NYC’s Best Swimming Programs

The Dwight School swimming lessons
The Dwight School swimming lessons

Editor’s Note: If your little one is swimming this summer, click HERE and HERE to read about water safety.

Though it may be hard to remember after the long, chilly winter that NYC had this year, summer in the city can get pretty hot! And what’s the best way to beat the heat? By diving into awesome local swim programs. Not only is swimming a quintessential part of any child’s summer experience, but it’s also a great skill to have in the long-term. Whether you’re looking for a parent-baby program for the smallest of tots, or you need lessons for an older child or tween—the pools of New York have the perfect fit for your family.

The 14th Street Y has a variety of aquatic programs for children of all ages. From their Baby Beluga’s program for newborns to the Aqua Jet Swim Team to their private swim lessons, there is something for everyone to enjoy. 14streety.org

The 92nd Street Y has swim instruction for all ages! They offer thePolliwogs program (for 6-18 months), the Minnows program (for 18-36 months), the Guppies program (for 3-5 years), and Nursery School Swim (for 3.5-5 years). Additionally, 92Y offers aquatics classes for older kids of all levels, as well as private swim instruction and the Flying Dolphins Swim Team, for kids ages 6-12. 92y.org

Aqua Skills has customized swim lessons for children over the age of 4 with small and large classes. There are year round classes for kids and teens from beginners to more advanced swim teams. There are even Mommy and Daddy swim lessons for parents and babies. aquaskills.com

Asphalt Green
Asphalt Green

Asphalt Green has a variety of sports and fitness programs for the whole family, including swim programs from babies to teens. The program is perfect for beginners and for older children searching for competitive swim team and diving lessons. asphaltgreen.org

The Dwight School Swimming Lesson Program offers classes for kids ages 6 months to 12 years and adult classes. From toddler classes to a competitive swim team, there is something for every member of the family. dwightathleticcenter.org/swim

Imagine Swimming has a great deal of swim lessons for your babies up until kids ages 6 and up. Locations are spread throughout Manhattan and Brooklyn where classes meet once a week. imagineswimming.com

The Swim Academy at New York Sports Club is sure to have your child water-safe in time for summer. Their experienced instructors work one-on-one with students to ensure they become safe and confident swimmers. NYSC offers programs for tots (including their Water Babies class for ages 6-18 months, all the way up to Advanced Beginner Swim for ages 6-8. nysportsclubs.com

Enroll your little ones in NYU Swim Camp for the summer so they can learn to swim and have a lot of fun doing so. There are two pool sessions held each day and kids will be taught swimming at their appropriate level. Other activities include basketball and soccer when the kids aren’t in the pool! gonyuathletics.com

Physique Swim School has a variety of classes for kids of all ages! From beginner classes to competitive swimming to parent-child bonding lessons, there is something for the whole family that is sure to fill your summer with good memories. physiqueswimming.com

The Royal Swim Team is a competitive swim club for kids ages 5-18 and older. The mission of the team is to provide a safe, competitive program that is perfect for the whole family and swimmers of every age. royalswimteam.com

Swim Jim
Swim Jim

Now’s the perfect time to dive in at SwimJim and start perfecting those swimming skills. SwimJim’s Learn to Swim Beginner program, SwimKids, offers beginners the chance to enjoy the water, gain confidence, and learn valuable skills. It is never too early or too late to learn to swim. swimjim.com

Swim Swim Swim I Say has swimming lessons from 6 months all the way to adulthood. Everything from beginner classes to competitive lessons are available to the whole family. swimswimswimisay.com

Take Me To the Water offers a series of baby classes for parents to bond with their newborns and toddlers starting at 6 months. Children will be able to start beginner courses and learn how to swim in a family-friendly environment with experienced teachers. takemetothewater.com

The YMCAs (city-wide) offer swim lessons for all ages, as well as family swim, competitive swimming teams, and adaptive swim programs for kids with special needs. The Y’s many programs include Parent-Child Swim Lessons for tots ages 6-36 months (with their caregivers) all the way up to Swim Lessons for Teens for ages 12-17. ymcanyc.org

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Young Actors at Strasberg

<p>Young Actors at Strasberg offers a comprehensive array of acting programs for students in grades 2 – 12. Classes provide kids and teens with a foundation in Lee Strasberg's Method Acting and the tools to succeed in the professional industry – all while maintaining a fun and playful environment. Programs are tailored to encompass students at all levels, from those just beginning their acting journey to Broadway veterans and professional child actors. Young Actors at Strasberg alumni include Lady Gaga, Sophia Lillis, Angelina Jolie, Chris Evans, Scarlett Johansson and Rosario Dawson!</p> <p>Young Actors Programs are available online and in-person at our New York Campus, located in Union Square. Saturday, After-School and Online classes are offered during the traditional school year (Fall, Winter, and Spring) and Monday through Friday day camps and intensives are held in July and August.</p> <p><strong>About The Lee Strasberg Theatre & Film Institute:</strong></p> <p>Founded in 1969 by Lee and Anna Strasberg, The Lee Strasberg Theatre & Film Institute is the only school that teaches Lee Strasberg's work in its complete and authentic form. The Institute's goal is to provide students with a craft that will help them create a reality and respond truthfully in imaginary circumstances, regardless of the style or form of material being used. LSTFI is proud to have award-winning alumni from around the world working as writers, directors, and actors in all mediums.</p>

Saf-T-Swim

<p>For over 35 years, Saf-T-Swim Swim School has been teaching lifesaving swimming skills throughout Nassau County, Suffolk County, and now Little Neck. The school is proud to be Long Island's #1 swim school and a leader in water safety education. With swim programs for infants as young as 4 months, beginners, and advanced swimmers, Saf-T-Swim offers swimming programs for every age and skill level. Discover why generations of Long Islanders have trusted Saf-T-Swim time and time again with equipping their little ones the essential skill of swimming.</p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p> </p>

Play On! Studios

<p>Play On! Studios offers theater day camps and after-school classes on the UWS that are guaranteed to give kids a summer full of acting, music, and fun they won't soon forget! Young actors will rehearse and perform in a full production, work with professional NYC actors/teaching artists, build up their skills in a nurturing, non-competitive environment and play lots of drama games!</p> <p>Creative Drama Camps are perfect for kids entering grades K-4. Campers will work each week to put on a brand-new show! Each session, they will receive a script, rehearse a production, make a set and costumes, and perform their play. Kids will also play drama games, play outside (weather permitting), and have tons of fun!</p> <p>Musical Theater Camps are aimed at kids entering grades 4-9. In Musical Theater Performance Camp, campers put on a complete musical production in a professional NYC theater! Campers will stretch their skills with drama exercises and games, vocal coaching, field trips, and building a professional set. Our incredible teaching artists and campers come together to put on a truly remarkable show!</p> <p>During the school year, classes are great for beginners or more experienced actors - sing, dance, and put on a play! Whether your child is just starting out, or ready for Broadway, we’ve got the class for them. Classes are available for grades PreK-8, after school or on Saturdays! Come play with us.</p> <p> </p>