The Best Swimming Lessons & Instructors in Grand Rapids: Over 30 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 you could enroll them in. 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.

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

Find Grand Rapids and West Michigan swimming classes here.

*This is a sponsored section of GRKIDS.com.

Goldfish Swim School 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 Grand Rapids area for the last 11 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.

Holland Aquatic Center in Holland

Swimming Lessons

550 Maple Ave, Holland MI 49423


"First time lessons for my son and he really improved on his confidence, thanks to the coaches!" - Rogelio


For over 55 years, the HAC Swim School has offered a full range of water adjustment and swimming lessons for children 6 months old through adulthood.

Additionally, HAC offer an adaptive swimming lesson program: providing a safe, supportive, and fun water environments for those with unique intellectual and physical needs.

From group and private one-on-one swim lessons to our weekly school program, we are committed to world-class coaching and instruction in Michigan's best aquatics facility.

We cannot wait to welcome you and your to our HAC family!

Michigan Lakeshore Aquatics (MLA) in Holland

Swimming Lessons

550 Maple Ave, Holland MI 49423


Michigan Lakeshore Aquatics (MLA) Swim and Dive teams are a year round aquatics club.

Regardless of experience or ability, we work to maximize the potential of each athlete.

We believe swimming and diving create life-long opportunities for our athletes in the classroom, the pool and their future careers.

ISR Angel Swimmers - Michele Davis in Caledonia

Swimming Lessons

Private Lessons, Caledonia MI


ISR Angel Swimmers LLC is a proud provider of the Infant Swimming Resource (ISR) Self-Rescue® lessons.

Children ages 6 months to 6 years old get ONE ON ONE lessons. Children 1-6 years old learn the survival swimming skill of Swim-Float-Swim. Babies 6-12 months learn to Rollback to Float.

Top-Voted Swimming Classes for Kids

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: Goldfish Swim School

1. Goldfish Swim School
2. Shelley’s Swim Lessons
3. Kroc Center
4. Miss Julie’s Swim School
5. YMCA – Mary Free Bed
6. YMCA – SpartanNash
7. YMCA – David D. Hunting
8. MVP Sports Clubs
9. Holland Aquatic Center
10. ISR Angel Swimmers (Michele Davis)
10. Zeeland Recreation
10. Tri-Cities Family YMCA

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 in 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

Blythefield Country Club in Belmont

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

Byron Center Aquatics in Byron Center

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 in Grand Rapids

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 in Grand Rapids

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 in 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 in 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 in East Grand Rapids

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

Egypt Valley Country Club in Ada

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

Forest Hills Public Schools Community Education in Grand Rapids

6590 Cascade Rd. SE, Grand Rapids MI 49546
• Toddler Swim Lessons, Swimming Lessons for Kids, Adult Swimming Lessons
• Preschool, Grades K-2, Grades 3-5, Grades 6-8, Grades 9-12

Grand Haven Swim Club in Grand Haven

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 in Grand Rapids

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

Grandville Bulldog Swimming in Grandville

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

Hammerheads Swim Club in Hastings

520 W. South St., Hastings MI 49058
• Competitive Swim Team
• Grades K-2, Grades 3-5, Grades 6-8, Grades 9-12

Holland Aquatic Center in Holland

550 Maple Ave, Holland MI 49423
• Toddler Swim Lessons, Swimming Lessons for Kids, Adult Swimming Lessons, Competitive Swim 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) in Hudsonville

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 in Caledonia

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

ISR Grand Rapids in

Locations in Hudsonville and Spring Lake, MI
• Toddler Swim Lessons, Swimming Lessons for Kids
• Infants & Toddlers, Preschool

Jenison Area Wildcat Swimming (JAWS) in Jenison

2140 Bauer Rd, Jenison MI 49428
• 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

Julie's Swim School in

Offered in Hudsonville, Byron Center, Zeeland, 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 in Grand Rapids

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 in Grand Rapids

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

Macatawa Country Club in Holland

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) in Holland

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 in 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

Muskegon Country Club in Muskegon

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

North Kent Aquatic Team in Grand Rapids

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 in Grand Rapids

4365 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 in Byron Center

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 in Rockford

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

Shelly's Swim Lessons in Grand Rapids

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

Stonewater Country Club in Caledonia

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 in Grandville

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 in Grand Rapids

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 in Grand Rapids

5500 Cascade Road 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 in Wayland

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 in

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 in Zeeland

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

About The Author

6 thoughts on “The Best Swimming Lessons & Instructors in Grand Rapids: Over 30 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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