Jordan EllisI don’t know what got into us, but one day my friends and I had an impulsive idea to enroll in swimming lessons in Columbus.
It felt so random and funny at first, but as we scrolled through our options on the internet, we collectively thought that it was actually a good idea. After all, none of us can swim properly.
And that’s how we found ourselves in swimming classes a few times per week. Just flapping and floating around like fools until we finally felt confident—it was totally worth it.
If you are ready to take the plunge, here are the schools we recommend.
How much do swimming lessons cost in Columbus?
The cost of swimming lessons in Columbus varies depending on whether they are billed per session or per month. A 30-minute session typically costs around $40 to $60, while monthly rates range from $120 to $200.
1. Columbus Aquatics Center
Address: 1160 Hunter Ave, OH 43201
Phone: +16146456122
Business Hours:
- Monday to Friday, 5 AM–9 PM
- Saturday, 8 AM–4 PM
- Sunday, 8–10 AM
If you are just starting your swimming journey, the Columbus Aquatics Center is one of the best choices in the city. The lessons here are designed for those looking to build confidence in the sport.
They offer parent-and-infant classes for babies as young as 6 months, pre-k sessions for toddlers, school-age lessons for children up to 14, and adult classes for ages 15 and older.
Each class runs about 30 minutes and covers basics through advanced strokes and self-rescue skills.
Standard lessons cost $48 per session for all age levels. This is an affordable price compared to private swim schools, and the department also offers scholarships to help cover a portion of the fees.
What we value most is hearing from parents that they speak highly of the instructors, staff, and environment. They mentioned that the pool isn’t only well-maintained but kept warm and comfortable for the kids.
Plus, the teachers are competent and kind. They would even check in on students who missed their classes.
Just a heads up, though, that their registration is strictly scheduled—usually at the start of each season. Plus, their slots fill up quickly, so plan accordingly.
I love going to the Columbus Aquatics Center
“I love going to the Columbus Aquatics Center. The staff were polite and helped me set up my membership, including helping me navigate with my insurance company. I’m doing a class with Rae and her assistants, Savannah and Taylor. I even received a call when I missed a few days, just to make sure that I was okay. I was sick and it didn’t occur to me to let them know. So it was refreshing that someone reached out to me.”
– Kyambra Ahmad, Google Review
The water is warm and comfortable for kids
“This is a really nice facility. Its showers and locker rooms are clean and plentiful. The 3 pool choices are nice. The water is warm and comfortable for kids. The variety of floats and toys makes it fun for the kids. The staff is pretty cool.”
– Jackie Robinson, Google Review
2. Goldfish Swim School
Address: 6175 Shamrock Ct, Suite G
Phone: +16143494789
Business Hours:
- Monday to Thursday, 9 AM–8:30 PM
- Friday, 9 AM–8 PM
- Saturday, 8:30 AM–3:30 PM
- Sunday, 8:30 AM–5:30 PM
We found that Goldfish Swim School is best suited for toddlers and young children who may need a non-traditional swimming lesson and atmosphere.
Their play-based learning program, “The Science of SwimPlay,” is designed to help children overcome fear and support their cognitive development through this guided activity. They keep group sizes small (4:1 ratio) to ensure each child receives sufficient attention.
The lessons here are progressive. They start from the basics and will transition as the learner grows (they actually teach you up to pro levels!).
Many parents also appreciate that the instructor keeps lessons fun and lighthearted, keeping young students excited and fully engaged.
In addition, instructors recognize that many students are visual learners, so they use visual aids and illustrations in their instruction.
The facility’s lessons are billed monthly at $100–$150. This appears to be a premium price for the local market, but you have the flexibility to start or stop at any time, provided you give proper notice.
The instructors and coaches are kind
“Goldfish Swim School in Dublin has done an incredible job teaching our daughter how to swim. When she started at Goldfish, washing her hair was a challenge because she was so afraid of getting water on her face. She has now worked her way through all the levels for swim lessons and recently got accepted onto the Swim Force swim team. This all happened in two short years. The instructors and coaches are kind, patient, and motivating. We had her birthday party at the swim school this year, and it was stress-free and such a great time! It has been fun to watch her grow in confidence and learn such a vital life skill.”
– Sara Murray, Google Review
I highly recommend this swim school
We brought our 4-month-old for the mini classes. Going to Goldfish with our baby has become a highlight of our week. The staff has been great, and the pools are a good temp. For the few missed appointments we’ve had, they have been very understanding. I highly recommend this swim school.
– Nicholas Edge, Google Review
3. Aqua-Tots Swim School
Address: 4018 Powell Rd, Powell, OH 43082
Phone: +16146828687
Business Hours:
- Monday, 9 AM–8 PM
- Tuesday and Wednesday, 8:30 AM–8 PM
- Thursday, 9 AM–8 PM
- Friday and Saturday, 8:30 AM–2 PM
- Sunday, 8:30 AM–3 PM
Aqua-Tots Swim Schools are a part of an international franchise that helps children develop water safety and swim skills. Within Columbus, you can find their facilities in Westerville, Powell, and New Albany.
The facility organizes its lessons by age and skill level. They can teach students ages 4 to 12. Additionally, parents can choose from group lessons (up to 4), semi-private (2:1), or one-on-one lessons.
Parents we spoke to said the system here is similar to what you have in school—structured lessons, milestone rewards, and even a graduation ceremony. But it’s not as strict as it sounds; the instructors still keep the sessions fun and playful.
Tuition ranges from $100 to $150 per month for one lesson per week, plus an annual registration fee of $30 to $40. That’s quite competitive with other schools in the city.
However, it appears the administration may be weak due to frequent coaching changes, which disrupt lessons and the child’s progress.
Absolutely incredible with our son
I cannot recommend Aqua Tots enough! Georgia is absolutely incredible with our son. We have tried other swim schools in the past and he was always nervous, afraid and resistant. After one class, my son made incredible progress and loved going underwater. The facility is clean and the layout is well thought out
– Cristina Martorelli, Google Review
Great place and quality
The best, most amazing swim school I’ve come across. Convenient location in Powell. Sit back, relax as a parent while your kids get a quality swim experience. They have snacks that you just charge to your account if needed. Swim gear for sale and a tv if you come early. Great place and quality.
– VB Photography, Google Review
4. SafeSplash Swim School
Address: 2990 Hayden Rd, OH 43235
Phone: +16143331300
Business Hours:
- Monday to Wednesday, 3:45–8 PM
- Saturday, 9:15 AM–1:30 PM
- Sunday, 9:30 AM–1:30 PM
SafeSplash offers a wide variety of swimming programs suitable for different age groups. They offer ParentTot (for babies and parents), group lessons, private sessions, and adult swim classes for older adults looking to improve their technique.
What sets them apart is their tech-forward approach. They use 360 cameras and in-pool mirrors that help students see their own movements in real time. Plus, coaches can provide immediate feedback.
Competitive swimmers also find this effective in their training, enabling them to analyze and refine their form. Parents appreciate the school’s mobile app, which lets them track their children’s milestones.
Regarding the price, SafeSplash’s monthly fees also fall within the standard range—about $130 per month.
In addition to that, there’s also an annual service fee that covers the “S.A.F.E.R Swimmer Promise,” which guarantees free extra lessons if milestones aren’t met.
We were just disappointed to hear about the lack of communication with parents, especially regarding policy and scheduling changes.
We will always be grateful for the experience we have had
“To say we love SafeSplash is an understatement. We will always be grateful for the experience we have had and the skills our swimmer gained. Grateful for the service they provide, as our swimmer is confident, in addition to giving us peace of mind when near bodies of water. They ALWAYS give us their undivided attention with our questions and concerns, and ALWAYS have an answer. (Thanks again!) More often, they are ahead of the game, making decisions that are best for our swimmer. Could not have had a better experience as we parents and our swimmer see growth in their swimming skills. With low ratios and quality teachers, SafeSplash definitely knows how to create independent and confident swimmers of all kinds, ages and needs. You guys are the best in our book! Thanks again!”
– Ruth Ann Kennedy, Google Review
All of the staff are very friendly and patient
“My kid has been swimming here for a few years now and loves it! We have always had great experiences with different instructors, and all of the staff is very friendly and patient.”
– Cheyenne Campbell, Google Review
5. British Swim School
Address: 850 Goodale Blvd.
Phone: +16145456350
Business hours:
- Monday, 3:30–8 PM
- Tuesday, 3:30–7 PM
- Wednesday, 4–8 PM
- Thursday, 4–7:30 PM
- Saturday, 10:30 AM–2 PM
If your priority is to learn water safety skills, British Swim School is a go-to for many families in the city. This national program has been teaching for over 40 years and has multiple facilities across Columbus.
As a swimming school that prioritizes survival, they first teach back floating and air recovery before the coaches let you dive into technical strokes. However, they are most sought after for their infant classes.
In this program, they can teach babies as young as 3 months old, alongside a parent. Then, as the baby progresses, they are gradually introduced to independent learning.
But what sets them apart is their inclusivity. We heard from parents that they also have a special “Dolphin” program for students with special needs.
Pricing is based on how many lessons you take each week. It also depends on the location you are going to, and they usually charge the fees monthly.
However, we just found their actual sessions to be a little brief. Students shared that the 30-minute sessions include briefings, which limit their total practice time.
My kids look forward to each lesson every week
Our experience with British Swim School has been great! Their staff are easy-going and make each lesson fun and memorable. My kids look forward to each lesson every week and are always happy to see their instructors.
– Emily Mitchell, Google Review
Exceptional assistance
“I would like to share a review highlighting Marcus’s exceptional assistance. He provided valuable guidance to both my friend and me during the sign-up process for the gym. His communication skills are excellent, making it easy to connect with him.”
– Luis Ramirez, Google Review
