This is the Ultimate Guide for Activities for Kids in Greenville, SC and across the Upstate. That’s not just the title, that’s exactly what this guide is with researched sections packed with information on Sports Leagues, Music Lessons, Dance Classes, Art Lessons, and much, much more! While some of these classes are seasonal, we have still included them to help you find the perfect classes for your kids year-round. This guide also includes recommendations from our readers on which activities for kids are the best in Greenville, Spartanburg and beyond.
Please read: This guide is long but we have carefully divided it to make it easy for our readers to find exactly what children’s activities they are looking for. If you click on the categories in the orange buttons they will take you directly to the portion of the guide that has the information that you want. Below the anchor links are premium listings from our Kidding Around Greenville sponsors. These listings include extra information about our sponsors’ specific class offerings. Below that you will find our entire guide organized by type of class. Our sponsored listings are also included in the appropriate sections.
If you have any questions or notice a class that we have missed, please email Bethany Winston at [email protected]. We will be updating this guide regularly. So bookmark, share it, and keep it for the next time you need a class for your kid!
Disclaimer: This list is intended for informational purposes and none of the contents should be considered a specific recommendation or endorsement from Kidding Around or its staff. All advertisements are marked “sponsored.”
KABOOM Awards: Top Classes and Activities for Kids in Greenville, SC
Classes and Activities by Upstate, SC County
Greenville, SC: Classes and Activities by Category
Spartanburg, SC: Classes and Activities by Category
- Academic Classes and Tutoring in Spartanburg
- Art Classes in Spartanburg
- Baby and Toddler Classes in Spartanburg
- Cooking Classes in Spartanburg
- Dance Classes in Spartanburg
- Gymnastics Classes in Spartanburg
- Horseback Riding in Spartanburg
- Music Lessons and Classes in Spartanburg
- Swim Lessons in Spartanburg
- Theatre and Acting Classes in Spartanburg
2023 KABOOM Family Favorites Finalist: Sports Programs
2023 KABOOM Family Favorites Finalist: Summer Camps
2023 KABOOM Family Favorites First Place: Childcare Center
2023 KABOOM Family Favorites First Pace: Afterschool Care
The YMCA of Greenville offers classes and activities for children throughout the year at six locations – Caine Halter Family YMCA (downtown Greenville), Eastside Family YMCA (Taylors), Prisma Health Family YMCA (Simpsonville), YMCA Program Center (Simpsonville), YMCA Judson and the George I. Theisen Family YMCA (Travelers Rest). Classes and sports leagues are available to members and non-members.
Homeschool PE: The Y’s Home School PE Program provides homeschooled children a place where they can exercise and participate in sports in an instructor-led setting. The program is designed to be sports-related, while showing children how much fun exercise can be. Homeschool PE is offered at the Y Program Center on Mondays and Prisma Health Family Y on Wednesdays for children ages 6-15.
Basketball: Did you know that basketball was invented at the YMCA? The love for basketball remains at the Y where each player is met at their skill level. Children, ages 4-14, can sign up for summer and winter basketball leagues or try it out for a week in out of our Summer Day Camps
Soccer: Soccer’s simple rules are a great way to introduce children to sports. The YMCA of Greenville offers spring and fall soccer leagues or kids can try it out for a week in our of our Summer Day Camps. Teams are available for children ages 3-14.
Swim: The YMCA of Greenville offers swim lessons for anyone six months or older. Classes are progressive and build off each individual’s skills and are available throughout the day. For more advanced swimmers, the YMCA has Swim Academy, a specialized program that teaches the basics of swim team and competitive swimming and helps advanced swimmers hone their skills.
T Ball: The YMCA of Greenville’s T-ball program is designed to be a developmental league for the youngest players. Children ages 3-7 will learn the necessary skills they need to master before moving on to play coach’s pitch, travel baseball or travel softball.
Cross Country: Offered at Prisma Health Family YMCA/Y Program Center in Simpsonville, the Y is looking to introduce the sport to young athletes who are looking to be active, add conditioning, or even have plans to one day try out for their high school cross country team. The Cross Country program is open to children ages 5-14.
Flag Football: Spring and Fall Flag Football is open to children ages 4-14. Participants learn football fundamentals such as footwork, ball control, passing and teamwork.
Volleyball: Did you know that volleyball was also invented at the YMCA? This popular indoor sport is offered to ages 8-16 twice a year at select branches at the YMCA of Greenville. Kids can also try it out for a week in one of our Summer Day Camps.
Dance: The YMCA offers dance classes via Carolina Dance Collaborative throughout the year at several YMCA Greenville locations. Classes are offered in ballet, jazz/hip-hop and other options for young dancers. Classes are available for ages 2-12.
Golf: The YMCA Youth Golf Program is designed for children ages 5-14 that have varying levels of golf experience including beginners, intermediate and brand new to the game.
Tennis: Tennis lessons are now available for youth ages 6-17, as well as for adults 18+! Join professional coaches Robert and Benjamin Fleming from Love Tennis to offer you quality instruction, and lots of chances to improve your game. Kids can also try it out for a week in one of our Summer Day Camps.
Adventure Guides and Trailblazers: Parent/Child pairs are grouped into circles of others and their surrounding community. Circles meet on their own for different events and activities on a regular basis and the program as a whole offers events open to all circles throughout the season. Events include two weekend camps out at YMCA Camp Greenville, pinewood derby race, a chili cook-off and a father-daughter semi-formal Valentines Dance.
2023 KABOOM Awards Family Favorites 1st Place: Dance Program
International Ballet (IB) offers the highest quality of classical ballet training for students ages 3 to adult, and offers Mommy & Me classes for ages 18 months-3 yo.
IB is a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization that awards over $30k annually in need and merit based scholarships to students in Ballet 1 and up. World-class faculty teach Vaganova based technique, and dancers (8 yr+) are eligible to audition for The Nutcracker (performed at the Peace Center with the live Greenville Symphony Orchestra). Dancers of all ages perform at an End of Year Demonstration in May.
IB provides the education needed for each student to achieve his/her greatest potential in ballet, while also teaching life skills (self-discipline, self-respect, teamwork, and much more) that facilitate success in life beyond dance. The initial trial class is FREE.
Visit www.
Unique Dance Academy is all about inspiring individuality within the community. That’s why we’re proud to open up a dance school as of August 5th, 2022. We offer classes in kids fitness, hip hop, tap, ballet, k-pop, dance with me, adult ballet and tap, yoga and more. Here, we encourage all students to participate in our classes and build self-expression, discipline, and enjoyment. Our school provides fun dance activities for everyone with a team that is ready to support you on your fitness journey.
Dance Without Limits
SPONSORED 864.412.7788 115 Pelham Rd. Ste. 24, Greenville, SC
- Dance Without Limits Website
- Dance Without Limits Facebook
- Dance Without Limits Kidding Around Review
2023 KABOOM Awards Family Favorites Finalist: Best Dance Program
2023 KABOOM Awards Family Favorites Finalist: Kids’ Birthday Parties
2023 KABOOM Awards Family Favorites Finalist: Baby/Toddler Program
Dance is for everyone, regardless of age, shape, size, or ability at Dance Without Limits. Dance classes are offered for students ages 18 months to 18 years old.
Offerings include the Twinkle Toes preschool program (ballet, tap, and hip hop/tumbling combo) and elementary through high school classes in ballet, tap, jazz, lyrical, acrobatics, and hip hop. A special Limitless Friends class is also offered for students with disabilities. All classes are inclusive, and Dance Without Limits enjoys offering a family-friendly, non-competitive dance program.
Class Listings:
Twinkle Toes Preschool Dance Program
Twinkle Baby and Me: (ages 18-24 months) A 30-minute introductory class containing ballet, tap, and creative movement. Young dancers will learn the basics in a positive environment. Engaging age-appropriate music is used to get these little ones inspired to dance. An adult is required to participate in this class.
Twinkle Babies: (ages 2-3) A 45-minute introductory dance class containing ballet, tap, and creative movement. Young dancers will learn the basic steps while learning how to follow directions and imitate movement in a positive environment. Engaging music is used to get these little ones inspired to dance. The use of props, like Twinkle Bears, hula hoops, and bubbles, enables the young dancers to use their imagination and creativity, but mostly to have fun!
Twinkle Stars: (ages 3-4 and 4-5) An age-specific 45-minute class containing tap, ballet, and jazz/creative movement. The purpose of the class is to introduce young dancers to the three styles of dance and inspire movement and creativity within a positive environment. Dancers will also learn basic steps and terminology in all three styles. The use of fun age-appropriate music engages the young dancers’ minds and bodies. Plus, hula hoops, scarves, and bubbles for free dance makes the end of class so much fun!
Tot Hop & Tumble: (ages 3-5) This upbeat 45-minute class introduces our young dancers to basic elements of hip hop, creative movement, and beginner-level tumbling. We incorporate obstacle courses and fun props, such as our mini trampoline and hula hoops! The perfect way to release the wiggles while learning hip hop fundamentals.
Twinkle Ballet: (ages 3-5) This 30-minute class for our young dancers incorporates all the ballet elements from our regular Twinkle Stars class, without the tap portion. The perfect class for little ones who enjoy a bit of a quieter setting.
Elementary, Middle, and High School Classes
Tap: (ages K5-18) A percussive style of dance which gets its name from the sound made when the metal plates on the dancer’s shoes contact the floor. Emphasis on rhythm and clarity of sounds from the feet.
Ballet: (ages K5-18) A class which progresses from beginning ballet steps to advanced technique and placement. Each class will begin at the barre, then move to center floor work and across the floor. Ballet is the building block of all other forms of dance and necessary to excel in all other forms. For this reason, we strongly encourage all students to take a ballet class.
Jazz: (ages K5-18) Jazz builds on the fundamentals learned in ballet and is very structured in technique. The class progresses from a center warm-up with emphasis on strength and flexibility, then moves to across the floor combinations, finishing with a fun combo in center floor. Jazz takes many forms, and is often performed to upbeat, popular music.
Lyrical/Contemporary: (ages K5-18) Lyrical/Contemporary is a fusion of jazz and ballet which uses movement to interpret a song’s lyrics. The class progresses from a center warm-up with emphasis on strength and flexibility, then moves to across the floor combinations, finishing with a combo in center floor. Typically, lyrical is very fluid and quite beautiful!
Hip Hop: (ages K5-18) Also known as street dance, hip hop is an upbeat dance style that has become hugely popular with fun and exciting choreography and engaging music. All music and dance moves are age appropriate. All-boys hip hop class also available.
Acrobatics: (ages K5-18) This class teaches the basics of floor tumbling (such as forward and backward rolls, backbends, cartwheels, etc.) and progresses to advanced tumbling (such as handsprings and aerial work). Teachers work with students on their individual level.
Limitless Friends: This is a movement class for students ages 6 and up with disabilities. Elements of jazz, hip hop, and acrobatics are incorporated in this fun class, along with games and free dance.
Find out more at Dance Without Limits.
Yellowbobbypins Art Camp is an exciting destination for creative kids aged two through twelve who are looking to explore their artistic side. The art studio offers a wide variety of materials and techniques to introduce students to the world of art.
Young children aged two through five have access to the Wee Create Playgroup. Children in this age range can gather to play and socialize while learning key skills and participating in various art projects. This playgroup is designed to foster creativity, social interaction, and the development of motor skills.
Elementary-aged students have the opportunity to choose between two courses. The first is Time Travel: Art Through the Ages. This course explores the various art movements throughout history and allows students to create artwork in the style of each time period. The second course is Drawing 101 or Drawing 102. These courses are specifically designed for students who want to focus on developing their drawing skills.
Yellowbobbypins Art Camp provides a safe, nurturing environment for children to explore their creativity and develop their artistic abilities.
25 years ago, Barbara Gay, a public art teacher for 20+ years, began teaching her two daughters art skills from her garage. Now, Children’s Art Classes has expanded to over a dozen locations and counting.
Children’s Art Classes offers summer workshops and a nine- month programs of study to thousands of children across America.
We aim to provide a holistic art education program that enhances the lives of its students, improves their self- esteem, and boosts academic performance by offering a comprehensive curriculum that includes over 40 areas of visual art , including drawing, painting, sculpture, and graphic design. We believe that art education can significantly benefit children’s development and have designed a program to enhance their creativity, problem- solving skills, and critical thinking abilities.
We want to encourage students to continue studying art by offering scholarships, guidance on obtaining a degree, and opportunities to become professionals in the field. Our curriculum has proven results with many honor students graduating from our programs, with students earning art scholarships and many participating in leading art shows.
We are dedicated to supporting your child in their own journey and personal growth, and we can’t wait to meet you!
2023 KABOOM Awards Family Favorites 1st Place: Sports Programs
Girls on the Run is a program that inspires girls to build confidence and make intentional decisions. Trained coaches use running and other physical activities to build social, emotional and physical skills in every girl while encouraging healthy habits for life.
Girls on the Run has two program seasons: Spring (February – April) and Fall (September – November). The program is available to girls in 3rd-8th grades and encourages girls of all abilities to recognize their individual strengths and celebrate connections with others. Programs meet twice per week after school for 75 – 90 minutes. At the end of each season, the Girls on the Run teams come together for a celebratory 5K.
Many schools and community centers serve as program host sites including the Caine Halter YMCA and The Pavillion in Greenville and the Thomas Hannah YMCA in Spartanburg. Visit the Girls on the Run website to find a program near you.
Register for the Fall season now!
Goldfish Swim School was created by parents, for parents, with the goal of helping kids build essential swim skills to keep them safer in and around the water. But their program does more than that — it gives kids a platform to build life skills that help them make waves in life!
- 90 degree pool
- Climate-controlled viewing area
- Hair drying station
- Family-friendly changing rooms
- Private bathrooms
- Swimsuit dryer
10 examples of how Kidokinetics is set apart:
- Plug & play fitness/sports enrichment programming, we listen and accommodate your schedule!
- We bring our elite education program on-time to your school, along with all the sports equipment needed!
- We make real exercise – really FUN!
- F.U.N. Factor: Fundamental, Understandable, Noncompetitive!
- 20+ different sports and activities – 48 individual lesson plans!
- Ages 3 and up are introduced to a new bone or muscle each class!
- Strength, coordination, balance, self confidence, teamwork, fine and gross motor skill development = intentional teaching!
- Spontaneous movement for the whole body!
- Friendly registration with a unique QR code!
- Thoughtfully designed marketing to share with your school and parents!
For over 40 years now, students of all ages have fallen in love with learning to make music at Piano Central Studios.
Whether you’re bringing your little one to Kindermusik for their very first music class, or signing up your school-age student for private lessons, or enrolling as an adult because you always wanted to learn or wished you’d never quit, you will discover a warm, friendly environment, and caring and qualified instructors who take the time to individualize your progress musically.
You’ll find that you will absolutely thrive in your experience with a program that’s been purposefully and thoughtfully designed to inspire a lasting love for music and a lifelong skill for singing or playing an instrument.
From Kindermusik® to music lessons in Piano, Voice, Strings, Woodwinds, Brass, Percussion, Guitar, and Ukulele, there’s something for everyone at Piano Central Studios – from babies to adults!
Best of all, you can get started at any time – even part way through the month. You don’t have to wait to experience all that your music classes or private lessons will come to mean to you!
PCS has three studio locations for your convenience:
- 757 N. Pleasantburg Drive, Greenville
- Bob Jones University, Greenville
- 1622 Woodruff Road, Greenville/Simpsonville
2023 KABOOM Awards Family Favorites Finalist: Best Dance Program
The Carolina Dance Collaborative is a mobile dance outreach 501(c)3 Organization that seeks to make dance education accessible to all people regardless of location, ability, or resources. Collaboration, equity, and empowerment are the basis for all our classes. We do not maintain a facility but rather bring our services into the community to make dance accessible to everyone.
YMCA DANCE CLASSES
Where?
CDC partners with all the YMCA Branches in Greenville (Caine Halter, Eastside, GIT, Verdae, Adams Mill YPC) as well as the Powdersville YMCA. YOU DO NOT NEED TO BE A YMCA MEMBER TO ATTEND THESE CLASSES.
What?
Little Learners I & II: Ages 2-4
Tap I & II : Ages 3-8
Pre-Ballet, Ballet I, & Ballet II: Ages 5-12
Jazz/Hip-Hop I & II : Ages 5-12
Tumble Bugs I & II: Ages 3-8
Classes are 45 minutes – 1 hour, once a week and range from morning through late afternoon (no evenings with YMCA studio availability). View the schedule HERE!
How Much?
$90 Tuition for 8 weeks (30 minute classes) and $30 registration fee
$130 Tuition for 8 weeks (45 minute classes) and $30 registration fee
$170 Tuition for 8 weeks (1 hour classes) and $30 registration fee
Scholarship Program:
CDC has a Scholarship Program for individuals and families who need additional resources for enrichment classes. Apply now!
You can enroll on our website HERE. For questions, please contact [email protected].
For more information about our After School Programs or Adaptive Programs for students with disabilities, visit CDC’s Website or our special needs ad!
Kroc Greenville offers a wide variety of youth and community based programs in the heart of downtown Greenville. Programs are available to both members and non-members. Scholarships are also available upon request.
Youth Sports: Dynamic leagues led by experienced, caring staff. All coaches and referees are knowledgeable and passionate about providing a positive experience for your child.
Homeschool: Kroc Greenville provides a variety of Homeschool elective experiences including Art, Music, Physical Education, and Group Swim Lessons.
Swim Lessons: Group and Private swim lessons are offered for all ages (6 months+) and abilities. More advanced swimmers may desire to participate in our competitive, state-sanctioned Kroc Swim Academy. All instructors are certified by the American Red Cross.
Kroc Kids: Our Kroc Kids area is open to children ages 3 months – 10 years while a guardian is on the property. Scheduled activities are provided each day to accelerate early childhood learning.
Community Art Nights: Children and their caregivers are invited to visit Kroc Greenville on the Third Thursday of each month to participate in a fun, family art project with a local artist. Enjoy a free slice of pizza and a drink while you create!
Camps: Full-day and half-day camps are available throughout the year. Themed camps include Art Camp and various Sports Camps.
World Upside Down Arts Studio offers classes in music, visual arts, dance, and theater for children, youth, and adults.
August – May we offer morning, afternoon, and evening classes in all of the arts for students 18 months through adults.
Theater Program: Tim St. Clair II directs our fall and spring seasons. For the fall 2023 season, we are producing Beauty of the Beast and will have two casts. Tuesday: 9am-12pm (Cast 1) and 5pm-8pm (Cast 2). Rehearsals are weekly until the month of the show.
After School Program: Choose two, three, or five-days a week from 3pm-6pm (early drop off included). One hour of homework assistance and two hours of arts daily from 3:00PM-6:00PM. Show and Tell and Guest Speakers on Friday.
Homeschoolers: Pick a morning or afternoon or both to take classes in all of the arts at our studio.
Birthday Parties for all ages! Choose a theme and an art genre (music, visual arts, dance, or theater), and we’ll create a magical experience you’ll never forget.
Dance Nights: Learn partner dances like Swing, Salsa, Waltz, and Ballroom with 30-45 minutes of instruction, then open dance floor.
Private Music Lessons: piano, ukelele, acoustic guitar, voice, and more
Shining Stars Tutoring is not a cookie cutter box facility. Each students program is built specifically for them. All teachers are certified and are trained specifically for their subjects they teach.
If your child is struggling check us out! We can help make school easier for child and parent.
We do tutoring one on one. Homeschool set up and classes. Social skills classes for special needs adults and kids. Parent classes for behavior management.
Call 864-431-3914 ask for Connie.
XP League Greenville, in partnership with YMCA of Greenville, offers an esports league modeled after classic youth sports organizations, making our programming easy for parents to understand and kids to participate in.
- Players ages 7-17 have the opportunity to play in a premier youth esports league against other locations throughout North America
- Players choose which game they will play and come onsite with their team for two sessions weekly
- Offered at the Caine Halter YMCA in Greenville or the YMCA Program Center in Simpsonville – games offered vary by location and demand
We provide a professional-level experience that is unmatched. Our players dress, prepare and play just like the pros competing in the same popular, age-appropriate video games. Through coach and player training that is custom-tailored with our league partners, we incorporate teaching sportsmanship, teamwork, and positive behavior into our programs’ DNA and reward players each week for displaying one of our core values with our STEM.org Accredited Educational Program. Our diverse range of players vary in age and skill levels from the most experienced hardcore players to beginners looking to make new friends.
Climb @ Blue Ridge has been providing some of the best indoor climbing in the upstate since 1995. Our passion is to encourage everyone to experience the sport of climbing. Our experienced staff want to create a climbing environment that is accessible and fun for beginning climbers and kids, but also challenging enough for the most experienced climbers.
Our day pass option allows you full access to the gym for the entire day, and you can rent all the gear you need from us. We also offer individual, student, and family memberships which allow you the freedom to climb at no additional cost any time the gym is open.
We offer group rates for a variety of groups, from birthday parties, team building experiences, and youth group activities. We also host weekly yoga sessions and hold summer camps, and our kids climbing team welcomes climbers of all skill levels.
Are you looking for a healthy, challenging, and invigorating activity to keep fit? Are you interested in a fun activity the whole family can enjoy? Climbing is a great physical and mental exercise that’s not only a great full-body workout—it’s family-friendly and fun! Give it a try, and you’ll be hooked.
Premier Martial Arts Five Forks empowers lives through Martial Arts.
Our programs for adults and children teach Martial Arts principles that build strength, character, discipline, and focus. Our students become confident and self-reliant leaders in their communities. We’re here to help all our students find their best selves!
We would love for you to try 2 FREE classes with us so we can show you just how life changing Premier Martial Arts Five Forks is. Reach out today and watch your child transform!
South Carolina Children’s Theatre offers classes, camps, and workshops year-round in Acting, Musical Theatre, Production, and more for ages 3-18!
Classes include:
- Acting
- Musical Theatre
- Audition Prep
- Improv
- Design
- Production
Check the SCCT website for full class listings, additional workshops, scholarships, classes for kids with processing or developmental challenges, and information about the teachers and curriculum.
Registrants ages 3-5 must be fully potty-trained. Any questions or needs regarding SCCT classes can be addressed with Education Associate Anna Bowman at 864.235.2885 ext. 105 or by email at [email protected].
Sweet Treats
June 5-9 |1pm – 4pm | Grades K5-2 | $170
Kids will learn how to make carnival-style treats, including cotton candy with unique flavors, popcorn with various toppings, and of course, homemade ice cream!
Carnival Treats
June 12-16 |1pm – 4pm | Grades 5-8 | $170
Kids will learn how to make carnival-inspired treats like cotton candy, snow cones, donut dough, and more. Kids will get to eat some of what they make and take the rest home to share.
Cook a Book
June 26-30 | 1pm – 4pm | K5-2nd | $170
Kids will read a book and then make a recipe from that book. They may read The Little Red Hen Makes Pizza, then make pizza or If You Give a Mouse a Cookie and make cookies. Come explore other books like Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs, and Dragons Love Tacos and the exciting treats they prompt.
Cupcake Wars
July 24-28 | 9am – 12pm | Grades 2-6 | $170
Come bake and ice something delicious! Learn piping techniques to make the cutest cupcakes around! Campers eat some of their treats, take some home, and the rest are sold at a bake sale at the end of camp, with all funds donated to the charity campers choose.
Mini-Chefs
June 19-23 | 1pm – 4pm | K5-2nd | $170
Campers will learn basic cooking techniques like measuring, what the different measuring tools are, how to mix, how to have good cooking hygiene, and how to make yummy treats. All tools are kid-safe. Kids will make pancakes, parfaits, simple snacks, and treats.
Snack Attack
July 17-21 | 1pm – 4pm | Grades 5-8 | $170
Knowing how to create simple snacks is an important skill for tweens and teens. This camp teaches them techniques and recipes to create afternoon or any time snacks using pantry staples. Cooks also learn cooking skills and safety. Come create bagel pizza, test out spices to find your favorites, make muffins, trail mix, and more!
Offers: Dance classes for even the youngest of children, beginning at age 3. Drop in classes are offered for a low commitment to see if your child enjoys dance. Summer camps and week long classes are also available.
Offers a variety of classes including ballet, clogging, hip hop, jazz/contemporary, Irish, and tap beginning at age 18 months.
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: House, travel and high school hockey teams for youth in the Upstate
The US Kids Golf Greenville Tour welcomes children ages 5-18! From first tournament to qualifying for world championships, these are fun and family friendly events. Parent caddies are required for ages 8 and under, and optional for ages 9 and up. Age-appropriate yardages and tees. The Top 5 in each age group at each event earn medals! Register before deadline for each season.
Offers Parkour, Ninja, and/or Trampoline classes. Students are paired with others in the same age range and skill level. Classes are regularly taught by the same coach so they can pay close attention to and really learn the needs of each student as they progress.
Dianne's School of Dance
864.246.0923 7601 White Horse Road, Greenville, SC
Offers: Martial arts classes for ages 4 through adult.
USC Upstate Swim Lessons
864.503.5079 800 University Way, HEC – Wellness Center, Spartanburg, SC
Individuals of all ages can take lessons at the Wellness Center.
The Greenville Youth Chorale has a choir for ages 5-7, ages 8-12, and ages 12-18. For information about auditions and scholarships, visit Greenville Youth Chorale!
Moonlight Piano Studio conveniently offers at-home lessons, in-studio instruction, and even online classes in piano, brass, woodwinds, guitar, and percussion. Moonlight Piano Studios is now offering Musikgarten Classes and private music instruction.
Foothills Fencing Academy
864.593.3684 1004 Piedmont Hwy, Piedmont, SC
Offers: Recreational and competitive fencing class for a variety of ages and skill levels covering footwork, blade work, tactics and rules of fencing to develop coordination, speed, discipline, balance and endurance
They also offer home school fencing through a 9 week program for ages 7 – 18.
Offers: Basketball, Soccer, Cheerleading, Flag Football, Volley and Baseball/Softball
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)
Approved Learn-to-Swim lessons by the American Red Cross including preschool aquatics, parent and child aquatics, learn to swim, and private.
Offers: Offers an incredibly wide variety of camps and events all summer long and rec classes throughout the year at multiple Greenville locations. Visit website for full details and to explore the many options.
Fall youth sports options include football, tennis (lessons and tournaments), ice hockey (with a variety of experience levels), ice skating, and whole lot more!
Offers: Youth sports leagues, camps and clinics for flag football, soccer, basketball and baseball for kids ages 3 and up. Programs are offered at 3 locations: Edwards Road Baptist Church in Greenville and Devenger Road Field in Taylors.
German School Upstate
864.606.4622 [email protected] Simpsonville & Spartanburg, SC
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: English Hunt seat riding lessons for ages 6 and up, beginner to advanced ability. Day camps are also available in the summer and during school breaks for children of all ages.
Programs include Cub Scouts, Scouts BSA, Venturing, and Exploring.
A therapeutic horseback riding program for handicapped residents of Spartanburg County.
Offers: Karate skills classes for all ages with an emphasis on fun and safety, guidance and expertise. Classes for ages 4 and up. Free classes available to determine your child’s interest.
Located in Easley, Tip Top Cake shop offers cake and cup cake decorating activities and classes.
Offers: Horseback riding lessons, summer camps, training, shows and workshops for various ages and skill levels in a full serviced equestrian facility.
Offers a variety of classes, as well as family art nights and birthday party options
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
2023 KABOOM Family Favorites Finalist: Family Theatre and Performing Arts
The Greer Children’s Theatre produces three family-friendly musicals or plays. These productions are performed at Greer, SC area venues.
The 2023 Fall musical show is High School Musical.
Classes Offered: Multiple theater, dance and drama classes and camps. Students learn all aspects of theatre from make up to stage presence to dance to set design.
Offers private lessons on guitar, bass, keyboards, drums, piano, and voice.
Offering lessons, boarding, and training for children 6 and up
Majesty Music Academy offers preschool and elementary programs, private lessons for precollege students, and lessons for adults who are interested in learning a new instrument or revisiting an old friend.
Offers: Individual music lessons in guitar, piano and more for ages 6 and up, summer camps and a Rock Band Boot Camp.
Offering martial arts classes for children, teens, and adults, as well as an after-school program and summer camp
Offers baseball, softball, track & field, football, cheerleading, basketball, and lacrosse
YMCA of Greater Spartanburg
864.585.0306 151 Ribault Street, Spartanburg, SC
Thomas E. Hannah, Middle Tyger, and the Willis Road YMCA branches offer youth indoor soccer, youth soccer, youth t-ball, youth flag football, youth cheer, and youth basketball; swim lessons, and parent and child swim lessons.
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.
Offers dance classes, music lessons, as well as adult fitness classes
Offers football, flag football, cheerleading, baseball, softball, t-ball, and lacrosse
The Little Gym of Greenville
864.772.3887 1607 Laurens Road, Ste. 102, Greenville, SC
2023 KABOOM Awards Family Favorites Finalist: Field Trips
2023 KABOOM Awards Family Favorites: Baby/Toddler Programs
The Little Gym of Greenville’s age-appropriate activities for kids are designed to facilitate maximum fun and ongoing skill development through movement, music, learning and laughter. Children progress at their own pace, having fun and building confidence as they develop new skills.
Offers: Youth programs for ages 5 and up including dance, soccer and day camps. There is also an after-school study buddy program from 2:30 – 6 pm.
Fall classes include youth soccer.
Ignite Dance Company offers summer dance classes and camps for ages 2 and up. Ignite wants to both educate and inspire their dancers.
Panthers United Field Hockey Club - Greenville
[email protected] 420 Blacks Rd, Greenville, SC
Make and Believe Artists
864.245.3977 110 Academy Street, Simpsonville, SC
Ignite Learning Center
864.787.8621 216 Bransfield Road, Greenville, SC
Ignite Learning Center offers unique hands-on activities and programs for students exploring STEAM. Programs include problem-solving challenges, engineering, arts and more.
PurrPoseful Art Studio is a Humane Education Art Studio. We offer weekday, weeknight and summer camp classes for children ages 7-13 that have a love for animals and a passion for art.
Simpsonville Gymnastics
864.967.8931 3710 Grandview Drive, Simpsonville, SC
Offers recreational and competitive gymnastics and tumbling classes for toddlers through high school age.
Offers: Trail rides, riding lessons and summer camps for ages 6 and up. Beautiful farm with miles of trails that feels a little like the west.
Offers: Karate classes, self defense training and afterschool enrichment programs at several satellite locations around the upstate teaching the basics of karate and Japanese language skills to help advance to the next level.
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.
Offers baseball, softball, football, cheerleading, and ragball (tee ball).
Wyndham Academy of Self Defense (formerly Aikido Academy of Self-Defense) offers classes specializing in the martial arts geared towards self-defense beginning at 6 years of age.
Offering lessons for all ages and experience levels
Rhythms Tumbling, Gymnastics, & Cheer
864.249.6333 253 Tucapau Road, Duncan, SC
Rhythms Tumbling, Gymnastics, & Cheer offers tumbling and gymnastics to girls and boys of all ages as well as competitive cheer programs
District 2 NSAA offers baseball, football, and cheerleading
Offers: Dance classes of all varieties for both boys and girls ages 2 and up. Classes have one way glass so parents can observe without distracting children.
Offers: A variety of martial arts classes for ages 4 and up and all skill levels. The instructors focus on building character and self control along with simple self defense appropriate for children. A free trial class is available.
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!
Offers baseball, basketball, cheer, football, golf, lacrosse, softball, tennis, track, volleyball, and wrestling. See website for more information
PE classes give homeschoolers the opportunity to play organized games and sports, make friends, and stay active. Weekly class meets in Boiling Springs and Greer.
Acrosmith Gymnastics
864.593.4066 3130 N. Industrial Drive , Simpsonville, SC
Acrosmith Gymnastics offers Family Fun Gym (previous Tot Time) for children aged 1 to 6. Pre-registration is required. There are also various other classes including Ninjas and tumbling for children in preschool and up.
2023 KABOOM Family Favorites Finalist: Tutoring Program
If you want real results, Sylvan delivers better than anyone else. For over 4 decades, our proven, personalized instruction has given families solid results – guaranteed! With Sylvan, you’ll see skills, confidence, motivation, and focus grow with lasting results.
Like you, we believe education should meet your child’s specific needs and learning preferences. That’s why at Sylvan, learning is personal!
When You Choose Sylvan, You Can Expect:
- A deeper understanding of your child’s individual needs with our state-of-the-art Sylvan Insight™ Assessment which provides a personal and adaptive plan to meet your child’s needs.
- Engaging, motivating, effective, and fun instruction for skill mastery, higher scores, and increased confidence. (Up to 3x more academic growth)
- Expert teachers who love to teach and know how to inspire and engage students with the best methods and school-aligned curriculum.
- A proven approach to skill mastery with our Sylvan Method™ that ensures long-term success – not a “band-aid” approach.
- Caring, dedicated staff that listens to your concerns and provides regular updates on your child’s progress.
- Convenient scheduling and affordable hourly rates with flexible payment options.
- A locally owned business invested in the success of our community.
For real results, start with Sylvan today. Waiting doesn’t work. Sylvan does!
Soccer instruction and soccer competition for children 5-18 years old. The soccer club is located at the Carolina FC Soccer Complex.
Offering a variety of martial arts classes for kids as well as an after-school program
Foothills Gymnastics and Cheer Center
864.855.9660 198 Couch Lane, Easley, SC
Foothills offers gymnastics, cheer, and tumbling classes for children, a 10,000 square foot facility with a separate gym for preschoolers. Classes offered from parent and tot classes to adult classes.
Offers a variety of diverse martial arts programs for children, as well as after school programs
Offers: Private and group ice skating lessons are available for ages 4 and up
Offers karate classes for kids, teens, and adults in 2 locations: Lyman and Taylors.
Offers: A variety of gymnastics classes for all ages from toddler through adult. Classes include preschool movement, development, tumbling and Parkour. Private birthday parties and Friday night parent’s night out are also available.
Artistic Edge Dance Center
864.631.2156 75 Orchard Park Drive, Greenville, SC
Artistic Edge offers dance classes for ages 2 and up, beginner and advanced. Various types of dance and creative movement. Summer camps are also available.
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.
Offers baseball, softball, and football
Good News Club is an after-school opportunity for children in the Upstate to hear the Gospel and learn truth from God’s Word. Register at www.cefgreenville.com
Offers a variety of classes for kids and teenagers to learn about art and create art.
Multi-week programs for children 6-18 in multiple divisions
We hold FUN, creative weekday soccer classes at local daycares/ schools and weeknight and weekend leagues for boys and girls ages 2 and up! Email [email protected] for details.
Offers: A variety of gymnastics classes, including tumbling, parkour, sports conditioning, and youth fitness for very young children through high school age. Free trial classes are also available.
Offers a wide assortment of art classes from ages 5 and up. Specific information and all the class details are available at their website.
Offering lessons for Hunter, Jumper, Equitation, and Horsemanship.
Offers: A wide range of academic teaching, training and testing for children of all ages, both in individual and group settings for reading and learning tools.
Classes and workshops for adults and kids. Classes are by semester and focus on several art mediums.
Learn more about owner Brandi Grover and the unique SC coloring book she created!
Offers a variety of program to help with academic success including test prep and summer camps from elementary through high school
Airborne Athletics offers gymnastics classes for children age 3 and up. Summer camps and birthday parties are also available. Free trial class for first time students.
Offers recreational and competitive coed baseball and softball leagues.
Lawson Academy of the Arts
864.596.9000 580 E. Main Street, Spartanburg, SC
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
Swim lessons are offered. Contact Colleen Miller at 864.585.7936.
Offers: Fall and spring baseball
2023 KABOOM Family Favorites Finalist: Tutoring Program
Along with working through their customized learning plans, Mathnasium students receive homework help to solidify their understanding of concepts that are being covered in their current classwork. They even offer private tutoring!
For more information email or visit Mathnasium.
First Tee of Greenville
864.395.0013 Multiple locations throughout the Upstate, Greenville, SC
Offers a variety or recreational dance classes beginning with classes for toddlers including ballet, contemporary, modern, lyrical, hip hop, tap, and jazz
Stroller Rollers
864.621.1307 [email protected] 411 Old Lowe Road, Spartanburg, SC
A fitness class for moms and their babies that meets at High Point Academy’s volleyball center (The Luke). Contact [email protected]
Offers: Youth golf leagues
Offers: Weekly creative music experiences, activities and adventures for kids. Private music lessons for kids of all ages.
Backstage Dance Connection
864.699.9390 3236 Parris Bridge Road, Boiling Springs, SC
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 private lessons in its on-site private studios including guitar, drums, piano, violin, and more
Offers various classes, ages 11-18. Homeschool classes, weekly classes, workshops on art, history, literature and theater topics.
Offers: After school theatre arts training program for students age 5 – 18. Other opportunities include musical productions, theatre arts classes, camps and leadership programs. Email [email protected] for more information.
Offers: Certified instructors provide roller skating lessons to teach or help improve skills of children starting at age 3. Skates may be provided and lessons take place in a variety of facilities around the Upstate.
Offers competitive dance classes for children 6 and up and preschool tumbling classes for ages 3-6.
Offers: A mobile yoga program with on-site group and private yoga therapy classes for children age 5 years old and up. Virtual classes available.
Revolution Mixed Martial Arts and Performance Fitness
864.578.0557 6400 Highway 9, Inman, SC
Offers a variety of classes for kids, men, and women including karate, jiu jitsu, MMA, kickboxing, and more
Soccer organization for instruction and competition for children 3-18 years old.
The Peace Center is a performing arts center offering a diverse mix of programming through its Arts Discovery Workshops.
Offers gymnastics classes for boys and girls beginning with classes for children 16 months old (with parental involvement).
Offers a wide variety of art projects involving clay and canvases with special kids events and homeschool days.
Sparkle City Gymnastics
864.587.8255 9084-B Warren H Abernathy Highway, Spartanburg, SC
Sparkle City offers gymnastics classes for children from the time they can walk. They also have a competitive girls gymnastics team.
Offers: Fall and spring baseball leagues
Offers multiple theatre classes in the fall, spring, and summer for rising K4-12th grade students
Offers: Kids cooking classes and culinary camps for ages 5 and up.
Offers a variety of private lessons in its on-site private studios including guitar, drums, piano, violin, and more
Offers: Greenville Rec’s indoor swim facility offers programs for youth, adults, and seniors.
You can dine-in, shop for gourmet ingredients, and learn how to cook at The Cook’s Station. They also offer classes for kids that range from teaching kids basic baking skills to teaching them how to prepare their own yummy snack favorites.
Southern Dance Connection
864.414.0974 215 W. Wade Hampton Boulevard, Greer, SC
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.
Eden farms offers English riding lessons for ages 6 through adult with private or group lesson options. They also offer birthdays, field trips, summer camps and more.
Homeschool at the Barn- Includes an hour long riding lesson or trail ride, learning about life on a working horse farm (grooming, saddling, equine anatomy, feeding and more), horse themed crafts, bible study, snack, and time to play on the new playground.
Field Trips: Eden Farms has offered educational field trips for all ages and sizes including church groups, Scout troops, and schools. Groups rotate through their 40-stall barn to different hands-on horse stations to learn about grooming, saddling, healthcare, horse breeds, feeding, healthcare, and more! Horseback riding, playground, and time for a picnic are also available.
Swim lessons in June and July for children 3 years old and up.
Offers: art classes, exhibitions and summer camps that provide an opportunity to cultivate art appreciation while experiencing Greenville’s growing arts community.
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.
Offers: Kid, adult and family martial arts classes and life skills with professional instruction. Free trial period is available. Children’s classes start at age 5.
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: TAKE HOME ONLY family friendly painting and craft class for children of all ages. All supplies are provided. In studio classes are only for ages 18+.
Offers: After school, art classes, summer art camps and private art lessons for infants and up.
Spartanburg County Public Libraries
Multiple Locations, Spartanburg , SC
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.
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Do you have a class or activity that you would recommend that we add to our list? Let us know in the comments.
What about Greenville Ballroom for the dance section? Awesome program! https://www.facebook.com/Greenville-Ballroom-Dance-195294343829970/
Yes, we actually are still putting the last touches on this guide so you found it early! I do have plans to add that and thank you for the link.
My shop in Easley is opening at the end of July! The Cooking Shop will offer after school programs for children and weekly cooking classes for all ages!
Contact us at learnwithus @thecookingshopandmore.com
How about Steele Music Studio for piano lessons and family music classes for babies-prek? http://www.steelemusicstudio.com
Could you please add Black Belt Attitude School to the list under martial arts & karate. We have 4 locations in the upstate. Classes for all ages. Specializing in Songham Taekwondo which includes self defense training & life skill building.
Are there foreign language learning opportunities?
Good question. We will look into that.
Learn German here
http://www.germanschoolupstate.org/cms/?Locations%2C_Courses_%26amp%3B_Levels
The Kroc center downtown has awesome Sport Camps during the summer,spring & winter breaks! They also have a Soccer League for kids up to 12 yrs old for the spring and fall time. During the school year there are Homeschool classes as well.
CESA offers soccer programs from age 4-19 year round.
Could you add Yellowbobbypins Art Camp to the art lessons section? We offer small group art instruction for elementary age students and Mommy and Me art parties for preschoolers.
The arts academy at Younts center has been closed. There is not currently any programming available there. One of their instructors has moved to Simpsonville and started The TreeHouse which is an improv and storytelling school for kids and adults. More info at http://www.treehouseimprov.com
Thank you. We will update our list.
Riverside Tennis Club offers year around tennis classes for children ages 5 to 18 as well as classes for adults. We can also customize classes for private groups to meet P.E. requirements.
I’d like to recommend Kazoku At southeast karate they offer traditional Japanese karate. Great owners with a fun, nurturing and inspiring learning environment
Sterling Studios is a Dance School (also offers an art class) in Easley.
Theatre camp for ages 8-18 here! Taught by Broadway actor and Greenville native!
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/kimilee-bryants-7th-annual-summer-broadway-workshop-tickets-140606615171?aff=ebdssbdestsearch
Is there a list like this, but for adults anywhere?
New to the area and would like this for my kids and for myself as well!
We do have this guide: https://kiddingaroundgreenville.com/adulting-grown-ups-guide-to-greenville-sc