The City of Lakewood offers a variety of activities for kids age 0-12, including classes, camps and special events. Play sports, learn new skills, explore the arts or even rent a space for birthday parties. Browse these sections to learn more.
Financial assistance: Available for residents via the Lakewood Possibilities Fund.
Register for Programs
Browse the sections above or visit Lakewood.org/Register to view listings.
Register Now
Group Swim Lessons
Before registering for swim lessons, review the information below. For pricing and questions, reach out to your pool facility's aquatics contact or call 720-963-5371.
Browse Current Programs
Registration Information:
Swim lessons will take place Mon./Wed. evenings at the Link and Tues/Thurs. evenings at Carmody. A schedule is available in our activity guide.
Lesson Listings/Placement
LESSON LISTINGS
Parent/Tot
Age: 6 mths-3 yrs |
Preschool Introduction
Age: 2-3 yrs |
Preschool Level 1: Clams
Age: 3-5 yrs |
Preschool Level 2: Starfish
Age: 3-5 yrs |
Preschool Level 3: Crabs
Age: 3-5 yrs
|
Preschool Level 4: Seahorse
Age: 3-5 yrs |
Level 1: Stingrays
Age: 6-12 yrs |
Level 2: Octopus
Age: 6-12 yrs |
Level 3: Pufferfish
Age: 6-12 yrs |
Level 4: Whale
Age: 6-12 yrs |
Intro to Swim Team
Age: 6-12 yrs |
HELPFUL PLACEMENT TIPS
- If your child is under the age of 3, register for the Parent and Tot class.
- If your child is age 2-3 years old and is willing to be independent of the parent, register for Introduction to Preschool class.
- If your child is 3-5 years old, and can enter water independently using either a ramp, steps or side, travel 3 yards, submerge to mouth and blow bubbles, then safely exit the water. May walk, move along the gutter or swim, register for the Preschool Level 1-Clams class.
- If your child is 3-5 years old and can enter water independently, travel at least 3 yards, bob 5 times and then safely exit the water, register for Preschool Level 2-Starfish class.
- If your child is 3-5 years old and can glide on back for at least 2 body lengths, roll to front, then recover to a vertical position. register for Preschool Level 3-Crabs class.
- If your child is 3-5 years old and can step into chest deep water and push off the bottom into a front float for 15 seconds, then swim on front and/or back for 5 body lengths and exit the water, register for the Preschool Level 4-Seahorse class.
- If your child is 6-12 years old and has never had lessons in the past, register for Level 1-Stingrays class.
- If your child is 6-12 years old and can glide on front at least 2 body lengths, roll to a back float for 5 seconds, and recover to a vertical position, register for the Level 2-Octopus class.
- If your child is 6-12 years old and can step from the side into chest-deep water, push off the bottom and move into a treading or floating position for 15 seconds, swim on font and/or back for 5 body lengths and then exit, register for the Level 3-Pufferfish class.
- If your child is 6-12 years old, and can push off the wall in a streamlined position, swim the front crawl for 15 yards, change position/direction as necessary, swim elementary backstroke for 15 yards then exit the water, register for the Level 4-Whale class.
- If your child is 6-12 years old, and can perform a feet first entry into the water, swim front crawl for 25 yards, perform an open turn and swim elementary backstroke for 25 yards. And can also swim breaststroke for 15 yards, change direction and position as necessary and swim back crawl for 25 yards, register for Introduction to Swim Team class.
Class Checklists
Download the checklist below that corresponds with your child's class and mark off the skills as they are achieved. If you need assistance navigating the checklist, call Lakewood Aquatics at 720-963-5371.
- Parent and Tot(JPG, 433KB)
- Preschool Introduction(JPG, 562KB)
- Preschool Level 1: Clams(JPG, 543KB)
- Preschool Level 2: Starfish(JPG, 557KB)
- Preschool Level 3: Crabs(JPG, 576KB)
- Preschool Level 4: Seahorse(JPG, 611KB)
- Level 1: Stingrays(JPG, 560KB)
- Level 2: Octopus(JPG, 559KB)
- Level 3: Pufferfish(JPG, 582KB)
- Level 4: Whale(JPG, 543KB)
- Intro to Swim Team(JPG, 491KB)
Swim Lesson FAQs
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It’s the first day of lessons, what should I bring with me?
- Please bring your child in their bathing suit, and bring a towel and goggles if needed.
- If it is summer time, apply sunscreen before your lesson.
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How will I know what class my child is in?
- On the first day of class, there will be an introduction speech and then the instructors will call out their class list.
- Each instructor will have a colored sign with their name on it, this is how you will find your instructor from the first day and every day after.
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What level should my child be in?
- Read through the requirements for each level in the lessons program chart located on this webpage. This chart will have lessons objectives and course requirements listed.
- Still have questions? Participants can be assessed at the pool by an instructor. Please call ahead to ensure that an instructor is available before coming
- The class I signed my child up for is too easy or hard. Can we transfer to another class?
- Check with the pool manager to see if there are spots open in another class.
- If there aren’t any spots open, review options with the pool manager:
- Staying in the class
- Transferring to another session
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My child may need an aid for swimming lessons.
- For all special accommodations regarding aids for swimming lessons, call 720-963-5371. We ask that you help us prepare by contacting us at least two weeks prior to the program beginning.
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If my child is not potty trained can they be in swimming lessons?
- Yes, they can be in swim lessons. They will be required to wear a swim diaper.
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Can I open swim before or after lessons?
- The cost of swimming lessons covers only the time of the lesson. If you want to swim before or after your lesson, you will need to pay the entrance fee.
- Please make sure to check the pool schedule for open swim times.
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We are going on vacation or my child is sick and will miss a class. Are there make up sessions?
- There are no credits, pro-rated classes or refunds or rescheduling of classes due to inclement weather or the participant’s inability to attend all classes.
Facility Contacts
Carmody Recreation Center: 720-963-5368
Green Mountain Recreation Center: 303-987-7837
Link Recreation Center: 720-963-5371
From painting to history, Lakewood Heritage, Culture and the Arts offers a range of fun classes and workshops for kids. Programs are typically held at Washington Heights Arts Center, Lakewood Cultural Center and Heritage Lakewood.
Browse Current Programs
Register for Classes
Not all programs are offered at all times throughout the year. To browse the current class schedule, view the catalog at Lakewood.org/CommunityConnection.
Meet our Instructors
Visit our arts instructors webpage to read bios and learn more about our talented team.
The City of Lakewood offers a variety of camps held throughout the year, including summer, fall, winter and spring break camps and family services camps.
Visit Camps Page
The climbing wall at the Lakewood Link Recreation Center offers 2,000 sq. ft. of bouldering, lead and top-rope climbing.
Browse Current Programs
Classes and teams
Register Now
Types of programs offered:
- Cliff Hangers 1: Ages 3-4
- Cliff Hangers 2: Ages 5-7
- Rock Stars 1: Ages 8-15
- Rock Stars 2: Ages 8-15
- Climbing Teams: Ages 8-16
- Parent Tot Climbing: Ages 3-4 + Adult 18+

From ballet to hip hop, get moving with a range of fun dance classes! Most take place at the Lakewood Cultural Center.
Register for Youth Dance
Dance Teaching Artists
Prior to starting a class, please review class policies, dress code, and obtain required attire and footwear prior to the first class. View dress code, studio etiquette and more information on Lakewood Dance on the Dance page.
Dance Page
Performances
LCC Youth Performance Troupe
Share your passion and artistry for dance through performance in our community! Together as a team, the expression of comradery and the freedom of self-expression in a safe environment. 2 performances in fall and 2 performances in winter/spring.
New prospective members: Complete an inquiry form at Lakewood.org/PerformanceGroup. You will need to audition by attending a regular class between November 7 and December 16. Contact JesRig@lakewood.org to schedule.
Returning students: You will receive a code from the Cultural Programs Coordinator to register.
Contact Us
Need assistance? Reach out by emailing hca@lakewood.org or calling 303-987-7845.
The Lakewood Link Recreation Center is home to a 5,000 sq. ft. gymnastics center that features a trampoline, balance beams, uneven bars and other equipment. View and register for programs by following the link below.
Browse Upcoming Programs
Classes
View all classes
Kangaroos Age: 18 months-3 years
Tiny Tumblers Age: 2 ½ -4 years
Pre-K Ninja Age: 3-4years
Tots in Action: Walking-4years
Little Leapers Age: 4-5 years
Kartwheel Kids Age: 5-7 years
Bronze Flips Age: 7-12 years
Ninja Kids Age: 7-12 years
Ninja Kids Jr. Age: 4-6 years
Silver Flips/Pre-Team Age: 6-12
CARA Age: 6-18 years
Boys Gymnastics Age: 4½-12 years
Before and After School Care
Lakewood Family Services offers quality, affordable before and after school care for elementary students in kindergarten through sixth grade. Focus is placed on creating a safe, fun and supervised atmosphere for your child while you are at work.
View Program Details
Activities are located at Bear Creek Lake Park unless otherwise noted. Further details and a full events listing can be found on the Park Programs and Events webpage.
Browse Current Programs
Annual Events
View all upcoming events
The city offers youth sports leagues throughout the year. Financial assistance is available via the Lakewood Possibilities Fund. Don't see a sport that you're looking for? View a list of recognized local youth sports organizations below.
Browse Current Programs
LEAGUE SCHEDULES AND STANDINGS
Visit the Lakewood Team Sideline for league schedules and standings.
WEATHER HOTLINE
Call 303-987-7078. Updates are made Mon.-Fri. at 3 p.m., and weekends at 8 a.m.
League Listings/Register
For questions, contact YouthSports@Lakewood.org.
Lakewood offer basketball, baseball, soccer, nuggets skills challenge, cross country, track, indoor and outdoor volleyball and more.
Register for Leagues
Be a Volunteer Coach
Make an impact in your community and share your love of sports by coaching a youth sports team.
Hands-on training, coaching certification, coaches meeting, drills, games and ideas for practices all provided before and during the season. No prior coaching experience required!
View Details
Rent a Field or Court
We offer athletic field and basketball court rentals for practices, games and more.
Visit Lakewood.org/FieldRentals for more details.
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