Visit Disney Springs for a special Kids Club event each Saturday in January, featuring interactive family fun. Photo courtesy of Disney
Top Free Things To Do with Kids in Orlando in January 2026, According to MP Editors
GUIDE
Free Things To Do in Orlando with Kids Guide
Enjoy a single, tandem, or family ride atop the snow tubing hill at Snowcat Ridge. Photo courtesy of Snowcat Ridge
Snow Park, Snow Tubing, and More Snow Events in Central Florida
Head to Icon Park and visit Madame Tussauds to see your favorite celebrities in a whole new way. Photo by Charlotte Blanton
Things to Do in Orlando That Everyone Will Love—From Toddlers to Teens (and Parents Too!)
The Florida Mall offers endless things to do for kids, including enjoying a meal at the American Girl store. Photo by author
A Guide to The Florida Mall for Orlando Kids
Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party is a massively popular holiday event, so get tickets now! Photo courtesy WDW
10 Orlando Must-Do Christmas Events to Book Now Before They Sell Out
Disney's Jollywood Nights makes the perfect holiday event for kids and adults alike! Photo by author
Is Disney Jollywood Nights Good for Kids? Here’s What to Know!
Visitors can actually ride the exhibits at the Florida Railroad Museum, which hosts a variety of experiences throughout the year. Photo courtesy of the museum
18 Scenic Train Rides Through Florida for Families
Middle schoolers can be so much fun to hang out with! Photo by the author
10 Tips For Making Middle School Amazing: Middle School Kids are the Best
Cowboy Adventure Park at Westgate River Ranch Resort & Rodeo treats visitors to fun attractions, including the mechanical bull! Photo by author
Dude Ranches and More Places for Kids to Play Cowboy in Florida
With seating for five, families can take a swan boat ride together on Lake Eola. Photo courtesy of Visit Florida
Explore Orlando's Lake Eola with Kids
Enjoy a relaxing getaway in Celebration, Florida with tree-lined streets, unique restaurants, and fun spots like Celebration Farmers Market and Lake Rianhard.
Celebration, FL with Kids: 23 Things to Do in Disney’s Dream Town
The Festival of the Lion King is an entertaining (and dry) place to wait out a rainy afternoon at Disney World. Photo by Ryan Wendler/Disney World
10 Ways to Survive Orlando Theme Parks When It Rains
With calm waters and soft sand, there are many beaches near Orlando ideal for toddlers to play safely. Photo courtesy Visit St. Pete/Clearwater
Best Beaches for Toddlers Near Orlando
Nab a Gaylord Palms Resort Guess Pass and spend the day enjoying the water park, dining options, and other amenities. Photo courtesy of Marriott Gaylord Palms
Kissimmee with Kids: 22 Things to Do in Kissimmee, Florida
Embark on a heartwarming, up-close encounter with playful dolphins at Discovery Cove. Photo courtesy of Discovery Cove
14 Best Hidden Gems in Orlando: Exploring Past the Big Theme Parks
GUIDE
Free Things To Do in Orlando with Kids Guide
SEA LIFE Florida officially opened this summer, treating families to major aquatic fun. Photo courtesy SEA LIFE
SEA LIFE Florida Aquarium Opens at Legoland Florida Resort
Bonnet Springs Park in Lakeland makes the the perfect outdoor day trip.
100 Free Things to Do in Orlando with Kids
See the world's largest Crayola crayon at Crayola Experience Orlando.
  VIDEO
Crayola Experience Orlando: The Amusement Park for Crafty Kids
The playground at Tucker Ranch Preserve sports a treehouse-feel, surrounded by nature.
22 Best Playgrounds in Orlando for Family Fun
Enjoy a refreshing stroll with the kids along the scenic boardwalk at Sweetwater Park.
Best Boardwalk Trails in Orlando and Central Florida for Families
Tour the Florida Everglades aboard the coolest mode of transportation--airboat! Kids will LOVE getting close to nature on a Boggy Creek Airboat Adventures tour. Photo courtesy Visit Orlando
18 Cool Ways to Tour Orlando with Kids
Stay cool and dry this summer while battling dinosaurs at an Orlando arcade! Photo by author
Best Arcades in Orlando for Kids & Teens
Toddlers and young kids can let loose with their prehistoric friends at Dinosaur World's cute playground. Photo by Charlotte Blanton
30 Fun Things to Do with Orlando Toddlers and Preschoolers in Summer
Teens and tweens love the wet and wild fun at Walt Disney World's Typhoon Lagoon. Photo by author
Best Things to Do at Walt Disney World with Teens and Tweens
Swim at the freshwater Juniper Springs in Silver Springs, Florida. US Forest Service photo by Susan Blake
Top 10 Natural Springs in Florida Near Orlando
Celebrate your child's birthday party at Gatorland. Photo courtesy of Gatorland
21 Top Orlando Birthday Party Venues for Kids to Celebrate
Create magical moments at Hollywood Studios, including those with Florida's only snowman, Olaf!
Secret Tips for Visiting Walt Disney World With Babies and Toddlers
SeaWorld Orlando theme park, zoo and aquarium offers exciting rides and roller coasters, up-close animal encounters. Photo by the author
100 Best Things To Do in Orlando with Kids Before They Grow Up (Other than Theme Parks)
Splash around in the water feature at Bok Tower's Hammock Hollow Children's Garden. Photo courtesy of Bok Tower Gardens
25 Secret Orlando Spots Kids Will Love
Check out our list of the best Orlando parks to host birthday parties!
Top Orlando Parks for Kids' Birthday Parties
Spend a few hours exploring Orlando with Winter Park Scenic Boat Tours. Photo courtesy of the company
3 Days in Orlando with Kids (Minus the Theme Parks): Itinerary From a Local Mom
Enjoy countless culinary options at SeaWorld Orlando Seven Seas Food Festival, kicking off this weekend. Photo courtesy SeaWorld Orlando
Orlando FamilyFest, Illuminate Lantern Fest, and More Things to Do in Orlando This Weekend With Kids

Swimming Lessons for Kids in Houston: The Best Swimming Classes in Town

Photo courtesy of Wolfies Swim School
Photo courtesy of Wolfies Swim School
8/7/22 - By Rachael Cherry

The Bayou City is known for its scorching summer weather—and that summer lasts for basically 3/4 of the year—so our kids spend a lot of time in the water. Whether it's at the pool, a splash pad, water park, or the ocean, Houston kids need to learn how to swim and execute proper water safety.

There are plenty of places that offer year-round swim lessons or swimming classes that get kids comfortable and confident in the water; we've rounded up ten of the most popular swim schools in the Houston area. And once your kids are swimming safely, be sure to check out our comprehensive camp guide and full directory of camp listings to set up a great summer!

OUR LATEST VIDEOS

Photo courtesy of the Houston Swim Club, Pearland
Photo courtesy of the Houston Swim Club, Pearland

Year-Round Swim Schools in the Houston Area

Aqua-Tots Swim Schools

Multiple Houston Locations
Parents can begin enrolling their children in Aqua-Tots swim lessons as early as 4 months of age. Classes focus on swim safety, and levels of swim instruction start with "Parent & Tot" and proceed up to "Advanced." Each level works on mastering a new skill, such as comfort or independence in the water. Aqua-Tots also offers a recreational Swim Club, competitive Swim Team, and various Specialty Classes. Lessons are 30 minutes long and pricing varies by location.  READ MORE

SafeSplash Swim School

Multiple Houston Locations
The lessons at SafeSplash consist of 12 different levels with each level building on the fundamentals learned in the previous level. Courses start with a 'Parent and Tot' class and progress from there all the way up to a Level 8 Advanced Swimmer. Classes are 30 minutes long, once per week. Tuition is billed monthly. There are also Swim Camps and Swim Team Conditioning courses offered on a seasonal basis, as well as a Special Needs Program. The swim camps are 1-2 weeks and students are grouped by level. READ MORE

Houston Swim Club

Multiple Houston Locations
Houston Swim Club's curriculum was developed by University of Houston head coach and US Olympic coach Phill Hansel. The swim school has small class sizes, 30-minute lessons, and the option to enroll year-round. New students are required to enroll in a two-week session. After completing this course, kids can then enroll in monthly lessons that meet once, twice, or more times per week. Pricing is per class. Parents interested in enrolling children under 2 1/2 years old can sign up for special parent-child classes. READ MORE

YMCA Houston

Multiple Houston Locations
The YMCA offers swim lessons that include both Mommy and Me classes for 6 months and older, and individual and group lessons for ages 3+, sports camps, and more. Options are available for all ages, abilities, and interests. Some lessons are once a week, while others are daily from Monday to Thursday and sold in two-week long sessions.   READ MORE

Goldfish Swim School - Houston

Multiple Houston Locations
Goldfish Swim School offers year-round classes for children ages 4 months and older and caters to all experience levels. Parents can choose to enroll kids in parent-child swim lessons, lessons by age, Goldfish swim team (ages 5-12 years), or Jump-Start Clinics that introduce the fundamentals of water safety and get kids water-ready in a short amount of time.  READ MORE

Emler Swim School

Multiple Houston Locations
Children as young as two months of age can enroll in parent and tot swim lessons at Emler Swim School. From there, classes progress by age and level, teaching water comfort, water safety, foundational skills, and the different swim strokes. Classes are kept small to ensure each child gets individual attention. Pricing and class schedules vary by location.  READ MORE

Pengu Swim School

Multiple Houston Locations
At Pengu Swim School students can enroll in Swimming Lessons for Babies, Beginner, Intermediate, or Advanced Swim Classes to help them learn and refine their swimming skills. There are also swimming clinics and private lessons offered, as well as Swim Academy, a year-round swimming program. READ MORE

Saint Street Swim

River Oaks
Classes are organized by age group and experience level at Saint Street Swim, making it easy to find lessons appropriate for your child. Parents are able to enroll children as young as a 6 months old in mom and me classes, and starting at age 6 kids can begin swim team prep courses. There is a maximum of four students per class, and each instructor works to meet the needs of the individual child. When enrolling, you can choose to attend either once or twice per week, and classes are offered year-round. Lessons are charged by the class.  READ MORE

Gigglin' Marlin Dive & Swim

Midtown
Starting at 6 months old, children can begin swim lessons at Gigglin' Marlin Swim School, getting comfortable being in the water with a parent or caregiver as they learn the basics of swimming and water safety. Kids progress through different levels determined by age and ability. Snorkeling lessons start at age 3 and cover how to put on and take off snorkeling equipment, getting in and out of the water safely, checking for buoyancy, surface swimming, clearing water from the snorkel, and doing surface dives. Scuba programs for kids ages 8 and older cover the ins and outs of scuba diving. READ MORE

Wolfies Swim School

Bellaire & Spring Branch
At Wolfies, children from ages four months and older can enroll in parent/child classes, weekly and everyday swim lessons, swim camps, specialty clinics, and even home lessons. Most lessons are 30 minutes long. New swimmers must commit to two months of sessions. There are also seasonal swim camps offered that also include arts, crafts, science experiments, and more. Camps for children over 4 years old are offered during Spring Break, Summer Break, Thanksgiving Break, and Holiday Break.  READ MORE

Places featured in this article: