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We just kicked off swim lessons for both of my kids a few weeks ago at our local YMCA, and it’s been a fun (and busy!) adventure. Both of my kids have always loved the water, and last summer, we did some basic swim lessons for my son with a high school student we knew. But this is the first time they’re both in formal class lessons—and in different levels! Their lessons are back-to-back on Saturday mornings, which means I have to keep one kid entertained while the other is in the pool. To keep things running smoothly, I’ve fine-tuned my swim bag to include all the essentials we need. From wet/dry bags that keep their change of clothes dry to a foldable travel potty seat for my youngest (because slippery bathrooms + little kids = chaos! 😂), I’ve got everything organized in pouches and even have hooks inside of my swim bag to help things stay in place. Plus, to make pool days stress-free, I pack some waterproof games to keep one kid busy while the other is swimming.

What’s in My Swim Bag: Essentials for Kids’ Swim Lessons

Let’s dive into what I keep in my swim bag to make swim lessons easier for everyone!

The Swim Bag

I wasn’t sure about these giant rubber-like plastic bags when I first saw them, but eventually realized how useful they are for grabbing things easily for pool days. I know the Bogg brand is most popular, but I went with the Target version (more budget-friendly for me), but I also really loved the Simple Modern brand since it comes with an interior zipper pouch, and the straps are designed to fall flat. Regardless of brand, this style of bag is great for swim lessons because it’s easy to grab things out and throw them back in during the lessons. 🏊🛍️

Bag Organization

Keeping everything organized in my swim bag makes swim lessons so much easier! I love using this silicone zipper pouch that attaches to the inside of the bag—it’s perfect for holding my phone, chapstick, or other small items that I need to grab quickly. The hooks are also a lifesaver, keeping everything in one spot and easy to access. For the kids’ activities and small essentials, I swear by these waterproof mesh zippered pouches. They’re great for holding the games and activities and keeping things like a small first aid kit neatly tucked away. With everything in its place, our swim bag stays clutter-free and ready to go! 🏊‍♀️✨

Wet/Dry Bags

Wet/dry bags are a game-changer for keeping everything organized before and after swim lessons! I love using these large wet/dry bags that have two sections—one to keep their change of clothes dry and another for their wet swimsuits after class. I have one for each kid, which makes it super easy to grab their bag and head to the changing room while my husband stays with the swim bag to watch our other child. These bags keep the wet and dry items separate and make post-lesson clean-up a breeze! 🩱🩳👌

Swim Goggles

Good swim goggles can make all the difference, and I’ve found a couple of favorites that work perfectly for my kids! For my daughter, I love the Splash Place swim goggles with a super soft fabric strap that makes it easy for her to put them on herself without pulling her hair. For my son, I use Speedo kids’ swim goggles that have two bungee straps in the back—these are adjustable, comfortable, and super easy to take on and off without any hair pulling. To keep everything organized, I recently got these soft silicone cases with drainage holes and fun, bright colors so each kid can easily keep track of their goggles, and they don’t get tangled or lost in the swim bag. These little upgrades have made swim lessons a lot smoother! 🌈🤿✨

Water Bottles & Snacks

Staying hydrated and having snacks on hand is a must after swim lessons! I love using these Simple Modern water bottles for the kids—they have a straw that flips up and down, keeping it clean from germs when they’re not using it. Plus, they’re super easy for the kids to use on their own and come in so many fun colors and patterns! For snacks, I like to keep everything organized with these reusable snack bags. They make it easy to keep a few snacks together in one spot instead of having everything tossed around in the swim bag. We’re also big fans of this snack spinner—the kids love spinning it to pick their favorite snack from the different sections, and it adds a little fun to snack time after the pool! 🍎🧃✨

Games & Activities

After our first week of swim lessons, I quickly realized that we needed something to keep the kids occupied while waiting for their sibling’s swim lesson. I opted for some waterproof or water-friendly games & activities, and they’ve been a lifesaver! Our favorites so far are the dry-erase Search & Find pictures, which fit perfectly in one of my large waterproof mesh zipper pouches, and the waterproof Guess in 10 Animals game—the cards are attached on a ring, making them super easy to toss into the same pouch of games. My kids also love Spot-It, which comes in a waterproof version, and Uno, which also has a waterproof version that’s on our wish list for future lessons. These games aren’t just perfect for swim lessons but will also be great for family trips to the pool this summer! 🎮💦😎

Towels

Obviously having towels in your swim bag is a must, and when it comes to towels, we usually just use the beach towels we already have. But if you’re looking for towels that are perfect for swim lessons with little kids, I highly recommend hooded towels to help them warm up faster after class! I’ve rounded up a few great options, including microfiber, quick-drying hooded towels that roll up nice and small, as well as plush, cozy hooded towels that keep kids warm and snuggly after their lesson. Both are great choices to make post-swim transitions a little smoother! 🧖✨

Footwear

When it comes to footwear for swim lessons, I have my kids wear their Crocs to and from the pool. They’re so easy for the kids to slip on and off by themselves, plus they’re lightweight, waterproof, and non-slip—perfect for those slippery changing room floors! If your child is sensitive to walking barefoot on concrete or around the pool, you might want to check with your swim lesson instructor to see if they can wear water shoes during the lesson. If so, there are tons of great options on Amazon to keep little feet comfy and protected! 🩴💦😊

Toddler-Friendly Swimsuits

Finding the right swimsuits for swim lessons can make things so much easier! For my 5-year-old son, I go with standard swim trunks and a long-sleeve rashguard top to help keep him warm during class. For my almost-three-year-old daughter, who’s newly potty-trained, I make sure her swimsuits have snaps on the bottom so it’s easier for her to take a bathroom break if needed. I could technically go with a two-piece, but she’s so tiny that I’m afraid the bottoms wouldn’t stay up! 😅 I also prefer long-sleeve rashguard swimsuits for her to keep her warm. For both kids, I stick to bright or neon colors to make them easier to spot in the water—this is not only a great safety practice but also helps me keep an eye on them from the sidelines! 🌊🩳🩱

Other Swim Bag Essentials

There are a few extra items I also throw into our swim bag that make life so much easier during swim lessons! First, I pack a foldable portable travel potty seat for my potty-training toddler—it's a total lifesaver for little ones who find big public toilets intimidating, especially when everything’s extra slippery after being in the water. I also keep a pack of water wipes on hand because they’re perfect for wiping dirty hands without leaving a sticky residue. And if your swim lessons are outside or you’re also packing for pool days this summer, don’t forget to include kid-safe sunscreen and a pair of sunglasses to protect little eyes when they’re out of the water. These extras keep everything running smoothly before, during, and after swim time! ☀️🏖️😊

Whether you're gearing up for weekly swim lessons or planning fun pool days this summer, having a well-packed swim bag can make all the difference! With everything organized and ready to go— from wet/dry bags and waterproof games to snacks, goggles, and all the little essentials—you’ll be able to focus more on enjoying the experience and less on scrambling to find what you need. I’d love to know what’s in your swim bag! Drop a comment below and share your must-have items for keeping swim lessons stress-free.