The Amsterdam swimming landscape offers a rich variety of choices for teaching children water safety and skills, catering to nearly every budget and learning preference. For families prioritising early introduction, specialists in Amsterdam-Oost and Amsterdam-Zuid focus on warm water, small group sessions for babies and toddlers. Conversely, established providers like Zwemclub ABC in Zuid follow the full, rigorous Dutch ABC diploma track, which involves commitment but promises comprehensive national water safety standards. Prices generally fall into budget categories, often tied to city-run pools, and mid-range or premium tiers, where smaller groups and specialised facilities command higher fees.
See our top picks
Children of the Water
Tiny class sizes and patient teachers make this a strong starting point for children anxious about the water, especially the parent-accompanied sessions.
De Mirandabad Public Swimming
Lessons at this city facility in Zuid are offered at council rates, making them substantially more affordable than private schools while still providing structured learning.
De Mirandabad
Because this large venue hosts various programmes, it often provides more diverse scheduling, including drop-in options that suit unpredictable family schedules.
36 Swimming Providers in Amsterdam
This provider follows the full, nationally recognised Dutch ABC swimming diploma track, ensuring comprehensive water safety learning.
Zwemclub ABC provides structured swimming lessons for children in Amsterdam-Zuid, following the official Dutch ABC diploma system. This large club ensures consistent teaching methodology across all age groups, from early learners to more advanced swimmers.
- Focuses on achieving the official Dutch ABC diploma
- Classes held at De Mirandabad in Amsterdam-Zuid
- Pathway available for competitive swimming squads
Specialises in baby and toddler swimming lessons within small, often bilingual groups in temperature controlled pools.
Children of the Water runs intimate swimming lessons for toddlers and young children in warm water pools across Amsterdam, including an Ijburg location in Amsterdam-Oost. They focus on small group instruction, often using English and Dutch, to build comfort and early skills.
- Offers specific baby and toddler swimming classes
- Warm pool environment suitable for nervous beginners
- Check locations for specific class times in Amsterdam-Oost
Structured programme designed to take children from beginner stages right through to confident independent swimmers.
Aquakidzz provides swimming lessons for primary school ages and older children at various venues throughout Amsterdam, aiming for strong swimming ability and safety. They use a structured system to ensure children progress through the different skill levels effectively.
- Focuses on group lessons for children aged 4 to 12
- Check their website for current pool locations in Amsterdam
- Trial lesson option to assess suitability
Operates from a high-quality indoor pool in Amsterdam-Oost, prioritising small group instruction for focused learning.
SwimGym runs excellent small group swimming lessons for children in Amsterdam-Oost, situated in a modern facility on Wibautstraat. Their focus is on intensive skill building for primary and secondary aged kids learning to swim properly.
- Small class sizes, often under ten children per instructor
- Good access point for children learning later in primary school
- Offers a trial lesson before full enrolment
A major city-managed facility in Amsterdam-Zuid that provides access to swimming lessons at council-managed prices.
This large public pool in Amsterdam-Zuid hosts various swimming programmes, including council-run swimming lessons for children of all ages learning fundamental skills. As a municipal facility, the pricing is often more accessible than private schools.
- Council-run public pool, often offering lower session costs
- Lessons are part of a larger, busy public swimming schedule
- Located centrally in Amsterdam-Zuid near other sports facilities
Offers a personalised teaching style within the busy De Mirandabad, making it suitable for focused learning in Amsterdam-Zuid.
Located within the De Mirandabad complex in Amsterdam-Zuid, Van der Wal Sport- & Zwemacademie focuses on smaller group swimming lessons for kids, building confidence in the water. They cater to a broad age spectrum, from toddlers to older children needing instruction.
- Operates within the De Mirandabad complex in Amsterdam-Zuid
- Known for a more personalised approach to children's swimming
- Trial lessons are available to start your child's journey
Delivers structured group swimming lessons for older children at the spacious Sloterparkbad in Amsterdam Nieuw-West.
Swimming School Druppel provides comprehensive swimming lessons for children in Amsterdam Nieuw-West, utilising the facilities at the Sloterparkbad. They guide primary and secondary age groups through progressive stages to achieve strong, safe swimming skills.
- Lessons take place at the large Sloterparkbad in Amsterdam Nieuw-West
- Progressive curriculum for children moving past initial water comfort
- A trial session is typically offered before term commitment
Utilises the amenities at the Friendship Sports Center for group swimming lessons for children in Amsterdam-Noord.
Kids Aktief offers swimming classes for children at the Friendship Sports Center in Amsterdam-Noord, aiming to teach vital swimming skills in a fun setting. This provider targets preschool through secondary ages within the lively Noord area.
- Lessons are run from the Friendship Sports Center in Amsterdam-Noord
- Often schedule lessons during after-school hours
- Check their site for the exact age range breakdown
This provider runs swimming lessons for both children and adults at the Friendship Sports Center in Amsterdam-Noord.
Win and Swim runs swimming lessons for children at the Friendship Sports Center in Amsterdam-Noord, as well as classes for adults. They provide structured learning for primary and older children looking to improve their technique and water safety.
- Runs children's lessons at Friendship Sports Center in Amsterdam-Noord
- Also offers adult swimming coaching alongside kids' programmes
- Trial lessons are often promoted on their scheduling page
Boutique-style, small group swimming tuition for children available in the modern, southern part of Amsterdam-Zuid.
The Swim Academy offers boutique swimming lessons for children in Amsterdam-Zuid, prioritising small class sizes for focused attention. Lessons cover various age ranges and focus on developing strong, efficient swimming strokes in a premium setting.
- Premium swimming tuition located in the Amsterdam-Zuid financial district
- Small group format ensures more instructor attention per child
- Trial class usually available to experience their teaching style
Offers accessible swimming lessons for children and families right in the heart of Amsterdam-Centrum at Het Marnix.
Het Marnix, a well-known sports centre in Amsterdam-Centrum, hosts swimming lessons for children across all age bands using its central facilities. Parents seeking convenient city centre access for their kids' swimming classes will find this a practical option.
- Large, multi-purpose sports complex in central Amsterdam-Centrum
- Check their programme schedule for specific children's class times
- The venue is easily accessible from the central areas
Large capacity facility in Amsterdam Nieuw-West hosting structured swimming lessons for many children concurrently.
Optisport manages swimming lessons for children at the massive Sloterparkbad in Amsterdam Nieuw-West, often running the ZED or SOP programmes. This venue accommodates a high volume of learners across primary and older age brackets in the west of the city.
- Utilises the large capacity pool at Sloterparkbad in Amsterdam Nieuw-West
- Lessons are typically part of the standard Optisport scheduling
- A trial lesson can often be arranged to test the group environment
A dedicated swimming school focusing on technique for children's lessons within the Sloterparkbad in Amsterdam Nieuw-West.
Swimming School De Dolfijn teaches children's swimming lessons at the Sloterparkbad in Amsterdam Nieuw-West, catering to various primary and secondary ages. They aim for strong, safe swimming, often focusing on personal technique within their group sessions.
- Lessons are situated in the well-known Sloterparkbad facility
- Structured learning for children progressing beyond beginner stages
- Offers a trial session to gauge suitability for your child
Provides encouraging group swimming lessons for children utilising the Friendship Sports Center in Amsterdam-Noord.
Zwempret Amsterdam offers engaging swimming lessons for children at the Friendship Sports Center in Amsterdam-Noord, targeting a wide range of primary and secondary ages. The atmosphere aims to be positive and encouraging while building strong water skills.
- Lessons held at the Friendship Sports Center in Amsterdam-Noord
- Focuses on positive reinforcement during children's swimming classes
- Check for trial class availability before enrolling for a term
Offers focused, small group swimming lessons for children at the Sportplaza Mercator venue in Amsterdam-West.
SwimEasy runs high-quality, small group swimming lessons for children at venues like Sportplaza Mercator in Amsterdam-West, covering preschool through secondary ages. Their small class sizes ensure focused attention on technique and water safety for every child learning to swim.
- Operates at Sportplaza Mercator pool in Amsterdam-West
- Emphasises small group settings for better instruction quality
- Trial sessions are often available to assess the teaching fit
A very large public facility in Amsterdam-Zuid that caters to many different swimming programmes and levels for children.
This major public swimming pool in Amsterdam-Zuid hosts various swimming lessons and clubs suitable for all ages, including options for toddlers and older children. As a large council-run venue, it often provides accessible, regular swimming slots.
- Major public pool with many weekly swimming sessions
- Hosts clubs and structured lessons for all ages
- Located centrally in the Amsterdam-Zuid area
Achieving high customer feedback, this provider runs dedicated swimming classes specifically for toddlers and primary aged children in Amsterdam-Noord.
Kids Aktief Aqua offers engaging swimming lessons for younger children, including toddlers, at the Friendship Sports Center in Amsterdam-Noord. This provider has very positive reviews and focuses on creating a fun, active start to learning swimming skills.
- Strong focus on preschool and primary school children
- Lessons take place at the Friendship Sports Center in Amsterdam-Noord
- Offers trial sessions to sample the swimming programme
This provider is exclusively focused on introducing babies and toddlers to water in a small group setting in Amsterdam-Oost.
Children of the Water specialises in baby and toddler swimming lessons in Amsterdam-Oost, creating a warm, nurturing environment for the very youngest swimmers. Their classes are known for small group sizes, ensuring close instructor attention.
- Specialist swimming lessons for babies and toddlers
- Classes held at the Ijburg location in Amsterdam-Oost
- Expect smaller group settings for focused learning
This Amsterdam-Zuid branch of a baby swimming specialist offers intimate classes ideal for nervous toddlers and their parents.
Another location for Children of the Water, this venue in Amsterdam-Zuid also focuses on gentle introduction to water for babies and toddlers through small group sessions. Parents appreciate the dedicated focus on the very young age bands here.
- Gentle swimming programme for babies and toddlers
- Located in the Amsterdam-Zuid area near Amsteldijk
- Small groups allow for close instructor supervision
This beautiful, historic indoor swimming pool in Amsterdam-Zuid is a central location for diverse classes across all childhood ages.
The historic Zuiderbad in Amsterdam-Zuid hosts numerous swimming lessons and club activities across all age groups, from toddler discovery sessions to competitive squads. Being a council-run facility, it provides a broad range of scheduling options.
- Historic indoor pool in the Amsterdam-Zuid area
- Offers lessons for toddlers up to secondary levels
- Council-run, offering varied and accessible schedules
A functional Sportfondsen managed indoor pool in Amsterdam-Oost that hosts general swimming and lessons for older kids.
The Sportfondsenbad in Amsterdam-Oost serves the local community with general swimming access and structured kids swimming classes for all primary and secondary ages. This is a practical choice for families seeking regular lessons managed by Sportfondsen.
- Community focused indoor pool in the Amsterdam-Oost area
- Lessons available for all school-aged children
- Managed by the Sportfondsen group
Boasting perfect customer feedback, this swimming school focuses on older kids in Amsterdam-Noord with small, dedicated class settings.
Win and Swim runs highly-rated swimming lessons for primary and secondary aged children in Amsterdam-Noord, often utilising smaller groups for more focused attention. This provider is located at the Friendship Sports Center and offers trial sessions.
- Highly reviewed swimming lessons for older children
- Lessons take place in Amsterdam-Noord at Friendship SC
- Trial lessons are available before booking
A large, accessible indoor venue in Amsterdam-Centrum that hosts numerous swimming class providers for all ages.
Het Marnix, located centrally in Amsterdam-Centrum, is a major venue for various council-run swimming programmes available for all children from toddler age upwards. This large complex often hosts multiple swimming schools and club activities.
- Large, central venue hosting many swimming activities
- Lessons cater to toddlers through secondary school ages
- Drop-in sessions might be available alongside term classes
This substantial indoor pool in Amsterdam Nieuw-West is a hub for multiple swimming lessons and clubs for children of all ages.
The Sloterparkbad in Amsterdam Nieuw-West, managed by Optisport, is a major location for a wide variety of kids swimming classes, including baby introduction and advanced squads. This large indoor facility serves the community with extensive opening hours.
- Large indoor venue in Amsterdam Nieuw-West area
- Hosts lessons for all ages, including toddlers
- Part of the Optisport chain of swimming facilities
Kinderbadje Vondelpark
A seasonal, budget-friendly outdoor paddling pool right in Vondelpark, perfect for introducing toddlers to water play in Amsterdam-Zuid.
This small outdoor paddling pool, often referred to as a Kinderbadje in Amsterdam-Zuid, is ideal for the very youngest toddlers learning basic water play in a safe setting. It operates seasonally as a budget-friendly option within the famous Vondelpark.
- Seasonal outdoor paddling pool for very small children
- Budget-friendly water play located in Vondelpark
- Primarily for water familiarisation, not formal lessons
This Amsterdam-Noord provider is recognised for its high parent satisfaction in delivering warm water, parent-accompanied swimming for babies and toddlers.
Water Babies offers highly-rated swimming lessons specifically for babies and toddlers in Amsterdam-Noord, prioritising a warm water environment for comfort. These classes involve the parent in the water, building early water confidence for the youngest participants.
- Specialist classes for babies and toddlers in warm water
- Positive feedback on the parent-assisted swimming approach
- Located in the Amsterdam-Noord area at Sportpark de Weeren
Offering intensive instruction with very small class sizes for primary and older children in Amsterdam-West, this provider aims for quick results.
Aqua Hero provides swimming lessons for preschool to secondary children in Amsterdam-West, known for their very small group sizes and intensive instructor focus. This premium service aims for rapid skill acquisition for kids in the Overtoom area.
- Premium swimming instruction with very small groups
- Located in Amsterdam-West near the Overtoom address
- Focus on getting children swimming effectively and safely
Boasting an exceptionally high customer rating, this school delivers swimming lessons in Amsterdam Noord with a noticeable emphasis on fun and engagement.
Look for engaging swimming lessons for preschoolers and primary school children at this location in Amsterdam Noord, hosted within the Friendship Sports Center. The instruction promotes a positive atmosphere for learning essential water safety and stroke technique.
- Located within the Friendship Sports Center venue
- Excellent feedback on the teaching style
- Focuses on younger age groups
A local, budget-friendly option for swimming lessons in Amsterdam Noord, offering consistent access in a community-focused public swimming pool.
The Noorderparkbad in Amsterdam Noord provides accessible, council-run swimming opportunities including lessons for young children learning to swim, from toddlers upwards. Being a public facility, it keeps costs down but may have larger class sizes than private schools.
- Council-run pool in the north of the city
- Offers sessions for all ages in one place
- Check for small kids' shallow water times
Receiving perfect feedback ratings, Win and Swim provides premium, small group swimming lessons for older kids in Amsterdam Oost.
This provider offers highly-rated swimming lessons for preschoolers through older children, operating out of the Sportfondsenbad in Amsterdam Oost. Their focus on smaller groups suggests more individual coaching time for kids learning to swim effectively.
- Instructors achieve perfect customer feedback
- Operates within the Oost neighbourhood pool
- Focus on smaller groups for better learning
A well-liked provider in Amsterdam West, delivering structured swimming lessons specifically for preschool and primary-aged children in a dedicated school setting.
Zwemschool Pardoes provides swimming lessons for preschoolers and primary school children in Amsterdam West, often running classes in smaller groups for better instructor focus. Parents value the steady progression offered in their structured programme for young swimmers.
- Located on Overtoom in Amsterdam West
- Offers trial classes before term commitment
- Good focus for the younger primary ages
This grand, centrally located municipal pool in Amsterdam-Zuid offers a historic swimming environment and access to council-run programmes.
The historic Zuiderbad public swimming pool in Amsterdam-Zuid is a beautiful venue that facilitates council-run swimming programmes for children across all age groups. Parents can access general public swim sessions or look for specific kids courses directly through the municipal website.
- A beautiful, historic municipal swimming facility
- Offers general public swimming for informal practice
- Located centrally in the Museum Quarter area
Achieving a perfect user rating, this school provides dedicated children swimming lessons in Amsterdam-Noord with strong emphasis on instructor attention.
Win and Swim provides swimming lessons for older children and teens in Amsterdam-Noord, running sessions from the Friendship Sports Center venue. While they also cater to adults, their children's classes focus on progressive skill building in a highly-rated environment.
- Lessons take place at Friendship Sports Center in Noord
- They offer a trial lesson to assess fit
- Very high rating suggests a dedicated teaching approach
This major complex in Amsterdam Nieuw-West provides space for numerous children's swimming programmes, benefiting from large pool capacity.
The Optisport Sloterparkbad in Amsterdam Nieuw-West is a large complex where various swimming lessons for kids are hosted, including those for primary and secondary age groups. This facility often facilitates large-scale swimming education programmes within the western borough.
- Large venue capable of handling many simultaneous activities
- Lessons often run in conjunction with other swim schools
- Located in the Amsterdam Nieuw-West area
Delivering a premium, personalized coaching experience for children's swimming lessons inside the popular Het Marnix complex in Amsterdam-Centrum.
This service provides specialized, often one-to-one swimming coaching for children within Het Marnix in Amsterdam-Centrum, focusing on rapid skill acquisition. It is a premium option for families seeking highly tailored swimming lessons for their kids.
- Focuses on personalized coaching plans for each child
- Located inside the central Het Marnix facility
- Offers trial sessions before full commitment
An unusual option in Amsterdam-West, this spa setting offers warm water acclimatization for babies alongside their parents near the Overtoom.
While primarily a spa experience, BabySpa Overtoom on the Overtoom in Amsterdam-West facilitates gentle, supervised water time for babies and toddlers alongside parents. This is an environment focused on water acclimatization and bonding rather than formal swimming lessons.
- Focuses on supervised water time for babies
- An intimate spa setting in Amsterdam-West
- Booking essential for all scheduled time slots
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do kids swimming classes cost in Amsterdam?
The cost structure varies significantly across the city. Budget options, often found at municipal pools in Zuid or Noord, can sometimes equate to lower prices per term, reflecting standard council rates. Mid-range pricing is the most common, applying to many group lessons across all areas. Premium providers, particularly those limiting class sizes to just a few children or those operating in boutique settings, will naturally charge more for their specialised attention.
What age can kids start swimming in Amsterdam?
The earliest introductions to water typically begin with parent-and-baby classes, available from the youngest stages in areas like West, Zuid, and Oost. Many providers cater specifically to toddlers starting around 18 months to three years old. Structured, independent lessons for preschoolers usually commence between ages three and four, with programmes available that continue through secondary school ages.
What should I look for in a beginner swimming class?
For beginners, especially those who are nervous, look for classes that explicitly mention warm water facilities and very small group sizes. A focus on water acclimatization and building comfort through play, rather than immediate stroke development, is a positive sign. Providers offering trial lessons can help determine if the teaching style is a good fit before a full term commitment.
Can my child try a swimming class before committing?
Yes, many providers facilitate this important step. A good number of the schools listed offer trial lessons or introductory sessions. This allows both the child and the parent to gauge the pool environment, the instructor's approach, and the group dynamics before enrolling for the full duration of a course.
Where in Amsterdam can I find kids swimming classes?
Swimming lessons are distributed widely, but certain districts appear to host more options. Amsterdam-Zuid is well served by major public baths and specialized private schools. Amsterdam-Noord also features several modern facilities hosting dedicated providers. Amsterdam-West and Nieuw-West contain large sports complexes that serve as hubs for numerous swimming programmes, while the Centrum has accessible options though availability might be more limited due to pool space.
Are there options for competitive swimming pathways?
While the majority of listings focus on foundational water safety and confidence building, some schools explicitly follow the national ABC diploma track, such as Zwemclub ABC. Other large venues in Zuid and Centrum also indicate a pathway toward competition level, which is beneficial for children ready to move beyond basic proficiency.
Swimming in Other Cities
Other Activities in Amsterdam
See this weekend's events in Amsterdam
Free and family-friendly events happening near you
