Kids have so many opportunities these days to explore extracurricular activities, sports, music, and arts. Some they may love and stick with for years to come, others they may hate or lose interest in and move on to the next. Just like playing the piano may not be up every kids’ alley, swimming lessons may not be either.
Swimming: A life skill too important to skip
However, swimming lessons are too important to give up on no matter how much your child moans and groans at the thought of jumping in the pool. It’s important to start lessons at young age (even as young as 6 months!), but of course, it’s never too late. Here are a few places that offer swim lessons for kids.
Foss Swim School
Locations: Blaine, Chanhassen, Maple Grove, Savage, St. Louis Park, St. Paul, Woodbury
With small class sizes, warm water and smaller pool sizes, Foss is a great place for your kids to adapt to the water and learn swim and safety skills for a great foundation. They make swimming fun, unique and creative while allowing your kid to adapt to the water and feel comfortable.
Levels & Age-groups Offered:
- 6 – 36 Months – BACKFLOAT BABY® 1
- 3 – 5 Years – LITTLE 1
- 5 – 7 Years – MIDDLE 1
- 7 – 10 Years – BIG 1
- 10+ Years – 10+ 1
- 13 and Older – ADULT 1
YMCA
Locations with Aquatics: Downtown Minneapolis, Blaisdell Ave-Minneapolis, West Broadway Ave-Minneapolis, New Hope, St. Paul Midway, St. Paul Eastside, Downtown St. Paul, West St. Paul, Ridgedale, Southdale, Shoreview, PLUS many more outside the metro area
You don’t have to be a member to register for swim lessons. YMCA swim lessons are an affordable option for kids just starting out and more experienced swimmers that are trying to refine skills. YMCA members pay just $47 for seven classes, and non-members pay $102 for seven classes.
Levels & Age Groups Offered:
- 6 – 36 Months – Parent & Child
- 3 – 5 Years – Preschool Child
- 5 – 12 Years – School-Age Child
- 13 and Up – Teen & Adult
Your Local City’s Parks & Rec
Areas served: Check your city’s park & rec department
Many cities throughout Minnesota offer swim lessons through their Parks & Recreation department. Often times lessons will be held at local middle schools and high schools. Check with your city’s park and rec department to see if aquatics are offered. These swim lessons are usually the most affordable option and are great once your child has adapted to being in the water without a parent.
Examples of Twin Cities cities with aquatic lessons infant–adult:
- Minneapolis, MN: https://www.minneapolisparks.org/activities__events/water_activities/classes_lessons__clubs/
- St. Paul, MN: https://www.stpaul.gov/departments/parks-recreation/aquatics
- Minnetonka, MN: https://eminnetonka.com/aquatics/swimming-lessons
- Plymouth, MN: http://www.plymouthmn.gov/departments/parks-recreation-/recreation-activities/activities-guide
Martha Burns Swimming School
Areas served: Hopkins & Medina
Swimming is taught by dedicated swim instructors with a focus on proper technique from day one and encouraging swimmer to be confident in the water. With over 50 years of experience teaching swimming in the Twin Cities, this is a great place to bring beginners and experienced swimmers.
Levels & Age Groups Offered:
- Foundational lessons: 22 months with no parent
- Technique Lessons
- Semi-Private and Private Lessons
- Adult Lessons
Courage Kenny Rehabilitation Institute
Locations: Golden Valley, Minneapolis & Stillwater
The courage Kenny Rehabilitation Institute offer swim class from infants on up. They have warm water pools that make it easier for kids to enter the pool and be comfortable. In addition to swim classes, one-on-one private swim lessons are also available.
Levels & Age Groups Offered:
- Waterbabies: 6–36 months with parent
- Watertots: 2–4 years with parent
- Level 1: ages 3 years and up, beginner skills
- Level 2: ages 3 years and up, improving independent swim
- Level 3: Stroke Development
- Level 4: Stroke Improvement
- Level 5: Stroke Refinement
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