Find 2021 Summer Swimming Lessons here.
Looking for a way to introduce your child to the pool? Swimming lessons are a great way to help kids develop a love of swimming and instill confidence around the water. These programs teach water skills in a safe and age-appropriate way. Once your little one gets the hang of it, you can take the family to the local pool or lake with confidence. And most programs continue to offer lessons for kids up to age 12 and beyond.
To ensure all people have access to swim lessons, many places offer financial assistance. If the only thing holding you back from enrolling your kiddos in swim lessons is the cost, please be sure to inquire about a scholarship.
For more kids’ classes and activities happening this summer in Des Moines, be sure to check out our Summer Fun Guide.
Here’s where kids can take swimming lessons this summer in Des Moines:
Outdoor Pools in Des Moines
Altoona
Altoona Aquatics Park
1200 Venbury Drive • Altoona, IA 50009 • (515) 967-6988
On-line registration is open for outdoor summer swim lessons at the Altoona Aquatics Park. You can also follow their Facebook Page for swimming lesson updates. Daytime and evening outdoor swimming lessons are held at the Altoona Aquatics Park for a variety of ages and skill levels.
Ankeny
Ankeny Parks & Recreation
Cascade Falls Aquatic Center • 2350 SW Prairie Trail Parkway • Ankeny, IA 50023 • (515) 963-3569
Prairie Ridge Aquatic Center • 1220 NW Prairie Ridge Drive • Ankeny, IA 50023 • (515) 963-3569
Register on-line or at the Ankeny Parks & Recreation office for summer swimming lessons. American Red Cross swim lessons are offered at both Cascade Falls Aquatic Center and Prairie Ridge Aquatic Center to kids ages 18 months on up to Lifeguard Training. Private Lessons, Junior Liifeguard Training, Special Needs and Older Youth/ Adult swim lessons are also offered.
Iowa Swim Academy
Residential Pool • 2338 NW 70th Avenue • Ankeny, IA • (515) 446 9023
Iowa Swim Academy offers one-on-one 30 minute private swim lessons that last four days at a private residential pool in Ankeny.
Clive
Clive Parks and Recreation
Clive Aquatics Center • 801 NW 114th Street • Clive, IA 50325 • (515) 440-0599
The Clive Aquatic Center offers American Red Cross Swim Lessons starting at six-month olds (with caregivers) though Learn to Swim classes for older kids. The Aquatic Center also offers private and semi-private lessons, as well as, Lifeguard Training and diving classes. Register on-line or in person at the Clive Parks and Recreation office.
Des Moines
Des Moines Parks & Recreation
Ashworth Memorial Swimming Pool • 101 45th Street Des Moines, IA 50309 • (515) 243-3567
Birdland Swimming Pool • 300 Holcomb Avenue • Des Moines, IA, 50313 •(515) 243-3567
Nahas Family Aquatic Center • 1101 Porter Avenue • Des Moines, IA 50315 • (515) 243-3567
Northwest Family Aquatic Center • 4915 Madison Avenue • Des Moines, IA 50310 • (515) 237-1386
Teachout Family Aquatic Center • 2601 Hubbell Avenue • Des Moines, IA • (515) 243-3567
Des Moines Parks & Recreation offers swim lessons at their outdoor aquatic centers and pools. Baby/Infant and Me, Preschool Swim and American Red Cross Learn to Swim Levels 1-5 are offered in the morning and evening during five sessions. Private Lessons, Lifeguard Training, Water Safety Instructor Training and Adult Swim Lessons are also offered.
Indianola
Indianola Parks and Recreation
Veterans Memorial Aquatic Center • 714 W. Detroit Avenue • Indianola, IA 50125 • (515) 961-9422
Register online through Indianola Parks & Recreation for swimming lessons held at Veteran’s Memorial Park Aquatic Center. Outdoor summer swim lessons are offered to Mighty Minnows (9-month olds – 5 year olds) through Level 6 of American Red Cross Learn to Swim programs.
West Des Moines
West Des Moines Parks & Recreation
Holiday Park Aquatic Center • 1701 Railroad Avenue • West Des Moines, IA •(515) 273-0700
Valley View Aquatic Center • 255 S 81st Street • West Des Moines, IA 50266 • (515) 273-0700
Register online via West Des Moines Parks & Recreation for swimming lessons held at Holiday Park Aquatic Center and Valley View Aquatic Center. Waterpups for three and four-year olds and American Red Cross Learn to Swim Levels 1-5 are offered in the morning and evening. Private Lessons, Parent and Me and Adult Swim Lessons are also offered.
Indoor Pools in Des Moines
Altoona
Altoona Campus
1500 8th Street SW • Altoona, IA 50009 • (515) 967-0788
The Altoona Campus offers a wide variety of swim programs, classes, and certification opportunities for all ages year round at their indoor pool and aquatics facility. Daytime and evening indoor swimming lessons are held at the facility for a variety of ages and skill levels. To register visit their website.
Ankeny
Trail Point Aquatics and Wellness
2006 S. Ankeny Boulevard Building 5 • Ankeny, IA 50023 • (515) 965-6000
Trail Point offers indoor swim lessons year-round through their Swim Academy. Kids ages 3 months to 8+ years can enroll in their group swimming lessons that are offered in the morning and evening. They also offer private lessons. Members and Non-Members can register at the Membership Desk or online.
Des Moines
South Des Moines Swimming
Lincoln High School • 2600 SW 9th Street • Des Moines, IA 50315
South DM Swimming is proud to offer swim programs for all levels of athletes. Swim lessons are available for young swimmers ages 3-9 to begin learning the basics of swimming. Each class will have an in-water instructor and the program is designed for children who are new to the water. Registration is open for spring and summer swim lessons.
Johnston
Johnston Community Education
Summit Pool • 9500 Windsor Parkway • Johnston, IA 50131 • (515) 986-0951
Online registration will open in May for indoor summer swim classes at Summit Pool. This pool managed by the Johnston Community School District offers introductory swim lessons to preschoolers; parent tot classes; six levels of American Red Cross Learn to Swim classes and competitive swimming opportunities.
Urbandale
Urbandale Parks and Recreation
Urbandale Public Swimming Pool • 7201 Aurora Avenue • Urbandale, IA 50322 • (515) 278-3959
Online registration is open for indoor summer swim lessons at the Urbandale Public Swimming pool. American Red Cross group lessons are offered for parent and child, pre-school and Learn to Swim lessons in the morning and evening. They also offer private lessons, Lifeguard and Water Safety Instructor training, as well as, Junior Lifeguard Camp.
West Des Moines
Aqua Tots
7125 Mills Civic Parkway #105 • West Des Moines, IA 50266 • (515) 612-9400
Aqua Tots provides small group swim lessons at their West Des Moines swim school. They offer swim classes for babies, toddlers, infants, kids, swim team, adults, and children with special needs. They have eight swim levels which gives children a platform to grow and develop their swimming skills. You can register three ways: via phone, on-line or at their facility.
Prairie Life Fitness
4875 Mills Civic Parkway • West Des Moines, IA 5026 • 515-223-5999
Guided by professional swim instructors, tykes ages 3 and up can learn how to breathe, kick, and cruise through the water at Prairie Life Fitness Center. Youth Swimming Lessons are offered in seven different levels plus Waterbabies and Lifeguard Training. You do not need to be a member to take advantage of their aquatics program. Non-members pay a little extra to register.
Multiple Cities
YMCA of Greater Des Moines
Ankeny Family YMCA • 1102 N Ankeny Boulevard • Ankeny, IA 50023 • (515) 965-8800
John R. Grubb Community YMCA • 1611 11th Street • Des Moines, IA 50314 (515) 868-0527
Indianola YMCA • 306 E Scenic Valley Avenue • Indianola, IA 50125 • (515) 777-7746
South Suburban YMCA • 401 E Army Post Road • Des Moines, IA 50315 • (515)285-0444
Walnut Creek YMCA • 948 73rd Street • West Des Moines, IA 50324 • (515) 224-1888
Waukee Family YMCA • 210 Warrior Lane • Waukee, IA 50263 • (515) 987-9996
Wellmark YMCA • 501 Grand Avenue • Des Moines, IA 50309 • (515) 471-8511
Des Moines area YMCAs offer group and private swim lessons as an affordable option and there are several facilities to choose from. The instruction program includes tots lessons for kids 6 months to 5 years of age, as well as stroke clinics for ages 6 to 14 years of age. You can register on-line for swim lessons at all YMCA branches.
Do you know of an amazing place to take swimming lessons in Des Moines? Share it with us in the comments.