If you’ve been thinking about swim lessons in Wichita but weren’t sure about the cost, this is worth looking into. Wichita Park & Recreation offers already affordable swim lessons starting around $35, and I recently learned they also have scholarships that can make them completely free for qualifying families. Learning how to float, tread water, and swim are life-saving skills every child should have, and it’s also a fun way to stay active. Once kids learn, it opens the door to enjoying pools, lakes, and summer water fun for years to come.
Whether learning to swim is for safety, health, enjoyment, or social interaction, it’s a great skill that can be enjoyed throughout life. Visit the Wichita Parks & Recreation Mobile App for other ways to stay active, such as enrolling in a summer class, getting admission to public pools, playing in a sports league, or enjoying one of the many great parks in Wichita.
Affordable Swimming & Swimming Scholarships in Wichita
You can apply for a Swim Lesson Scholarship online starting April 1, 2026, but apply EARLY! If you don’t qualify, lessons are still a great deal, starting at just $35 per session.
Wichita Summer Hack: Swim All Season for $70
If you’re looking for affordable ways to stay cool in Wichita this summer, this is one of the best deals around. Wichita Park & Recreation is offering unlimited pool access and a variety of low-cost programs that make summer fun accessible for families on a budget.
The Deal to Know: $70 Pool Pass
Here’s the highlight:
- Summer pool memberships start at just $70
- Valid at all 6 Wichita public pools
- Unlimited visits all season long
If you plan to visit the pool more than a handful of times, this pass is a great value.
Free Swim Lessons (Limited Scholarships Available)
Wichita families may be able to take advantage of free swim lessons. Wichita Parks & Recreation has partnered with the American Red Cross to reduce drownings in communities by teaching children to be competent in the water. Therefore, the American Red Cross offers scholarships to individuals to Learn To Swim.
Through a partnership with the American Red Cross:
- Scholarships cover the full cost of lessons
- Focus on water safety and drowning prevention
- Available for children and families who qualify
Tip: Apply early, as scholarship spots are limited. Application Here.
Cheap Swimming Lessons in Wichita
These prices are significantly lower than many private swim programs. These fill up, so enroll early!
Parent & Child Aquatics – $35
American Red Cross Parent and Child Aquatics is designed for children between the ages of 6 months to approximately 3 years, and their parents. The purpose of the course is to familiarize children with the water and teach swimming readiness skills. In addition, Red Cross Parent and Child Aquatics provides safety information for parents and teaches parents techniques they can use to help orient their children to the water. Level 1 will focus on basic swimming readiness skills and Level 2 will improve on the skills previously learned and teach more advanced skills. Parent must participate in the water, but does not enroll.
Preschool Aquatics – $35
American Red Cross Preschool Aquatics is designed for children approximately 4 and 5 years of age. The purpose of the course is to facilitate developmentally appropriate learning of fundamental water safety and aquatic skills. Level 1 will focus on basic aquatics skills, level 2 will improve on the skills previously learned to gain more independence and Level 3 will help children start to gain basic swimming propulsive skills.
Learn To Swim – $40
The objectives of the American Red Cross Learn-to-Swim courses are to teach children and young teens to be safe in, on and around the water and to swim well. Aquatic and personal water safety skills are taught in a logical progression through the different levels. View the American Red Cross Levels in the next section to find the appropriate fit for your child.
Adult Aqua Aerobics – $40
Use the water’s natural resistance to increase cardiovascular endurance and muscle tone for a low impact workout. Movements are done vertically in waist-deep or slightly deeper water. Submerging the face will not be required.
Junior Lifeguard Class – $55
Build a foundation of knowledge and skills to aid in becoming a future lifeguard. Get introduced to lifesaving skills, water rescues, use of the rescue tube, First Aid, CPR and AED. Also, shadow lifeguards on duty to get a real sense of being on the job.
