6 punches: $150 / 8 punches: $200

MJ's Spring Swim Clinics

This swim clinic will prepare your child for the summer swim season. The class meets once a week. Instructor: Mary Jo

April 13-May 25 ▶  Sundays  ▶  Ages 6-8  ▶  10-10:45 a.m.  ▶  Register

April 13-May 25  ▶  Sundays  ▶  Ages 9-18  ▶  10:45-11:45 a.m.  ▶  Register

SuperKids

Advanced swimmers learn correct freestyle breathing, streamlines, backstroke, and other swim techniques. They'll spend 45 minutes on instruction and 15 minutes playing games. Choose two days per week! Instructor: Mary Jo

Level 1 is entry level. Swimmers need to comfortable in the water and able to swim-float-swim. Ages 3-7 or permission from Mary Jo

Level 2 is medium to advanced level. Emphasis on correct swim technique for the four competitive strokes, streamlines, and turns plus an introduction to interval training. This level is the foundation of the KC Swim Academy, a USA Swimming competitive team. Instructor: Mary Jo

Level 3 is an advanced level. Emphasis is on correct swim technique for the four competitive strokes, streamlines, and turns, plus an introduction to interval training. This level is the foundation of the KC Swim Academy, a USA Swimming competitive team.

Super Kids Level 1 ▶  April- May Register

Super Kids Level 1 ▶  June-August ▶ Register

Mondays–Thursdays  4:30-5 p.m.

Saturdays 10:30 - 11 a.m.

Super Kids Level 2 ▶  April-May ▶ Register

Super Kids Level 2 ▶  June- August ▶ Register

Mondays–Thursdays  5-5:45 p.m.

Saturdays 11-11:45 a.m.

Super Kids Level 3 ▶  April-May  ▶  Register

Mondays & Wednesdays  6-7 p.m.

Saturdays 11 a.m.-Noon

AYSO PLAY! Camp

Camp at Waterfall Park, and learn soccer skills from professionally trained coaches form the American Youth Soccer Organization., Instructor: AYSO Soccer

August 4-8  ▶  9 a.m.-Noon  ▶ ages 5-14  ▶ $130 ▶  Register

Chess Wizards Summer Camp

Get ready for challenging chess lessons, exciting games, tournaments, and cool prizes! Materials are included. Full-day kids should bring lunch. Instructor: Chess Wizards.

June 23-27  ▶ 9 a.m. - Noon or Noon-3 p.m.  ▶  ages 5-12  ▶ $392 ▶ Canceled due to low enrollment

June 23-27  ▶ 9 a.m.-3 p.m.  ▶   ages 5-12  ▶ $558 ▶ Canceled due to low enrollment

July 7-11  ▶ 9 a.m.-Noon or Noon-3 p.m. ▶ ages 5-12  ▶ $392 ▶ Canceled due to low enrollment

July 7-11  ▶ 9 a.m.-3 p.m.  ▶ ages 5-12  ▶ $558 ▶  Canceled due to low enrollment

Merriam Summer Series

Join us for a fun-filled time with crafts, sports, and more! each week offers exciting new activities. Don't forget to bring a water bottle; light snacks are provided. Deadline to register is July 3.  Instructor: MCC Staff

Themes | July 10 - PE Power Play | July 17 - Junior Explorers | July 24 - Game On | July 31 - Tie Dye Tees

Thursdays in July  ▶  10-11:45 a.m.  ▶ $85  ▶  ages 8-13  ▶  Register

New Wave Dance

Let's dance and groove as students explore a variety of dance styles at the beginner and intermediate levels. Kids will learn elements of jazz, hip-hop, contemporary, and more! Instructor: Caitlyn

Saturdays  ▶  July  ▶ 10-11 a.m.  ▶  Register

Summer Saulters

This tumbling class introduces basic tumbling skills in a supportive environment. Children will work on balance, coordination, strength, and flexibility through a variety of activities. You'll see them build confidence, get creative, and have fun with their peers. Instructor: Ellie

Fridays  ▶  June-July  ▶ 4:45-5:30 p.m.  ▶  Register

Youth Fitness Equipment Orientation

Kids between the age of 12 and 15 can work out in the fitness center after they complete a youth fitness equipment orientations with a guardian. 

• Learn rules of the fitness center and walking track
• Learn proper equipment usage
• Learn basic safe exercise techniques

Youth equipment orientations are FREE. Please speak to someone at the Welcome Desk to schedule an appointment. 

Once they've completed an orientation and are ready to use the equipment, they can check in at the Welcome Desk at each visit.  

Aiki Kids Child Fundamentals

Your child will learn basic stretching, rolling, ki-aikido self-defense techniques, and ki-meditation techniques. This class is designed to strengthen bodies and relationships through sweat, smiles, and laughter.   Instructor: Vic (4th degree) 

Tuesdays  ▶  April  ▶  4:30–6 p.m.   ▶  Register

Tuesdays  ▶  May-August  ▶  4:30–6 p.m.   ▶  Register

Kawaii Kids Martial Arts

Watch your kids learn practical street smarts and become more aware of their surroundings in this fun, proven method. Instructors: John / Rafael (2nd degree)

Wednesdays & Saturdays  ▶  April  ▶  4:30-5:30 p.m. // 11:15 a.m.–12:15 p.m.  ▶  Register

Wednesdays & Saturdays  ▶  May-August ▶  4:30-5:30 p.m. // 11:15 a.m.–12:15 p.m.  ▶ Register

Youth Lifting Club

This group lifting class introduces kids to strength training, focusing on proper form while building confidence through safe, age-appropriate exercises. Perfect for beginners! Instructor: Abby

Thursdays  ▶  July-August  ▶ 4:30-5:15 p.m.  ▶  Register

Merriam Dolphins Swim and Dive Team

Be a part of Merriam’s summer swim and dive teams! Athletes can choose to swim only, dive only, or swim and dive for the same fee! Swim caps provided. Athletes will need a blue suit. More information and meet schedules are available on the Dolphin's SwimTopia website.

 Mandatory Parents Meeting

Thursday, April 23   |   7 p.m.   |   Merriam Community Center

Meet the Coaches

Thursday, May 15   |   7 p.m.   |   Merriam Community Center. 

Precompetitive Swim and Dive

This team is designed for young swimmers who are learning to swim and dive and working on increasing their skills and endurance. This isn't intended to be swim lessons. A qualified simmer should be able to swim across the pool for 25 yards. They don't need to know all four strokes.

Mondays–Fridays  ▶  May 27–June 27  

Swim ONLY  ▶  9–10 a.m.  ▶  $95 ▶  Register  

Beginner Dive ONLY  ▶ 10–11:30 a.m. ▶ $95  ▶  Register  

Swim & Dive ▶ 9-11:30 a.m. ▶ $125  ▶  Register

Competitive Swim and Dive

This team is designed for high-level swimmers who are able to swim 50 yards without stopping and know all four strokes.

Mondays–Fridays  ▶  May 27–July 12    

Swim ONLY ▶  7:30-9 a.m.  ▶  $95  ▶  Register

Dive ONLY ▶ 9-10:30 a.m. ▶ $95  ▶  Register 

Swim & Dive ▶ 7:30-10:30 a.m.  ▶ $125  ▶  Register

Merriam Dolphins on Swimtopia

Preschool Indoor Playground

Too cold to play in the park? Ride and slide with us during Preschool Indoor Playground! Drive, pull, or push your favorite Little Tykes vehicles. Parents must supervise their children during playground time.

Tuesdays  ▶  9:30–11:30 a.m.  
$2/child  ▶  Punch cards available: $10 for 10 visits

FREE FOR MEMBERS!

Preschool P.R.E.P

Get your kiddo prepped and ready at Preschool P.R.E.P.! You and your child can play, research, explore, and participate in STEAM workshops that will help them get ready for kindergarten! Instructor: Margo

Thursday, April 24  ▶   Little Ladybug  ▶ 11:15 a.m.-Noon  ▶  Register

Thursday, May 22  ▶   Fluffy Paint  ▶  11:15 a.m.-Noon  ▶  Register

Thursday, June 26  ▶   Bubble Party  ▶  11:15 a.m.-Noon  ▶  Register

Thursday, July 24  ▶   Christmas in July  ▶  11:15 a.m.-Noon  ▶  Register

Thursday, August 28  ▶  Spelling Bee  ▶  11:15 a.m.-Noon  ▶  Register

Our swim lessons are designed to be inclusive and tailored to each swimmer's individual skill level. Every session focuses on age-appropriate swimming techniques, water safety, and lifesaving skills to help participants grow into confident swimmers. 

Parent/Child: 6 months–2 years

This class introduces water to young swimmers! Focusing on comfort and safety, parents join in to help teach skills through songs, games, and activities. Participants practice basic water movements, safe entry and exit, and foundation swim skills in a supportive environment. Classes take place in the Therapy Pool. 

April ▶ Register 

June  ▶  Register

July  ▶  Register

August  ▶  Register

Preschool: 3–5 years old

This class helps young swimmers build confidence and learn water safety skills. Students are grouped by skill level and practice safe entry/exit, blowing bubbles, floating, kicking, and basic arm movements through fun activities in a supportive environment. 

April  ▶    Register

June  ▶    Register

July  ▶  Register

August  ▶  Register 

Youth: 6–12 years old

This program helps swimmers of all levels build confidence and improve skills. Beginners focus on basic techniques and water comfort, while advanced swimmers refine strokes, build endurance, and develop water safety skills. Participants are grouped by ability for a supportive learning environment. 

April  ▶  Register

June  ▶  Register

July  ▶    Register 

August ▶   Register 

Beginner Dive Clinic

Ready to dive in? This clinic is the perfect start for kids with little to no experience. Focused on fundamentals, body control, and building confidence, participants will learn takeoffs, basic dives, and safe water entry in a fun, supportive environment. 

Mondays & Wednesdays  ▶  July 21-30 ▶  ages 5-8 ▶ 10-10:45 a.m.  ▶   Register 

Mondays & Wednesdays  ▶  July 21-30 ▶  ages 9-12 ▶ 11-11:45 a.m.  ▶   Register

Advanced Dive Clinic

Elevate your skills! For experienced divers, this clinic refines technique, improves form, and teaches advanced dives. Coaches offer personalized feedback to boost confidence, strength, and consistency. 

Mondays & Wednesdays  ▶  July 21-30 ▶  ages 6-18 ▶ 9-9:45 a.m.  ▶  Register

Private and Semi-Private Lessons

Get four, 30-minute lessons tailored just for you. Available for ages 3+. $100 for private lessons, $90 for semi-private. 

Learn More