Sandra MillerIn the Circle City, learning to swim turns a simple summer pastime into a confidence-building, potentially life-saving skill that opens the door to year-round fitness and freedom in the water.
Parents look for a safe, supportive start for their toddlers, while adults chase big goals like conquering their first triathlon with stronger technique, endurance, and peace of mind.
Fortunately, Indianapolis caters to both with incredible swimming pools and aquatic centers. Infants start in cozy, warm-water schools, while competitive swimmers train in the same pools where Olympic legends have raced.
I have spent time dipping my toes into the local scene to find the programs that actually deliver results. These five spots stood out for their unique approaches to teaching water safety and technique.
How much does a Swimming Lesson cost in Indianapolis?
Getting into the water in Indy generally fits into a few budget categories, depending on how serious you are.
For standard multi-week sessions, you will typically see prices between $120 and $185. Some places, like the YMCA, offer monthly rates around $61 for members and $91 for the public.
If you prefer the elite atmosphere of the IU Natatorium, individual lessons can start around $15 to $20. Private lessons are a bit more of an investment, usually landing between $33 and $50 per session.
It is like buying a gym membership versus hiring a personal trainer; you pay more for that dedicated one-on-one attention.
1. Aqua-Tots
Website: https://www.aqua-tots.com/north-indianapolis/
Address: 4825 E 96th St
Contact: +1 317-559-3210
Hours:
- Mon–Wed: 9 AM–8 PM
- Thu: 1–9 PM
- Sat–Sun: 8 AM–3 PM
Aqua-Tots sets itself apart with a holistic, safety-first approach that is consistent across its global locations. They use a proven eight-level curriculum that guides kids from basic water adjustment to advanced strokes.
I love their safety-first environment where instructors undergo 40 hours of intensive training. The 90-degree water is a huge plus because it keeps the little ones from shivering while they learn.
One parent I chatted with mentioned how their child’s confidence skyrocketed after just a few sessions.
I also noticed during a visit that the glass-enclosed viewing area is perfect for parents to watch without distracting the class.
The only downside is that the early levels focus heavily on floating and survival, which might feel a bit slow if you are eager to see a perfect freestyle.
However, for a parent’s peace of mind, that foundation can be truly priceless.
Customer Reviews
Instructors are great at what they do and wonderful with kids
Our toddler loves swim lesson day each week. Aqua Tots did a great job of turning his tears into cheers. He has progressed really well and all of their instructors are great at what they do and wonderful with kids. Highly recommend this place.
- Tyler Wardrop | Google Review
It had been an incredible experience
We have been coming here since our son was one. It had been an incredible experience, the whole staff is top notch and the facility is clean and well cared for. We cannot recommend lessons here more, their approach to learning translates well out of the lessons. We can’t wait to continue lessons. here
- Julia Donohoe Google Review
2. IU Natatorium at IU Indianapolis
Website: https://natatorium.indianapolis.iu.edu/
Address: 901 W New York St
Contact: +1 317-274-0336
Hours: Mon–Fri: 8 AM – 5 PM
The IU Natatorium is often seen as a cornerstone of Indy aquatics, known globally for its world-class competition specs.
It has a fast pool design optimized for peak performance, making it the home of the Jaguar Swim School. This facility is massive, with a separate diving well and high-tech analysis windows for coaching.
Even though it hosts Olympic trials, it still offers accessible public programs for all ages.
I tried a lap session here, and the water quality felt noticeably better than a typical gym pool, balanced for athletes, so you do not walk out smelling like bleach.
The main competition pool stays around a brisk 79 degrees, which is great for serious training but can feel a little chilly for casual recreational swimming.
However, parking can also be a bit of a puzzle since you have to navigate campus garages and pay hourly fees.
Customer Reviews
Great facility with ample pool space
Had a great Masters Swimming Spring Nationals Championship! Great facility with ample pool space for 2,500 participants. The competition pool is a salt and chlorine mixture, never seen that before! The facility is well maintained and world class.
- Russ Walter | Google Review
A great experience for the Junior Winter Nationals
A great experience for the Junior Winter Nationals. Parking is a little bit tricky to figure out – look for the Sports garage, behind the building, not the NCAA garage which is what you’ll find if you drive to the right of the building.
- Rachel Chipriano | Google Review
3. JCC Indianapolis
Website: https://jccindy.org/
Address: 6701 Hoover Rd
Contact: +1 317-251-9467
Hours:
- Mon–Thu: 6 AM–8 PM
- Fri: 6 AM–6 PM
- Sat–Sun: 7 AM–6 PM
The JCC Indianapolis acts as a true community hub with diverse aquatic facilities for every stage of life.
What’s interesting here is that they use the Starfish Swimming curriculum, which is internationally recognized for its effective teaching methods from infants to adults.
The instructors are also genuinely patient and emphasize personal connections with the kids.
Their campus is impressive, featuring an indoor lap pool for lessons and a massive outdoor water park for summer fun. It’s a place where you can feel that mission-driven community atmosphere as soon as you arrive.
I have seen families spend their entire Saturday here because there is so much to do.
Take note that membership rates are a bit higher than a standard gym, but you get access to a resort-like experience in the summer.
Just be prepared for crowds during peak hours because this place is a local favorite for a reason.
Customer Reviews
Everything has been great
I have only just started going but everything has been great so far. They have a wide variety of machines and weights and lots of classes to choose from. Nice locker rooms and shower areas and indoor and outdoor pools.
- Diane Eberle | Google Review
Very responsive to my personal needs
I just finished a 10 session series with JCC personal trainer Heather Scott And I give her a big thumbs up – she was on time for every session and very responsive to my personal needs, including creating and documenting individual sessions that targeted specific areas and exercises. Heather was a delight to talk with – she is a really good listener and has many options in her bag of tricks!
- Dan Somers | Google Review
4. British Swim School at LivRite Fitness
Website: https://britishswimschool.com/central-indiana/location/livrite-fitness-north-indianapolis/
Address: 6220 N Butler Ave
Contact: +1 317-863-0300 / [email protected]
Hours:
- Tue: 4–8 PM
- Sun: 12:30–4 PM
British Swim School takes a survival-first approach that’s gentle, confidence-building, and highly effective.
Located inside LivRite Fitness, it offers a warm indoor pool for year-round lessons and an on-site sauna to help you warm up after class.
Their signature is teaching infants as young as three months how to float on their backs, which is a critical life-saving skill. A friend who brings her toddler here raved about the gentle teaching methods that avoid high-pressure, all-or-nothing approaches.
The instruction here is highly personalized, notably keeping groups small to ensure no one gets left behind.
But what’s more interesting to me is that they have dedicated adult lessons that do not feel like an afterthought, and I really appreciate this.
However, the schedule is quite limited since they share space with a fitness club, so you have to be quick to snag a spot. Also, do not expect a heavy focus on fast racing strokes until the survival milestones are fully mastered.
Customer Reviews
I love that there is a working sauna
Locker rooms at this location are dated but worth it for the convenient location. I love that there is a working sauna (at least in women’s locker room). It is nice to shower the kids off and let them dry off in the warm sauna – especially in the winter!
- Grace L. | Google Review
Patient, stern, professional and made an effort
I just wanted to compliment the instructor that my daughter had today. His name is Jesse. A few months back he filled in at Butler and my daughter had her best performance ever! This time was no different. She takes instruction from Jesse very well. He’s patient, stern, professional and made an effort to make her very comfortable. He boosted her confidence and she did so well today! I’m very grateful for his commitment to his students.
- Tan Renee Google Review
5. Irsay Family YMCA at CityWay
Website: http://www.indymca.org/cityway
Address: 430 S Alabama St
Contact: +1 317-955-9622
Hours:
- Mon–Thu 5 AM–10 PM
- Fri 5 AM–9 PM
- Sat 7 AM–7 PM
- Sun 11 AM–6 PM
The Irsay Family YMCA is a stunning, urban-centric facility that feels more like a high-end wellness club than a traditional Y.
It features a dual-level aquatic center with both a 25-yard lap pool and a recreational pool that’s a modern, bright space designed for a holistic approach to fitness.
Plus, the view of downtown while you are on the track is unbeatable, and the pool area is always spotless.
I also found the staff here to be some of the friendliest in the city, always ready to help you find a lane.
On top of that, their unique integrated health partnership with Franciscan Health means you can even get free injury checks on-site.
Because it is a downtown flagship, it can get very busy right after the workday ends. Parking can also be a bit tight during major events at the Lucas Oil Stadium next door, so plan your trip accordingly.
Customer Reviews
Beautiful establishment
Beautiful establishment. The views of the city alone are noteworthy; and top-notch equipment, space, classes, and swimming!(!!!). I was impressed. As a disabled chap looking for accessibility, equipment and spaces (the pools!!!), with a knowledgeable and friendly staff? Again: impressed!!!
- Ben S. | Google Review
Beautiful Y in a great downtown location!!
Beautiful Y in a great downtown location!! The lap pool has a 4 dedicated lanes open all the time (double check but that was my experience). Highly recommend this location. The parking lot is closed and the public has to pay, but members (and away members like me) can get a validation pass.
- Alissa Doehla | Google Review
