Open Weekend - Saturday 18th and 19th July 2026
The Commonwealth Games will be held for the 23rd time in Glasgow, Scotland from 23rd July to 2nd August 2026. Held every four years, it is the world’s second-largest multi-sport event.
As a charitable social enterprise, Better and Morden Leisure Centre will play a key role in bringing the spirit of the Games into local communities, helping more people feel connected to a major summer of sport.
One of the biggest moments in this journey will be the Team England National Sports Open Weekend, taking place on Saturday 18th and Sunday 19th July 2026 at Better venues nationwide. Across the weekend, centres will open their doors to a wide range of Commonwealth-inspired sports and activities, with free or low-cost sessions, coaching and taster opportunities for people of all ages and abilities.
Families, fitness enthusiasts, and fun-seekers are invited to an action-packed Open Weekend on 18th & 19th July, with various free activities available for all ages and abilities across the centre. Whether you're looking to swim, hit, run or just sweat, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.
Visitors can take advantage of our amazing pools during our family fun sessions which have a variety of toys and our great Fitness studio and gym with lots of great equipment and classes to try.
Throughout the weekend, guests can join in on a variety of free Fitness Classes and many other fun activities in and outside the Centre. Specific Swimming sessions are free in line with LBM Council free swimming for U16s. Plus we will be running our usual Family Fun sessions.
You can also try out the gym with experienced professionals. No matter your fitness level, there are opportunities to get active and have fun in a relaxed and friendly environment.
The centre will also be hosting a range of fun challenges and activities throughout the weekend, with plenty of prizes up for grabs. There is even potential to win free hot drinks and slushies from the café.
“We want everyone to come along, whether they’re regulars at the gym or trying something new like a swimming lesson,” said Emma Bennett, Area Swim School Lead in Merton. “It’s all about enjoying the space, discovering new activities, and having a great time with family and friends.”
What do our classes involve
Saturday
| Time | Activity | Location |
| 8:30am-9:15am | Open Day Cardio Master Class - Group Cycle | Studio |
| 9:00am-4:00pm | Swim For All | Main Pool |
| 12:30pm-1:30pm | Open Day Mind and Body Fitness Masterclass - Yoga | Studio |
| 12:45pm-1:15pm |
Open Day Foundation Swim School and Water Safety Taster Session
|
Secondary Pool
Main Pool |
| 1:15pm-2:00pm | Open Day Adult Swimming Lesson Beginner/improver | Main Pool & Secondary Pool |
| 1:00pm-5:00pm | Family Fun Swim | Secondary Pool |
| 2:30pm-7:00pm | Gym Open Day Taster Sessions | Gym |
Sunday
| Time | Activity | Location |
| 8:30am-9:30am | Family Fun Swim SEND | Secondary Pool |
| 9:30am-4:00pm | Family Fun Swim | Secondary Pool |
| 10:00am-1:00pm | Family Fun Swim | Main Pool |
| 12:15pm-1:15pm | Open Day Strength & Conditioning - Body Conditioning | Studio |
| 1:00pm-3:00pm | Swim For All (U16s swim free through LBM free swimming initiative) | Main Pool & Secondary Pool |
| 2:30pm-3:30pm | Open Day Cardio Master class - Fitbeats | Studio |
| 2:30pm-7:00pm | Gym Open Day Taster Sessions | Gym |
What do I need to bring?
Please wear comfortable and appropriate clothing for all classes and other activities; equipment is provided. Please make sure you bring a towel and water with you.
What if I have a health condition?
Please make sure you let the members of staff know about any health conditions prior to activity.
What if I have never been before?
If you're new to any of the activities or unsure about using certain equipment, feel free to ask one of our staff members. We’re here to guide you. If you’re using the gym or taking part in any physical activities today, please ensure you’ve warmed up first. If you need guidance, our fitness instructors are here to help.
Do I have to be a member?
No, our open day sessions are open to everyone. Non-members can participate by creating a free account via the app or online at:
Then simply booking an available open day activity. As part of the registration process, customers must agree to the activity terms and conditions, which include a signed waiver granting access into the centre.
What should I expect from each class/activity?
Open Day Gym Taster Session
Duration: 90 minutes
Description: Kickstart your fitness journey with a free trial of the gym. Staff will be on hand to demonstrate machines and advise on the best ways to achieve your fitness goals.
Inductions will not be required - T&Cs will be agreed to at the point of booking. Staff should be on hand to assist customers
Open Day Strength and Conditioning Masterclass (Body Conditioning & Fitbeats)
Duration: 1 hour
Description: Build muscle and feel better with our Strength and Conditioning classes. Experience great, motivational group exercise classes like Legs Bums and Tums and Circuit Training that’ll help you strengthen and condition your whole body. Experience a few of the disciplines in this Strength and Conditioning Masterclass.
Open Day Cardio Masterclass (Group Cycle & Fitbeats)
Duration options: 45 minutes
Description: Get your heart pumping with our fast-paced, high-energy Cardio classes. Spanning HIIT, Group Cycle, Aqua Aerobics and much more, these group fitness classes are a great way to stay healthy and have fun while doing it. Experience a few of the disciplines in this Cardio Masterclass
Open Day Mind and Body Fitness Masterclass (Yoga)
Duration: 45 minutes
Description: Feel better inside and out with our Mind and Body group fitness classes. Build your strength and flexibility in our lower-impact classes like Pilates and feel revived and relaxed with our mindfulness-focused sessions, such as Yoga. Experience a few of the disciplines in this Mind and Body Masterclass with our body balance taster class.
Open Day Swimbies Taster Session
Duration: 30 minutes
Description: Start your child's swimming journey today with a free trial of our baby and toddler programme, Swimbies specifically designed for the development of children from the age of 3 months to starting primary school. Our specialist teachers are ready to welcome you and your little one into the pool to help introduce you both to the water through fun child lead activities and familiar song.
NB – Adult must enter the water with their child for this session.
Open Day Swim School and Water Safety Taster Session
Duration: 30 minutes
Description: Dive into safety and confidence. Join us for your child's initial assessment in joining our Swim School and get an introduction to water safety ahead of summer for free. Suitable for 5-11 year olds
Family Fun Swim
This will be a general swimming session with floats and toys available in the pool.
Swim For All
Our general Swimming session will incorporate LBM Council U16 free swimming initiative.
More info on U16 LBM Council free swimming here
We invite everyone in the Merton community to take part in this exciting opportunity to explore Morden Leisure Centre, try out our facilities, and join in on a variety of fun and engaging activities. Whether you're looking to get active, discover new activities, or simply enjoy the vibrant atmosphere, our Open Weekend is the perfect chance to see what we have to offer.
Please be aware that some of the activities are free of charge, but some are still chargeable.
Don't miss out on this fantastic event on the 18th & 19th July. We look forward to welcoming you and your family for a weekend of fitness, fun, and community spirit.