The Best Swimming Lessons in Grand Rapids: Over 40 Spots to Learn

swimming lessons for kids

Swimming Lessons are Key for Any Michigan Kid

If you live in the Great Lakes state, swim lessons are one of the most important classes for kids. In a state with water everywhere, swimming classes could be life saving.

It’s inevitable that Michigan kids will either own a pool or go to the beach, or be invited to a pool party with friends. Knowing swim safety will give kids more freedom to experience Michigan summer at its best.

While knowing how to swim is important, not all kids love the process of learning to swim.

Finding the right instructor and swim school can make a huge difference in how much a kid learns.

And once they get going, let them get in practice at some local indoor pools that have open swim.

Find Grand Rapids and West Michigan swimming classes here.

*This is a sponsored section of GRKIDS.com.

Goldfish Swim School of Grand Rapids in Grand Rapids

Swimming Lessons

2845 Thornhills Ave. Suite S, Grand Rapids MI 49546


"Goldfish Swim School expertly weaves a balance of safety, fun and achievement into every single lesson. Your child will love learning to swim and gain confidence each week."


We are proud to be a locally owned and operated facility in the Cascade Grand Rapids area for the last 12 years!

Our shiver-free pool and state-of-the-art swimming facility is simply the backdrop to our play-based learning experience.

Our teaching philosophy, The Science of Swim Play, is used to build lifesaving water skills that are specially designed to make learning fun through guided play for beginners from 4 months to 12 years old.

Our lessons provide your child with lasting skills, respect of the water, and great memories!

Family Swims are also a great way to get your families feet wet. Explore our fun, safe, tropical facility and get a glimpse of the experiences we create for our Goldfish Families.

Goldfish Swim School in Grandville

Swimming Lessons

4950 Wilson Ave SW, Grandville MI 49418


"I am so impressed with our experience so far! Everyone at Goldfish has been so friendly and helpful, I've never seen her so excited as she is with swimming!"


Our state-of-the-art swimming facility in Grandville is excited to welcome you! We promise to provide:

• A proven curriculum that emphasizes step-by-step development
• A warm, 90-degree pool for shiver-free comfort
• Flexible scheduling options
• Free make-up lessons
• A positive learning environment
• And much more!

Our top priority is water safety! With our award winning lessons we instill discipline, trust, athleticism, and focus through dynamic swimming lessons that build the skills your kids need to swim safely in the water. And we make it FUN in the process!

Experience the Goldfish Difference for yourself -- Mention GR KIDS at booking and we'll waive the membership fee!

Find us in Grandville and our new location, Knapp's Crossing, opening winter 2024.

Goldfish - Grandville
4950 Wilson Ave SW

Goldfish - Knapp's Crossing (Opening winter 2024)
2224 E Beltline Ave NE

Holland Aquatic Center in Holland

Swimming Lessons

550 Maple Ave, Holland MI 49423


2024 Best of GR Awards Finalist—Best Swimming Lessons & Best Indoor Play Venue

Holland Aquatic Center has been West Michigan’s premier destination for aquatic fun and fitness since 1968.

We offer a full range of swimming lessons for all ages and skill levels, from infants to adults, in private, semi-private, and small group settings.

Our expert instructors are dedicated to building confidence, safety, and skill in every swimmer.

Whether you are learning to swim or perfecting your technique, join generations of lakeshore families who trust HAC for aquatic excellence and a lifetime of confidence in the water.

British Swim School in Grand Rapids

Swimming Lessons

Multiple Locations, Grand Rapids MI


British Swim School of Grand Rapids offers survival-based swim lessons for ages 3 months-12 years, young adults, adults and special abilities.

Our mission is to ensure that every person, regardless of age or ability, has the opportunity to become a safe and happy swimmer.

Our dedicated “swim family” of owners, instructors, and other team members are committed to creating safer swimmers each and every lesson, while always keeping our mission as their priority.

Check our website for locations.

Top-Voted Grand Rapids Swimming Classes for Kids – 2024

Following are the area’s top rated swim lessons for kids, as voted on in our annual Best of Grand Rapids Awards.

These instructors have a love for teaching kids how to be safe in the water and enjoy watching kids acquire new skills for the lake or pool.

winner icon 70x70 Winner: Julie’s Swim School

1. Julie’s Swim School
2. Goldfish Swim School
3. Aqua-Tots Swim School Grand Rapids
4. Shelley’s Swim Lessons
5. YMCA – Mary Free Bed
6. MVP Sports Clubs
7. Kroc Center
8. Holland Aquatic Center
9. YMCA – SpartanNash
10. YMCA – David D. Hunting

How Swimming Classes for Kids Works

Swimming lessons usually happen once a week, often through a 4-8 week class.

If your child loves and masters one class, there’s usually one offered at the next level, so that they can take lessons year round if they wish.

Classes range from learning to be comfortable in the water, all the way up to advanced stroke techniques and even diving.

In Michigan, outdoor swim lessons are in summers, but indoor pools can offer swimming lessons year round.

The only equipment needed for kids swim classes is a swimsuit, towel and goggles. So let’s go!

kid taking swimming lessons

Full Swimming Lessons Directory

West Michigan has amazing swim instructors in nearly every town. Use this list to find swimming classes near you.

Goldfish Swim School

4950 Wilson Ave SW, Grandville MI 49418
• Toddler Swim Lessons, Swimming Lessons for Kids, Competitive Swim Team, Adaptive Swim Lessons, Lifeguard Training
• Infants & Toddlers, Preschool, Grades K-2, Grades 3-5, Grades 6-8

Goldfish Swim School of Grand Rapids

2845 Thornhills Ave. Suite S, Grand Rapids MI 49546
• Toddler Swim Lessons, Swimming Lessons for Kids
• Infants & Toddlers, Preschool, Grades K-2, Grades 3-5

Aqua-Tots Swim Lessons

2458 28th St SE, Grand Rapids MI 49512
• Toddler Swim Lessons, Swimming Lessons for Kids, Adult Swimming Lessons, Competitive Swim Team, Adaptive Swim Lessons
• Infants & Toddlers, Preschool, Grades K-2, Grades 3-5, Grades 6-8, Grades 9-12

Blythefield Country Club

5801 Northland Dr, Belmont MI 49306
• Competitive Swim Team, Competitive Dive Team
• Preschool, Grades K-2, Grades 3-5, Grades 6-8, Grades 9-12

British Swim School

Multiple Locations, Grand Rapids MI
• Toddler Swim Lessons, Swimming Lessons for Kids, Adult Swimming Lessons, Adaptive Swim Lessons
• Infants & Toddlers, Preschool, Grades K-2, Grades 3-5, Grades 6-8, Grades 9-12

Byron Center Aquatics

8500 Burlingame SW, Byron Center MI 49315
• Swimming Lessons for Kids, Competitive Swim Team
• Grades K-2, Grades 3-5, Grades 6-8, Grades 9-12

Calvin Swim Club

3195 Knight Way Southeast, Grand Rapids MI 49546
• Swimming Lessons for Kids, Competitive Swim Team
• Grades K-2, Grades 3-5, Grades 6-8, Grades 9-12

Cascade Hills Country Club

3725 Cascade Road SE, Grand Rapids MI 49546
• Competitive Swim Team
• Grades K-2, Grades 3-5, Grades 6-8, Grades 9-12

City of East Grand Rapids

750 Lakeside Drive SE, East Grand Rapids MI 49506
• Toddler Swim Lessons, Swimming Lessons for Kids, Adult Swimming Lessons
• Infants & Toddlers, Preschool, Grades K-2, Grades 3-5, Grades 6-8, Grades 9-12

City of Grand Rapids

, Grand Rapids MI
• Toddler Swim Lessons, Swimming Lessons for Kids, Adult Swimming Lessons
• Infants & Toddlers, Preschool, Grades K-2, Grades 3-5, Grades 6-8, Grades 9-12

East Grand Rapids Aquatics Waves

, East Grand Rapids MI 49506
• Competitive Swim Team
• Grades K-2, Grades 3-5, Grades 6-8, Grades 9-12

Egypt Valley Country Club

7333 Knapp St NE, Ada MI 49301
• Competitive Swim Team, Competitive Dive Team
• Preschool, Grades K-2, Grades 3-5, Grades 6-8, Grades 9-12

Forest Hills Public Schools Community Education

660 Forest Hill Ave SE, Grand Rapids MI 49546
• Toddler Swim Lessons, Swimming Lessons for Kids, Adult Swimming Lessons
• Infants & Toddlers, Preschool, Grades K-2, Grades 3-5, Grades 6-8, Grades 9-12

Grand Haven Swim Club

17001 Ferris St., Grand Haven MI 49417
• Competitive Swim Team
• Grades K-2, Grades 3-5, Grades 6-8, Grades 9-12

Grand Rapids Aquatics

2805 Coit Ave. NE, Grand Rapids MI 49505
• Swimming Lessons for Kids, Adult Swimming Lessons, Competitive Swim Team
• Grades K-2, Grades 3-5, Grades 6-8, Grades 9-12

Grandville Bulldog Swimming

3535 Wilson Ave SW, Grandville MI 49418
• Toddler Swim Lessons, Swimming Lessons for Kids, Adult Swimming Lessons, Competitive Swim Team
• Infants & Toddlers, Preschool, Grades K-2, Grades 3-5, Grades 6-8, Grades 9-12

Hastings Community Education & Recreation Center

520 W. South St., Hastings MI 49058
• Toddler Swim Lessons, Swimming Lessons for Kids
• Infants & Toddlers, Preschool, Grades K-2, Grades 3-5, Grades 6-8, Grades 9-12

Holland Aquatic Center

550 Maple Ave, Holland MI 49423
• Toddler Swim Lessons, Swimming Lessons for Kids, Adult Swimming Lessons, Competitive Swim Team, Competitive Dive Team, Adaptive Swim Lessons, Lifeguard Training
• Infants & Toddlers, Preschool, Grades K-2, Grades 3-5, Grades 6-8, Grades 9-12

Hudsonville Eagles Aquatic Team (HEAT)

5037 32nd Ave, Hudsonville MI 49426
• Swimming Lessons for Kids, Competitive Swim Team
• Grades K-2, Grades 3-5, Grades 6-8, Grades 9-12

ISR Angel Swimmers - Michele Davis

Private Lessons, Caledonia MI
• Toddler Swim Lessons, Swimming Lessons for Kids
• Infants & Toddlers, Preschool, Grades K-2

ISR Grand Rapids

Locations in Allendale, Hudsonville and Spring Lake, West Michigan MI
• Toddler Swim Lessons, Swimming Lessons for Kids
• Infants & Toddlers, Preschool, Grades K-2

Jenison Area Wildcat Swimming (JAWS)

2140 Bauer Rd, Jenison MI 49428
• Swimming Lessons for Kids, Competitive Swim Team, Competitive Dive Team
• Preschool, Grades K-2, Grades 3-5, Grades 6-8, Grades 9-12

Julie's Swim School

Offered in Allendale, Caledonia, Hudsonville, Zeeland, West Michigan MI
• Toddler Swim Lessons, Swimming Lessons for Kids
• Infants & Toddlers, Preschool, Grades K-2, Grades 3-5, Grades 6-8, Grades 9-12

Kent Country Club

1600 College Ave NE, Grand Rapids MI 49505
• Competitive Swim Team
• Grades K-2, Grades 3-5, Grades 6-8, Grades 9-12

Kentwood Aquatics Club

6230 Kalamazoo Ave SE, Grand Rapids MI 49508
• Swimming Lessons for Kids, Competitive Swim Team, Competitive Dive Team
• Grades K-2, Grades 3-5, Grades 6-8, Grades 9-12

Macatawa Country Club

4600 Macatawa Legends Blvd, Holland MI 49424
• Swimming Lessons for Kids, Competitive Swim Team
• Preschool, Grades K-2, Grades 3-5, Grades 6-8, Grades 9-12

Michigan Lakeshore Aquatics (MLA)

550 Maple Ave, Holland MI 49423
• Competitive Swim Team, Competitive Dive Team
• Grades K-2, Grades 3-5, Grades 6-8, Grades 9-12

Miss Patty's Swimming

, Grand Rapids MI
• Toddler Swim Lessons, Swimming Lessons for Kids, Adult Swimming Lessons
• Infants & Toddlers, Preschool, Grades K-2, Grades 3-5, Grades 6-8, Grades 9-12

Muskegon Country Club

2801 Lakeshore Dr, Muskegon MI 49441
• Swimming Lessons for Kids, Competitive Swim Team
• Preschool, Grades K-2, Grades 3-5, Grades 6-8, Grades 9-12

MVP Athletic Clubs

Locations in Grand Rapids, Holland, and Rockford, West Michigan MI
• Toddler Swim Lessons, Swimming Lessons for Kids, Adult Swimming Lessons
• Infants & Toddlers, Preschool, Grades K-2, Grades 3-5, Grades 6-8, Grades 9-12

North Kent Aquatic Team

4451 Hunsberger Ave. NE #5, Grand Rapids MI 49525
• Competitive Swim Team
• Grades K-2, Grades 3-5, Grades 6-8, Grades 9-12

Northview Aquatic Center

4451 Hunsberger Ave NE, Grand Rapids MI 49525
• Swimming Lessons for Kids, Adult Swimming Lessons
• Grades K-2, Grades 3-5, Grades 6-8, Grades 9-12

Railside Golf Club

2500 76th St. SW, Byron Center MI 49315
• Swimming Lessons for Kids
• Preschool, Grades K-2, Grades 3-5, Grades 6-8, Grades 9-12

Rockford Riptide Swim Team

, Rockford MI
• Competitive Swim Team
• Grades K-2, Grades 3-5, Grades 6-8, Grades 9-12

Shelley's Swim Lessons

13745 Northpointe Dr. NW, Grand Rapids MI 49534
• Swimming Lessons for Kids
• Infants & Toddlers, Preschool, Grades K-2, Grades 3-5, Grades 6-8, Grades 9-12

Stonewater Country Club

7177 Kalamazoo Ave SE, Caledonia MI 49316
• Swimming Lessons for Kids, Competitive Swim Team
• Preschool, Grades K-2, Grades 3-5, Grades 6-8, Grades 9-12

Sunnybrook Country Club

624 Port Sheldon Street SW, Grandville MI 49418
• Swimming Lessons for Kids, Competitive Swim Team
• Preschool, Grades K-2, Grades 3-5, Grades 6-8, Grades 9-12

The Salvation Army Kroc Center

2500 S. Division Ave, Grand Rapids MI 49507
• Toddler Swim Lessons, Swimming Lessons for Kids, Adult Swimming Lessons
• Infants & Toddlers, Preschool, Grades K-2, Grades 3-5, Grades 6-8, Grades 9-12

Watermark Country Club

1600 Galbraith Ave SE, Grand Rapids MI 49546
• Swimming Lessons for Kids, Competitive Swim Team
• Preschool, Grades K-2, Grades 3-5, Grades 6-8, Grades 9-12

Wayland Aquaticats

850 E. Superior Street, Wayland MI 49348
• Competitive Swim Team
• Grades K-2, Grades 3-5, Grades 6-8, Grades 9-12

YMCA of Greater Grand Rapids

Multiple Locations throughout, West Michigan MI
• Toddler Swim Lessons, Swimming Lessons for Kids, Adult Swimming Lessons, Lifeguard Training
• Infants & Toddlers, Preschool, Grades K-2, Grades 3-5, Grades 6-8, Grades 9-12

Zeeland Recreation

320 E Main, Zeeland MI 49464
• Toddler Swim Lessons, Swimming Lessons for Kids, Competitive Swim Team
• Infants & Toddlers, Preschool, Grades K-2, Grades 3-5, Grades 6-8, Grades 9-12

6 thoughts on “The Best Swimming Lessons in Grand Rapids: Over 40 Spots to Learn”

  1. Hi! Aqua-Tots Swim Schools just opened on 28th street right here in Grand Rapids as well! We have another location in Portage and we are opening a location in Holland in 2024! If you check out our reviews, even for our schools on the East Side of the state, we are highly rated!

  2. Debi Crawford-Poyner

    Are you looking for swimming lessons for your special needs child? Kentwood Parks and Recreation has been offering swimming lessons since 1993 with the same instructor, Miss Debi. Call 616-656-5270 for more information.

    1. Hello there, are you still teaching Toddler swing classes? I have a 3 year-old Grandson I’d like to try it out with. We moved out of the Kentwood clinic about a year ago, so we’d also need to know if you allow non-residents?

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