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17 Swim Lessons in NYC for Kids

Swimming lessons start as young as 7 months at Commonpoint Queens, which uses the Red Cross curriculum. Photo courtesy of the venue
Swimming lessons start as young as 7 months at Commonpoint Queens, which uses the Red Cross curriculum. Photo courtesy of the venue
8/13/23 - By Rosalind Muggeridge

When it comes to swimming lessons in NYC, we've rounded up 17 local organizations offering swim lessons whether you're looking to give your kids a refresher or introduce them to the water for the first time.

From swimming lessons in Manhattan to swimming lessons in Brooklyn, the Bronx, Queens, and Staten Island, many of these local swim schools have multiple locations. We've found swimming lessons in NYC that offer everything from mommy-and-me swim classes for babies and toddlers to private swim lessons and even competitive swim teams for big kids.  

You can find more swimming lessons in NYC for kids, and even book a class online, in our directory of classes and listings. Check our NYC Classes for Kids Guide for more kids’ activities and classes for kids of all ages and interests.

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Kids can jump right into learning with swim lessons at Asphalt Green's two locations. Photo courtesy of the venue
Kids can jump right into learning with swim lessons at Asphalt Green's two locations. Photo courtesy of the venue

Swimming Lessons in Manhattan for Kids

Penguin City Swim

Midtown East
Ages 6 months and up
Penguin City Swim is best known for its experienced, professional instructors and its small class sizes. The program caters to children 6-months-old and up, as well as adults, and covers all aspects of swimming—always focusing on safety in and around the water. READ MORE

Asphalt Green Classes & Fitness

Upper East Side and Battery Park City
Ages 4 months and up
Although this popular UES sports complex is known for its Olympic-size pool, its baby swimming lessons for children ages 4 months to 3 years are held in a small, separate, heated kiddie pool. Asphalt Green's 52,000-square-foot, state-of-the-art facility in Battery Park City offers mommy-and-me swimming lessons in NYC, too. The youth sports curriculum includes classes, recreational leagues, and competitive teams, which teach fundamental skills and give children the opportunity to put newly learned skills into action.  READ MORE

Marlene Meyerson JCC Manhattan

Upper West Side
Ages 6 months and up
The Marlene Meyerson JCC Manhattan is a one-stop shop for local families, providing classes for everyone from parents-to-be to school-age kids. Classes, camps, and after-school programs are all offered. Kids swimming lessons teach children and adults of all ages to master swimming and enjoy the wonders of the water. The center's many offerings range from mommy-and-me swimming lessons to weekend and after-school swimming lessons for kids. READ MORE

SwimJim Manhattan

Upper West Side and Upper East Side
Ages 6 months and up
The learn-to-swim programs at SwimJim develop effective safety habits and techniques in the water, such as back floating and gross-motor locomotion. Currently, programs start at 6 months of age. The mommy-and-me swim lessons help children socialize and introduce water safety, gross-motor skills, breath control, and peer motivation. Week-long Fast Track programs are also available at select times throughout the year.   READ MORE

Manhattan Youth Swim School

Tribeca
Ages 6 months and up
In addition to infant, toddler, and school-age swim classes, this facility also offers Family Swim sessions daily as part of its Family Membership. For young children, a combination of structured swimming classes and playtime in the water is encouraged, reflecting the school's philosophy that consistent exposure to the water leads to happy, successful swimmers. A competitive swim team, the Tritons, requires a tryout and is offered for kids in third through eighth grades. READ MORE

14th Street Y

Lower East Side
Ages 6 months to 12 years
 The 14th Street Y offers a variety of programs, events, and membership to support every family. From early childhood programs to summer camps for kids, the 14th Street Y caters to kids of all ages. Looking for aquatics instruction? Babies can get in the pool with parents starting at 6 months, and instruction continues through age 12 based on the Red Cross curriculum. Older kids can join its competitive swim program, too. Yoga, music, playgroups, and other caregiver-child activities are offered regularly. READ MORE
At AquaBeba, swimming lessons are designed by a former Olympian to get kids comfortable in the water and keep them safe. Photo courtesy of AquaBeba
At AquaBeba, swimming lessons are designed by a former Olympian to get kids comfortable in the water and keep them safe. Photo courtesy of AquaBeba

Swim Lessons in Brooklyn and Queens for Kids

AquaBeba

Williamsburg, Brooklyn
Ages 4 months and up
AquaBeba teaches children from infants on up the fundamentals of swimming in a safe and comfortable water environment. Its program—the brainchild of Olympic swimmer-turned-Brooklyn dad, Danilo Krvavac—emphasizes helping children feel comfortable, confident, and secure in the water. Group and private lessons are available. READ MORE

Berkeley Carroll School Community Swim

Park Slope, Brooklyn
Ages 6 months and up
Beginner swimmers learn the basics of swimming and water safety, while building confidence and having fun in the water. Skills taught include breath control, kicking, bobbing, arm movements, and floating. Pool safety and positive group behaviors are emphasized. Private and group lessons are available starting at 6 months.  READ MORE

Freestyle Swim

College Point, Queens
Ages 6 to 12 years
Freestyle Swim provides swim classes for children in a clean and friendly environment. Each session begins with a clear, step-by-step curriculum for all students to follow. Coaches guide students closely to help increase their skills. READ MORE

Commonpoint Queens

Forest Hills and Bayside, Queens
Ages 7 months and up
Commonpoint Queens provides social services to the greater Queens Community. Swimming lessons are offered at a pair of locations—the Central Queens Y and Bayside High School. Private and group swim lessons are available following the American Red Cross curriculum. Classes for preschool and school-age children are also offered, including soccer, football, tennis, dance classes, and more. READ MORE

MatchPoint NYC - Classes

Coney Island, Brooklyn
Ages 3 years and older
This micro-chain offers swimming lessons at its Coney Island outpost. Classes begin with parent-and-me sessions and progress to gentle separation classes, swimming lessons for school-age children, and an elite training program that preps kids to join the Sharks swim team. Adult classes are also offered.  READ MORE
Imagine Swimming's lessons are rooted in the principles of Reggio Emilia. Photo courtesy of Imagine Swimming
Imagine Swimming's lessons are rooted in the principles of Reggio Emilia. Photo courtesy of Imagine Swimming

Swimming Lessons with Multiple NYC Locations

YMCA of Greater NY Swim Programs

Citywide
Ages 6 months and up
With over 70 sites throughout the five boroughs, there's a YMCA that has the right swim program for your family. Catering to all ages and abilities, the Y serves diverse communities across the city. Check the website for your local Y's class offerings which vary by age. READ MORE

Imagine Swimming

Manhattan and Brooklyn Locations
Ages 4 months and up
With locations in Manhattan and Brooklyn—including its Tribeca flagship at 40 Harrison Street—Imagine Swimming offers baby swimming lessons for ages 4 months and up. Students are introduced to the water through playful sessions that emphasize music. READ MORE

Take Me to the Water Swim School - NYC

Manhattan, Brooklyn, and Queens Locations
Ages 6 months and up
The baby-and-me program offers baby swimming lessons in NYC for children ages 6 months to 2 1/2 years and has locations all over the city as well as in New Jersey and Long Island. In these mommy-and-me swimming lessons, babies learn swimming skills through songs and games. READ MORE

British Swim School

Manhattan and Brooklyn Locations
Ages 3 months and up
British Swim School offers a premier water survival, learn-to-swim, and stroke development program, beginning with a water acclimation class for infants and toddlers, which gently introduces them to the water for the first time, reducing their fear and the potential for tears. READ MORE

Physique Swim School - Classes

Manhattan, Brooklyn, and the Bronx Locations
Ages 6 months and up
Swimming lessons at Physique Swim School aim to teach swimming as a life skill. Little ones and parents are welcomed into the water for parent-and-me classes, and older kids can graduate to group lessons and stroke clinics that prep big kids to join a local swim team. READ MORE

Goldfish Swim School

Manhattan, Brooklyn, and Queens Locations
Ages 4 months to 12 years
Goldfish Swim School offers unique learn-to-swim programs for kids ages 4 months to 12 years. This popular swim school attracts many local families, and its classes fill up fast. Its "safety-first" swimming facility has a vibrant, tropical design and a warm, 90-degree pool. Unstructured Family Swim Sessions and a swim team are also offered.  READ MORE

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