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 - Non-walkers

This six-week program teaches infants and toddlers between 6 months and 3 years old who are not yet walking 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 5–July 13  ▶  Times Vary  ▶  Register 

Infant Aquatic Survival Swim - Walkers

This eight week program is for children who are walking. Children learn to swim a short distance with their face fully submerged, roll onto their back, 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 15 minutes, one-on-one, four days a week. Instructor: Mary Jo

Mondays–Thursdays  ▶  June 5–July 27  ▶  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 the MCC Welcome Desk 

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

KU Sensory Enhanced Aquatics

Children with autism spectrum disorders are taught traditional learn-to-swim methods combined with sensory strategies matched to their unique needs. University of Kansas Medical Center health professionals teach the swim lessons. Individual and small-group lessons are available.

Thursdays  ▶ June 8–August 10  ▶  6:30–7 p.m. ▶  Register beginning May 12 at 6 p.m.

Thursdays  ▶ June 8–August 10  ▶  7:05–7:35 p.m.  ▶  Register beginning May 12 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 the MCC Welcome Desk 

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

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

Mondays–Thursdays & Saturdays  ▶ 11 a.m.-12 p.m.

Monthly  ▶  Register

Swim lessons are all-inclusive and specific for each child’s skill set and include lifesaving and safety techniques. Register your child based on age. For preschool and youth lessons, class levels are used to ensure your child is successful. Children are evaluated at the beginning of each session and placed in the appropriate class level. Children should be able to work with an instructor and participate in swim lessons independently and willingly.

Parent/Child: 6 months–2 years

This lesson is designed as an introduction for parents and children alike. Learn safety tips while your child becomes familiar in the water and picks up basic water movement taught through songs, dances, and other fun forms of teaching. This class takes place in the indoor therapy pool. Parents must be in the water with their children.

May  ▶  Register

June  ▶  Register

July  ▶  Register 

Preschool: 3–5 years old

Your child will learn basic water safety skills while also growing more comfortable in the water. Students will learn how to safely enter and exit the water, blow bubbles underwater, float, kick, and work on arm movements. 

May  ▶    Register

June  ▶    Register

July  ▶  Register 

Youth: 6–12 years old

Beginning swimmers are introduced to basic stroke movement and will learn how to be more comfortable in the water. More advanced swimmers are instructed in stroke technique, endurance, and safety skills. 

May  ▶  Register

June  ▶  Register

July  ▶    Register  

Private and Semi-Private Lessons

Get four, 30-minute lessons tailored just for you. Available for ages 3+ . $90 for private lessons, $80 for semi-private. 

Learn More

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

Tuesday, May 2   |   7 p.m.   |   Merriam Community Center

Meet the Coaches

Wednesday, May 17   |   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 30–June 30  ▶  Register 

Swim: 9–10 a.m.  ▶   Beginner Dive: 10–11 a.m. 

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 30–July 15  ▶  Register

Swim: 7:30–9 a.m.  ▶   Advanced Dive: 9–10:30 a.m.

Merriam Dolphins on Swimtopia

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/Parent Fundamentals

Your child will learn basic stretching, rolling, ki-Aikido self-defense techniques, and ki-meditation techniques. Parent participation is encouraged but not required. This class is designed to strengthen bodies and relationships through sweat, smiles, and laughter. Instructor: Derrick (1st degree) 

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

Jump-Start Gymnastics

Gymnastics is a fun and safe way for children to develop confidence and coordination. Lesson plans are designed to introduce new tumbling skills in each class, focusing on improving balance and flexibility. Recommended for kids ages 7 and older. Athletes must be able to perform a backbend from standing position and return to a standing position independently to participate. Instructor: Wendy, USASF Certified

Tuesdays  ▶  Monthly  ▶  6:15–7 p.m.  ▶  Register

Kawaii Kids Martial Arts

Kawaii is a popular Japanese term meaning cute. While it's kawaii to view kids in uniforms, it's also rewarding to see them learn practical street smarts. Kids become more aware of their surroundings in this fun, proven method for children of all ages. Children 4 years old must be accompanied by a guardian. Instructors: Mick (6th degree) / Rafael (2nd degree)

Saturdays  ▶  Monthly  ▶  11:15 a.m.–12:15 p.m.  ▶  Register

Wednesdays  ▶  Monthly  ▶  4:45–5:45 p.m.  ▶  Register

Pee Wee Soccer Clinic

This soccer clinic is geared toward kids ages 3 to 7. They'll learn the basic rules of soccer, including footwork, drills, and passing. Your kids will have a blast while being active! Instructor: Jayla

Tuesdays & Thursdays  ▶  Monthly  ▶  4:30–5:15 p.m.  ▶  Register  ages 3–5

Tuesdays & Thursdays  ▶  Monthly  ▶  5:30–6:30 p.m.  ▶  Register  ages 6–7

Tumbling for Tots

Gymnastics is a fun and safe way for children to begin developing confidence and coordination. Lesson plans are specifically designed to introduce new tumbling skills in each class, focusing on improving balance and flexibility. Recommended for kids ages 3 to 6. Instructor: Wendy, USASF Certified

Tuesdays  ▶  Monthly  ▶  5:30–6:15 p.m.  ▶  Register

Zumba®  Kids

Develop a healthy lifestyle and mike fitness fun with Zumba® Kids! This class includes dancing, mat time, and much more! Instructor: Maki 

Tuesdays  ▶  Monthly  ▶ 4:30–5:15 p.m.  ▶  Register

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!

Power Wheels Racing Day

Come battle it out on the track well, the top level of the MCC parking structure)! Each contestant must provide their own Power Wheels car, and helmets must be worn. Each participant receives a die-cast miniature car for participating.  Two age groups 2-5 years and 6-9 years  Preregistration required.

Saturday, August 19  ▶ 10 a.m.–Noon   ▶  $10  ▶  Register