When asking yourself about something to do near me in Portland with a group of friends or family, consider
Zen Penguin Swim School
Why Zen Penguin Swim School is a fun option when searching for things to do near me with friends and family
Zen Penguin Swim School in Portland stands out as a welcoming and specialized place to meet up with friends and family while learning essential swimming skills. What makes this school particularly exceptional is its dedicated focus on serving children and adults with diverse sensory and learning needs, including those who are neurodivergent or have autism and ADHD. Founded by Penny Phoenix, who brings over 18 years of teaching experience, Zen Penguin boasts a calm and supportive environment with a heated 92-degree indoor pool perfect for year-round lessons. The school offers a variety of lessons—private, semi-private, group, and play sessions—designed for all ages, starting from toddlers as young as under 3 years old up to adults. Their small class sizes, often capping group lessons at three or four students, ensure personalized attention and a welcoming atmosphere where participants can feel safe and comfortable. Penguin Play Sessions introduce preschoolers to water through fun, playful activities rather than formal swim instruction, fostering confidence and enjoyment in the water early on. The coaches and staff, including founder Penny and organizer Rachel, work closely with families to accommodate specific behavioral needs, making it a uniquely empathetic place for anyone to build their swimming skills alongside friends or new peers.
Here's what people think of Zen Penguin Swim School
As of recent, Zen Penguin Swim School holds a 5-star rating based on 24 reviews.
User reviews consistently praise Zen Penguin Swim School for its outstanding, kind, and empathetic instructors who skillfully tailor lessons to meet the needs of neurodivergent and sensory avoidant swimmers. Parents appreciate the instructors' patience and nuanced approach that makes the swim learning process enjoyable and less intimidating for anxious children. Positive reviews highlight the calm indoor pool environment, small class sizes, and the caring, knowledgeable team who excel at creating a supportive atmosphere that truly helps students thrive. Many testimonials note the attentive communication and seamless scheduling managed by staff, especially praising Rachel for her organizational skills that match students with suitable groups. On the other hand, despite the overwhelmingly positive sentiment, some users may find the lessons' pricing on the higher side; however, this is often balanced by the quality and personalized care they receive. No significant negative feedback regarding teaching quality or facility conditions is noted, indicating a highly reliable service. In conclusion, reviews portray Zen Penguin Swim School as a top-tier swim education facility that not only teaches swimming effectively but also values inclusivity and emotional comfort, making it an excellent choice for families seeking specialized swim instruction.
Highlights from reviewers (Most Relevant)
Barber Family
Cannot say enough amazing things about Zen Penguin Swim School. Both of our daughters (ages 4 and 6) have shown such tremendous growth and confidence in the water in just a few short months with the guidance and expertise of coach Penny. She has been a total game changer in our swim lesson journey and we are so incredibly grateful we found Zen Penguin. Our eldest daughter was quite nervous with water for a long time and now she is happily dunking her head underneath and always excited to go to swim lessons. It’s been remarkable to watch both girls progress and I am confident they will continue to make awesome gains. Breathing a big sigh of relief that they have become so fond of swimming and that they will be so much more safe in and around water! Thank you Penny and staff!
SAS
My child loves the water but other swim instructors we worked with struggled to meet his additional sensory and behavior needs. After passing the his first class at the YMCA with flying colors and then being told not to return, we tried a class at PP&R that ended on the second session when the instructor engaged in a power struggle with him after telling him he *had* to put his head under the water. I heard about Zen Penguin through other parents of children with similar needs and on our very first session Teacher Penny had him face down in the water and kicking back and forth across the pool with no problem. The instructors at Zen Penguin are incredible caring and respectful in their approach to instructing children with sensory and behavioral differences and always willing to adapt their methods to meet the child where they are at.
Regina McMenomy
Zen Penguin is absolutely outstanding! The teachers are kind and empathetic. The skills are explained in a way that my neurodivergent and sensory avoidant child understands. It’s so exciting to watch so many children learn such important skills in a gentle way.
Katie Krieger
I truly cannot recommend this swim school highly enough. My 6-year-old son has always been fearful of water and has not had good experiences at other swim schools. Being pushed to do things he didn't feel comfortable with was backfiring and making him more scared. About four months ago, I enrolled him in a weekly group lesson with Penny here. The difference has been absolutely incredible. It honestly makes me tear up during his lessons. He went from dreading swim lessons to being excited for them. Penny creates a calm, peaceful, quiet environment, and she takes the time to answer his questions and to explain *why* they're doing what they're doing. These two factors are huge from my little guy. The water is also warm, which makes a big difference for his comfort and enjoyment. A little anecdote that he's very proud of: In August, before we started here, I took him to Great Wolf Lodge. He was only comfortable on the very short slide (maybe 8 feet long?) and in the shallow pool that came up to his thighs. In January, after about 3 months with Penny, we went back, and he excitedly tried every single slide, the big pool, AND the wave pool. It was truly shocking. He wore a life jacket and still wanted me next to him, but the fact that he was excited to go into deep and turbulent water was incredible. He's still working on skills, but he's excited about swimming now, and I trust that the skills will continue to build now that the enthusiasm is there.
Mary Lehmkuhle
Penny has been absolutely amazing for my neurodiverse kids. We did the spring break camp with Penny and I can't believe how much progress my kids made in just one week. My daughter that's afraid to put her face in the water can now go fully underwater and then into a back float. I was shocked when she started putting her face in the water and astonished when she did a bob on the last lesson. My autistic son also has made serious progress. He struggles with getting all his body parts to move together and Penny helped him learn how his body functions in the water. Penny's approach is what my kids needed. She is calm and focuses on keeping kids regulated so they can learn. She gives choices and caters the lesson to the kids needs. My kids loved going to lessons with Penny. They would run in excitedly to their lessons and leave me in the dust. I've wanted my kids to learn how to swim and be safe in the water and nowhere that I've found focuses on water safety. My kids have done countless lessons with Portland Parks and Rec with little progress. I kept not doing these lessons because the cost is high, but my kids' ability in the water has improved greatly. I know with very little time, my kids will become swimmers and be safe in the water. I guarantee that you will not regret lessons with Penny. She has been worth every penny and more.
How to reach Zen Penguin Swim School
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Why Zen Penguin Swim School may become Your Favorite Meetup Place for Catching Up, Celebrating or Just Hanging Out
Why rally at Zen Penguin Swim School with your friends?
If you’re looking for a unique, enjoyable, and meaningful way to spend time with your friends or family, Zen Penguin Swim School is an exceptional spot to consider. This is not just a swim school — it’s a calm, inclusive, and thoughtfully designed space that brings people together through the shared joy and challenge of learning to swim in a supportive environment. With an impeccable 5.0 rating from 24 reviews, Zen Penguin offers a welcoming setting where everyone, regardless of age or ability, can feel comfortable and confident in the water. Meeting here means more than just taking lessons; it means bonding over a healthy, fun activity that builds real skills and creates lasting memories. The pool is heated to a relaxing 92 degrees, making it comfortable year-round, and its calming atmosphere makes it ideal for groups with varying levels of swimming experience or nervousness about the water. Whether you are planning a casual get-together or a more focused group activity, rallying at Zen Penguin allows you and your friends to enjoy each other’s company in a serene setting that promotes wellness, learning, and fun.
Because Zen Penguin Swim School specializes in small, intimate groups and personalized attention, it’s perfect for a meetup where everyone feels valued and supported. The school’s philosophy emphasizes respect for each swimmer’s pace and approach to water confidence, creating an encouraging environment that’s different from large, impersonal swim classes. Friends can cheer each other on as they progress, making the experience motivating and deeply rewarding. Plus, the school offers a range of class formats—from playful, introductory Penguin Play Sessions for little ones to advanced group lessons for seasoned swimmers—so your group can tailor your meetup to suit everyone’s interests and comfort levels. All these factors make Zen Penguin Swim School an excellent choice for a social, active, and healthful gathering spot with friends or family.
What activities does Zen Penguin Swim School offer for groups?
Zen Penguin Swim School caters extensively to groups by offering a variety of swim lessons structured by age and skill level, ensuring that everyone in your party can participate meaningfully. The school’s group sessions are capped at just three students, making them intimate and focused, allowing each participant to get attentive instruction while enjoying swimming alongside friends. This includes group classes for babies (with caregivers in the water), little kids, big kids, teens, and adults at beginner, intermediate, and advanced levels. The small group size fosters a strong sense of camaraderie, encouragement, and friendly competition, ideal for creating a fun group dynamic.
In addition to group sessions, Zen Penguin offers semi-private lessons for up to two students, and private one-on-one lessons, giving options for those who want either more individualized focus or a smaller social setting. This flexibility is key for gatherings where different participants might prefer different learning environments but still want the ability to support each other nearby. For toddlers and preschoolers, the Penguin Play Session—an instructor-guided water play class—focuses on water exploration, comfort, and fun, which makes for a playful and lighthearted group activity. These various session types allow your group to share an experience that matches everyone’s comfort and skill level in the water while enjoying personalized attention from instructors who understand diverse learning styles.
Why is Zen Penguin Swim School the perfect place for a group meetup?
Zen Penguin Swim School shines as an ideal venue for group meetups thanks to its inclusive philosophy, expert instructors, and carefully curated learning environment. The entire teaching team has lived experience with neurodivergence and sensory differences, fostering an empathetic and patient approach. This makes the school incredibly welcoming for swimmers who may have anxieties, sensory sensitivities, or previous negative experiences with swim classes. For groups that include friends or family members with varying needs, this approach creates a safe and respectful space where everyone can thrive.
The private indoor pool at Zen Penguin is notably calm and heated to a soothing 92 degrees, ensuring the water is consistently comfortable and inviting. This tranquil setting minimizes sensory overload and distractions, allowing group members to focus fully on learning and enjoying the water together. The small size of the classes means the vibe remains relaxed and intimate rather than hectic or overwhelming, which is perfect for socializing and mutual support during lessons. Group members can celebrate milestones together, making it a bonding experience beyond just physical activity. Moreover, the school’s scheduling options throughout the week provide flexibility to coordinate group sessions at times that work best for everyone.
How do Zen Penguin’s instructors create an exceptional learning experience for groups?
At Zen Penguin Swim School, the instructors distinguish themselves by combining technical swim expertise with deep understanding of sensory, emotional, and neurodivergent needs. The founder, Penny Phoenix, and her team have invested years researching co-regulation and sensory processing, equipping them to offer lessons that go beyond typical swim training. This approach recognizes that many swimmers, especially children, experience fear or sensory discomfort in the water, and rather than pushing through these feelings, instructors honor and validate them.
This thoughtful methodology benefits a group meetup because it means that no participant will feel pressured or rushed — every lesson respects individual readiness and comfort levels. The instructors skillfully guide swimmers through their personal journeys in the water at a pace that feels empowering rather than intimidating. For a group, this means friends and family can witness and support the unique progress of each member, deepening connections and shared respect. The empathy and patience of the teaching staff create a warm atmosphere where even hesitant swimmers can gain confidence and joy, making group time both productive and pleasant.
What makes the facilities and environment at Zen Penguin Swim School so inviting for social gatherings?
Zen Penguin Swim School’s facilities contribute greatly to why it’s a standout choice for a group meetup. Located in a private indoor pool in NE Portland, the space offers privacy and comfort, essential factors when gathering with friends or family for a shared activity. The heated pool’s consistently warm temperature ensures swimmers feel cozy and encourages relaxation, which is crucial for those who tend to stiffen up or feel anxious in cooler water.
The cleanliness, calm ambiance, and absence of crowds mean your group can enjoy an exclusive, peaceful setting where everyone feels at ease to engage socially between swim times. Because classes are small and tailored, there is ample opportunity for informal chatting and bonding along the poolside before and after sessions. This environment invites meaningful interaction among group members that is often missing in larger, less personal swimming facilities. In essence, Zen Penguin Swim School offers a warm, inviting oasis where friends and family can strengthen relationships while embracing the natural joy and health benefits of being in water.
How does Zen Penguin Swim School accommodate diverse ages and skill levels in a group?
One of the biggest strengths of Zen Penguin Swim School is its comprehensive range of class options tailored by age and swimming ability, making it easy to accommodate mixed-age or mixed-skill gatherings. Whether your group includes toddlers, kids just starting out, seasoned young swimmers, teens, or adults looking to improve or refresh their skills, there are appropriate class options available. This variety means your meetup won’t exclude anyone due to age or experience.
The school segments classes into distinct categories such as Baby + Me sessions, beginner through advanced levels for little and big kids, teen groups, and adult classes—all delivered in small groups or semi-private/private formats depending on preference. This segmentation allows groups to book multiple sessions simultaneously so everyone can participate in age- and skill-appropriate activities while sharing the overall experience. The school’s flexible scheduling and commitment to small class sizes ensure that no one feels overlooked or out of place during the meetup.
Why is Zen Penguin Swim School especially good for groups with neurodivergent or anxious learners?
Zen Penguin Swim School stands out for its explicit commitment to serving swimmers with sensory sensitivities, ADHD, autism, anxiety, and other neurodivergent traits. The school’s staff themselves have similar lived experiences, which inform a uniquely compassionate and patient teaching style. For groups including neurodivergent friends or family members, this makes Zen Penguin an exceptionally safe, understanding, and accommodating environment.
Instead of forcing skills or expecting uniform progress, instructors recognize that each person’s relationship with water and swimming will be different. They emphasize co-regulation—supporting the nervous system to reduce stress and build trust—rather than pushing vulnerability or discomfort. This approach helps all swimmers, but for those who have struggled with traditional lessons, it’s often transformative. Group meetups become reinforcing and encouraging social experiences where everyone feels understood and respected. This focus on mental and emotional safety alongside physical skills development is rare in swim schools and a powerful draw for those wanting inclusive group activities.
What additional benefits come with choosing Zen Penguin Swim School for a group activity?
Aside from its excellent reputation and supportive instruction, Zen Penguin Swim School offers several other benefits that enhance group gatherings. Scheduling is flexible with sessions available on multiple weekdays and Saturdays, allowing groups to find times that fit their collective availability without long waits or conflicts. The monthly subscription model with the ability to cancel after two weeks’ notice gives easy financial control and commitment flexibility suitable for group plans.
Moreover, the school’s intimate setting fosters not only swim instruction but social interaction, building friendships and camaraderie through shared achievements and fun in a non-competitive atmosphere. Being in the water together promotes physical health, coordination, and confidence, contributing positively to overall group wellness. The deliberately calm and relaxed vibe counters the usual noise and chaos found at many recreational spots, making Zen Penguin a refreshing, intentional place to connect. Groups leaving the school often report feeling energized, accomplished, and closer through their shared swimming journey.
Zen Penguin Swim School is more than just a swim lesson venue—it’s a thoughtful, inclusive community space where friends and family can grow skills, boost confidence, and enjoy each other’s company in a peaceful aquatic environment. Its expert staff, small group focus, accommodating philosophy, and warm facilities combine to make it one of the best places in Portland to rally and recharge together around the joy of swimming. Whether introducing little ones to water play or supporting adults to advance their stroke, Zen Penguin creates meaningful group experiences that swim beyond the surface.