Programs for every age and ability
We're excited to provide programs to support the spirits, minds and bodies of all our members.
Fitness & Swim
Our fitness and swim programs help keep you active, have fun and enjoy good health.
With more than 850 classes per week, the Y is the leader in group exercise. From low-impact exercise, stretching and strength training to indoor cycling, yoga and youth and family classes, the Y has an option to help you reach your health and wellness goals.
Set your goal, commit to a training frequency, and keep accountable to a professional trainer who is invested in your success. We offer a variety of session lengths and formats to fit your training needs.
CrossFit is a great way to lose weight and build muscle. Realize your individual potential in these dynamic classes with the guidance of certified trainers. Our daily workouts can be modified for all fitness levels.
Whether you want to lose weight, build muscle or both, you can see quick results with our Pilates Reformer classes. Exercises build deep core muscles to flatten the abdominals and correct imbalances that typically lead to back pain.
These classes offer fun and playful workouts. These low-intensity classes are designed for specific age groups. This is a great opportunity to meet new friends and create a love of fitness from an early age.
From indoor and outdoor pools, waterparks, swim team and swim lessons - swimming at the our centers offer something the whole community can enjoy.
Camps
We offer a wide range of camp options designed to spark curiosity, challenge skills, and fuel imagination.
Jump into a world of fun, friendship, and exciting activities! At our summer day camp, you'll get to explore new hobbies, try arts and crafts, and compete in friendly games. Every day is an adventure. It's the perfect way to make new friends and create memories—no overnight bags required!
Overnight camp is the perfect escape for kids to enter a world of adventure, self-discovery, and unforgettable experiences. Campers will explore the great outdoors, try exciting new activities, and challenge themselves in ways they never imagined. Every day brings something new and exciting, from thrilling adventures in nature to making new friends around the campfire. With every adventure, kids build confidence, create lifelong memories, and discover a love for exploration that lasts a lifetime.
Youth & Family Experience
At the Y, empowering young people to reach their full potential is critical to who we are. Whether it's through dance, adaptive baseball, or dedicated outdoor time, our programs foster connection that lasts.
Featuring access and belonging for all, the Y’s Adaptive Programs reflect our belief that individuals with diverse abilities should have equal access to enrichment programs like sports and social events. All programs offer an upbeat environment where EVERYONE feels included.
Our dance, visual and performing arts programs inspire children and teens to tap into their creative potential. While encouraging a love for the arts, our focus is on building life skills and confidence in an environment where youth feel comfortable to explore their interests and passions — and develop new ones!
We believe teens are an asset to our community and are committed to helping the next generation reach their full potential. Our Ys serve as safe places where teens can build supportive relationships, create healthy lifestyles, and develop skills for college, career, and beyond. We offer programs, fitness experiences, and employment opportunities to help teens become their best version.
Enjoy the health benefits of Outdoor Programs at the Y! Our specialized outdoor programs connect adults and kids with fresh air, sunlight and birdsong. If you’re looking for uplifting ways to strengthen your immune system, increase your energy and improve your sleep quality, these programs are for you.
Community Health & Well-being
The Y is more than a gym - it's a Movement. Join our community and you'll receive support for all your goals, whether you want to make lifestyle changes, engage with your neighbors, or complete training!
Being healthy goes beyond physical activity; it’s about nurturing a balanced mind, body, and spirit. Whether you’re young or old, a beginner or a veteran, the Y offers a variety of equipment, classes, and programs to help you get and stay healthy.
We understand the significant impact exercise has on mental health, and we're excited to introduce new resources to help you better understand the benefits of improving mental well-being.
At the Y, we are committed to supporting and inspiring positive action within our communities. Through various programs and initiatives, we aim to address local needs, promote inclusion, and encourage a culture of care and collaboration. Together, we work to strengthen our community and make a lasting, meaningful impact.
The YMCA of Greater Charlotte offers learning opportunities that foster the continuous development and improvement of the knowledge and skills needed for personal and professional enrichment.
The YMCA of Greater Charlotte is proud to partner with community churches and businesses. Together we strive to make our community a better place for all.
Harris and Simmons YMCA’s house New American Welcome Centers that are designed to help newcomers—fully integrate into American society and prepare receiving communities to be welcoming and inclusive. NAWCs accomplish this through a combination of direct and referral services, collaborations with community leaders and businesses, and strategies to connect and build cross-cultural understanding between immigrants and U.S.-born residents. This integration model empowers immigrants to achieve their fullest potential and prepares communities to be inclusive through a focus on language and education, economic integration and employment, health and well-being, citizenship and civic engagement, and community development.
Sports
Whether you’re looking for a fun league for your child, miss suiting up for a game or want to explore the world of team sports, the Y can connect you to the wonderful world of athletics.
For many, playing sports is a big part of childhood. Whether you miss suiting up or you’re new to team sports, the Y makes it easy to get off the couch and get back in the game or to try something altogether new. Either way, it’s great to be part of a team sport as an adult. The combination of fun activity, competition and connection are what makes our recreational sports so popular at the Y.
Kids who play sports at the Y develop so much more than athletic ability. We help young athletes get active while they learn how to work as a team, overcome setbacks and gain confidence. Youth sports leagues at the Y emphasize healthy competition, teamwork and belonging. With the help of supportive coaches, kids learn how to challenge themselves, both as athletes and people.
Childcare & Education
The Y supports all aspects of children’s development from cradle to career.
Afterschool at the Y lets kids have fun together. When school is out, children meet in a safe space where they can play, get outside and make new friends. We also provide time for homework so there’s one less thing to do in the evenings. It’s relaxing enrichment that keeps kids active when school is out. Register your child now for a playful, engaging and sociable experience.
And don’t forget: Y members get discounts on ALL programs, including Afterschool!
At the Y, we believe that children learn best through play. That’s why our half-day preschool programs are the place for kids ages 1-6 to experience the magic of childhood. We understand the importance of learning that takes place in the earliest years of life and take pride in helping prepare children for kindergarten. Our early childhood educators create a safe and inviting space where kids can play and learn with teachers and peers.
Giving parents and caregivers up to 2 FREE hours of childcare daily, Y Kids is drop-in childcare that is playful, engaging, and socializing. Parents & caregivers must remain on-site for this service. View drop-in childcare hours and locations by viewing our Center Pages.
Grab a morning workout, attend scheduled appointments, run errands, or enjoy some “me” time while your child has fun and socializes in a safe place.
Enjoy an evening on the town, reconnect with other adults, or just relax with Kids’ Night Out, which provides fee-based, drop-off childcare.
On teacher workdays and school holidays, the YMCA offers an exciting all-day program for kids. We facilitate a variety of fun activities like indoor & outdoor games, sports, swimming, arts & crafts, team building exercises, field trips and more.
Our Homeschool program, Y Scholars, provides unique learning experience for all. Supplemental learning opportunities include challenging core academic courses, invigorating physical education classes and engaging enrichment options.
Many youth from underserved, low-income families start kindergarten underprepared, leading to long-term academic challenges. The Y recognizes that a child's academic success impacts the future of our community.
Looking for a specific program?
Use our Activity Finder to help you find the perfect program for you.
Scholarship Application
We will never turn anyone away due to financial need; we are committed to being a Y for all.