Campus Recreation > Classes > Children's Programs

Children's Programs

Youth Fitness and Sport Programs 

Do you hope your child will develop an early love of physical activity? Our youth programs are designed to provide a fun approach to fitness and staying physically active! Click on the links below to gain more information about each program. Visit our instructional policies page for further information about youth registration, refund policies, and membership type restrictions.

Our skilled instructors offer private and group Swim Lessons for children as young as 6 months. This is a great way to expose your child to the water as we help them learn to swim.

We are partnering with Skip and Skoot to provide interactive kid's fitness classes at the Ray. Classes are taught by Master's level teachers and provide fun movement games, kid-friendly obstacle courses, sensory experiences, and action songs to promote fitness for your child's brain and body. Register today!

Fall Session:

Fridays: November 12 - December 17

$28 per class and $140 per session

Class Time:

1.5 - 5 yrs: 9:30 am - 10:15 am

The Ballet Academy in Lincoln Park provides training for serious and recreational dancers. Classes are designed to build confidence, coordination, discipline, concentration and appreciation for the performing arts. Classes are for children ages 3 - 7. For more information, go to our dance page.

Fall I Session:
Sundays: September 12 - October 31 (8 weeks)
$160

Fall II Session:
Sundays: November 7 - December 19 (7 weeks)
$140

Class Times:
- 5-6 yrs old: 9 am - 10 am
- 3-4 yrs old: 10:10 am - 10:50 am
- 7-8 yrs old: 11 am - 12 pm

You can click here to register.

Youth Martial Arts Classes (ages 6-13): Although our youth karate classes are paused at The Ray due to the pandemic, we are incredibly excited to announce that in partnership with IMPACT DOJO, we are able to continue and provide our Karate program online!  Your feedback to us during this closure has been appreciated and many of you have mentioned how much you enjoy seeing your child let out their stay-at-home energy. These online classes will do just that, and allow your child to continue their education in Martial Arts. The health and joy of your children mean more to us than you know.  Let's get them back kicking again!

IMPACT DOJO Martial Arts offers classes that are open to boys and girls ages 6-13. Classes are high energy and full of fun and excitement.  Students learn principles, history, and philosophy of Karate, other martial arts, kickboxing, etc. Classes include physical activity and an education component!

Montly Membership
Cost per month: $105 for members; $135 for non-members
$10 off per additional sibling

Beginner Level
Fridays: 5 pm - 6 pm
Saturdays: 11 am - 12 pm

Intermediate Level
Fridays: 6 pm - 7pm
Saturdays: 11 am - 12 pm

Click here for more program information.

Do you have a team or group that is looking for specialized training or is ready for a fun, new approach to fitness and wellness? Fit by Design and Kids on the Move programs are designed to meet your group's specific needs while building lifelong fitness and wellness skills!
Is your child looking to try something new, seeking to further develop his or her boxing prowess or just needs a fresh approach to fitness? Private Boxing instruction is the answer! Our experienced trainers work with all ages and ability levels! 

Basketball skills training is available through several programs here at The Ray:

  • Fred's Camp provides fun leagues for young children on Saturday mornings.
  • Our personal trainers provide specific skills training for all ages. If you're looking for a personalized experience, contact us!

In an effort to address public health issues, our basketball training programs are paused until further notice. We will contact all families as soon as we receive word that we are able to continue the programs. Stay healthy and thank you for understanding!

Do you have a child who wants to take their game to the next level?  We have worked with athletes in a variety of sports including volleyball, racquetball, golf, and skating. Let us know how we can help - either with skills and/or sport-specific strength/agility/conditioning training

Mailing List: If you would like to receive occasional updates about our youth programs and services, email us at wellness@depaul.edu.

Please refer to the Children's Policies for additional information on facility access for children. ​​