Lakeside Swim School's Summer Swim & Art Camp pairs a morning art workshop with an afternoon swim lesson for children ages 5-12, held at the Swift Elementary pool at 5900 N Winthrop Ave in Chicago's Edgewater neighborhood. Campers spend the morning with an art instructor, break for lunch and outdoor playground time (weather permitting), then move to the five-lane, 87-degree pool for instruction from the school's swim staff. Week-long sessions run all summer, each built around one of three rotating art themes - Fun with Drawing (drawing basics, charcoal and pastels), Happy Little Paintings (watercolor and acrylic, exploring celebrated artists) and Clay & Paper Mache (sculpture). Camp runs Monday-Friday 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. with drop-off from 8:45; $475 per week for one child, $950 for two.
The practical details
We list only what the camp itself publishes, and programs change — dates, prices, ages and availability can all move after we check. Confirm the details on the camp’s own website and contact Lakeside Swim School directly before you register or pay. Last checked August 2026.
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★★★★★Zak FischenichThe staff at Lakeside Swim School are amazing. They are patient, kind, and knowledgeable. My kids are always excited for their lessons. I recommend them highly.
★★★★★Cas CastrejonI signed up for the 4 week 1 hour adult level 2 swimming course and have felt incredibly supported! Jason as well as the Loyola students that teach the lessons are really encouraging and kind. I already feel so much confident in the water.
★★★★★Michael RabideauGreat experience with LSS. The coaches have been very patient with both our kids in teaching them how to swim and have confidence in the water. My son has turned into an excellent swimmer at the age of 7, and my 4 y/o daughter is developing nicely. Strongly recommend.
★★★★★Brandi VigilBoth of our boys (ages 3 and 7) have excelled in both skill and confidence at Lakeside Swim School. We made our way to Lakeside after so many families in our network shared of their positive experiences and being continuously let down and frustrated by the big box swim school we were attending at the time (unreasonable expectations of our energetic 3 year old, lack of joy/fun, and less and less time swimming due to lesson style). When speaking with Jason (head coach) he was kind, positive and most of all embracing of meeting our kiddos (and all kiddos) where they are. Our boys were met with patience, understanding, fun—all while developing and strengthening their swimming skills. Both kiddos have developed and strengthened their swimming skills significantly and look forward to going each week. I only wish we would have started here sooner!
★Kymarie SoestMy 4 year old son never had the same instructor over 12 lesson package. I expressed my concern with the owner and was given excuses. My son never developed any skills because the instructors did not know him or what to build on and my son didn’t trust them. My husband had to get into the water during every lesson. Also we missed the last two classes due to the holidays and was never offered a make up sessions (weekend) that worked for us… was offered classes during school hours. I wasn’t going to pull him out of school for swim lessons with yet another stranger. Funny that my son recently learned swim skills ie floating just be hanging out at the pools while on vacation