Rebecca DavisI used to absolutely dread swimming lessons. Every time I stepped into a pool, my arms and legs seemed to have a mind of their own—flailing, splashing, and let’s not even talk about the amount of water I swallowed.
It didn’t help that finding proper lessons was overwhelming, either. There were so many options, and I really didn’t want another class where I walked away feeling like a total disaster.
Finally, though, I discovered a few standout swimming lesson providers in Philly that truly deliver—places where the instructors are supportive, patient, and actually know how to teach in a way that sticks.
By the end of these classes, you won’t just know how to float or do a freestyle. You’ll actually enjoy being in the water—and may even look forward to your next swim instead of bracing yourself for the splash.
How much do swimming lessons cost in Philadelphia?
Swimming lessons in Philadelphia typically cost $30–$80 per hour for private sessions and $30–$50 per group lesson. Monthly group programs often range from $100 to $160.
1. Goldfish Swim School
Address: 185 Commerce Dr, Fort Washington, 19034
Contact Details: +1 215-618-9027
Operating Hours:
- Monday to Thursday – 9:00 AM to 8:30 PM
- Friday to Saturday – 9:00 AM to 2:00 PM
- Sunday – 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM
Goldfish Swim School redefines “child-friendly” with its bright murals and playful décor, creating a fun, welcoming space where kids fall in love with the water.
Structured lessons, grouped by skill level, struck me as the perfect mix of focus and fun. Whether your child is learning the basics or trying to refine their strokes, the instructors really know how to connect with their students.
They do this through games, songs, and positive reinforcement to keep kids engaged. They even welcome little ones as young as 4 months old with their Parent-Tot Classes, where infants and toddlers can get comfortable in the water alongside their parents.
The facility itself supports learning perfectly. The pool is kept at a warm 90 degrees, so children stay comfortable throughout lessons. Parents also benefit from clean, spacious changing rooms, along with a glass viewing area that makes it easy to watch classes.
That said, parents should know that the pools are specifically designed for young learners. If you’re expecting a large lap pool for more advanced practice sessions, you may need to look elsewhere.
My kid loved Goldfish Swim School
“My kid started the week before he turned 5 and graduated at 7.5 years old completing every level. He loved Goldfish swim school. Water temperature was warm for a skinny kid. Low teacher:student ratios. Welcoming staff. Great make up policies. Locker rooms clean but arrive early or in your suit as gettung a changing room can take time. Expensive but worth it. I don’t believe in the YMCA philosophies of having kids wear floatation during lessons. Having the glass window where he could see me helped with post COVID separation anxiety leaving a parent’s side.”
– Laura Gould, Google Review
At the beginning of class, my toddler was crying now she is enjoying it
“My 3 kids have more than a month attending Goldfish Port Washington PA. Foremost the location where we go to staff are helpful. Next, my 2 oldest enjoy learning a swim. At the beginning of class, my toddler was crying now she is enjoying it. I really recommend it. Please parents do not think that in winter swimming is bad for kids and getting more sickness. However, it is not bad it helps your kid to grow up healthy and they have drying places.”
– Farangiz Zakhidova, Google Review
2. British Swim School at LA Fitness
Address: 601 Righters Ferry Rd, Bala Cynwyd, 19004
Contact Details: +1 610-871-5934
Operating Hours:
- Tuesday and Thursday – 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM; 3:00 PM to 7:00 PM
- Saturday to Sunday – 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM
- Monday, Wednesday, and Friday – Closed
British Swim School emphasizes water safety and survival skills before diving into stroke techniques. I like how kids (and adults!) start with the basics (breath control and safe entry), then work up to kicking, arm movements, and coordinated strokes.
They offer lessons for everyone, from babies as young as three months to kids, teens, and adults. Private lessons and adaptive programs for swimmers with special needs help make it accessible for nearly anyone to join.
With small class sizes, instructors provide personalized, one-on-one attention—an invaluable touch that builds water confidence while still keeping everyone safe.
The lessons are held in a heated pool located inside LA Fitness. It’s a convenient setup with parking and plenty of seating for parents looking to watch their little ones during lessons.
However, it’s worth noting that the changing rooms and showers are shared with the gym, which can feel crowded at times.
Thankfully, British Swim School offsets this minor inconvenience with family-friendly touches like multi-class discounts. So if you’ve got more than one child, the program works well for the whole family.
The class sizes are small and more one-on-one
“Amazing! My 5 month old is in the tadpole classes and the instructor Adrienne/ Manyah have been amazing providing lessons for her! The class sizes are small and the days I go now it’s more one on one which is great as my daughter loves the water!”
– Katherine Mahoney, Google Review
In just a few short months, our son was able to try out and make the swim team
“British Swim School – AFC is absolutely amazing. Our goal was to sharpen up our son’s skills so he could try out for the swim team. With help from Jack Ryan, in just a few short months, our son was able to try out and make the team. If you haven’t already, sign your children up asap, you won’t regret it!”
– Laina Egea-Hinton, Google Review
3. Fitness Alive Center City
Address: 1425 Arch St B Level, PA 19102
Contact Details: +1 267-702-6043
Operating Hours:
- Monday and Wednesday – 6:30 AM to 8:00 PM
- Tuesday – 6:30 AM to 8:30 PM
- Thursday – 6:30 AM to 8:15 PM
- Friday – 6:30 AM to 7:15 PM
- Saturday – 7:30 AM to 3:00 PM
- Sunday – 7:30 AM to 2:00 PM
Tucked into the B-Level at 1425 Arch Street, Fitness Alive’s underground location immediately piqued my curiosity. Comfortable year-round, the pool is temperature-controlled, making swimming enjoyable regardless of the season.
The facility itself is clean and well-kept, and it’s easy to see that the staff pays attention to the little details. Everything from the swimming area to the surrounding spaces is organized.
Classes cover water safety, swimming skills, and stroke techniques for both children and adults, with a flexible pace that allows learners to progress comfortably.
The fitness-focused aquatic programs add a fun twist. In these sessions, instructors guide participants through a mix of cardio, resistance exercises, and low-impact moves in the water—perfect for anyone looking for a fun alternative to traditional workouts.
Timing can be tricky, though. Morning lessons and lap swim slots tend to book quickly, so it’s smart to reserve your spot about a week in advance.
My daughter learned so many new skills and felt confident
“This is such an amazing place. I wish I could give it 6 out of 5 stars. My daughter started taking swimming lessons there. I wanted her to get lessons because every time we were in a pool she was stuck to me like super glue. She has been terrified of swimming. However, at the Fitness Alive lesson she felt so comfortable. The instructor, Bailey, was kind and patient. My daughter learned so many new skills and felt confident about herself. Bailey had her in the pool the entire time and guided her through each step so carefully. After my daughter was finished and we were leaving she looked at me and said, “This swimming place is amazing!” I will definitely recommend Fitness Alive to other families. **also the water is not freezing cold that is another huge bonus.”
– Katrina Collia, Google Review
Our instructor, Emily, was very friendly, encouraging, and accommodating
“Water aerobics was fun. I joined because I want to stop being afraid of the water so I can learn to swim. Our instructor, Emily, was very friendly, encouraging, and accommodating and she showed me different ways to do the exercises since. As the class went on, I felt a little more comfortable in the water. Hopefully I’ll stop being afraid of the water in a few more classes and I’ll feel comfortable enough to learn to swim.”
– Shante Sims, Google Review
4. Sunsational Swim School
Address: Not Available
Contact Details: +1 888-788-2140
Operating Hours:
- Monday to Friday – 11:30 AM to 8:00 PM
- Saturday to Sunday – Closed
Among the programs on this list, Sunsational Swim School really stands out for its convenience.
Their instructors come to your home or a nearby pool, so there’s no need to deal with commuting to a busy facility. This is especially helpful in a city like Philadelphia, where getting across town can feel like a mission.
Another thing that makes Sunsational unique is its focus on practical safety skills. Their “Sunsational Safety Guarantee” ensures students, especially kids under 12, master essential survival skills, like turning to float on their back, within 12 lessons.
All lessons are private, speeding up the progress compared to group classes. This approach is tailored to each student’s goals, whether it’s helping a toddler overcome a fear of water or refining skills for competitive swimmers.
But if you’re hoping for group energy, like kids laughing and learning together during lessons, this approach can feel a bit isolating.
Gave our three-year-old daughter the confidence she needed to swim safely
“Carla was absolutely incredible with our two toddlers. She gave our three year old daughter the confidence she needed to swim underwater safely to the steps of the pool in just three weeks of lessons! She also gave our 18 month old the groundwork needed for safe swim. She is still saying “kick kick kick” when we mention Carla! Will definitely be using Carla again when we return! Thank you!!”
– Molly Shaw, Google Review
Michaela is not only an amazing swim instructor, but a beautiful soul
“Michaela is an amazing human. She is not only an amazing swim instructor, but a beautiful soul! She listened to my concerns, understood his temperament, worked with him and his adhd distraction and extra energy to the point he is now following 2-3 step instruction. She is attentive, knows her stuff, and knows when to push him and when to ease up. Michaela has invested time with getting to know us, learning his strengths and weaknesses. She always follows up with us, keeps tabs on the weather and is on time ready to go! My son absolutely adores her and lights up when it’s time to meet. He went from just getting into the water and struggling to submerge his face to literally staying in the pool and not wanting to leave after the lesson is over! He is able to float front and back, swim and dove for objects without holding his nose, uses his kick board without it being held,dove to get items, and, he can swim! His favorite is streamline swimming. He is slowly perfecting his kick and moving his arms for different strokes. The program guarantees 12 swim lessons and your child can swim. Michaela took an 8 almost 9 year old who was scared and turned him into a fish in 6 45 min lessons!!! We bought another 6 and plan to keep going. She IS the type of instructor we need in this world especially with our kids. Her main objective is to ensure he can swim to save himself if need be. We love her and you will too!”
– A Brown, Google Review
5. Aqua-Tots Swim Schools
Address: 307B Horsham Rd, Horsham, 19044
Contact Details: +1 267-317-2400
Operating Hours:
- Monday to Friday – 9:00 AM to 8:00 PM
- Saturday – 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM
- Sunday – Closed
Aqua-Tots follows a well-structured program with 8 swim levels, and each one builds on the last. Kids move up only when they’ve learned the skills, so progress is steady and well-paced.
They welcome children as young as 4 months up to 12 years old, so families can stay with the same program for years without needing to switch schools.
Classes are typically small, with a 4:1 student-to-instructor ratio. This gives kids both personal attention and social interaction, allowing them to learn while still enjoying the group setting.
The facilities are thoughtful, too. The pool is heated to a cozy 90°F, so no chilly kids refusing to get in the water!
And for parents, Aqua-Tots has a climate-controlled viewing area with seating and free Wi-Fi. They love being able to look after their little ones without feeling like they’re just stuck waiting.
That being said, scheduling can take a bit of work. Some parents have pointed out that the makeup class policy can be frustrating, since you can only reschedule missed lessons based on the school’s availability.
They are so affordable and everyone is so friendly
“We love Aqua tots! They are so affordable! Everyone is so friendly! And they are so accommodating! If you need to reschedule a class there is no trouble making that class up! We are big fans of Coach Rad! He is the best my daughter absolutely adores him! Other coaches are great!”
– Zoey Lussier, Google Review
Incredible team went above and beyond to make my daughter feel safe
“We absolutely adore Aqua-Tots and all the staff there! We made the switch from a competitor after a recommendation from a friend. From the very first class, we regretted not making the change sooner. It took our daughter a bit of time to adjust because this was her first time in the water without myself or my husband in class. The incredible team working went above and beyond to make my daughter feel safe and comfortable. Aqua-Tots is now the highlight of her week and she can’t stop talking about going to class again!”
– Samantha Rapoport, Google Review
