तरण या तैराकी एक जलक्रीड़ा है। इसके अन्तर्गत अपने हाथ-पैर की सहायता से जल में गति करना होता है जो किसी कृत्रिम साधन के बिना किया जाता है। तैराकी मनोरंजन भी है और स्वास्थ्य की दृष्टि से लाभकार भी।

Swimming is the self-propulsion of a person through water, or other liquid, usually for recreation, sport, exercise, or survival. Locomotion is achieved through coordinated movement of the limbs and the body to achieve hydrodynamic thrust that results in directional motion. Humans can hold their breath underwater and undertake rudimentary locomotive swimming within weeks of birth, as a survival response. Swimming requires stamina, skills, and proper technique.