Between school, homework, and just getting everyone fed, finding the right after-school or weekend activity for your kid can feel like a part-time job. We've spent weeks pulling together this list so you don't have to start from scratch. Inside, you'll find local options for sports, music, arts, academics, and more - all right here in South Charlotte and Union County.
This isn't every provider in town, and it's not a ranking - every kid and every family is different, and what's perfect for one child might not be the right fit for another. Think of it as a starting point: a curated list of programs other local parents trust, so you can narrow down your search and spend less time scrolling and more time doing life with your family.
Know a provider that should be on this list? Send it our way - we are always updating this guide as we hear about great local resources.
Happy scrolling, and here's to finding your kid's next favorite activity!
Moms Need Enrichment Too!
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The vibes? Friendly, a little competitive, and always a good time. It's the perfect excuse to sharpen your mind, meet your new favorite people, and remember what it feels like to do something just for you.
Find Your People →South Charlotte / Ballantyne / Pineville
Sports
Big Blue Swim School - Pineville | Ages: All ages
Charlotte Allstar Gymnastics - Matthews | Ages: 3.5+
Charlotte Soccer Academy - CSA-Charlotte - OrthoCarolina Sportsplex, Pineville; fields also at McAlpine Elementary & Flat Branch Park | Ages: 4–19
Charlotte Rise FC - Trains at Rea Farms STEAM Academy & Ramblewood Soccer Park; serves Ballantyne families | Ages: U8–U19
Hope Soccer Ministries - Jack D. Hughes Park, downtown Pineville |Ages: 4–18
Inner Peaks (Rock Climbing) - Matthews, Charlotte (NoDa & South End) | Ages: 3+
Perfect Balance Training Center - Charlotte | Ages: 3–12
The Little Gym of Charlotte on Providence - Providence Rd., Charlotte| Ages: 4 months–12
Carolina Flipz - Pineville, NC | Ages: 2–12
Martial Arts
USK Martial Arts (Ballantyne Kicks) - Ballantyne; also serves Fort Mill & Indian Land |Ages: 4+
Ballantyne Martial Arts (SMA) - Ballantyne, Charlotte| Ages: 4–15
Music
Ballantyne School of Music - Carmel Village, Charlotte (second location in Indian Land, SC) |A ges: 6+
Virtuoso School of Music and Art - Ballantyne, Charlotte | Ages: 4+
Francis Music Studio - Just north of Ballantyne | Ages: Beginner+
OnStage School of Music - Ballantyne (also Fort Mill & Waxhaw) |Ages: All ages
Art & Creative
Kidcreate Studio — Charlotte - South Charlotte, with mobile classes available |Ages: Toddler–12
Dance
Carolina Dance Capital - Charlotte, near Pineville| Ages: 2+
Charlotte Ballet Academy - Charlotte | Ages: 5+
Havilah Dance Company - Matthews| Ages: 2+
Performing Arts & Theater
Acting Up Carolina - Charlotte | Ages: Elementary–teen
Children's Theatre of Charlotte - Charlotte | Ages: 2nd grade & above
Matthews Playhouse - Matthews | Ages: 4–adult
STEM & Coding
Charlotte Chess Center - Several schools throughout Charlotte area | Ages: 5-12
iCode - Charlotte | Ages: Elementary–teen
Academic Tutoring
Mathnasium of South Charlotte - Ardrey Kell Rd., Charlotte — serves Ardrey Kell, South Charlotte Middle, Rea Farms & more | Ages: K–12
Sylvan Learning of Charlotte & Ballantyne - Ballantyne, Charlotte | Ages: K–12 + college prep
C2 Education of Charlotte - Arboretum Shopping Center, Charlotte |Ages: K–12 + college prep
The Tutoring Center — Ballantyne - Ballantyne Commons Pkwy, Charlotte |Ages: K–12
Huntington Learning Center — Charlotte - Charlotte | Ages: K–12
Ballantyne Reading Academy for the Very Young - Ballantyne, Charlotte | Ages: Preschool–elementary
Union County (Waxhaw, Indian Trail, Weddington, Monroe)
Sports
Illumination Training Center (Gymnastics) - Indian Trail | Ages: 3+
Southeastern Gymnastics - Weddington | Ages: 18 months+
The Little Gym of Indian Trail - Indian Trail | Ages: 4 months–12
The Little Gym of Waxhaw - Waxhaw | Ages: 4 months–12
SportPlus Academy — Charlotte Rhythmic Gymnastics Center - Indian Trail | Ages: 4+ (girls)
Waxhaw-Marvin Swim & Tennis - Waxhaw | Ages: All ages
MSA Swim - Indian Trail (plus Tom Short Rd & Sardis Rd locations) | Ages: 3+
Monroe Aquatics & Fitness Center - Monroe | Ages: All ages
Martial Arts
Union Martial Arts - Indian Trail | Ages: All ages
Illumination Training Center (Ninja Training) - Indian Trail | Ages: All ages
Music
Lanti Performing Arts - Indian Trail | Ages: 3+
Art & Pottery
Indian Trail Art Studio - Indian Trail | Ages: Children–adult
Art Box Ceramics and Canvas - Waxhaw | Ages: 7–12 (camps); classes for various ages
Kidcreate Studio — Waxhaw - Serves Waxhaw via mobile classes and the Charlotte studio | Ages: Toddler–12
Dance
Dance Carolina - Historic downtown Waxhaw| Ages: Preschool–advanced
Lanti Performing Arts - Indian Trail | Ages: 3+
Academic Tutoring
Ballantyne Reading Academy - Waxhaw | Ages: K–12
Huntington Learning Center — Weddington - Weddington | Ages: K–12
Kumon — Waxhaw/New Town - Waxhaw | Ages: Preschool–12th grade
Tutor Doctor — Central & South Charlotte - In-home & online, serving Waxhaw, Indian Trail, Stallings, Weddington & greater Union County | Ages: K–12 + adult
Hey, Union County!
Macaroni KID Union County is your go-to source for family fun right here in our community. I share local events, activities, camps, and ideas that make it easier to plan your days and weekends with kids - without spending hours searching.
When you subscribe to my free weekly newsletter, you'll get a curated list of kid-friendly events, local favorites, simple recipes, easy crafts, and fun giveaways - delivered straight to your inbox each week.
I'm a local mom and the publisher behind Macaroni KID Union County. I live here, work here, and raise my family here - so everything you see is shared with real Union County families in mind.
Follow along for daily local finds:
Have a family-friendly business or event you'd like featured?
Email me here - I'd love to connect!
