Classes and Activities for Kids in Spartanburg County

The only private swim school in the Upstate, Swim Lessons with Mary  has been delivering exceptional, 1-1 swim instruction for the past 12 years. Swim Lessons with Mary lessons are designed to build confidence and mastery in the water for swimmers of all ages and abilities. The program is rooted in the belief that 1-1 instruction is key to effective learning, providing personalized attention that helps each swimmer progress at their own pace. This individualized approach ensures that lessons are tailored to the unique needs and goals of the student, starting with self rescue skills and continuing through stroke development.

The instructors at Swim Lessons with Mary are not only highly skilled and experienced but are also deeply passionate about instilling confidence in their students. This passion shines through in every lesson, creating a supportive and encouraging environment where swimmers can overcome fears and develop a lifelong love for the water. The benefits of this one-on-one setting are numerous, including improved safety, faster skill acquisition, and the ability to adapt the lesson to the swimmer’s comfort level and learning style.

With a focus on self rescue, water safety,  stroke proficiency, and confidence-building, Swim Lessons with Mary is committed to providing an exceptional swim lesson experience for all in the Upstate.

Tennis: The Sport of a Lifetime — Start at Any Age!

Did you know tennis is one of the healthiest sports to play — and it’s never too early (or too late) to start? At Spartanburg Athletic Club, we offer youth tennis programs designed to introduce kids of all ages and skill levels to the lifelong benefits of the game.

Whether your child is picking up a racquet for the first time or already competing at a high level, SAC has the right program to match their goals. Our professional, certified coaches create a positive, high-energy environment where kids can learn the fundamentals, sharpen their technique, and build confidence on and off the court.

From group classes and team training to private lessons, we help young athletes stay active, develop discipline, and make lasting friendships. Plus, our programs go beyond tennis — with youth fitness options that help kids grow stronger, faster, and more focused in everything they do.

Ready to serve up something new for your child? Join the SAC tennis family today and discover why we’re the top choice for youth sports in Spartanburg.

Contact us to learn more or schedule a tour!

Spartanburg County Public Libraries offer multiple storytimes at all their branches. These storytimes include music, stories, and creative free playtime. There are 11 locations throughout Spartanburg County.

Offers private lessons on guitar, bass, keyboards, drums, piano, and voice.

Thomas E. Hannah, Middle Tyger, and the Willis Road YMCA branches offer a variety youth sports.

Offers football, flag football, cheerleading, baseball, softball, t-ball, and lacrosse

Offers baseball, softball, and football

Located at Converse College, it offers a wide range or private and group classes including piano, strings, wind & brass, vocal, and specific music programs for young children including Musikgarten

Soccer Shots is a children’s soccer program with a focus on character development. A caring team positively impacts children’s lives on and off the field through best-in- class coaching, communication and age appropriate curriculum.

Clay-King Studio offers classes in wheel throwing and hand-building with clay.  Workshops allow students to create a piece in one session and we also have drop in pottery painting and clay projects, parties, private lessons, and homeschool classes.

Individuals of all ages can take lessons at the Wellness Center.

At Arts in Motion, we work to develop, inspire and cultivate the individual talents of your child in a loving and nurturing environment. It is our mission to offer quality and comprehensive dance education through age appropriate classes, always encouraging  and nurturing creative minds in all aspects of the arts!

Sparkle City offers gymnastics classes for children from the time they can walk. They also have a competitive girls gymnastics team.

Ignite Dance Company offers summer dance classes and camps for ages 2 and up. Ignite wants to both educate and inspire their dancers.

District 2 NSAA offers baseball, football, and cheerleading

Offers a variety of private lessons in its on-site private studios including guitar, drums, piano, violin, and more

Offers gymnastics classes for boys and girls beginning with classes for children 16 months old (with parental involvement).
They also offer homeschool gymnastics classes.

Offers a variety of classes beginning with Mommy and Me classes for 2 year olds and including jazz, tap, ballet, hip hop, pom, lyrical and contemporary

Offers a variety of classes beginning with creative movement for 2-3 year olds as well as pre-dance, tap, acro, ballet, hip hop, jazz, lyrical. They also have performing and competitive teams.

Offers competitive dance classes for children 6 and up and preschool tumbling classes for ages 3-6.

Offers a variety of diverse martial arts programs for children, as well as after school programs

The Girls Scouts of South Carolina- Mountains to Midlands offers programs to girls scouts of all abilities and backgrounds.

They offer special events, camps, cookie sales, and so much more! Upstate, SC troops are available for ages Kindergarten and up.

Summer Camp: You will also find some amazing Girls Scouts of South Carolina- M2M Summer Camp options!

Camps in Spartanburg, Columbia, and an overnight Camp WaBak in the Foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains are available.

Southern Dance Connection offers classes in various forms of dance, tumbling, and cheer. Children aged 2 and up can participate in ballet, tap, and hip-hop dance. They also offer themed dance summer camps.

Offers baseball, softball, football, cheerleading, and ragball (tee ball).

Soccer organization for instruction and competition for children 3-18 years old.

Offers baseball, softball, track & field, football, cheerleading, basketball, and lacrosse

Offers a wide assortment of art classes from ages 5 and up. Specific information and all the class details are available at their website.

Offers multiple theatre classes in the fall, spring, and summer for rising K4-12th grade students

We offer exceptional Western and English riding lessons and professional horse training for riders of all levels and disciplines. Our program is dedicated to promoting personal growth and creating a supportive environment with a focus on safety and personal responsibility.

Wired Minds offers tutoring, ACT/SAT prep, summer camps, after school homework mentoring, study skills.

Offers baseball, basketball, cheer, football, golf, lacrosse, softball, tennis, track, volleyball, and wrestling. See website for more information

Stokes Music Studios offers music lessons in a variety of instruments with multiple instructors available.

Backstage Dance Connection offers a variety of dance classes beginning with a Mommy & Me dance class for children 2 and under as well as tumbling, jazz, lyrical, hip-hop, Irish, ballet, tap, and clogging.

Offers a variety of youth sports programs, including baseball, cheerleading, football, rugby, soccer, softball, and wrestling

Offers a variety of classes for kids, men, and women including karate, jiu jitsu, MMA, kickboxing, and more

Upward sports either meet at the Upward Star Center or partner sites. They offer basketball, cheer, soccer, and flag football.

Offers a variety or recreational dance classes beginning with classes for toddlers including ballet, contemporary, modern, lyrical, hip hop, tap, and jazz

Offers a variety of classes including ballet, contemporary, hip hop, jazz, musical theatre, pointe, tap, and competitive with classes beginning at age 2 (pre-dance/creative movement)

Offers a variety of classes beginning with Itty Bitty classes for children 2.5 years old as well as tap, jazz, lyrical, tumbling, pointe, contemporary, hip hop, modern, ballet, musical theatre, and lyrical

While the Parks Department does not sponsor any youth athletic leagues, the various athletic leagues use the county’s recreational fields. Their website also directs you to the various district leagues and traveling teams.

Soccer instruction and soccer competition for children 5-18 years old. The soccer club is located at the Carolina FC Soccer Complex.

Tutoring, Summer Camps, SAT/ACT/ASVAB Test Prep, After-School

A music class for children beginning at 18 months old. Children and their parents will use their imaginations through song and dance. This program is offered through the Lawson Academy of Arts at Converse College.

Offering lessons for all ages and experience levels

Offers various classes, ages 11-18. Homeschool classes, weekly classes, workshops on art, history, literature and theater topics.

Multi-week programs for children 6-18 in multiple divisions

Offers a wide variety of art projects involving clay and canvases with special kids events and homeschool days.

Offers a variety of classes, as well as family art nights and birthday party options

Art Buzz Kids art classes spark your child’s creativity and imagination in a fun, interactive setting. Children have fun, get creative, and take home masterpieces!
You can find upcoming dates for their Art Buzz Kids classes on the Wine and Design website at their Greenville and Spartanburg location.

Offers a variety of classes including ballet, clogging, hip hop, jazz/contemporary, Irish, and tap beginning at age 18 months.

Offers a variety of program to help with academic success including test prep and summer camps from elementary through high school

Kids Golf and Fitness Academy offers a variety of fun classes such as golf, Mom/Dad and me, American Sign Language, Art, design, fitness, dance specific fitness, golf specific fitness, sports specific fitness, and more! Ages 3 and up. All skill levels, learning styles, and physical abilities welcome.

Approved Learn-to-Swim lessons by the American Red Cross including preschool aquatics, parent and child aquatics, learn to swim, and private.

NOTE: Camp Mary Elizabeth is closed as of publishing due to Hurricane Helene damage. Please refer to the Girl Scouts of South Carolina – Mountains to Midlands’ Facebook page for updates.

Offers: Offers classes in German as a foreign language and as a heritage language. Ages 5 and up. Locations are at Simpsonville’s Holland Park Church and Spartanburg Day School.
They also offer a homeschool program for 4th-6th grade that meets on Thursday for 1.5 hours.

Offers karate classes for kids, teens, and adults in 2 locations: Lyman and Taylors.

Offering a variety of martial arts classes for kids as well as an after-school program

Discover adventure and relaxation on Spartanburg’s Pacolet River with tubing, kayaking, and pre-set camping for a hassle-free outdoor escape at Vintage View!

The Painted Palmetto offers kids’ art classes, adult art classes, open studio, and birthday parties for people of all ages.

Swim lessons are offered on a month-to-month basis at the Dr. T.K. Gregg Community Center.

Contact Liz Walker at lwalker@cityofspartanburg.org, or visit RecDesk

The Soccer Development Project in Downtown Spartanburg is an indoor training facility offering world-class Individual & Small Group Pro Soccer Training for the local soccer community.

Offers recreational and competitive coed baseball and softball leagues.

Swim lessons are offered. Contact Colleen Miller at 864.585.7936.

Offers a variety of classes for kids and teenagers to learn about art and create art.

Offering lessons, boarding, and training for children 6 and up

Offering lessons for Hunter, Jumper, Equitation, and Horsemanship.

A therapeutic horseback riding program for handicapped residents of Spartanburg County.