Browse Current Class Offerings & Recreation Schedules
Looking for details like open swim times, youth sports clinics, or yoga classes? Check out the Program Guide and Drop-In Recreation Guide, or visit our online registration system to see currently available programs and drop-in classes.
The Kroc Center is proud to partner with these organizations:
Swim Lessons for All Ages
The Kroc Center is proud to offer the American Red Cross Learn-to-Swim program. This progressive lesson program helps children learn the fundamentals of swimming and water safety through the teaching and assessment of critical water skills. Depending on a child’s abilities, they may remain at the same Learn-to-Swim level for more than one session.
Curious what swim lesson is right for you?
Try our Interactive Swim Lesson Guide to find out!
PARENT & CHILD: LEVEL 1 (AGES 6 MONTHS-3 YEARS)
You and your child are in the water together. Learn ways to support your child while they become familiar with the water by blowing bubbles, floating, kicking, and being safe in aquatic environments.
PARENT & CHILD: LEVEL 2 (AGES 18 MONTHS-3 YEARS)
You and your child are in the water together, building on the skills from Parent & Child Level 1. Your child will learn floating, gliding, how to use their arms while swimming on their front and back, and water safety skills. Children are NOT required to complete Parent & Child Level 1 first, but they must be comfortable in the water.
PRESCHOOL & PARENT (AGES 3-5)
This class helps children transition to being on their own in swim lessons. Parents join their child for the first three lessons, then watch from the pool deck for the last three. Skills include supported arm and leg actions on front and back, floating, gliding, and breath control.
PRESCHOOL LEVEL 1 (AGES 3-5)
Familiarize children with the water and help them learn basic skills. Helps participants begin to develop positive attitudes and safe practices in and around the water. Participants must be comfortable in the water without a parent.
PRESCHOOL LEVEL 2 (AGES 3-5)
Students learn skills such as floating, arm and leg actions, gliding, and breath control, working towards performing these skills independently. This class is equivalent to Learn-to-Swim Level 1: Intro to Water Skills. Participants must be comfortable in the water without a parent.
PRESCHOOL LEVEL 3 & 4 COMBINED (AGES 3-5)
Participants build on their basic swimming skills by increasing repetitions, distances, and times. All skills will be performed independently. This class is equivalent to Learn-to-Swim Level 2: Fundamental Skills.
LEVEL 1: INTRO TO WATER SKILLS (AGES 5-12)
This introductory class helps participants become more comfortable in the water by learning basic swimming and water safety skills. Skills covered include entering and exiting the water without assistance, breath control, floating with assistance, arm and leg actions, and how to stay safe near water.
LEVEL 2: FUNDAMENTAL SKILLS (AGES 5-12)
Participants build on foundation skills such as simultaneous and alternating arm and leg actions on front and back, floating and gliding so they can be performed without support, increasing distance, and greater duration. PREREQUISITE: Students must be able to swim two body lengths with support.
LEVEL 3: STROKE DEVELOPMENT (AGES 5-12)
Learn elementary backstroke, breaststroke kick, dolphin kick, scissors kick, rotary breathing, and survival floating. PREREQUISITE: Students must be able to swim five body lengths on front and back without support.
LEVEL 4: STROKE IMPROVEMENT (AGES 5-17)
This class covers breaststroke, butterfly, sidestroke, and open turns. Participants work toward increasing distance and stamina for swimming and treading water. PREREQUISITE: Students must be able to swim 15 yards of elementary backstroke and be familiar with dolphin, breaststroke and scissor kicks.
LEVEL 5 & 6 COMBINED (AGES 5-17)
Students work to refine their skills in all six strokes, build endurance and learn new skills such as front and backstroke flip turns. PREREQUISITE: Participants must be able to swim 15 yards of elementary backstroke and be familiar with dolphin, breaststroke and scissor kicks.
ADULT LEVEL 1: LEARN–TO–SWIM (Ages 13+)
Have you always wanted to learn to swim but never had the opportunity? Did you have a negative or frightening experience in the water when you were younger that’s prevented you from wanting to try again? You’re not alone! About one third of adults in the United States can’t safely swim the length of a pool. We’re helping to change that.
ADULT LEVEL 2: THE BASICS (Ages 13+)
This beginner class helps adults learn basic skills such as floating, gliding, pulling and kicking. Participants will learn ways to be safe in and around water and how to help themselves or others in an aquatic emergency. Must be comfortable in the water.
ADULT LEVEL 3: IMPROVING SKILLS/STROKES (Ages 13+)
This class helps adults improve basic swimming and water safety skills, and adds new skills such as elementary backstroke, sidestroke, breaststroke, butterfly, rotary breathing, and turns. PREREQUISITE: Participants must be able to swim five body lengths on front and back without support.
PRICING (per person)
Packages are sold in multiples of three or six lessons; once the first full package is purchased and used, you may buy additional single lessons or another package. All participants in a semi–private lesson must be members to receive the member price. All lessons are 30–minutes.
Private Lessons (one person)
Semi–Private (up to four people)
NOTE: Private and semi–private lessons are subject to a 24–hour cancellation policy. A participant failing to cancel at least 24 hours prior to a lesson will forfeit that lesson. Lessons cancelled by the Kroc Center will be made up at another time. Payments for lessons are not refundable or transferable after the first lesson.
NOTE: Private swim lessons are currently unavailable due to staffing limitations.
2023 marks the sixth year the Kroc Center has been able to partner with Grand Rapids Public Schools to teach basic swim lessons to second-grade students. Read more about this remarkable initiative supported by the American Red Cross Centennial Campaign Program.
Water Fitness Classes
RIVER WALK & TONE (AGES 16+)
Want more than just a walk in the lazy river? Make the most of your time in the lazy river with this class. This low impact workout is designed to help you build strength, improve your balance and increase your cardiovascular abilities. This class uses the resistance of the moving to water to increase the effectiveness of many common exercises. Equipment will be provided if needed. No swimming experience needed and water shoes recommended.
Become a Lifeguard!
Looking for a fun job where you can make a difference? The Kroc Center is always looking for adults and students ages 16 and older to work as lifeguards in our Aquatics Center. Click here to see all current Kroc Center job postings.
Not certified as a lifeguard yet? No problem – training is provided! Click here to check the next available training sessions.