Swimming

Swimming

Starfish Swimming

Park Ridge Park District is an independent authorized provider of Starfish Swimming!

The Starfish Swimming curriculum is designed for students ages 6-months to adult. Benchmarks are established at each stage in the program that combine both swimming and safety skills. Students participate in experiential learning activities that allow them to explore the water in a creative and comfortable environment. Correct swimming techniques are taught from the very beginning, providing an easy transition to swim team.

Starfish Swimming

Upcoming Aquatics Event

SKELETON EGG DIP
Sat, Oct 26
for Ages 1-12

Register

General Lesson Guidelines

  • Please read the class descriptions and sign your child up for the level that most closely matches their ability.
  • New students will be tested on the first day to ensure they are in a class that best suits their skill level.
  • During swim lessons, a pool manager is present to answer any questions. Any other questions regarding swim lessons should be directed to Jenna Jezek at 847-292-8921 or jjezek@prparks.org.
  • Due to high enrollment and limited pool space, make-up lessons are not provided.
  • We request that participants bring their own towel and goggles.

Please Note: Parents or chaperones who have a child participating in swim lessons will be allowed to wait on the pool deck during swim lessons, without charge. Street clothes will be allowed in this area while waiting for your child.

Aquatic Classes

StarBabies™ & StarTots™ (6 months-Age 3 with Adult)

Programs

5210103 / StarBabies & StarTots

The purpose of this course is to develop in very young children a high comfort level in the water while at the same time training the adults who accompany them in water safety and drowning prevention. This course does not teach children to become accomplished swimmers or to survive in the water; it does provide a confidence-building, fun, and loving experience. One adult must be in the water with each child. Swim Diapers required.
5210103-2 - StarBabies & StarTots
Register
Availability
Available
Res/NonRes
10/3/2024 - 10/29/2024
5:55 pm - 6:25 pm
Location
Centennial Fitness Center
Ages
6m-3y w/Adult
5210103-3 - StarBabies & StarTots
Register
Availability
Available
Res/NonRes
11/5/2024 - 11/21/2024
5:55 pm - 6:25 pm
Location
Centennial Fitness Center
Ages
6m-3y w/Adult
5210103-4 - StarBabies & StarTots
Register
Availability
Available
Res/NonRes
12/3/2024 - 12/19/2024
5:55 pm - 6:25 pm
Location
Centennial Fitness Center
Ages
6m-3y w/Adult
5210103-5 - StarBabies & StarTots
Register
Availability
Waitlist
Res/NonRes
9/7/2024 - 10/19/2024
10:30 am - 11:00 am
Location
Centennial Fitness Center
Ages
6m-3y w/Adult
5210103-6 - StarBabies & StarTots
Register
Availability
Available
Res/NonRes
9/7/2024 - 10/19/2024
11:10 am - 11:40 am
Location
Centennial Fitness Center
Ages
6m-3y w/Adult
5210103-7 - StarBabies & StarTots
Register
Availability
Waitlist
Res/NonRes
9/8/2024 - 10/20/2024
10:50 am - 11:20 am
Location
Centennial Fitness Center
Ages
6m-3y w/Adult
5210103-8 - StarBabies & StarTots
Register
Availability
Waitlist
Res/NonRes
10/26/2024 - 12/14/2024
10:30 am - 11:00 am
Location
Centennial Fitness Center
Ages
6m-3y w/Adult
5210103-9 - StarBabies & StarTots
Register
Availability
Waitlist
Res/NonRes
10/26/2024 - 12/14/2024
11:10 am - 11:40 am
Location
Centennial Fitness Center
Ages
6m-3y w/Adult
5210103-10 - StarBabies & StarTots
Register
Availability
Waitlist
Res/NonRes
10/27/2024 - 12/15/2024
10:50 am - 11:20 am
Location
Centennial Fitness Center
Ages
6m-3y w/Adult
1

Starfish Swim School® for Preschoolers (3-5 without Adult)

Programs

5210102 / Starfish Swim School for Preschoolers

Designed to meet the needs of children ages 3 to 5, this course will develop a high comfort level in the water and a readiness to swim, and for those children who are developmentally ready, it will teach functional swim skills. This class approaches teaching swimming through creative, fun activities in the water. Students work toward developing the five competencies and progress toward achieving the benchmarks at their own pace in a small-group setting.
5210102-6 - Starfish Swim School for Preschoolers
Register
Availability
Waitlist
Res/NonRes
10/2/2024 - 10/30/2024
4:15 pm - 4:45 pm
Location
Centennial Fitness Center
Ages
3-5 yr
5210102-7 - Starfish Swim School for Preschoolers
Register
Availability
Waitlist
Res/NonRes
10/2/2024 - 10/30/2024
4:50 pm - 5:20 pm
Location
Centennial Fitness Center
Ages
3-5 yr
5210102-8 - Starfish Swim School for Preschoolers
Register
Availability
Waitlist
Res/NonRes
10/2/2024 - 10/30/2024
5:30 pm - 6:00 pm
Location
Centennial Fitness Center
Ages
3-5 yr
5210102-9 - Starfish Swim School for Preschoolers
Register
Availability
Waitlist
Res/NonRes
10/3/2024 - 10/29/2024
4:00 pm - 4:30 pm
Location
Centennial Fitness Center
Ages
3-5 yr
5210102-10 - Starfish Swim School for Preschoolers
Register
Availability
Waitlist
Res/NonRes
10/3/2024 - 10/29/2024
4:40 pm - 5:10 pm
Location
Centennial Fitness Center
Ages
3-5 yr
5210102-11 - Starfish Swim School for Preschoolers
Register
Availability
Waitlist
Res/NonRes
11/4/2024 - 11/20/2024
4:15 pm - 4:45 pm
Location
Centennial Fitness Center
Ages
3-5 yr
5210102-12 - Starfish Swim School for Preschoolers
Register
Availability
Waitlist
Res/NonRes
11/4/2024 - 11/20/2024
4:50 pm - 5:20 pm
Location
Centennial Fitness Center
Ages
3-5 yr
5210102-13 - Starfish Swim School for Preschoolers
Register
Availability
Waitlist
Res/NonRes
11/4/2024 - 11/20/2024
5:30 pm - 6:00 pm
Location
Centennial Fitness Center
Ages
3-5 yr
5210102-14 - Starfish Swim School for Preschoolers
Register
Availability
Waitlist
Res/NonRes
11/5/2024 - 11/21/2024
4:00 pm - 4:30 pm
Location
Centennial Fitness Center
Ages
3-5 yr
5210102-15 - Starfish Swim School for Preschoolers
Register
Availability
Waitlist
Res/NonRes
11/5/2024 - 11/21/2024
4:40 pm - 5:10 pm
Location
Centennial Fitness Center
Ages
3-5 yr
5210102-16 - Starfish Swim School for Preschoolers
Register
Availability
Available
Res/NonRes
12/2/2024 - 12/18/2024
4:15 pm - 4:45 pm
Location
Centennial Fitness Center
Ages
3-5 yr
5210102-17 - Starfish Swim School for Preschoolers
Register
Availability
Available
Res/NonRes
12/2/2024 - 12/18/2024
4:50 pm - 5:20 pm
Location
Centennial Fitness Center
Ages
3-5 yr
5210102-18 - Starfish Swim School for Preschoolers
Register
Availability
Waitlist
Res/NonRes
12/2/2024 - 12/18/2024
5:30 pm - 6:00 pm
Location
Centennial Fitness Center
Ages
3-5 yr
5210102-19 - Starfish Swim School for Preschoolers
Register
Availability
Waitlist
Res/NonRes
12/3/2024 - 12/19/2024
4:00 pm - 4:30 pm
Location
Centennial Fitness Center
Ages
3-5 yr
5210102-20 - Starfish Swim School for Preschoolers
Register
Availability
Waitlist
Res/NonRes
12/3/2024 - 12/19/2024
4:40 pm - 5:10 pm
Location
Centennial Fitness Center
Ages
3-5 yr
5210102-21 - Starfish Swim School for Preschoolers
Register
Availability
Full
Res/NonRes
9/7/2024 - 10/19/2024
9:15 am - 9:45 am
Location
Centennial Fitness Center
Ages
3-5 yr
5210102-22 - Starfish Swim School for Preschoolers
Register
Availability
Full
Res/NonRes
9/7/2024 - 10/19/2024
9:50 am - 10:20 am
Location
Centennial Fitness Center
Ages
3-5 yr
5210102-23 - Starfish Swim School for Preschoolers
Register
Availability
Full
Res/NonRes
10/26/2024 - 12/14/2024
9:15 am - 9:45 am
Location
Centennial Fitness Center
Ages
3-5 yr
5210102-24 - Starfish Swim School for Preschoolers
Register
Availability
Full
Res/NonRes
10/26/2024 - 12/14/2024
9:50 am - 10:20 am
Location
Centennial Fitness Center
Ages
3-5 yr
1

Starfish Swim School® for Youth (Ages 5-12)

Programs

5210121 / Starfish Swim School for Youth

Students work toward development of the five core swimming competencies using age-appropriate learning activities. Learning is self-paced but challenging. Swimmers who are beginners up to those starting rotary breathing should sign up for Swim School.
5210121-4 - Starfish Swim School for Youth
Register
Availability
Waitlist
Res/NonRes
10/2/2024 - 10/30/2024
4:50 pm - 5:25 pm
Location
Centennial Fitness Center
Ages
5.00-12.99
5210121-5 - Starfish Swim School for Youth
Register
Availability
Waitlist
Res/NonRes
10/3/2024 - 10/29/2024
4:00 pm - 4:35 pm
Location
Centennial Fitness Center
Ages
5.00-12.99
5210121-6 - Starfish Swim School for Youth
Register
Availability
Waitlist
Res/NonRes
10/3/2024 - 10/29/2024
4:40 pm - 5:15 pm
Location
Centennial Fitness Center
Ages
5.00-12.99
5210121-7 - Starfish Swim School for Youth
Register
Availability
Waitlist
Res/NonRes
11/4/2024 - 11/20/2024
4:50 pm - 5:25 pm
Location
Centennial Fitness Center
Ages
5.00-12.99
5210121-8 - Starfish Swim School for Youth
Register
Availability
Waitlist
Res/NonRes
11/5/2024 - 11/21/2024
4:00 pm - 4:35 pm
Location
Centennial Fitness Center
Ages
5.00-12.99
5210121-9 - Starfish Swim School for Youth
Register
Availability
Waitlist
Res/NonRes
11/5/2024 - 11/21/2024
4:40 pm - 5:15 pm
Location
Centennial Fitness Center
Ages
5.00-12.99
5210121-10 - Starfish Swim School for Youth
Register
Availability
Waitlist
Res/NonRes
12/2/2024 - 12/18/2024
4:50 pm - 5:25 pm
Location
Centennial Fitness Center
Ages
5.00-12.99
5210121-11 - Starfish Swim School for Youth
Register
Availability
Waitlist
Res/NonRes
12/3/2024 - 12/19/2024
4:00 pm - 4:35 pm
Location
Centennial Fitness Center
Ages
5.00-12.99
5210121-12 - Starfish Swim School for Youth
Register
Availability
Waitlist
Res/NonRes
12/3/2024 - 12/19/2024
4:40 pm - 5:15 pm
Location
Centennial Fitness Center
Ages
5.00-12.99
5210121-13 - Starfish Swim School for Youth
Register
Availability
Waitlist
Res/NonRes
9/7/2024 - 10/19/2024
10:30 am - 11:05 am
Location
Centennial Fitness Center
Ages
5.00-12.99
5210121-14 - Starfish Swim School for Youth
Register
Availability
Waitlist
Res/NonRes
9/7/2024 - 10/19/2024
11:15 am - 11:50 am
Location
Centennial Fitness Center
Ages
5.00-12.99
5210121-15 - Starfish Swim School for Youth
Register
Availability
Waitlist
Res/NonRes
10/26/2024 - 12/14/2024
10:30 am - 11:05 am
Location
Centennial Fitness Center
Ages
5.00-12.99
5210121-16 - Starfish Swim School for Youth
Register
Availability
Waitlist
Res/NonRes
10/26/2024 - 12/14/2024
11:15 am - 11:50 am
Location
Centennial Fitness Center
Ages
5.00-12.99
1

Starfish® Stroke School (Ages 5-14)

Programs

5210125 / Starfish Stroke School

This course is for students who have achieved the green Swim School benchmarks. Students refine freestyle and learn stroke technique for backstroke, butterfly, breaststroke, and develop endurance. Swimmers should sign up for Stroke School if they can swim at least half a lap independently with some rotary breathing.
5210125-4 - Starfish Stroke School
Register
Availability
Waitlist
Res/NonRes
10/2/2024 - 10/30/2024
4:50 pm - 5:25 pm
Location
Centennial Fitness Center
Ages
6.00-14.99
5210125-5 - Starfish Stroke School
Register
Availability
Waitlist
Res/NonRes
10/3/2024 - 10/29/2024
4:00 pm - 4:35 pm
Location
Centennial Fitness Center
Ages
6.00-14.99
5210125-6 - Starfish Stroke School
Register
Availability
Waitlist
Res/NonRes
10/3/2024 - 10/29/2024
4:40 pm - 5:15 pm
Location
Centennial Fitness Center
Ages
6.00-14.99
5210125-7 - Starfish Stroke School
Register
Availability
Waitlist
Res/NonRes
11/4/2024 - 11/20/2024
4:50 pm - 5:25 pm
Location
Centennial Fitness Center
Ages
6.00-14.99
5210125-8 - Starfish Stroke School
Register
Availability
Waitlist
Res/NonRes
11/5/2024 - 11/21/2024
4:00 pm - 4:35 pm
Location
Centennial Fitness Center
Ages
6.00-14.99
5210125-9 - Starfish Stroke School
Register
Availability
Waitlist
Res/NonRes
11/5/2024 - 11/21/2024
4:40 pm - 5:15 pm
Location
Centennial Fitness Center
Ages
6.00-14.99
5210125-10 - Starfish Stroke School
Register
Availability
Waitlist
Res/NonRes
12/2/2024 - 12/18/2024
4:50 pm - 5:25 pm
Location
Centennial Fitness Center
Ages
6.00-14.99
5210125-11 - Starfish Stroke School
Register
Availability
Available
Res/NonRes
12/3/2024 - 12/19/2024
4:00 pm - 4:35 pm
Location
Centennial Fitness Center
Ages
6.00-14.99
5210125-12 - Starfish Stroke School
Register
Availability
Waitlist
Res/NonRes
12/3/2024 - 12/19/2024
4:40 pm - 5:15 pm
Location
Centennial Fitness Center
Ages
6.00-14.99
5210125-13 - Starfish Stroke School
Register
Availability
Waitlist
Res/NonRes
9/7/2024 - 10/19/2024
10:30 am - 11:05 am
Location
Centennial Fitness Center
Ages
6.00-14.99
5210125-14 - Starfish Stroke School
Register
Availability
Waitlist
Res/NonRes
9/7/2024 - 10/19/2024
11:15 am - 11:50 am
Location
Centennial Fitness Center
Ages
6.00-14.99
5210125-15 - Starfish Stroke School
Register
Availability
Waitlist
Res/NonRes
10/26/2024 - 12/14/2024
10:30 am - 11:05 am
Location
Centennial Fitness Center
Ages
6.00-14.99
5210125-16 - Starfish Stroke School
Register
Availability
Waitlist
Res/NonRes
10/26/2024 - 12/14/2024
11:15 am - 11:50 am
Location
Centennial Fitness Center
Ages
6.00-14.99
1

Riptides Swim Team - Seasonal (Ages 6-18)

Think you might be interested in competitive swimming? Our fun and friendly swim team is great a way for ages 6-18 to develop your skills while getting a feel for what it’s like to race against other swimmers.

The Riptides Swim Team is a competitive summer swim team that is part of the Northern Illinois Swim Conference. We practice on weekday mornings and compete against other local park districts on Wednesday nights. Our goal is to provide a competitive team experience at a recreational level. Emphasis is on learning competitive skills, enjoyment of the sport, and a lifelong participation in swimming.

Riptides competitive swim team is a summer program only. Pre-registration for past participants only will open one week prior to general registration. General registration for residents opens on Monday, May 5, 2025 at 7:30am online. General registration for non-residents opens at 8:30am on Friday, May 9, 2025. Please note, general registration may not be offered if capacity is reached during pre-registration. Please contact jjezek@prparks.org with any questions.

Riptides Swim Team - Non-Competitive Practices (Ages 5-18)

Past and potential Riptides are invited to participate in Riptides Off-Season. Swimmers can improve their technique and endurance in a non-competitive team environment. As a prerequisite, all swimmers must have freestyle an backstroke skills. Swimmers age 12 & up are required to have butterfly an breaststroke skills. Goggles are required, and swim caps are highly encouraged.

Programs

5210207 / Riptides Post Season

Past & potential Riptides are invited to participate in Riptides Post-Season. Swimmers will be able to refresh & review their skills from this summer in a non-competitive team environment. As a prerequisite, swimmers must have freestyle and backstroke skills. Swimmers age 12 and up are required to have butterfly and breaststroke skills. Googles are required, and swim caps are highly encouraged. No class Oct 12-14, Nov 23-Dec 1.
5210207-1 - Riptides Post-Season
Register
Availability
Available
Res/NonRes
9/4/2024 - 12/18/2024
4:00 pm - 4:45 pm
Location
Centennial Fitness Center
Ages
6.00-17.99
1

Diving - Seasonal (Ages 9-15)

Programs

Private Lessons

Private Lessons

Ages 3 & Up
We offer private swim lessons year-round. These classes are set to specific times and days of the week. Just pick the one that works for you. Classes are either one-on-one or in small groups if you choose semi-private (upon request).

Programs

5210128 / Private Swim Lessons

We offer one-on-one private swim lessons, set to specific times and days of the week. Just pick the one that works for you.
5210128-4 - Private Swim Lessons
Register
Availability
Waitlist
Res/NonRes
10/3/2024 - 10/29/2024
5:20 pm - 5:50 pm
Location
Centennial Fitness Center
Ages
Ages 3 & Up
5210128-5 - Private Swim Lessons
Register
Availability
Waitlist
Res/NonRes
10/3/2024 - 10/29/2024
5:55 pm - 6:25 pm
Location
Centennial Fitness Center
Ages
Ages 3 & Up
5210128-6 - Private Swim Lessons
Register
Availability
Waitlist
Res/NonRes
10/3/2024 - 10/29/2024
6:30 pm - 7:00 pm
Location
Centennial Fitness Center
Ages
Ages 3 & Up
5210128-7 - Private Swim Lessons
Register
Availability
Waitlist
Res/NonRes
11/5/2024 - 11/21/2024
5:20 pm - 5:50 pm
Location
Centennial Fitness Center
Ages
Ages 3 & Up
5210128-8 - Private Swim Lessons
Register
Availability
Waitlist
Res/NonRes
11/5/2024 - 11/21/2024
5:55 pm - 6:25 pm
Location
Centennial Fitness Center
Ages
Ages 3 & Up
5210128-9 - Private Swim Lessons
Register
Availability
Waitlist
Res/NonRes
11/5/2024 - 11/21/2024
6:30 pm - 7:00 pm
Location
Centennial Fitness Center
Ages
Ages 3 & Up
5210128-10 - Private Swim Lessons
Register
Availability
Waitlist
Res/NonRes
12/3/2024 - 12/19/2024
5:20 pm - 5:50 pm
Location
Centennial Fitness Center
Ages
Ages 3 & Up
5210128-11 - Private Swim Lessons
Register
Availability
Waitlist
Res/NonRes
12/3/2024 - 12/19/2024
5:55 pm - 6:25 pm
Location
Centennial Fitness Center
Ages
Ages 3 & Up
5210128-12 - Private Swim Lessons
Register
Availability
Waitlist
Res/NonRes
12/3/2024 - 12/19/2024
6:30 pm - 7:00 pm
Location
Centennial Fitness Center
Ages
Ages 3 & Up
5210128-13 - Private Swim Lessons
Register
Availability
Full
Res/NonRes
9/7/2024 - 10/19/2024
9:50 am - 10:20 am
Location
Centennial Fitness Center
Ages
Ages 3 & Up
5210128-14 - Private Swim Lessons
Register
Availability
Waitlist
Res/NonRes
9/8/2024 - 10/20/2024
9:00 am - 9:30 am
Location
Centennial Fitness Center
Ages
Ages 3 & Up
5210128-15 - Private Swim Lessons
Register
Availability
Waitlist
Res/NonRes
9/8/2024 - 10/20/2024
9:35 am - 10:05 am
Location
Centennial Fitness Center
Ages
Ages 3 & Up
5210128-16 - Private Swim Lessons
Register
Availability
Waitlist
Res/NonRes
9/8/2024 - 10/20/2024
10:10 am - 10:40 am
Location
Centennial Fitness Center
Ages
Ages 3 & Up
5210128-17 - Private Swim Lessons
Register
Availability
Waitlist
Res/NonRes
10/26/2024 - 12/14/2024
9:15 am - 9:45 am
Location
Centennial Fitness Center
Ages
Ages 3 & Up
5210128-18 - Private Swim Lessons
Register
Availability
Full
Res/NonRes
10/26/2024 - 12/14/2024
9:50 am - 10:20 am
Location
Centennial Fitness Center
Ages
Ages 3 & Up
5210128-19 - Private Swim Lessons
Register
Availability
Full
Res/NonRes
10/27/2024 - 12/15/2024
9:00 am - 9:30 am
Location
Centennial Fitness Center
Ages
Ages 3 & Up
5210128-20 - Private Swim Lessons
Register
Availability
Full
Res/NonRes
10/27/2024 - 12/15/2024
9:35 am - 10:05 am
Location
Centennial Fitness Center
Ages
Ages 3 & Up
5210128-21 - Private Swim Lessons
Register
Availability
Full
Res/NonRes
10/27/2024 - 12/15/2024
10:10 am - 10:40 am
Location
Centennial Fitness Center
Ages
Ages 3 & Up
5210128-22 - Private Swim Lessons
Register
Availability
Waitlist
Res/NonRes
9/7/2024 - 10/19/2024
9:15 am - 9:45 am
Location
Centennial Fitness Center
Ages
Ages 3 & Up
1

Private Flex Swim Lessons

We offer private flex swim lessons that cater to your schedule and creates custom times. These lessons are available anytime during open swim and are scheduled directly with an instructor. Private flex lessons are $33 per 30 min lesson. They are pay as you go; just stop at the front desk when you arrive for your lesson. Lessons are available to start anytime once you are paired with an instructor, which can take a few weeks depending on instructor availability. If you are interested in scheduling flex private lessons, please contact Jenna Jezek at 847-292-8921 or jjezek@prparks.org and provide the following information:

  • Participant's name, age, and skill level
  • Any additional accommodations needed
  • Parents name, email, and phone number
  • Your availability for lessons or desired times
  • Your instructor preference
  • Number of 30 min lessons requested

School Break Private Lessons -Seasonal

Need something to do while the kids are off school? Sign up for school break private lessons! Some of our most in-demand instructors are offering private lessons over Thanksgiving and Winter breaks. Sign up for just one lesson for a refresher, or sign up for multiple to develop new skills!

Have multiple children wanting to swim? Sign up for back-to-back lessons with the same instructor, or select days and times are offered by multiple instructors at the same time!

Please check back later for available instructors and times for Thanksgiving Break 2024.