There’s no better place to make a splash than at an aquatic center or swimming pool in the Des Moines area. But while a day in the chlorine can be fun for the whole family, it’s also a great reminder of the value of swimming lessons for kids. Luckily, there’s plenty of places that offer kids’ swimming classes in central Iowa. dsm4kids has rounded up some of the best swimming lessons for kids in Des Moines to help your tot ditch the water wings and become a confident swimmer.
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.
Editor’s Note: Please contact each business or organization directly. dsm4kids does not provide instruction. Due to changing circumstances, please verify information, all program dates are subject to change and/or cancellation.
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 opened May 6th for outdoor summer swim lessons at the Altoona Aquatics Park. You can also follow their Facebook Page for swimming lesson updates. The Altoona Aquatics Park holds daytime and evening outdoor swimming lessons 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 Lifeguard 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 provides exclusive 30-minute private swim lessons tailored for individuals at a residential pool located in Ankeny. These personalized sessions span four days, ensuring focused attention and rapid progress. Catering to children aged six months and above, their comprehensive curriculum encompasses Parent/Child, Preschool, and Levels 1-6 programs, guaranteeing a holistic learning experience.
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 old (with caregivers) through 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
Multiple Locations
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 old – 5 year old) 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
Ankeny
Foss Swim School
2455 SW State Street, Suite 101 • Ankeny, IA 50023 • (515) 724-7946
Foss uses the Swim Path™ curriculum which lays out a personalized sequence of classes that moves swimmers along their path through skill progression that leads to graduation as a competent swimmer. Swim Path® takes into account each student’s age, previous water experiences, skills already developed, and the best pace for learning. Students progress when they have mastered each key skill.
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.
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.
Des Moines
YMCA of Greater Des Moines
Multiple Locations
Des Moines area YMCAs offer group and private swim lessons as an affordable option and there are several facilities to choose from. Their instruction programs are designed to accommodate a wide range of age groups and skill levels. For children between 6 months to 5 years of age, they offer tot lessons aimed at building foundational swimming skills. In addition,their stroke clinics cater to older children aged between 6 to 14 years and focus on refining their swimming technique to enhance their performance in the water. You can register on-line for swim lessons at all YMCA branches.
Grimes
Natavi Swim
275 SW Brookside Drive • Grimes, IA 50111 • (515) 300-3282
Natavi offers several levels of swimming lessons: Parent-Tot, level 1, level 2, level 3, level 4, level 5 , advanced swim skills and pre-competitive swim clinic. In you’re not sure what level your child is at, they offer FREE leveling events, where you may bring your child in for a mini lesson and they will evaluate and determine which level they fit into.
Johnston
Johnston Community Education
Summit Pool • 9500 Windsor Parkway • Johnston, IA 50131 • (515) 986-0951
Online registration typically opens in May for indoor summer swim classes at Summit Pool. However they are currently short staffed and their lesson options are limited. When fully staffed 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
Goldfish Swim School
3771 86th Street • Urbandale, IA 50322 • (704) 741-7260
Goldfish Swim School provides indoor, year-round swim instruction to children ages 4 months to 12 years-old in a unique setting with highly trained instructors, small class sizes (max 4:1 student to teacher ratio), shiver-free 90-degree pools, and a state-of-the-art water purification system.
Lifetime Fitness
11911 Hickman Road • Urbandale, IA 50323 • (515) 362-3500
Lifetime’s 30-minute progressive swimming lessons are available year-round. They prioritize convenience for parents with their rolling enrollment and the option for recurring lessons, providing flexibility without the hassle of session registrations. Their dedicated instructors focus on each swimmer’s individual needs, ensuring they advance through swim levels at their own pace. Their swim programs cater to children aged 4 months to 13 years old, fostering a supportive and inclusive learning environment.
Waukee
Safe Splash
1175 SE University Avenue • Waukee, IA 50263 • (515) 200-3477
At SafeSplash, they cater to all skill levels, teaching everything from the fundamentals of water safety to competitive instruction. This comprehensive approach ensures that swimmers not only develop a love for the water, but also learn to swim safely and confidently throughout their lives. It is a premium learn-to-swim and performance-based swim school.
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.
Where does your kids take swimming lessons in Des Moines? Share it with us in the comments.
