FAMILY MATTERS
From serious playtime to serious training, explore Merritt’s programs for kids and parents here.
PROGRAMS FOR YOUTH & FAMILIES
Before and After Care
Are you looking for the perfect solution for child care before and after school? Would you like better child care options than those currently available in the area? Would you like your children to get homework help, engage in activities, sports, and games, while you have some time to get your workout in, run errands, prepare for dinner, and other responsibilities? We have several options for morning and evening for children in Eldersburg, Towson and White Marsh.
Click here for more info
Dance
Merritt dance programs offer something for everyone, from children taking to the dance floor for the first time to adults looking to improve their form. Dance programs are available in three club locations:
Merritt Dance in Eldersburg
Merritt Dance in White Marsh
Merritt Dance in Canton
Days Off
When school’s out, day camp is in at Merritt Clubs! We provide kids with an action-packed day full of games, sports challenges, dancing, crafts, and so much more. Learn more about our Days Off programs at Eldersburg, Towson, and White Marsh. Click here to learn more.
Our Days Off Program is available at:
JUNIOR FITNESS
This program helps kids aged 11–15 get ready for the fitness floor and cardio equipment. Through classroom sessions and hands-on training, they’ll learn basic aerobic and resistance training principles, exercise etiquette, safety, nutrition, proper equipment use, and many other topics. Upon completing the Junior Fitness Certification, participants will be certified to use all the equipment in the club (excluding free weights) and can work out without a parent present.
KIDS’ CLASSES
Kid’s Boxing (6-10 years)
While you workout, let the kids throw some punches at Merritt Club’s Boxing sessions. Open for all kids 6 to 10 years old. Each session will take young athletes through drills and exercises to helo increase any combination of strength, speed, and coordination with a focus on boxing to help improve focus and athleticism.
Drop-off is at the Cardio Cinema (upstairs, past the Unleash studio). The first session is free
Contact Derek McClendon for pricing or for any inquiries about the class.
Kid’s Fit (3-5 years, 6-8 years)
Drop your kids off for this fun interactive class! Your children will play age-appropriate games, learn basic exercises, and have fun!
Kid’s Zumba (7-11 years) & Kid’s Zumba Jr. (4-6 years)
Zumba for kids is everything you love about the dance-based exercise program that exploded in popularity in the early 2000’s. Modifications have been made in Zumba for kids to build cardiovascular fitness, muscle coordination and inspire self confidence in your children!
Kids Yoga
(3-5 years)
Mondays, 5:30-5:55pm in Dance Studio 1
(6-10 years)
Tuesdays, 5:15-5:45pm in Revive Studio
Stress has no age restriction! Yoga is a great way to de-stress and increase flexibility. During this class, children will learn the basics of yoga as well as meditation.
Tiny Tots Cardio (2-5 years)
Thursdays, 10:00-10:25am in Dance Studio 1
It’s time for your little ones to stretch their legs and exert some energy. Through games, dance, play and exercise – we are teaching our youngest Merritt members that Fitness is Fun!
KID FIIT Strength (7-11 years)
Saturdays, 9:30-10:00am in Boxing Studio
Fun Intensive Interval Training for kids. This group session introduces children to basic strength training in a fun environment. Form, movement and positive vibes for exercise is what participants can expect in this 30 minute class.
KID FIIT Cardio/Strength (5-8 years)
Thursdays, 5:30-6:00pm in Barre Studio
Fun Intensive Interval Training for younger kids. This group session teaches appropriate ways to build the heart through cardio fitness and basic strength training in a fun environment.
KID FIIT Cardio/Core (7+ years)
Wednesdays, 5:30-6:00pm in Boxing Studio
KidFIIT Cardio/Core focuses on strengthening the body from the inside out. In this class we work on building a stronger heart while we get our blood pumping. We also include body weight exercises that create abdominal and back muscles essential for growth! Upbeat and fun fitness to help guide kids into the wonderful world of exercise.
GIRL FIIT (6+ years)
Sundays, 10:30-11:15am in the Barre Studio
Strength training, cardio, core and much more just for girls. This class built as a comfortable environment for a sometimes not so comfortable time of life. Our instructor will work with pre-teen and teen girls to help build confidence, physical strength, and a love for exercise and their own self being.
Eldersburg Junior Fitness Certification (11-15 years)
Our Junior Fitness Certification is a one class certification offered free to members ages 11-15. The class is offered as a group 2 times monthly. There is a charge for individual certification programming. This program helps kids aged 11–15 get ready for the fitness floor and cardio equipment. Through classroom sessions and hands-on training, they’ll learn basic aerobic and resistance training principles, exercise etiquette, safety, nutrition, proper equipment use, and many other topics. Upon completing the Junior Fitness Certification, participants will be certified to use all the equipment in the club (excluding free weights) and can work out without a parent present for up to two hours.
Please contact Melisa Kleinschmidt to schedule your child for the Jr. Fitness Certification at mkleinschmidt@merrittclubs.com
White Marsh Junior Fitness Certification (11-15 years)
Prepare your young adults for the gym floor with our Jr. Cert Program! All young, active members (11 to 15 y/o) need to complete this workshop before being allowed to use the pin-loaded machines. Our professional coaches and trainers would educate the young members on how to use the machines properly and get these young adult ready to learn how to move forward with their fitness.
Class is every Monday @ 5PM
Contact Derek McClendon dmcclendon@merrittclubs.com for more info.
KIDS CLUB
Want your kids to love coming to the gym as much as you do? Bring them to our Kids Club while you work out! Kids Club is a safe, interactive environment where children stay active and engaged under the supervision of our trained and CPR-certified staff. Some locations feature large play pieces with slides, sport courts, and more. Special activities and events happen throughout the year, and all are welcome.
Click here for Kids Club rules
Click here for a guide on signing up for Kids Club
Kids Clubs are located in our Canton, Eldersburg, Towson, and White Marsh locations. For a list of hours, please visit the location page for your club.
MARYLAND TANG SOO DO
Maryland Tang Soo Do Karate teaches a traditional Korean martial art. Through consistent training, students of all ages will see increased physical fitness in many areas such as flexibility, endurance, weight loss, and an increased ability to defend one’s self in life’s difficult situations. Importantly, karate creates a positive self-esteem, self-discipline, respect, concentration, focus, personal responsibility, leadership skills, and much more.
The first class is free for new participants. Pricing is monthly with no long-term contracts. Discounts are available for Merritt members and multi-month purchases. No experience necessary.
Contact Programs Leader Angie Lougee at 410-549-8855 or alougee@merrittclubs.com for more info or click here to see the brochure.
MERRITT MINDS
After the recent school district announcements and a shift towards modified online offerings this fall, we know this school year will look very different from previous years. Online learning may cause disruption for families who are trying to balance work, home, busy schedules, and family. This is not an easy task and Merritt is here to help. We want to assist in solving the need for enrichment, socialization, and staying active through programming to provide our children with some sense of normalcy.
“I don’t know what we would do without Merritt Minds. Last school year, when the schools suddenly went to virtual learning, we tried to work with my child at home and it was an unmitigated disaster. She was wiggly and inattentive and her mom and I were at our wit’s end. We were dreading the upcoming school year with its full-time virtual classes. And then Merritt Minds came along.
Janie and Brooke have been nothing short of wonderful. She is getting a level of attention that she would be getting nowhere else.
I don’t think my daughter would have had the level of success she’s having if she was at home or anywhere else. Merritt Minds is worth the money and then some.” -Kyle
Parents Night Out
Parents, want to enjoy a night out? Bring your children to the club. They’ll enjoy making a craft to take home and watching a G-rated movie. We’ll provide food and drinks for the kids to enjoy. Cost varies per club. This program is available at:
Canton—Last Friday of the month, 5:30-8:30pm
Eldersburg—3rd Friday of the month, 5:00-8:00pm
Towson—Twice a month, 5:00–8:00pm
Dates subject to change. Please contact Brooke Miller for additional information.
White Marsh—Last Saturday of the month, 6:00–9:00pm (special night throughout the year 5:00–9:00pm. Please contact Diana Frager with questions)
PARISI SPEED SCHOOL
The Parisi Youth Training System has a history of success of more than 20 years because we see every youth as an athlete. Whether you are a serious athlete looking to improve, or you just want to get fit and have fun doing it, the Parisi Youth Training System has a program for you. Join over 600,000 athletes who have allowed Parisi to change their lives both on the field and off.
We are now enrolling athletes in our program at Eldersburg. For more information please complete the form and someone will get in touch with you.
PARTIES AND RENTALS
At Merritt birthday parties, you can relax and join the fun while we entertain your child and guests. Our party coordinators will work with you to customize your child’s party. While we’re more than happy to offer suggestions to make your party a success for all ages, it’s your celebration, your way.
We have several party themes or you can create your own. Our themes include:
- Pool Party – Canton, White Marsh (seasonal), Eldersburg, and Towson locations only
- Dance Theme-Towson and White Marsh only
- Tumble Bees – Canton only
- Dora the Explorer/Go Diego Go
- Tea Party
- Fairy Princess
- Rock Star Party
- Pirate Party
- Carnival Theme
- Doll Party
- Superhero Party
- Extreme Sports & More
- Diva Party
- My First Birthday
All parties include invitations, personal party coordinator, 2 hours of non-stop fun, games, space, set up and clean up, helium balloons, and MUCH more!
*Cost varies per location
Merritt Clubs offers a wide variety of half-day and full-day interactive summer camps. Enjoy multiple camp settings, before & aftercare, extended hours, and more throughout the camp session. Your children will enjoy a variety of activities in a fun safe environment at Merritt Clubs, and make memories that will last a lifetime. All of our camps are accredited by the State of Maryland and follow all COVID-19 safety procedures.
Camps are offered at the following locations: Canton, Eldersburg, Towson, and White Marsh.
YOUTH AQUATICS
Merritt Clubs offers aquatics programs for children of all ages and skill levels, including swim classes, private and group lessons through the Michael Phelps Swim School, and competitive programs through Merritt Athletic Swimming.
