If you’re hoping to sign your children up for swim lessons in Portland this year, you’re not alone. According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, children may start swim classes as early as age 1, and in a city as family-friendly as Portland, that’s a whole lot of kids looking for a great pool this summer! If you’re looking for the best swim lessons in Portland this summer for beginner swimmers, baby swim lessons, or private swim lessons, here are some of the best options to explore in 2024.
Swim Lessons at Portland Swim Academies
The great thing about swim academies is that they do one thing, and they do it really, really well. If you think your child might benefit from a different approach like customized lessons, baby and me classes, or perks like a saltwater or heated pool, a swim academy might be a great place to look.
Children of the Sea, Beaverton
Children of the Sea is a solid choice for families looking for swim lessons in Beaverton. They offer baby swim lessons starting at 4 months old, as well as both day and evening group classes for older children in their 91-degree indoor pool.
10225 SW Park Way, Portland, Oregon 97225
Farber Swim School, Beaverton
Farber Swim School specializes in personalized lessons. Rather than grouping children into groups by levels, they consider each individual child’s progress and needs. They offer private and semi-private lessons that can be completely customized for your child’s needs. They also offer baby and me baby swim lessons, starting at 4 months old.
9470 SW Beaverton Hillsdale Hwy., Beaverton, OR 97005
Swimbabes, Milwaukie
If your goal is water safety for young children, Swimbabes is for you. Focused on “Swim Survival Safety for Babies, Toddlers, & Kids,” their classes exclusively focus on teaching water survival skills for children. Starting with water introduction classes for infants, children progress through learning how to turn over and float in the water. Their pool features a UV water purification system, lessening their dependence on chlorine in the pool.
10552 SE 52nd Avenue, Milwaukie, Oregon 97222
DolFUN Swim Academy, NE Portland
DolFUN Swim Academy in NE Portland offers small group and private swim lessons in their 92-degree heated pool. Their approach focuses on supporting the swimmer’s natural relationship with water throughout their curriculum, offering developmentally appropriate classes at each level. You find both morning and afternoon classes as well as Swimming with Special Abilities classes among their offerings.
12029 NE Ainsworth Cir #100, Portland, OR 97220
Emler Swim School, Beaverton
Emler offers small class sizes for their swim lessons in Portland. They’re passionate about providing a nurturing experience based on their belief that every child has the ability to swim. Their pools are shallow with a maximum depth of 4ft and a temperature of 90 degrees so your children always feel safe and comfortable.
19449 SW Martinazzi Ave., Tualatin, OR 97062
9140 SW Hall Blvd., Beaverton, OR 97223
Safe Splash Swim School, Hillsboro
Safe Splash Swim School offers lessons in Hillsboro and Beaverton. They offer small class sizes with certified instructors and a curriculum focused on technique and safety. They’re great for families, with lessons for all ages and abilities, as well as sibling discounts.
7410 NE Imbrie Dr, Hillsboro, OR 97124
11100 SW Murray Scholls Place, Beaverton, OR 97007
Community Centers and Athletic Clubs offering Swim Lessons in Portland
Don’t forget to check your local rec center, community center, or athletic club for swim lessons. Here are a few favorites to check:
Tualatin Hills Parks and Recreation District
Portland Parks and Recreation
North Clackamas Parks and Recreation District
NE Portland Community Center
Parkrose Pool
Oregon City Swimming Pool
Mittleman Jewish Community Center Pool
The Irvington Club
Outdoor Pools near Portland for Open Swim
If your child is already swimming and you’re looking for an outdoor pool to visit as a family, the Portland area does have a few outdoor pools. Here are the best outdoor public pools in Portland:
Wilson Outdoor Pool (Ida B. Wells-Barnett Pool)
Peninsula Outdoor Pool
Sellwood Pool
Speaking of outdoor adventures…have you snagged my list of 42 Things to Do in Portland with Kids? I’ve chosen my all-time favorites for intentional family time in PDX–get it here:
Found the perfect swim lessons in Portland and looking for more local family-friendly events?
I share the best of Portland’s family-friendly businesses and events on the blog here. And if you’d like to wrap up a summer of fun & swim lessons with a family photo session–you’re in luck! Summer’s the best time for family photos in Oregon, and I just so happen to know a photographer. Hop over to my website to learn more about Portland family photo sessions here.
