after school activities homework

25 Fun After-School Activities

There are so many cool STEM activities you can organize by yourself to stay mentally stimulated no matter the time of day! With that in mind, we’ve come up with a list of fun things to do after school by yourself and fun after-school activities.

Discover fun after-school activities you can do by yourself for kids and teens

Enrichment activities help children learn and grow outside of the structure of classes and homework. These pastimes give students the chance to make, build, and learn without the pressure of exams and grades. Examples of amazing after-school hobbies include casual and organized sports, AI clubs, coding lessons, museum visits, music lessons, and book clubs.

1. DIY engineering

Designed by the Gelfand Center , the Bridge Building Challenge challenges students with engineering a functional, load-bearing bridge. Use a range of materials – spaghetti noodles, popsicle sticks, twigs, LEGO, toothpicks, gumdrops, etc. and challenge kids to discover which materials and designs bear the most weight. Remember to document and photograph your build before testing, since they might fall apart as you increase the load. Remember also that if you use marshmallows or gumdrops, try not to eat your building materials!

2. Game building club class

Let's create fun games together! Make a new project each week from a spinning dart game to a soccer pong game and much more. Join along in this live online club series as an expert guides a small group of students through a different project from start to finish in a 50-minute session each week. There's always an expert on hand to answer any questions live over video, so your student can figure things out without getting stuck.

3. Cloud in a jar

The Gift of Curiosity website teaches about water cycles using this super simple project to study condensation, evaporation, and states of matter. Fill a glass jar with hot water. Swirl it around to heat the glass. Then cover the top of the jar and place several ice cubes on top of the lid, and let it alone for about twenty seconds. Then take off the cover and spray hairspray into the jar. When you replace the lid, watch the clouds form!

4. Fibonacci numbers

Fibonacci numbers , otherwise known as fractals, are mathematical patterns of self-similarity found often in natural phenomena like the branching of leaves, veins, flowers, and rivers, as well as in swirling patterns such as hurricanes and cyclones. They are fascinating to observe! While not normally taught in lower grades, even elementary school-aged children can understand them through observation. Counting the number of spirals in the yellow center of a daisy, for example, or the spirals in a pinecone are good ways to explain them. Mensa for Kids has more ideas.

5. Oil spill cleanup

This activity teaches how oil spills impact the environment and how chemical and environmental engineers play a role. Use trays filled with a few inches of water, feathers, straws, cotton balls and sponges. Add some oil. Students can devise strategies to get oil off a feather and other “wildlife” in their “ocean.” Read more in this post by the Coalition for Science After School .

6. Start a garden

Gardening is a great way to learn about food, nutrition, soil, and weather. Children can easily learn about planting times, watering schedules, and saving seeds, while also gaining greater autonomy and outdoor time, as well as contributing to the family with meaningful work, something that gives confidence and a sense of accomplishment. The patience required for gardening is a skill in itself that teaches delaying gratification. There’s something for everyone: grow flowers, herbs, or vegetables. There’s nothing like fresh strawberries or tomatoes straight from the summer garden! If you have the space, consider making a small plot in the yard and start with something simple like marigolds, radishes, and tomatoes. Even kids living in high-rise apartments or a low-light area can grow certain plants in containers on a balcony.

7. Beginner-friendly coding class

Scratch Ninja teaches children the fundamentals of coding such as loops, conditionals, functions, and variables. Using inquiry-based learning, instructors guide students through the creation, design, and testing programs in this beginner friendly class. Children can design their own games and animations, while mastering problem solving skills in this exciting program designed by pros from Google and Stanford. You can even take the first session for free !

8. NASA STEM Club

Discover the wonder of deep space with fun weekly projects. From Mars and the moon, to black holes and aliens, space enraptures kids and adults alike. Stargazing is a source of powerful dreams. In this series of live online sessions , your kids will learn a wide range of topics related to astrophysics, NASA, and engineering. In each session, they will learn new facts about outer space, build small projects, and play games to reinforce the lessons.

9. Canva for kids

Does your child love art, painting, and drawing? This project allows students to create beautiful digital cards, posters, slides or videos for their school projects using Canva - a powerful graphic design platform with a user-friendly interface. Did we mention the Canva is free? This exciting online live course explores examples of great graphic design and visual storytelling.

10. Book club for kids

This podcast is aimed at kids that love reading. Through a variety of activities and interesting people within the podcast, kids can learn about the elements of storytelling while developing critical reading and analytical skills. With more than 100 free episodes there’s something for all book-loving children and families to enjoy!

11. Digital art club

In this online art club , kids learn how to create a different art project in each session. For example, they might learn the architectural design of medieval castles and design their own, or even create their own character and comic. In each of these hands-on activities, students are guided through understanding artistic elements in life such as patterns and symmetry, exploring emotions and feelings, and learning about art basics such as color palettes.

12. Kids do ecology

All children can understand the importance of ecology and environmental protection. By learning about biomes, marine mammals, reptiles, and data science, kids can even create their own classroom experiments on this interactive website. It is also available in Español.

13. Kids.gov

From imaginary rainforests to electricity experiments, Kids.gov has plenty of resources for a rainy day. Watch an animation on thunderstorms or take a virtual field trip to the National Zoo.

14. The Kids’ Science Challenge

This website is chock full of cool after-school activities. KSC hosts a free, nationwide science competition for students in grades three to six as well as informal activities like hands-on science experiments, games, cool videos, and scavenger hunts. Or check out more fun STEM competitions .

15. NASA Kids’ Club and Space Place

NASA Kids’ Club is the perfect place for kids to have fun while learning about outer space. You can use your science and math skills to explore Mars, construct a fleet of rockets or search for NASA spinoffs in your garage. At NASA Space Place , kids build their own spacecraft, play space volcanoes or browse through a gallery of sun images to explore the galaxy and the limits of the universe.

16. National Geographic Kids

At National Geographic Kids you can vote in polls, (which is cuter: the pufferfish or the clown fish?), take part in egg-speriments, watch geographic videos, play puzzles and learn amazing facts about the cultures and customs of people around the world.

17. Python for AI

Python is a high-level coding language with many applications. Netflix and Google use this coding language extensively in their products and it has become an industry standard for data-science and AI projects around the world. Throughout the course , students learn the basics of Python and how it can be applied to AI. You can even get started with a free Python class session .

18. PBS Kids

This online platform has a huge range of activities for kids after school. As a leader of informal childhood education for more than half a century, PBS has some of the most engaging and fun content around for kids of all ages. In Cyberchase , Jackie, Matt and Inez use math to protect the digital universe from evil. Don’t worry: Cyberchase has lots of math games, videos and activities to aid you in your quest. For Dr. Seuss lovers, The Cat in the Hat Knows a Lot About That! offers great Pre-K STEM games, activities and videos galore. Explore the biological world in Lifeboat to Mars with this free online game. In one simulation (Microland) you control hungry microbes. In another (Ecoland), you have to balance out the space station’s ecosystem.

19. Junior Hackers

Learn all about computer security and how to use the internet safely. This will be the most exciting cybersecurity class for kids with real-world applications, delivered through a combination of project and inquiry-based learning. You'll enjoy fun videos, games, and security tools, as well as build projects of your own.

20. Tech Expert Events

These free events offer an exciting window into the lives of tech experts from all over the world! Topics cover everything from filmmaking, Minecraft, and AI. See what free events are upcoming, and register anytime. If you can't attend the live event, you’ll receive a link to download the recording to watch at your convenience.

21. AI Explorers

This free live online AI event shows kids how to use fun, innovative AI applications. Students learn about self-driving cars and the purpose of AI in the real world, while getting involved in hands-on activities.

22. Weather Wiz Kids

At Weather Wiz Kids you will get to know meteorologist Crystal Wicker, who has designed a website explaining everything about the weather. Find fun facts, games, flashcards and photos, plus get answers to your meteorological questions.

23. Junior Robotics

In Junior Robotics , introduce your students to the fascinating world of robotics! In this live virtual class, your student will program a robot to move, draw, turn, and more, all guided by an experienced teacher. Don't worry, no physical robot is needed.

24. Minecraft Modding Quest

Chances are your child loves playing Minecraft! It’s the best selling video game ever, and it’s super fun. But aside from that, it is an amazing learning tool, showcased in Create & Learn’s Minecraft Modding Quest . In this online class, students can actually code their own Minecraft games. Students learn the basics of coding through solving puzzles. Once they have mastered the coding concepts, children start designing their own games.

25. Roblox Coding

Aside from Minecraft, Roblox is one of the most popular online activities with kids today! In this fun class kids will learn how to make their own games in Roblox. Along the way they'll also master important coding concepts such as if/then, loop, and variable in the context of Roblox coding, as well as how to have game elements respond to interactions from players such as clicks, movements, and more! There's also a free Roblox class if you want to give it a try.

Try after-school activities you can do by yourself

As you can see, there are tons of options out there for fun after school activities that kids can do by themselves. Whether or not they have tried coding before, many kids will be surprised and excited to design and execute their own programs while experimenting with important STEM concepts. These activities can be done alone or with a friend, and they are sure to make your summer time both fun and educational. If you would like to read more, check out some creative STEM spring activities and indoor activities for kids .

Written by Bryan Gordon, a Create & Learn instructor. After ten years of working as an English teacher, Bryan began studying Math and Computer Science over the past few years. Aside from writing and teaching, he likes cooking, gardening, playing guitar, and hanging out with his cats, Baguette and Wally.

You Might Also Like...

15 Best Online Coding Platforms for Kids

After-School Program Curriculum Ideas

• August 6, 2022

35 Fun and Educational After School Activities For Kids

After school activities combine education, skill development and fun into one event, but is your well running dry when it comes to after school activity ideas? Read on for some inspiration, and feel free to borrow liberally from our list of after school activities for kids.

Why Are After School Activities Important?

Children may spend the bulk of their day in the classroom, but they don’t stop taking in information once their last bell rings. Children are always learning, and after school activities give them the opportunity to interact with ideas they may not encounter during the typical school day. Additionally, activities may be presented and experienced in ways not encountered in school—this may help teach kids of all ages new learning methods outside of school.

School activities like the various clubs available on campuses, as well as school programs like band, can help impart some of these lessons and experiences to middle school and high school students.

However, younger children from elementary school and preschool may not have access to such programs. In that case, parents or guardians who arrange child care for the rest of the post-school business day can either choose caregivers who prioritize activities for kids or leave activities with their chosen care giver.

Of course, parents or guardians can also participate in these at home lessons. They can be a great time to bond for you and your family!

Coding and Gaming Activities

If you’re planning activities for a child obsessed with technology, there are fun ways to bring their interests off the screen and into the real world—you can even start them on the path to creating their own apps and games! Check out some ideas below, and for more,  visit Juni Learning’s list of coding activities .

Board Game Night

Whether it’s with family, friends or both, board game night can disguise many different lessons as no more than game rules and systems.

Take on a Fun Coding Project

Get your child excited about coding with these  fun coding projects . Built for every age and level of experience, these coding projects are a hands-on way for your child to learn about what you can do with coding.

Online Tech Camps for All Ages

A number of sites, including Juni Learning, host  virtual coding camps  for young people of all ages. Not only are coding camps a great way to inspire a passion for coding, they teach kids valuable lessons on collaboration and teamwork.

It’s available on almost every platform, it’s a mainstay for YouTubers and it has maintained popularity for more than a decade.  Minecraft  touches on everything from counting to creativity, and its enemy-free creator mode gives kids full reign to explore their ideas.

Team Sports

It doesn’t matter if it’s in the backyard, at the park or at their school, kids who participate in team sports learn social skills and critical thinking—all while they get a workout. The world of team sports is vast and can provide safe, enriching experiences no matter what sort of sport a child is comfortable with.

If your child loves team sports, encourage their interest by teaching them how to use  sports analytics  to make smart plays.

Ladder Ball

With trick shots all the rage on social media, ladder ball may be the perfect way to introduce your Youtube obsessed little one to the joys of backyard games.

Augmented reality gaming has taken off, with games like Pokemon GO encouraging people to take their game hobby to the outdoors. Playing augmented reality titles with groups is a safe, fun way to enjoy this new and ever-expanding technology.

Science Activities

The science classroom is a great place to discuss theory, but unless a child has a dedicated lab period scheduled during their school day, they may not be seeing or participating in the practical applications of those theories. There are a number of science-related activities that can be done with items common around a typical household. You’ll find some quick suggestions below, but  check out Juni Learning  for more!

Create an Obstacle Course

Construction of an obstacle course involves measuring distance and considering applicable laws of science, like gravity. It provides a focus on biology and anatomy when discussing parts of the body challenged by each obstacle.

The Volcano Experiment

Nothing beats a classic. Just grab some vinegar and baking soda, pour them into your volcano or stand-in volcano, then it’s time for the show.

Ice Cream in a Bag

You probably have most of the items necessary for this activity in your kitchen, but the rest can be acquired easily at any grocery store. After gathering materials and putting 10-20 minutes into this exercise, your ice cream in a bag will be complete.

Crayon Melting

Explore the melting point of wax and the properties of color by melting old crayons to create something new.

Elephant Toothpaste

Using a bottle, some dish soap and food coloring, create a large, slow-moving, colorful foam that resembles toothpaste from the tube—but this toothpaste is big, so it must be for elephants.

Invisible Ink Messages

A kid can feel like a secret agent and learn about chemical reactions thanks to common household substances that create and reveal secret messages on paper.

Which Paper Airplane Is Best?

Build paper airplanes with different sizes, shapes and enhancements. Then test them to see what works, what didn’t work and why.

Math and Numbers Activities

Whether they think in numbers or they refuse to touch their math homework, children will grow to interact with numbers more times than they can count.  Juni Learning has a number of math courses  that help familiarize kids with the practical applications of math, and some other examples can be found below.

Taking Inventory

Ask a young person to help take stock of which groceries are in the house. Have recipes handy so they can compare what’s there versus what’s needed. Itemize some recipes by an items weight and encourage conversion.

Playing Cards

A standard 52-card deck can be used to play a variety of games with rules that rely on addition and subtraction—especially when it’s time to tally up scores. Card games also teach critical thinking through strategy, as well as sportsmanship.

Probability Bottle Flip

Measure probability while taking part in the ever-popular pastime of water bottle flipping.

Sudoku is a magic square puzzle that requires players to keep track of number sums. These popular puzzles are widely available in books and online.

Play Math-centric Board Games

Games like Monopoly require the use of math and number comparison during almost every turn. Kids will learn while they’re just trying to win.

Calculate Distance

Have children calculate the distance from their front door to their favorite restaurant, or from home to school. Then, use a search engine to compare that distance with the distance from other interesting locations like local landmarks, well-known cities or destinations abroad!

Also known as bean bag toss, cornhole is a great way to encourage physical activity while the game’s scoring system encourages basic math skills. Smaller versions of the game’s boards are available for purchase at most sporting goods retailers.

Life Skills Activities

Learning how to care for themselves and manage money are important life skills that will help your child make smart decisions.

Building healthy money habits starts young. Jun Learning has a wide variety of virtual courses that help children learn about the stock market, economic laws like supply or demand, and even cryptocurrency.  See Juni Learning’s full slate of courses here .

Play Store Clerk

Take turns pretending to be the shopper and store clerk to teach your child about the value of money and purchases. Kids will learn to count money—and how to prioritize purchases based on needs and means.

Build a Simulated Stock Portfolio

Introduce your kids to the stock market and investing with a simulated stock market. Free to access and influenced by real market trends, a stock market simulator allows your child to try their hand at trading with virtual money.

Start a Piggy Bank

Teach your kids the importance of saving money by getting them their very own piggy bank. For bonus points, use a clear container like a jar so your child can see their money growing.

Grow Plants

Use a patch in the backyard, a window planter or a community garden to grow flowers, vegetables or herbs. If kids grow one of the two latter plants, encourage them to create a meal with their crops!

Cook Together

Cooking teaches children to follow directions and be comfortable in the kitchen—an invaluable life skill that’ll save them money later.

Countdown Calendar

Create a cool calendar that counts down to vacations, events, holidays or important dates in the child’s life.

Take Care of a Pet

Classroom pets, daycare pets and house pets impart consideration and responsibility. It’s important to know a child is ready before choosing to allow them access to a pet.

Arts and Writing Activities

Learning how to craft projects, stories or poems doesn’t just help students explore their own ideas, it also helps them learn to communicate in healthy ways . Juni Learning provides options to you and your budding artist , and more can be found below.

Sign Your Little One Up for Private Music Lessons

Learning an instrument or perfecting their singing voice can teach discipline and have a long-term impact on a young person’s quality of life. Skills in music can turn free time into productive practice, lead to promising career paths and help kids network as young adults.

Throw a Dance Party

If a child is crazy about the latest viral dance move, turn your common space into a kid-friendly dance club and get on the floor! Kids love sharing their interests, and this could be a fun way for them to introduce an adult to their taste in music.

Have a Puppet Show

Buy puppets or make your own, then plan a puppet show to put on for friends, family, an audience of toys or yourselves! Children can learn to think on their feet with improv, get creative by adapting a known story or practice acting by reciting an existing script.

Practice Origami

This Japanese art of paper folding requires adherence to step-by-step instructions and precise folds. It’s a great way to build patience, critical thinking skills and fine motor skills. Kids can then hang their works of art in their living space.

Play With Rainbow Soap Foam

If you have dish soap and food coloring, you’ll be able to  curate this colorful activity  in as little as 10 minutes. Be careful with young children, as the soap can still sting and shouldn’t be ingested. Also remember to wear old clothing and be mindful of where you perform this activity, as food coloring can stain. Now that the disclaimers are out of the way, it’s time to get chromatic!

Play Dress Up

The possibilities here are endless. From children dressing up and imitating older family members to donning the attire of their favorite heroes, a quick wardrobe change could transport a kid to a different world.

Read a Short Story

It’s a classic, but reading together can spark curiosity, imagination and creativity. It also helps establish routine and increase attention span.

Explore Online Afterschool Activities

Whether you’re playing to a child’s interests or attempting to introduce them to new concepts, fun after school activities can enrich a young life. Juni Learning is full of great resources that can guide kids after school activities to educational, artistic or practical learning.  Flip through their course catalog  to get started!

Python Coding Classes for Kids: This Is How to Start

Block Coding for Kids: What Is It and Why Is It Effective?

Coding Projects for Kids: Fun Ways to Get Into Programming

Go further with juni.

Find your potential through our exclusive educational content, guides, and resources only available to Juni Subscribers.

Recent Posts

Looking for a juni course check out our course explorer.

EXPLORE ALL COURSES >>

Get fun activities sent straight to your inbox

Enjoyed this article? Become a Juni subscriber to get even more exclusive educational content, guides, and deals sent straight to your email inbox.

Investing & Entrepreneurship

Communications

Help with Schoolwork

All Courses

How It Works

Instructors

Student Projects

On Demand ACT & SAT Prep

Help Center & FAQ

Founders’ Story

Instructor Jobs

Our Policies

Subscribe to our newsletter

Learn about our latest events, resources, programs, and more!

By subscribing you agree with our Terms of Use & Privacy Policy .

2261 Market St #4242, San Francisco, CA 94114

[email protected]

Discover more from Juni Learning

Subscribe now to keep reading and get access to the full archive.

Type your email…

Continue reading

• Math for Kids
• Parenting Resources
• ELA for Kids
• Teaching Resources

13 Best Resources for Math Videos for Kids: Math Made Fun

How to Teach Skip Counting to Kids in 9 Easy Steps

10 Best Math Intervention Strategies for Struggling Students

How to Teach Division to Kids in 11 Easy Steps

How to Teach Place Value in 9 Easy Steps

Simple & Stress-Free After School Schedule for Kids of All Ages

When Do Kids Start Preschool: Age & Readiness Skills

Kindergarten Readiness Checklist: A Guide for Parents

How to Choose Best School For Your Kid: 12 Best Tips

Why Kids Get Bored at School: 10 Tips to Keep Them Interested

6 Effective Ways to Improve Writing Skills

40 Four Letter Words That Start With A

What Are the Stages of Spelling Development: Ultimate Guide

48 Rhyming Words for Kindergarten Kids

How to Teach Vowels to Kids: A Step-by-Step Guide

How to Teach Kids to Write in 9 Easy Steps

13 challenges for teachers and how to address them.

12 Best Qualities of a Good Teacher

15 Best Innovative Tech Tools for Teachers

What is Teachers Professional Development: Strategies & More

35 After-School Activities for Kids to Stimulate Their Minds

35 Educational Yet Fun After-School Activities for Your Little Person

How to pick suitable after-school activities, frequently asked questions (faqs).

After-school activities are vital for a child’s physical and mental development. In addition, research shows that well-formulated after-school programs can improve kids’ social skills , school attendance, and academic outcomes. 

After-school programs are beneficial for both young and older kids. These activities keep your energetic toddler busy and tire them out for a good night’s sleep. In addition, older kids can stay on the right path and dodge bad company when participating in skill-based activities. 

There are several after-school courses, activities, and learning programs available. You must select a suitable activity based on your child’s age and interest. The activity has to be fun yet lay down the foundation for school. 

For parents’ reference, we have laid out the 35 best after-school activities for kids of all age groups. 

Usually, kids spend all day in school, which leaves them with less time to play. So rather than swamping your child with too many activities to do after school, why not pick an activity—based on your child’s grade level and interest—that can entertain and educate your little one. 

Since middle and high schoolers are quite vocal about their interests anyway, this article’s focus is on kindergartners , preschoolers , and elementary students.

So read on to find the best after-school programs to develop a new skill in your child.

Best After-School Activities for Kindergarten Students

Kindergartners are little balls of energy. They are curious and always ready to explore new things. Also, kindergarten classes are shorter, leaving children plenty of free time at home. 

Thus, before your toddler turns your home upside down, you can enroll them in the following activities:

1. Online Learning Games

Material Required : SplashLearn app

Skills : Math and Reading

Does your child love to play with your phone? Then, you can download the free SplashLearn app and let your toddler play learning games . SplashLearn has many free math games and reading games for preschoolers to fifth graders . With animations, storylines, and learning curves, these brain games for kids can build their academic skills. 

2. Scavenger Hunter in Park

Material Required : Small toys 

Skills : Tactical and Motor 

After school, you can take your child to a local park and pack up some of their favorite small toys like a car, a stuffed toy, etc. Then, you can hide those toys around the park and let your child run around to find all the items. Ensure that you do not hide the toys so far that you lose sight of your toddler. Such concentration games will also help them to have a great time!

3. Recycling Crayons

Material Required : Broken crayons, different plastic molds 

Skills : Color matching and Shapes

Ask your kiddos to collect all their broken crayons and color-coordinate them. Then, you can melt broken crayons and pour the mixture into different shape molds to set. Children will be fascinated to see crayons melting and forming different shapes while learning about shapes via games .

4. Colorful Popsicles

Material Required : Food color and flavors 

Skills : Color recognition and Taste sensing

Sensory development in young children is essential. So, you can make some colorful popsicles with your kids after school and develop their senses. To make popsicles, you can use food colors and different flavors, like orange, grapes, etc. 

5. Color an Item

Material Required: Any waste item like broken toys or paper plates

Skills : Color and Motor 

Pick a random item from your waste bin, like paper plates, cans, or broken toys. Then, leave your kid with paint and a brush to turn that item into something fun. It is a messy but great activity to indulge children. This will help kindergarteners to identify objects by colors .

6. Count It

Material Required : Nothing 

Skills : Counting , Matching and Observation 

You can also plan an activity while driving to/from your toddler to school. For example, you can pick a random item, say a tree, and ask your child to count all the trees that come from school to home. Again, it is a simple learning activity to boost your toddler’s observation skills. 

7. Paint a Sidewalk

Material Required : Colorful chalks

Skills : Motor and Hand–eye coordination 

Does your kiddo love to draw on your living room walls? In that case, you can get some colorful chalks for your toddler and take them outside to paint sidewalks. This activity can develop your child’s interest in art at an early age. 

8. Word Tree

Material Required : Dry leaves, marker, dual side tape, cardboard sheet

Skills : Alphabets and Numbers 

Take your children to a park and ask them to collect dry leaves. After that, write an alphabet or number on each leaf and stick tape on its back. Next, place a cardboard sheet in your living room and give the word to your toddler that they must find on leaves and paste on the sheet. This will make gardening with children a fun activity .

9. Calming Jar

Material Required : Empty jars, glitters, hand soap, watercolors 

Skills : Sensory 

You can create calming jars with your kids to relax them. Simply put water, glitters, colors, and hand soap in an empty jar. Tighten the jar’s lid and give it to your child so they can shake the jar when they feel agitated after a long day at school.

10. Dance Your Heart Out

Material Required : Children’s music playlist

Skills : Physical and Body Balance

The simplest kindergartner’s activity is to select your child’s favorite song to dance and blast it on your living room TV. This dancing session is going to be exciting one for kids. This activity can tire out your toddler and can act as a workout for kids . 

11. Chase Bubbles

Material Required : Dish soap, glycerine, straw

Skills : Motor

You can make some homemade bubbles using dish soap, glycerin, and waste straws. After that, let your kids chase colorful bubbles and giggle around the home.

12. Pebble Friends

Material Required : Pebbles, watercolors 

Skills : Emotions 

Ask your toddler to select pebbles from the road and paint them using different colors. You can also draw faces on the pebbles. These pebbles can become your child’s friend to share happy and sad movements. In addition, it can build emotions among your young children.

Best Activities for Preschoolers to Do After School

Preschool after-school activities have to be simple and engaging. It is hard to keep preschoolers’ attention for long. Therefore, you must select some entertaining activities to improve your preschooler’s attention span and teach them new skills. Here are some of the best activities for preschoolers to do at home:

13. Foam Art

Material Required : Shaving foam, watercolors, sheets of paper

Skills : Color recognition and Sensory

This is an artistic and sensory activity for preschoolers. Simply put shaving foam on a piece of paper and let your child paint something on the foam. Then, place another piece of paper over the foam, and all the colors will transfer to it. This will create a cool foam painting. These painting ideas for kids are definitely going to be super fun for them!

14. Tell Me a Story

Material Required : A jar, paper, pencil 

Skills : Imagination 

This is an easy activity for preschoolers where you can simply create small paper chits and write random words on them like blue, rainbow, and so on. Then, put all the chits in a jar and ask your children to pick a chit every day after school. Then, they must create an imaginary story using the word mentioned in the chit. It is a great way to improve your children’s imagination and storytelling skills.

15. Color Sort Your Room

Skills : Color names 

Parents are going to love this activity. It will not only teach children different color names but also teach them how to organize their rooms. For example, you can ask your kids to put all the items of a color present in their room in one place. Your children can learn to clean their room and the names of colors.

16. Swimming with Dinosaurs 

Material Required : Kiddy swimming pool 

Skills : Arm strength 

Is it around 50° outside? Then, you can pull out the kiddy swimming pool from your garage and fill it with water bubbles for your kids to splash around in.

17. Bake It

Material Required : Kid’s baking kit

Skills : Baking

You can order a kid’s baking kit for your preschooler and let them bake up some delicious treats with you. This activity can help you bond with your toddler and pass on your baking passion to them. Baking, which is a science, will also help them understand proportions, precise measurements, and why certain chemical combinations result in particular results.

18. Fashion Parade

Material Required : Your wardrobe 

Skills : Dress up, Colors and Motor

Are you blessed with energetic kids? In that case, you can open up your wardrobe and let them create an awesome fashion show. It might mess up your wardrobe, but it will improve your kids’ creative abilities, imagination, confidence and self-esteem, allowing you to create beautiful memories with your little ones, which makes this certainly worth it.

19. Plant a Seed

Material Required : A flower pot, a seed

Skills : Gardening

You can give a flower pot and a flower seed to your child. Then, you can teach them how to sow a seed and nurture it to turn it into a blooming flower. Your child can learn to care for others with this activity. You can teach them how flowers bloom after good care. 

20. Cabbage Experiment 

Material Required : Food coloring, water, empty jar, cabbage leaves

Skills : STEM

This fun after-school activity can turn your preschooler into a little scientist. To perform this activity, put different food colors into jars filled with water and place a cabbage leaf in it. This experiment will show your kid how leaves absorb water. 

21. Rainbow Bread

Material Required : Bread slices, food coloring 

Skills : Color recognition 

Sometimes it is alright to let your kids mess around with food. For example, you can give your preschoolers a slice of bread and some food coloring to make colorful rainbow bread for their lunchbox.

22. Wheat Clay

Material Required : Flour, food coloring 

Skills : Motor skills

Playing with clay helps to improve your child’s hand and finger grips. So instead of buying clay from the store, you can use whole-purpose flour and food coloring to make clay at home. Simply knead the dough using different food colors and let your little bundles make clay toys.

23. Build a Fort

Material Required : Bedsheets, home decorations

After school, you can build a fort in your living room using bed sheets and let your child take a nap in it. You can decorate the fort by using different home decor items like tealights, plants, or your child’s favorite toys. This activity is the best way to put your child down for a quick nap.

24. Sing a Song

Skills : Speaking 

Is your toddler struggling to speak words? In that case, indulge them in activities that allow them to speak more. Of course, singing along with your toddler is the best activity in this situation. Without even noticing, your children can learn to speak difficult words when they sing rhyming songs with you. After school, you should spend a few minutes singing with your child; who knows, you might have the next American Idol on your hands.

Best After-School Activities for Elementary Students

Elementary students are more mature and understanding than preschoolers and kindergartners. You can try more advanced activities with elementary students to develop their academic skills. At this age, your child can also tell you which after-school activity excites them the most. 

Some of the best activities for elementary students after school are listed here. 

25. Teach Your Siblings 

Skills : Academic 

You can put your elementary school goers on the homework duty of their younger siblings. This can help them to revise their own lessons and bond with their siblings. Besides, you also get some free time to relax.

26. Puppet Show 

Material Required : Socks, buttons, threads

Skills : Creative 

You can help your child create a sock puppet using cute buttons and colorful threads. Then, for festivals or family dinner parties, your kids can present their special puppet show and build their stage skills. 

27. Indoor Sack Race 

Material Required : Old sacks

Skills : Physical strength and Competitiveness 

You can invite your kids’ friends to a fun sack race in your backyard after school. Grab some snacks and host a fun sack race competition at your home. 

28. Make Your Ice Cream

Material Required : Ice cubes, zip locks, milk, sugar, and any ice cream flavor

Skills : STEM 

Taking your kids for an ice cream treat after school is the best way to reward them. But you can turn ice cream treats into a fun activity by showing your child how to make ice cream in a ziplock with some ice cubes and a mixture of half-and-half and sugar. 

29. Plan a Movie Night

Material Required : An animated movie for kids , snacks

Skills : Planning and Responsibility 

Give your kid the responsibility to plan a family movie night. Let them choose any famous kids’ movie and snacks for a fun family time. It can make your child responsible and teach them how to cater to other people’s needs. 

30. Read a Story

Material Required : Good children’s books 

Skills : Reading 

Elementary students have an advanced reading level. They can read all the big words. So, you can ask your kiddo to read you a new bedtime story every night. This can help you in improving your child’s reading skills . 

31. Dry Leaves and Flowers

Material Required : Leaves, flowers, salt, airtight jar

Here’s another science experiment for kids to develop your their interest in science. You can show your child how salt absorbs moisture by creating dry leaves. Just place fallen leaves and flowers in a jar of salt. Salt will absorb all the moisture within a few days, turning them all dry. 

32. Sleepovers 

Material Required : PJs, sleeping bags, junk food

Skills : Social 

Encourage your kids to organize a sleepover party with friends. This activity boosts social skills and develops sharing habits among your elementary school goers. 

33. Veggie Stamp

Material Required : Various veggies like okra or cauliflower, water paints 

Skills : Creativity & Botany

Kids will have a blast when they see how awesome stamp patterns they can create by dipping veggies like okra into the paint. 

34. Origami 

Material Required : Colorful paper, safety scissors 

Skills : Hands-on 

Elementary students are old enough to handle scissors. So, you can enroll your kids in online origami classes to learn how to create cool stuff using paper. 

35. Calligraphy 

Material Required : Calligraphy books

Skills : Writing 

You can order some calligraphy books to help your child develop beautiful writing skills to shine in school. 

Every type of after-school activity is important to improve your child’s academic skills and can even teach them a new art form. You can develop several hands-on skills in your kiddo using the right after-school activity ideas. 

Simply consider your child’s age and passion while selecting the best activities. Also, don’t forget to choose fun activities for kids . 

There, you have already explored thirty-five of the best activities to perform after school for kids. So, select the suitable one and keep your child engaged even after school.

What are after-school activities for?

After-school programs can help children and youth develop socially, emotionally, cognitively, and academically, reduce risky behaviors, promote physical health, and provide a safe and supportive environment.

Why should schools provide more after-school activities?

Participation in after-school programs on a consistent basis has reduced dropout rates and helped close achievement gaps for low-income students. Regular participation in an after-school program may also help older youth reduce risky behaviors and gain college- and career-related skills.

Should after-school programs be mandatory?

Extracurricular activities for kids like speech leagues, sports, and many others should be made mandatory because they all provide excellent opportunities to interact with others and improve your social skills. When applying for a job in the real world, networking is more important than your GPA.

15 Best Listening Activities for Kids to Enhance Auditory Skills

15 Best Reading Fluency Activities for Early Learners

15 Best End of School Year Activities for Kids of All Grade

Most Popular

15 Best Report Card Comments Samples

101 Best Riddles for Kids (With Explanation)

40 Best Good Vibes Quotes to Brighten Your Day

Recent posts.

Math & ELA | PreK To Grade 5

Kids see fun., you see real learning outcomes..

Watch your kids fall in love with math & reading through our scientifically designed curriculum.

Parents, try for free Teachers, use for free

• Games for Kids
• Worksheets for Kids
• Math Worksheets
• ELA Worksheets
• Math Vocabulary
• Number Games
• Addition Games
• Subtraction Games
• Multiplication Games
• Division Games
• Addition Worksheets
• Subtraction Worksheets
• Multiplication Worksheets
• Division Worksheets
• Times Tables Worksheets
• Reading Games
• Writing Games
• Phonics Games
• Sight Words Games
• Letter Tracing Games
• Reading Worksheets
• Writing Worksheets
• Phonics Worksheets
• Sight Words Worksheets
• Letter Tracing Worksheets
• Prime Number
• Order of Operations
• Long multiplication
• Place value
• Parallelogram
• SplashLearn Success Stories
• SplashLearn Apps
• [email protected]

© Copyright - SplashLearn

Make study-time fun with 14,000+ games & activities, 450+ lesson plans, and more—free forever.

Parents, Try for Free Teachers, Use for Free

• Skip to primary navigation
• Skip to main content
• Skip to primary sidebar

Teaching Expertise

• Classroom Ideas
• Teacher’s Life
• Deals & Shopping
• Privacy Policy

36 After-School Activity Ideas For Elementary: Crafts, Experiments, And Problem-Solving Tasks

November 10, 2023 //  by  Rachel Cruz

After a long day at school, your kids may not want to do anything but watch TV or play video games, which can be detrimental to their development. Instead, why not engross them in various crafts or games that promote their mental and physical health?  Below, you’ll find a wide range of ideas that’ll engage your young learners’ minds as they dabble in some amazing art projects, science experiments, and problem-solving games. Try these 28 enchanting after-school activities to keep your elementary-aged kids off the screen and actively learning!

1. Create a Catapult

Calling all of your little engineers!  Challenge your students to design a functioning catapult using popsicle sticks and rubber bands! In their last step of construction, they’ll attach a bottlecap to their catapult to hold their projectile in place- marshmallows and paper balls work well!

Learn More:  Kids Discovery Place

2. Spaghetti Towers 

Two food items that don’t naturally go together can make for an exciting STEM activity! Dry spaghetti noodles and marshmallows are the perfect materials for your kids to build sturdy towers. If you don’t have the required materials on hand, your littles can use straws and tape. As they experiment with design techniques they can compete to build the tallest tower!

Learn More:  RIGB

3. Build a Ball Drop Maze

Building a ball drop is an excellent way to use recycled materials and promote critical thinking in your pupils. To do so, they’ll take empty paper towel rolls, wrapping paper, and toilet paper rolls, and tape them to a wall with painter’s tape; constructing a fun maze for a ball to travel through. Your elementary students won’t even realize that they’re working on their fine and gross motor skills while creating this fun contraption.

Learn More: Cambridge Montessori

4. Magnetic Slime

Making slime is an activity that ALL students love. Change it up from the regular recipe by adding black iron oxide powder and liquid starch to make it magnetic! We bet your kiddos will be impressed by the new properties of their gooey toy; making it perfect for an interactive and engaging after-school activity.

Learn More:  Little Bins For Little Hands

5. Minute To Win It Games

Minute to win it games are exhilarating, competitive games that can be played individually against a timer, or with teams! There are hundreds of exciting games for your kids to choose from- like stacking as many dice as they can on a popsicle stick that’s balancing in their mouth. They’ll feel the pressure as they only have 60 seconds to complete each of the tasks!

Learn More:  Tiny Beans

6. Can You Fit Through An Index Card?

When asking your kiddies- can you fit it through an index card… most children will say no! Hand them a pair of scissors and see if they’re up for the task! After they struggle through a few tries, cutting different shapes and holes- offer them up the trick! They’ll see how, with the proper cuts, they can expand the size of the paper and fit their bodies through it! They’ll definitely think it’s magic and want to show all of their friends!

Learn More:  Parent Vault

7. Build a Hovercraft

Your kids will surely be on board for building a DIY hovercraft after school! They’ll start by gathering the necessary materials; a balloon, duct tape, a rubber band, a straw, a CD, a pencil, a skewer, and a piece of packing foam to create their flying machines! The construction process is only half the fun; once they add their air supply they can play games and race their hoverboards all afternoon long!

Learn More:  PBS Kids

8. Make a Lava Lamp

Lava lamps are a great after-school craft that’s suitable for any age. Plus, they can be used for mindfulness and calming down. All your kiddos need is some vegetable oil, colors, glitter, and anything else that they’d like to see floating around in their jars. Once they’ve mixed everything, they can seal it and watch in awe as the lava flows!

9. Egg Drop Challenge

I’m sure you’ve seen, or even remember doing, the classic egg drop activity yourself! Provide your elementary kiddos with an egg, a cup, a bag, a string, and something to cushion their egg with. Then, task them with creating a special design that can be used to house an egg and protect it from breaking when dropped from a height. Whether successful or not, prompt them to analyze their designs based on the outcome of the experiment! 

Learn More:  There’s Just One Mommy

10. Pop Up Cards

We all see the value in teaching our kids to be thoughtful and kind humans, right? In this activity, your students will design a pop-up card and write a sincere note to a friend or family member. Prompt them to add their own artistic touch with a pop-up flower, superhero, or any other image of choice!

Learn More:  Tinker Lab

11. Make A Balloon Car

Balloon cars are a fun children’s activity promoting higher-level thinking and problem-solving skills. Challenge your older elementary kids to make the fastest car from an empty, plastic bottle and a balloon! Once they’ve added some bottle cap wheels- they’ll be all set to race all of their friends!

Learn More:  Science Buddies

12. String Puppets

We love these unique string puppets, and we know your kids will too! Essentially, they’ll thread string through straws to make jointed limbs and add a paper face to decorate their puppets. Then, they can pull the tabs to make their puppets dance and move around as they entertain you with a puppet show!

13. Finger Knitting

You and your kiddos may be surprised to know that you can knit with just your fingers and some yarn! Finger knitting is an excellent fine motor activity that will calm your students down after school. Following step-by-step guides, they’ll be able to knit blankets, hats, and animals by wrapping yarn around their fingers!

Learn More:  The Craft Train

14. Foil Art

Foil art is a fantastic art project that your little ones will love! All they’ll need is a piece of aluminum foil and some paint! Simply have them crumple up the foil for some texture, and then get to work painting their very own masterpieces!

Learn More:  Toddler Approved

15. Suminagashi

Suminagashi is an art technique from Japan that will keep your kiddos entertained for hours on end! They’ll need marbling paints, brushes, and a bin filled with 2 inches of water. To begin, get them to place a piece of paper into the bin filled with water. Next, they can load their paint brushes with colored ink and tap the surface of the water; watching the ink instantly spread into a beautiful work of art! Finally, they can remove their sheet of paper and hang it up to dry.

Learn More:  Inner Child Fun

16. Make A Kaleidoscope

These DIY kaleidoscopes are the perfect after-school activity for your kiddos to create and then play with! To make them- they’ll need a toilet paper tube, a straw, paper, and mylar strips of mirrored paper. They’ll follow the steps to piece together the eyehole before spending time coloring unique designs on the piece of paper that they’ll gaze at.

Learn More:  Buggy And Buddy

17. Rubber Band Art

Rubber band art is an excellent activity for after-school time and best of all it requires minimal supplies. All your pupils need is cardstock paper, rubber bands, and a sponge. To create their masterpieces, they can wrap rubberbands around the piece of paper, dip sponges in paint, and apply them to their sheet of paper. Once the paint dries, they can cut the rubber bands and reveal all of the cool lines and color splotches!

Learn More:  Babble Dabble Do

18. Popsicle Stick Weaving

Popsicle weaving will surely keep your kids busy and calm after school! With 2 craft sticks tied together in a T shape, they’ll weave yarn around the sticks to create a mandala-like design. This is a great fine motor activity with an end product that can be hung in their rooms as a decoration.

Learn More:  Pretty Opinionated

19. Popsicle Stick Harmonicas

Who knew that you could make a harmonica out of popsicle sticks? This musical instrument is easy to make and only requires popsicle sticks, a straw, rubber bands, and loom bands! Your students will be surprised when they blow into their craft and it makes a melodic sound!

Learn More:  My Baba

20. Leaf Rubbing

This autumn-inspired art project invites you to take your students on a walk to collect a variety of attractive leaves after school. Then, they’ll be ready to apply the leaf rubbing technique by placing their leaves underneath a piece of parchment paper and coloring over the top with crayons. The veins and intricate details of the leaves will pop into a texturized fall collage!

Learn More:  KC Edventures

21. Raised Salt Painting

Your kiddies will be obsessed with raised salt painting! To start, they’ll squeeze glue onto cardstock. Then, they’ll sprinkle salt all over the lines of glue. Finally, they can carefully apply watercolors to each of the lines and let their art pieces dry. Completing this simple art activity is a quiet way for your pupils to spend the afternoon. 

Learn More:  Artful Parent

22. Watermelon Chess

Despite the name, this strategy game that’s been derived from China is nothing similar to the classic game of chess. This is a 2 player battle game that requires a few counters and a printable board. Your elementary kids will need to engage their problem-solving skills to be the first to immobilize their opponent’s markers!

Learn More: What We Do All Day

23. Snowflake Suncatcher

This after-school activity is sure to brighten your children’s winter days!! They’ll have tons of fun cutting snowflakes out of colored paper and adhering them to clear plastic wrap. After tearing up a rainbow of tissue paper, your students can glue the pieces into a mosaic design and cheerfully watch the sun shine through once they’re hung in a nearby window.

Learn More: Kids Activity Zone

24. Roll A Monster

Time to bring out your little one’s inner monster with this fun dice and art game! To prepare, print out the instructions and give your kids dice and colorful felt pieces. According to the number they roll, they’ll then follow the directions to craft a unique felt monster. For example, rolling a 4 means that they’ll have to add one horn, and a 5 allows them to add one leg. The fun part is that they can play this multiple times and they’ll always end up with a different Frankenstein-like monster! 

Learn More: HomeMade Heather

25. Breathing Exercises

Breathwork is a beneficial practice that teaches your young ones to calm their minds and improve their mental health. A simple and effective breathing exercise is inhaling and exhaling in the shape of mountains. Another fun technique allows them to practice breathing like a cute, little bunny!

Learn More: La Mesa-Spring Valley Schools

26. The Floor is Lava

Here’s a great activity to expel your students’ energy at the end of a school day! To play, begin by scattering paper or felt stepping stones across the “lava” to protect your young one’s feet. Add some numbers or words to get them to practice math facts or recite sight words as they hop along; trying their best not to fall into the burning lava!

Learn More: Learning Resources

27. Animal Yoga

Yoga combines physical activity, mental awareness, and emotional skills all rolled into one. Pick a card and have your little ones practice flowing their body to become an elephant, crocodile, or even a tiger! To boost self-esteem, they can rehearse positive mantras to fully bring mindfulness to their thoughts! 

Learn More: Washington State University

28. DIY Trees

This tactile activity is a wonderful way to bring nature to life. Begin the sensory play by having your kids crush up dry leaves from outside. Then, they can cut and paste paper in the form of a tree and glue all of their different leaf crumbs to make a colorful 3D tree! 

Learn More: TikTok

29. Dreamcatchers

Chase your little one’s nightmares away by keeping this intricate dreamcatcher next to their bed at night. To create, they’ll simply need to cut the middle out of a paper plate before weaving yarn between punched holes along the circumference. Then, they’re free to decorate their dreamcatchers using markers, beads, and glitter- maybe even hanging feathers to add some finishing flair!

Learn More: One Little Project

30. Robot Dance

Dust off that boom box and get your kids ready to move!! In this musical gross motor skills game, your littles will be able to show off their best robotic dance moves as you call out different movement commands. For example; walk in a rectangle, take on giant step, and spin in a circle- all while acting as a stiff robot! 

Learn More: Sara J. Creations

31. Exploring Colors

This colorful activity merges science and art as it invites your kids to explore the hues created from a chemical reaction. To set up, they’ll need to fill a tray with baking soda and an ice cube tray with vinegar and different watercolors. Then, they’ll use droplets to blend the vinegar colors with the baking soda; resulting in an awesome reaction. 

Learn More: Buggy and Buddy

32. Nature Bracelet

All you need for this creative activity is a piece of tape and the beautiful outdoors. By turning the sticky side up and wrapping tape around your child’s wrist, they can walk around sticking a variety of natural textiles to their bracelets. They can use flower petals, blades of grass, and even clovers for good luck!

Learn More: Sprouting Wild Ones

33. Who We Are On the Inside 

Teach your children that what truly makes them unique is their thoughts and feelings with this introspective spin on a self-portrait! First, they’ll need to fold a small portion of the top of the paper down and illustrate their faces- with their forehead meeting at the fold. Once complete, they’ll open the fold to reveal a space at the crown of their head where they’ll write or draw everything that flows through their beautiful mind!

Learn More: Art with Mrs. E

34. Water Drop Race

Get ready, get set, H2O! This is a super cool way to introduce your little scientists in training to the idea of surface tension. For experiment tools, they’ll need water, straws, and parchment paper. Challenge your students to move water from a start to a finish line by blowing the droplets across the wax paper with a straw! 

35. Coffee Filter Wall Hanging

Your students will be dying to hang their coffee filter art projects with pride! Grab some coffee filters and have your elementary-aged children decorate them with a mix of watercolors. Once dried, they can attach the painted filters to a branch with string. Pottery Barn can’t compete with this colorful display!

Learn More: Art Bar Blog

36. Seussian Sculptures

Calling all Dr. Seuss fans! This activity will unlock your child’s creativity when you present them with a colorful mix of media such as pipe cleaners, beads, pool noodle pieces, and any other whimsical material. They’ll enjoy fusing the most interesting ideas into these non-traditional sculptures!

Learn More: Scrum Dilly Do

texas After School Activities after school programs Outdoor Activities Arts Sports california

65 after school program ideas for parents and teachers.

Hey there, awesome parents and vibrant program providers! In the wonderful whirlwind that is the quest for enriching after-school activities, it’s easy to feel a tad overwhelmed. But fear not! Camps With Friends is here to sprinkle some simplicity into your search, illuminating a treasure trove of 65 activity ideas guaranteed to make your kiddo’s post-school hours gleam with fun and learning.

Whether your little ones are dreaming about crafting worlds in art, unraveling the mysteries of science, or embarking on athletic adventures, our guide promises a little magic for every curious mind.

10 After School Program Ideas:

• Robotics Club
• Science Explorers
• Coding & Game Development
• Art Studio Sessions
• Adventure Book Club
• World Dance & Music
• Young Chefs Kitchen
• Environmental Action Team
• Leadership & Debate
• Active Sports Fun

Robotics Club : A hands-on program where children can build, program, and bring robots to life, fostering STEM skills in a fun environment.

Young Explorers Science Program : Weekly themed science adventures that allow kids to conduct experiments and learn about the world through discovery.

Coding and Game Design : Learn computer programming through the exciting avenue of creating and designing their own video games.

Artistic Expressions Studio : A creative art space for children to explore various mediums – from painting to sculpting – and showcase their art in a gallery setting.

Adventure Book Club : Dive into new worlds with a book club that combines reading with interactive activities based on the stories.

Multicultural Dance and Music : Celebrating diversity through the joy of dance and music, children discover different cultures while exercising and having fun.

Junior Chefs Cooking Class : A delicious approach to learning about nutrition, cooking basics, and the fun of making and tasting their own creations.

Eco-Warriors Environmental Club : Equips young minds with knowledge about sustainability and the environment, including hands-on projects like gardening and recycling campaigns.

Leadership and Public Speaking : Develop confidence and communication skills through engaging activities designed to teach public speaking and leadership.

Fitness Fun Zone : A dynamic mix of sports, obstacle courses, and fitness games aimed at keeping kids active and teaching the value of teamwork and healthy living.

Commonly asked questions:

What is the most common after school activity.

• Sports (e.g., soccer, basketball)
• Arts and crafts
• Music lessons
• Drama and theater clubs
• STEM clubs (robotics, coding)
• Language learning

What's a good after school routine?

A balanced after-school routine typically includes:.

• A snack to recharge
• Time for homework or study
• Physical activity or outdoor play
• Creative or free playtime
• Down time or relaxation before dinner

What is the best after school activity?

The best after-school activity is one that aligns with your child’s interests and developmental needs. it should:.

• Encourage their passions
• Foster new skills and friendships
• Offer a balance of structure and fun

Activities covering sports, arts, academics, or technology can all be enriching, depending on your child's personal growth goals and preferences.

What are the things you would do after school?

After school, children can engage in a variety of activities, such as:.

• Joining a club or sports team
• Participating in a hobby class (art, dance, music)
• Spending time on homework
• Playing with friends
• Engaging in volunteer work or community service
• Exploring nature or going on family walks

These after school activity ideas are constructed with the aim to ease the process for parents navigating the world of after-school activities, helping connect their children with experiences that enrich, engage, and inspire.

Sports-Based After-School Program Ideas

• Running Club
• Field Hockey
• Tennis Track & Field clubs
• Archery clubs
• Ice-Skating
• Roller Skating

Spotlight on HIT! Indoor Training Center : Unleashing Dreams One Swing at a Time

At HIT! Indoor Training center in Houston, it's more than just practice; it's about inspiring young athletes to aim higher, on and off the field. A welcoming spot where kids not only perfect their swing but also build confidence and perseverance. Ready to watch them hit their stride?

Get Fit, Stay Lit

Our nuggets of wisdom aren’t slowing down yet! Fitness-oriented programs remind us that healthy bodies fuel brilliant minds. Whether it’s striking a yoga pose, dancing their hearts out in a hip-hop class, or scaling new heights in rock climbing, we’re all about keeping things fun and full-proof motivational!

Fitness-Based Programs

• Hip-Hop Dance Club
• Cheerleading
• Karate Club
• Taekwondo Club
• Workout programs
• Rock Climbing
• Various sports
• Horseback riding clubs
• MMA fighting clubs
• Jiu-Jitsu clubs
• Zumba dance club
• Tumbling classes
• Solitary exercise

Beach Cities Volleyball Club : Where California Dreams Meet Team Spirit

In the sunny heart of California, Beach Cities Volleyball Club serves up more than just volleyball; it's a vibrant community where young players forge connections, build resilience, and celebrate every spike and save. Perfect for families seeking a blend of athleticism, teamwork, and personal growth, this club stands out as a beacon of youth empowerment.

Easily accessible and brimming with energy, Beach Cities offers programs for every level, making it a breeze for parents to find the perfect match for their child. Whether your young athlete is just starting out or looking to dominate the court, there's a place for them here, supported by coaches who believe in teaching skills that transcend sports.

With Beach Cities Volleyball Club , watch your child dive into an experience filled not just with drills and games, but with unforgettable memories and friendships that last a lifetime. Ready to set, serve, and soar together?

The Marvelous World of STEM

Let curiosity lead the way into our STEM wonderland, where young inventors, scientists, and explorers unite. Through engaging activities like coding, building a solar oven, or marveling at the magic of erosion, we light the spark of discovery in every child, proving learning is an endless adventure.

STEM-Focused After-School Program Ideas

• Learn coding
• Explore erosion
• Determine the direction of the wind
• Compost some waste
• Learn about plant growth and development
• Investigate local wildlife
• Explore weather and climate
• Collect and measure rainwater
• Journal your water usage
• Use tools to measure distance or height
• Study trees, leaves, soil, and rocks using touch (additional sensory experiences)
• Try a litter cleanup project
• Learn about weather with a rain gauge
• Create a weather station
• Build a solar oven

Spotlight on Wow Science

For those who yearn to dive deeper, Wow Science shines as a beacon of STEM excitement. This gem of an organization empowers kids to gaze at the stars, not just literally but metaphorically, through a wealth of programs that make science, technology, engineering, and math a thrilling expedition beyond the ordinary.

Embrace the Community Spirit

Beyond the individual growth, there’s a world of community-based programs where laughter, learning, and leadership bloom. From comedic improv to sports teams that rally the spirit of camaraderie, these activities underscore the joy of coming together, creating ripples of positivity in the wider world.

Community Event After-School Programs

• Comedy improv class
• Creative art class
• Teen book club
• Little entrepreneurs club
• Volunteer community service
• Community Theatre
• Debate club
• Book club for kids
• Community sports teams
• Music, singing, performing arts lessons

Sparking Joy and Creativity in Little Learners: Preschool After-School Activities

Hello, fantastic families and dedicated program leaders! At Camps With Friends, we know the littlest learners among us are bubbling with energy, curiosity, and the magic of discovery. Preschool after-school activities are your golden ticket to extending the fun, learning, and growth that fills their school days. Tailored for tiny hands and big imaginations, these activities promise not just fun, but a beautiful bridge from the day's learning to home-time smiles.

Nurturing their budding interests and skills in a joyful, engaging environment is what we're all about. So, here are 10 wonderful activities designed to light up your preschooler's afternoons, all in the spirits of simplicity, connection, and unforgettable experiences. Ready to dive into a world of wonder? Let's go!

• Storytime Adventures - Dive into the magic of tales from around the world, sparking imagination and language skills.
• Messy Art Club - Let creativity flow with paints, crayons, and crafts, where every masterpiece is a celebration.
• Little Builders - Blocks and construction sets await to create towering skyscrapers and tiny towns, enhancing fine motor skills and spatial awareness.
• Garden Explorers - A journey into the wonders of nature, planting seeds of curiosity about the Earth and its treasures.
• Music and Movement - Dance and sing the wiggles away, fostering a love for rhythm and teamwork.
• Petite Chefs - Simple, kid-friendly cooking activities that mix in lessons of nutrition and the fun of creating tasty treats.
• Dino Discovery - A prehistoric adventure uncovering the mysteries of dinosaurs, encouraging critical thinking and discovery.
• Puppet Playhouse - Bringing stories to life with puppetry, crafting magical tales while boosting confidence and creativity.
• Tiny Techies - An introduction to technology with age-appropriate apps and games, sharpening digital literacy from an early age.
• Wonderful World of Water - Splish-splash fun with water tables and activities, teaching science concepts in a splash-tastic way.

Kids Garden Club : Planting Seeds of Adventure

Tucked away in charming Dallas, Texas, the Kids Garden Club blossoms with opportunities for children to learn, grow, and connect with nature's wonders. Every activity is the start of a new adventure, sparking curiosity and encouraging a deeper appreciation for our planet. A place where young minds cultivate life skills alongside beautiful blooms. Ready to start your child's gardening journey at Kids Garden Club ?

In Closing: A Universe of Possibilities

As we wrap up this tour of 65 splendid after-school program ideas, we at Camps With Friends invite you to ponder the roads less traveled and the adventures waiting on the doorstep of curiosity. These programs aren’t just about keeping kids busy; they’re about nurturing the roots of self-confidence, skills variety, and a zest for lifelong exploration.

So, which magical activity will light up your child’s world today? Let’s join hands and hearts, making every after-school hour a journey of discovery and delight. Remember, in the world of Camps With Friends, the extraordinary awaits at every corner, easily accessible and endlessly enriching. Here’s to creating joyous memories and building a brighter future, one happy child at a time!

Get the latest in your inbox

Subscribe to our newsletter

Deals of the Day

Save on the great deals before they are gone.

Related Articles

Find Top Florida Summer Camps Using Camps With Friends

If your family has ever struggled to find the right Florida summer camps for kids, you’re in good company. We know there are a lot of unmaintained and incomplete listings out there, which makes it...

Providing a Safe Environment Indoors and Outdoors: The Ultimate Guide!

Providing a safe environment indoors and outdoors is equally important. The problem is that sometimes when you're busy, it's hard to keep track of everything and make sure they're safe.

Climbing to the Top of Summer Fun: Introducing Rock Climbing at Camp!

Indoor rock climbing is an adrenaline-filled activity and a type of indoor physical fitness that involves climbing up and down a rock wall or other natural or artificial climbing structure. It...

• Youth Enrichment Programs
• Youth Enrichment Summer Camps
• Why Camps With Friends
• Youth Enrichment Activities
• Schedule A Demo
• Have A Camp Or Program? List With Us.

Get Started

• Business Sign Up
• Business Log IN
• Schedule a Demo

© 2020 Camps With Friends V1.0.3

• Online Calculus Tutors
• Online Geometry Tutors
• Online Algebra Tutors
• Online Trigonometry Tutors
• Online Statistics Tutors
• Online Chemistry Tutors
• Online Macroeconomics Tutors
• Online English Tutors
• Online Physics Tutors
• Online Computer Science Tutors
• Online Accounting Tutors
• Online Biology Tutors
• Online Business Studies Tutors
• Online Finance Tutors
• Online Programming Tutors
• Online Management Tutors
• Online Science Tutors
• Year 2 Maths
• Year 3 Maths
• Year 4 Maths
• Year 5 Maths
• Year 6 Maths
• Year 2 English
• Year 3 English
• Year 4 English
• Year 5 English
• Year 6 English
• Year 7 Maths
• Year 8 Maths
• Year 9 Maths
• Year 10 Maths
• Year 10 Advance Maths
• Year 7 English
• Year 8 English
• Year 9 English
• Year 10 English
• Year 11 General Maths
• Year 11 Chemistry SA,NT
• Year 11 General Mathematics VIC
• Year 11 Mathematical Methods
• Year 11 Mathematics Standard
• Year 11 Chemistry ACT
• Year 11 Mathematics Extension 1
• Year 11 Mathematical Methods SA, NT
• Year 11 Mathematical Methods VIC
• Year 11 Mathematical Applications
• Year 11 Chemistry QLD
• Year 11 Literature ATAR
• Year 11 English - QLD
• Year 11 English Advanced NSW
• Year 11 EALD Level 3
• Year 11 English Language
• Year 11 Essential English M
• Year 11 Essential Skills TAS
• Year 11 Essential English
• Year 11 Bridging EAL
• Year 11 EALD Level 1
• Year 11 Stage 1 Essential English
• Year 11 English General
• Year 11 Mathematics Advanced
• Year 11 EAL
• Year 11 English Standard
• Year 11 EALD ATAR
• Year 12 Mathematics Standard
• Year 12 Further Mathematics
• Year 12 Mathematics Applications
• Year 12 Mathematics Extension 1
• Year 12 Mathematics Methods
• Year 12 Mathematics Advanced
• Year 12 Mathematics Methods VIC
• Year 12 Mathematics Methods - TAS
• Year 12 General Mathematics TAS
• Year 11 English T
• Year 12 Mathematical Methods - QLD
• Year 12 General Mathematics SA, NT
• Year 11 Foundation English
• Year 11 English Studies
• Year 11 Literacy Short Course
• Year 11 English Preliminary
• Year 12 English ATAR
• Year 11 EAL/D
• Year 12 English Extension 2
• Year 12 EAL/D
• Year 12 EALD ATAR WA
• Year 12 English Foundation
• Year 12 English Extension 1
• Year 12 Literature
• Year 12 Stage 2 Essential English
• Year 12 English Literature ATAR
• Year 12 Stage 2 English
• Year 12 EALD Level 2 - TAS
• Year 12 English Advanced NSW
• Year 12 Chemistry VIC
• Year 12 English Language
• Year 12 English Literature T - ACT
• Year 12 English Foundation WA
• Year 12 English Standard NSW Learning Programs
• Year 11 Chemistry WA
• Year 11 Chemistry - VIC
• Year 12 Chemistry - QLD
• Year 12 Chemistry - TAS
• Year 12 Chemistry - WA
• Year 12 Chemistry - NSW
• Year 12 Chemistry - ACT
• Online Tutors in Sydney
• Online Tutors in Melbourne
• Online Tutors in Brisbane
• Online Tutors in Gold Coast
• Online Tutors in Perth
• Online Tutors in Canberra
• Online Tutors in Adelaide
• Online Tutors in Newcastle
• HSC Papers 2019
• HSC Papers 2018
• HSC Papers 2017
• After-School Activities & Clubs For Middle School & High School Teens

After-School Activities & Clubs For Middle School & High School Teens

How do you unwind after school? What after-school activities are there? I’m so bored!!!!!

Hand on!! Let’s try to break down the l ist of after-school activities for you so you don’t have to search for “activities after school near me”.

My after-school fun

What do you generally do after school? Do you like watching TV or scrolling social media all day or do you prefer hanging out with your friends, playing games and learning something new online ? Have you ever thought about how can you utilize your daily free time interestingly when school gets over? Well, this post will give you some of the best activities that middle schoolers and teenage kids can pursue after school.

But why should you have fun after school?

Why Are After-School Activities Important ?

After-school activities or extracurricular activities are a buzz these days. In fact, studies show that nearly 6 out of 10 kids from ages 6 to 17 take part in at least one after-school activity. If chosen properly, these activities can be extremely beneficial for the kids. After-school activities often aid in increasing their confidence, boosting self-esteem, keep students motivated , and improving social skills. They help them explore various new interests and passions. They give them a fruitful break from the hectic schedule of school full of duties. responsibilities and allow them to rejuvenate themselves.

Some after school program activities teach the basic yet essential life skills to middle and high school students’ life goal setting, teamwork, leadership, cognitive thinking abilities, and time management. So let us not make you wait more and introduce some amazing and fun after school activities that you can pursue.

After School Fitness Programs

Although schools today pay much attention to the health of the students and offer them opportunities to indulge in activities like basketball, football, yoga, gymnastics, and racing. But, there are many other after school physical activity programs in which the kids can participate and enjoy. These include walking, cycling, aerobics, dancing, and other outdoor games.

It has been seen that students who opt for after school activities get better grades and it even helps to overcome procrastination since they feel more involved and connected with their peers and school.

After School Science Club Activities

Do you enjoy science practical classes at school? If yes, then you must consider joining after school science activities. Many after school clubs for 11-year-olds include science clubs where kids experiment and learn different phenomenon of science. This can enhance your interest in the field and sharpen your mind. See if your school runs an after-school science club and join one soon. If you’re more academically focused; find an online science tutor who can help you to explore topics in the ways beyond the scope of your text-books.

We vouch for online tutoring over traditional methods of learning . Find out why !

After School Music Activities

Do you know Elias Phoenix who played the piano at Carnegie Hall when he was just 7 years old? Music can be a fun after school activity for middle schoolers and high schoolers. It can help them relax after a hectic day. In fact, learning music is just like learning a second language. It helps in the development of the brain. Music also helps in building your focus and concentration skills.

After School Cooking Program

Do you know cooking can help you enhance your math skills? It can also give you amazing knowledge about nutrition and diet too! It can be a fun after school activity for 5th graders and help them learn to follow instructions and enhance their listening skills. So join a cooking club, bake some cookies, make smoothies, pasta and some amazing dishes and enjoy your after school time. There are several scholarships for 11, 12, 13, and 14 years old that require skills other than simply academics to apply and qualify for.

After School Entrepreneurship Activities

You might be thinking about how can a middle school or high school student become an entrepreneur. Well, it can be fun and fundraising too! If you are fascinated with the idea of working and earning money you can ask your parents and friends to support you in some entrepreneurial activity. It could be as simple as making jewellery from waste materials, selling popcorn, creating art will nature or anything that you like. See how this 10 years old is raising funds for bees with her Lemonade Empire!

After School Craft Activities

For those who enjoy being creative, after-school art activities are the best option and they are easy to pursue. From origami to acrylic painting, there is so much to learn. All these activities not only keep kids engaged after school but also enhances their self-esteem. Kids develop their communication skills when they talk about their artwork. It is also a great way for parents to sit together with the children and spend some time with them, enhancing their bonding.

After School Chess Club

Chess is often called the game of genius. Hence, it could be an incredible way to utilize your time after school and one of the best after school enrichment activities for middle school students. This game helps you sharpen your brain, enhances your memory, and improves attention, strategic thinking and cognitive abilities.

After School Homework Assistance Programs

Homework is an essential part of your after-school time and students must pay attention to it equally. After school homework programs can help middle school and high school students complete their homework on time so that they can then indulge in some other activities too and not just keep studying all day long.

In homework programs, students receive guidance on how to complete their homework assignments and projects, especially for tough courses such as Math, Science, and English. You can find an online Math tutor if Math happens to give you chills every time you think about it!

After School STEM Club

One of the most popular after-school activities for middle schoolers and high schoolers nowadays is STEM Club. It includes activities related to chemistry, physics, technology, coding, physiology, and biology. After-school STEM activities are not only relevant for them but also help in enhancing their skills like collaboration, analysis, measurement, observation, and communication. Make sure you explore the costs involved, tutoring rates  for STEM Clubs and activities may vary across Australia.

After School Reading Activities

Kids are introduced to storybooks from elementary age and so does reading enters their life. Reading is considered the best way to enhance your concentration. It is a great exercise for your brain and above all, it imparts knowledge. It enhances your writing skills and vocabulary. It makes you think deep and analyze better. And if you want to do just the same from the comfort of your home, then you have the option to study grammar and writing rules online with an expert English tutor .

After School Language Classes

Being bilingual in this era is beneficial. Learning a foreign language helps you increase tolerance for others, enhances your career and opens up doors to philosophy, music, art, and culture. It can be helpful if you want to study in a foreign country. The most common foreign languages are Mandarin, Arabic, Spanish, German and French. But if your plan is to make the best use of your time after school to ace your next English test then there are absolutely free English learning platforms at your disposal to explore.

The Average Cost of Afterschool Programs ($)

It has been reported that households in Australia are spending around $100 every week on the after-school activities of their kids.

A half an hour lesson of music for a child can cost around $30 while activities like arts, crafts, dancing, music, and sports can cost up to $35 per week per child. The after-school STEM programs and homework programs are also paid for.

However, if parents are willing to guide their kids, the internet can be a great option to find new and interesting activities and projects to carry out.

A Balance To Be Maintained

All fun no work makes Jack a dull boy . – Unknown

We hope that you found something of your choice in these after school activities for high schoolers and middle schoolers. After school, extracurricular activities can help you discover your passions and find a career path. But, all this would be in vain without a good academic record.

But students need to maintain a balance between after school activities and studies. the overall development of their mind and body takes place. So wait no more and join an after school activity that interests you.

Also, to stay on top of your class and career growth! Find a tutor who cares!

Study with subject matter experts at CrunchGrade – an online tutoring platform for students in Year 5 – Year 12 students.

Your first class is absolutely FREE of charge!

Book a tutor for Math , a tutor English , a tutor for Science , a tutor for Chemistry , etc.

Book a Tutor Now!

• Student life

Book a Free Demo

Math Calculus Geometry Algebra Trigonometry Statistics Chemistry Economics Macroeconomics English Physics Computer Science Accounting Biology Business Studies Finance Programming Management Science Year 3 Year 4 Year 5 Year 6 Year 7 Year 8 Year 9 Year 10 Year 11 Year 12 College

Search Here

Recent posts.

• General Achievement Test Australia
• ESL vs English Tutoring – What Makes Them Different?
• Know the Grading System in Australia
• GED vs HiSET: All You Need To Know
• HSPT vs PSAT: Which One Is Beneficial For You?
• WordPress.org
• Documentation
• Support Forums

• Grades 6-12
• School Leaders

FREE Poetry Worksheet Bundle! Perfect for National Poetry Month.

17 Fresh Middle School Activities for After School

We turned to our teacher audience to compile this awesome list.

Middle school activities are sometimes hard to come by. Sure, you’ve thought of all the generic ideas, but what about something different that will really engage your students? One of our HELPLINERS recently wrote:

“I teach middle school and would like to come up with something to do for an after-school activity. We already have sports, a generic homework help room and a few other things. Does anyone know of any new middle school activities? Probably one day a week, maybe two.”

Our teacher group offered so many good ideas–from Best Buddy programs to learning about new cultures to playing Pokémon (yes, Pokémon)–that we knew we had to share. Here are some of our favorites.

Meet Someone New “Bring in guest speakers to talk about different careers.” –Martha H.

“Community service club – so much fun! And middle schoolers love it.” –Stephanie M.

“We have a Best Buddies program at our school. We foster friendships between grade levels, do service projects for the school and community, read to lower grade levels, sponsor dances, etc. It’s a feel good club!” –Melissa R.

“My biggest success was a multicultural league where we study new cultures each month. We watch videos, make crafts, attempt to learn the language and most importantly, we make and eat the food. The kids love it.” –Stephanie J.

Express Yourself “Theater, theater, theater!” –Julie T.

“Film club. There’s an organization that you can sign up to that will lend films. It’s great for getting every child involved in discussing the story line, not just the ones that can read the book.” –Tessa H.

Get Moving “Think of something that’s fun, but not necessarily geared towards students who love athletics. Maybe yoga or dance.” –Kathryn G.

“There are tons of great clubs to get middle schoolers invested! Check out Girls on the Run.” –Rebekah D.

Bring On the Games “On the funny side we have a Pokémon club and an anime club.” –O’Donna T.

“LEGO club! You’d be amazed what kind of attendance and level of participation you can get from giving kids a chance to build creatively and cooperatively!” –Anita K.

Write It Out “How about focusing on card making for the holidays? They could create gifts for senior adults and veterans, too.” –Billie W.

“Believe it or not, my kids really want to learn cursive! Calligraphy combined with classic cursive may reach some of the quieter souls.” –Rehtaeh E.

“Mindfulness coloring!” –Sarah L.

Make it Yummy “Cooking classes are a big hit!” –Sandie W.

“Depending on where you live, you could garden. Try growing vegetables and flowers for special occasions.” –Lyne L.

Keep It Educational “STEM/STEAM activities are becoming very popular and could give students a chance to really explore their creativity and problem solving ideas. It would also allow for adequate time for the students to really dive in, as opposed to the limited time available during the regular school day.” –Terri M.

What are the most popular after-school middle school activities at your school?

You Might Also Like

5 Surefire, Fun Ideas to Celebrate and Motivate Student Success

Reach those #goals with a dash of joy and cheer. Continue Reading

Copyright © 2023. All rights reserved. 5335 Gate Parkway, Jacksonville, FL 32256

Internet Explorer is no longer supported

Please upgrade to Microsoft Edge , Google Chrome , or Firefox .

Lo sentimos, la página que usted busca no se ha podido encontrar. Puede intentar su búsqueda de nuevo o visitar la lista de temas populares.

Get this as a PDF

Enter email to download and get news and resources in your inbox.

Share this on social

Finding the balance with after-school activities.

Helping kids choose extracurricular activities that work for them, without the stress

Writer: Harry Kimball

Clinical Expert: Jerry Bubrick, PhD

What You'll Learn

• How can afterschool activities benefit kids?
• What are some common downsides?
• How can you find a good balance of activities for your child?

It’s common for even young kids to be involved in lots of different afterschool activities. As they get older, some kids are signed up for so many they are left with little free time. How much should parents push their kids to engage in activities — and how much is too much?

Kids tend to do well when they have structure, and afterschool activities are a great way to get that. They can also help kids socialize, get exercise, and burn off extra energy. When a child excels at something outside of school, their self-esteem often improves too. And staying engaged in activities also helps teenagers avoid risky behavior and substance use.

However, there are downsides to doing too many activities. If kids spread themselves too thin, they might not be able to improve their skills much in any specific activity, which can be hard on their confidence. Without enough free time to do whatever they want, kids can get stressed and anxious. And doing a lot of activities may not even impress colleges, which are often looking for students who show focus rather than just doing lots of different things.

The key to avoiding overscheduling is making sure that activities don’t interfere with your child’s life. Do they still have plenty of time to do homework? Spend time with friends and family? Get enough sleep? If the answer is no to any of those questions, it might be too much.

There’s no magic number of activities. For some kids, even one intense activity like sports or theater might turn out to be too many. Other kids can handle several without getting stressed. Check in with your child to see how they feel about their balance of activities. Most kids find their limits and know when they’re overextended.

The vast array of extracurricular activities offered to school-age children can be a headache for kids and parents both. They can help kids develop talents and passions and learn how to push themselves. And, of course, we want them to look like well-rounded, accomplished kids to college admissions committees. But we don’t want to run them ragged or turn them into stressed-out automatons. Even parents of young children, who aren’t thinking about college yet, are feeling the pressure.

After school activities have also stepped in to supplant the unsupervised “free time” we’re no longer comfortable allowing our children to have, says Rachel Cortese, a speech-language pathologist and former New York City schoolteacher. And there is a consensus that children should have the opportunity to experiment with a variety of activities in well-delineated blocks—”structured free time,” as it is called.

But how much should parents push their kids to engage —and how much is too much?

The benefits

In general, says Cortese, “kids tend to do really well when they have structure, and part of that structure is having an afterschool schedule.” Educational and learning specialist Ruth Lee also extols some well-known benefits of getting kids together outside of the classroom for more activities—especially the physical kind. “It gives kids social interactions ,” she says, at the same time helping them “get out some of their energy so they can settle and go back to their work” after school. This is particularly important, she notes, as schools are cutting back on recess more and more.

For older kids, after-school activities can be very important as protection against more dangerous activities, says clinical psychologist Mary Rooney, PhD —particularly if parents are busy at work or with other children. “Once kids get into middle school and high school,” she says, “the hour or two after school is the highest risk time for dangerous behaviors like substance abuse , because it’s the largest chunk of time when kids are unmonitored.”

And of course, more recreational activities outside of school, whether its sports, dance, theater, science, give kids another arena to demonstrate competence and mastery, which is important for their self-esteem and identity development—especially for kids who might be struggling in school.

The drawbacks

But what about overscheduling? It is not to be taken lightly, says Susan Newman, PhD, a social psychologist and author of, among many others, The Case for the Only Child .

For one thing, Newman warns that mastery might suffer. “If you are spreading yourself too thin you’re not going to be able to focus and get really good at one thing.”

“A lot of people see a list of all the great things that are being offered,” says Lee “and they sign up for everything and then they realize it’s so unrealistic with their time constraints and all the schoolwork that they have.” That’s not good—as Newman notes, it’s no fun for kids “to have so many things that they have to drop out.”

An overload of extracurricular activities also doesn’t bring the perceived benefit a lot of parents and kids are looking for: a good-looking college application. “What they’re really looking for is applicants who are well rounded and have focus. You can see they are pursuing a goal and they really like what they are doing,” Newman says. “And not just dipping their hand in this and that and the next thing so they can fill out more lines on the application.”

The school-life balance

How many activities are too many? “Seven,” jokes Jerry Bubrick , PhD, a clinical psychologist at the Child Mind Institute. But really, it’s too much when afterschool activities start interfering with a child’s life. Dr. Bubrick notes that in the case of intensive commitments like sports or theater, even one activity can be too much.

Dr. Bubrick has a pretty simple calculus for how much is too much. “Can you still do your homework ? Can you still get 8+ hours of sleep each night? Can you still be a part of your family? Can you still hang out with your friends? If the answer is ‘no’ to one or more of these, then it’s too much.”

Back to school: What’s a parent to do?

• Know your child: “Kids come to us with different predispositions,” Cortese says, and the best activity “depends on the individual child.” And when it comes to scheduling, kids respond better to different kinds of structure. “One kid who is highly scheduled might do very well and another might need to dial it back,” says Cortese.
• Consider other types of activities: Parents shouldn’t forget that children can also benefit from self-directed activities, albeit in structured blocks of time. “Sometimes there’s not enough emphasis put on the importance of independent work time,” Cortese says, “and giving kids the time and the place to think for themselves, be creative, and access their own internal resources.”
• Step back: “Most children find their level and their interest if they have the time to do it,” Newman says. “My advice to parents is always to understand your child and see what limits they have or don’t have.”

Was this article helpful?

Explore popular topics, subscribe to our newsletters.

" * " indicates required fields

Don’t Miss Out

Sign up for more articles and parenting tips direct to your inbox.

• Payments & Billing
• Onboarding & Registration
• Reporting & Analytics
• After School Programs
• Conferences
• Group Tours

• Why We're Special

12 Fun Activities for Afterschool Programs

To be efficient, high-quality afterschool programs have to get at least two things right.

First, just like a regular school, it has to provide children with useful skills and knowledge.

Second, precisely because it is optional and held outside of school hours, it is crucial that the students find the program fun and engaging.

In this article, we list a variety of activities for your after-school program that offer students enrichment activities and make their time fly by fast. Of course, these may look different for different ages. For example, the games you play with elementary students will vary significantly from the activities for high school students, but you can tailor each of these ideas to your grade level.

Playing Board Games

Storytelling, putting on a play, making a movie, creating art, conducting science experiments, scavenger hunting, doing an obstacle course.

A fun after-school program idea for children of all ages is playing board games.

In a paper researching the role of board games in learning, researchers Daniela K. O’Neill and Paige E. Holmes write:

Source: ResearchGate  / Illustration: Regpack

Not only are board games a good source of entertainment, but they also help children develop in important areas like language, science, social skills, and problem-solving skills.

There are a wide variety of games to choose from. Students can divide into groups and compete in classic games like Monopoly, Scrabble, Jenga, and Chess.

They should also be encouraged to make suggestions or bring their favorite games from home.

Playing board games will keep children occupied and engaged for hours, while also helping their personal development, which makes the activity a great idea for your after-school program.

Storytelling is another great option for an after-school program for younger children.

Elementary school children love stories. Stories spark their imagination by taking them to unknown worlds and exposing them to exciting new ideas.

For class, students can try to write their own stories and read them out loud. Alternatively, they can draw from a collection of storytelling prompts and expand on them using their imagination.

No matter the method, storytelling can help develop your students’ speaking, listening, and writing skills.

For example, children’s books author Heather Forest has compiled a list of 20 storytelling activities you can use in your program:

Source: StoryArts

Try them out with your students and see which one works best.

Ultimately, storytelling is a great after-school programming idea that can capture children’s imaginations and teach them valuable communication skills they can apply to real life.

Telling stories is fun, but acting them out in real life can be even more entertaining.

To put on a play, students will first have to come up with a story or adapt an existing one—with the help of their teachers, of course.

They can then divide the acting roles among each other and work together on making costumes and set props.

Other than being a good outlet for creativity, research has shown that acting has a positive effect on developing young people’s social cognitive skills.

In a paper researching empathy and the theory of mind, psychology professors Thalia Goldstein and Ellen Winner state the following:

After all, to act like made-up characters, children have to consider situations from a different perspective than their own, which leads to a deeper understanding of other people’s feelings and actions, enhancing emotional learning. 

To conclude, putting on a play can be a fun and meaningful activity that teaches children how to work in a team and empathize with others.

Another after-school program idea similar to putting on a play is making a movie.

Today, the equipment for making movies is much more accessible than before.

Most smartphones can capture high-quality video footage, and there are many free editing apps available online.

Furthermore, children older than 10 are often more proficient with new technology than most young adults and usually watch videos daily.

They will enjoy trying to make their own movie to show their friends or share online.

In the meantime, they will develop practical skills like filming and editing. This can lead them to make videos of their own or even pursue filmmaking as a career.

For inspiration, check out some of the short films made by children who attended the CinemaKidz after-school program:

Source: CinemaKidz

As you can see, not only is making a movie a fun after-school project, but it will leave your students with a tangible result that they can proudly show to their friends or parents.

Another fun idea for an after-school program is creating art.

By drawing funny characters, favorite animals, and various objects from nature, children can express their unique way of viewing the world.

All they need to start creating is paper, drawing tools like crayons or brushes, and paint.

If you don’t have enough supplies for everyone, think outside the box. For example, your students can collect rocks and draw faces on them instead of paper.

Source: Pexels

If they start making art from an early age, children will start to notice an increase in their artistic skills and learn to take pride in their creations.

This will boost their self-confidence and give them more courage to take on different challenges later in life.

Overall, art projects are a fun and engaging activity for children, which ignites their imagination and allows them to express themselves visually.

Crafting is another after-school program idea that taps into children’s artistic side.

Students can have hours of fun turning readily available materials into their own little works of art.

Many crafts can be made quickly, like these ones:

Source:  All Free Kids Craft

Pipe-cleaner animals, clay figures, rubber band art, popsicle stick structures, and paper collages are some of the popular choices, but children can also provide their own ideas.

Because crafting involves a lot of cutting, molding, gluing, and manipulating diverse items, it can positively affect your students’ fine motor skills.

Using their hands and fingers as tools for precise movements will strengthen their muscles and improve hand-eye coordination.

To conclude, crafting is a creative activity that helps children develop important fine motor skills.

If children in your after-school program love to work with food, cooking or baking is another entertaining activity to try.

For a start, they can make simple foods they like to eat. For example, most children adore ice cream, which can be easily made in a bag , using only a few ingredients.

You can also help them bake delicious cookies of various shapes and sizes.

If you search for easy-to-make recipes for kids online, you will find plenty of websites to draw inspiration from, like Cooking With My Kids :

Source: Cooking With My Kids

The site is dedicated to simple recipes you can make with children, with separate sections for dinner and lunches, desserts and baking.

Overall, if you decide to use cooking for your after-school program, your students will enjoy making the food, and even more when they get to eat the result of their labor.

Gardening is a fun and rewarding after-school program idea that helps children develop a healthy lifestyle.

To begin with, it is a physical activity that allows children to spend time outdoors, away from their phones and computer screens.

Growing a seed into a plant requires students to learn how to dig, weed and hoe, and generally get their hands dirty.

By familiarizing themselves with how the natural world works, students will develop a greater appreciation for the environment and become more open to new experiences, especially outdoors.

A report from the National Foundation for Educational Research (NFER) claims that gardening also increases “children’s willingness to try new vegetables such as cabbage, marrow and courgettes.” Encourage healthy eating while providing a valuable after school activity.

Source: NFER  / Illustration: Regpack

All in all, gardening is a fun outdoor activity that provides children with a variety of health benefits, such as physical health, environmental awareness, and a greater affinity towards healthy eating.

Another way to teach children about the world is by doing science experiments.

Children are natural explorers who love figuring out how the world works.

Conducting science experiments sparks their intellectual curiosity and develops their problem-solving and critical thinking skills in an entertaining and engaging way.

After all, to the untrained eye, science experiments can look like magic. Students will love figuring out how they work and reproducing them by themselves.

There are a lot of fun stem activities and experiments children can do with widely available ingredients.

For example, to make a homemade lava lamp , all they need is a plastic bottle, water, oil, fizzing tablets, and food coloring.

The full instructions, along with several other experiments, can be found on the Milwaukee With Kids website.

Source: Milwaukee With Kids

To sum it up, simple science experiments can be fun activities that fascinate children and awaken their curiosity.

A popular STEM-related activity for quality afterschool programs is coding.

While coding may seem like a complicated subject to adults, older kids see it as a game similar to many others they play with friends in their free time.

To them, programming tasks, especially ones adapted to their level, are just fun little challenges they can complete to move on to the next level.

By learning to code from an early age, children will develop important digital literacy skills.

That means they will learn to effortlessly use new technology and digital platforms to find, evaluate and communicate information.

Seeing as the world is becoming more and more digitized, digital literacy could be crucial for children’s future academic pursuits.

As the author of Coding Literacy, Annette Vee, puts it:

Source: Inside Higher Ed

Overall, coding can be a fun, game-like activity that appeals to young children familiar with technology and helps them become more digitally literate.

Scavenger hunting is a popular after-school activity for children of all ages.

The goal of a scavenger hunt is simple—find all items on a list. Students are divided into groups, and the first one to complete the list is pronounced winner and usually receives a prize.

Because they require children to cooperate to reach a goal in a competitive environment, scavenger hunts are great for practicing teamwork and communication.

But the best part is that they can be customized to fit additional educational purposes.

For example, here is a fun scavenger hunt for young children that also requires them to use their math skills:

Source: Primary Playground

The same method can be applied to other subjects, like learning the alphabet or the names of plants.

Scavenger hunts are a tried and tested method of entertainment for children, and imbuing them with educational value can be a good idea for your after-school program.

Another physical activity that guarantees fun for children regardless of age and gender is doing an obstacle course.

In order to complete the course, children will get to climb walls, crawl through tunnels, jump over obstacles and run tracks.

This means they will get to exercise different muscle groups, improving their overall strength and balance.

Research has shown that doing obstacle courses offers benefits for children who are out of shape.

As researchers Syafura Audina and Panggung Sutapa write in their paper on the effect of obstacle games on obese children:

Source: Atlantis Press   / Illustration: Regpack

That means that overweight children have greater motivation and are provided a safe place to engage in this active game, and therefore improve their health if they perceive the activity as fun.

Ultimately, doing an obstacle course is an engaging physical activity that can motivate your students to get the exercise they need.

High-quality afterschool programs during the school year have proven to improve student’s behavior, increase school attendance, and even improve emotional development and a variety of skills. Your after-school program can have a profound effect on your students and you want the right activities for the job.

Because children often perceive school as serious and rigid, they expect after-school programs to allow them to relax and take their minds off of regular classes by having fun and playing with their peers.

Their parents, however, want their children to spend as much time as possible on education and skill development. While some programs solely focus on homework assistance and academic support, the ideas presented in this article offer a great balance of education and entertainment, keeping both the children and their parents happy, and ensuring a long-lasting and successful afterschool program.

Asaf, Founder and CEO of Regpack, has extensive experience as an entrepreneur and investor. Asaf has built 3 successful companies to date, all with an exit plan or that have stayed in profitability and are still functional. Asaf specializes in product development for the web, team building and in bringing a company from concept to an actualized unit that is profitable.

Related posts

What is Regpack?

Regpack is an online registration software that creates intelligent application processes with integrated payment processing.

We will be contacting you shortly!

How can I help you move forward?

Select a time for your FREE Demo

Thank you! We will get back to you in no time :)

Thanks! We got the information. We really look forward to connecting again. Talk soon.

What do you want to build today?

ONLINE CLASSES

TRIPS AND TOURS

AFTER SCHOOL PROGRAMS

EDUCATIONAL TOURS

APPLICATIONS

What are you looking to build?

A registration & payment system for my:.

• Skip to primary navigation
• Skip to main content
• Skip to primary sidebar
• Skip to footer

The Savvy Mama

Home Systems, Organization, Printables

Easy After School Routine For Kids (Free 2024 Printable!)

Brittany Kline | Updated April 3, 2024 Printables , Family

How do you create an after-school routine that’s as seamless and efficient as the school day itself?

This article has your back with a straightforward plan to transition your child from class time to home time.

Snacks, homework, play, and downtime- I’ve distilled these into an easy-to-follow blueprint for organizing the after-school buzz and helping your child thrive.

Table of Contents

Key Takeaways

• A structured after-school routine for kids during the school year can ensure kids get active but also have time for homework and chores.
• After-school routines include key steps like washing up, unloading backpacks, healthy snacking, homework, active playtime, a little tablet or TV time, chores, and quiet reading.
• Incorporating family routines in the afternoon with a balance of activities is beneficial for kids. It promotes health, relaxation, responsibility, and a smooth transition from school to home life.
• Also, use my morning routine to get yourself and your kids prepped and ready to go every day!

After School Routine

The school bell rings, marking the end of a long school day, and your little champions return home brimming with stories, school work, and pent-up energy.

But how do we channel this energy into a routine that helps them unwind, focus on their homework, and prepare for the next day at school?

That’s where a structured after-school routine comes into play.

Here are all the easy parts of my after-school routine printable that fit my family’s schedule:

Arriving home from school is more than just stepping through the front door. It’s the start of the after-school routine, and it begins with washing up.

This simple act of personal hygiene serves two purposes: it keeps your kids healthy, and it establishes a transition from school to home.

Handwashing is more than just a habit; it’s a defense mechanism. It can prevent 1/3 of diarrhea-related sicknesses and 1/5 of respiratory infections, such as colds or the flu, in children.

Teaching my girls the 20 seconds for washing, I told them to sing 2 short songs while they scrub- Happy Birthday and the ABC’s

Hand washing can become a lifelong healthy habit if initiated at an early age, and it will prevent illnesses from spreading.

Unload Your Backpack

After washing up, the next step in the after-school routine is unloading the backpack, including taking out lunch bags.

It serves as a crucial part of the transition from school to home, providing kids with a tangible way to leave the school day behind and prepare for the evening ahead.

Unloading the backpack involves the following steps:

• Empty the backpack completely, including smaller compartments, to avoid clutter and ensure nothing is overlooked.
• Organize items into categories, such as items to stay home and items that need attention before going back to school shopping .
• Putting lunch boxes/water bottles on the counter ASAP to avoid gross messes. Sometimes, we’ll take time together to pack lunch for tomorrow, too.

Regularly going through the backpack to remove items that are not needed for the next day reduces weight and clutter.

By following these steps, you can effectively unload and organize your backpack for the next day.

Once the backpacks are emptied and sorted, it’s snack time! Having a healthy and nutritious snack helps kids refuel and focus on their after-school activities.

After a long school day, their energy levels might be low, especially if they have an early lunch like I did as a kid (one school year, it was 10 am!).

In this case, providing a snack with a mix of protein and carbohydrates can be ideal. Some examples of healthy and nutritious snacks include:

• Apple slices with peanut butter
• Greek yogurt with berries
• Cheese and whole grain crackers
• Hummus and carrot sticks
• Trail mix with nuts and dried fruit

These snacks will provide the necessary nutrients to keep children energized and focused until dinner time, making them perfect for their lunch box or after-school snack.

Healthy snacks don’t need to be elaborate. They can be simple, healthy snack options that kids can prepare themselves.

I cut up veggies and apple or pear slices that the girls can grab with hummus and peanut butter. Then, they’ll eat with a bag of Lays for a complete snack.

After a satisfying snack, it’s time to shift gears and focus on assignments from school.

Allocating a specific time and space for homework ensures that kids have the necessary resources and support to complete their assignments.

Consistency in a routine can help reduce stress and create a conducive environment for kids to do their homework effectively.

Creating a dedicated space for homework where kids can:

• Store supplies

The girls love having a place for arts and crafts, but we make sure to keep it neat and tidy so that it’s a good workspace for them whenever they need it.

Encouraging kids to take short breaks during homework sessions can boost their energy and productivity, which can lead to more effective learning.

Playtime (Get Active!)

Homework done? Check. Now, it’s time for some physical activity!

Playtime, or getting active, is a vital part of the after-school routine. After sitting in school all day and then doing homework, kids need to unwind, socialize, and stay active.

Plus, playtime is not just fun, but it also promotes physical health and social skills.

Playtime can involve a range of activities. It could be a game of catch in the backyard, a bike ride around the neighborhood, or a dance-off in the living room.

The goal is to get kids moving and preoccupied with physical activity. And remember, the best way to encourage kids is to join in the fun. So, put on those sneakers and get ready to play!

Screen Time

After a round of physical play, it’s time to wind down with some screen time. But remember, screen time should be controlled and should not interfere with other activities or bedtime.

Experts recommend limiting recreational screen time to two hours or less for children above age two and reassessing the impact on their routine every few weeks.

Screen time could be spent watching their favorite TV show, playing a video game, or using a tablet for some interactive learning games.

It can be an educational time, too, with some great educational apps that offer kids a chance to explore the world around them.

But, as with everything else, it’s important to strike a balance so they have some fun activities IRL and online.

Now, let’s move on to an often-overlooked aspect of the after-school routine: chores.

Chores might not be the most exciting part of the routine, but they play a significant role in teaching kids responsibility.

Plus, they contribute to the household and make kids feel like they’re part of the team.

Chores can be age-appropriate, and I have some chore charts to help you there.

For younger kids, it could be something as simple as putting their toys away or helping to set the table for dinner.

For older kids, chores could include helping with meal preparation or doing laundry. The key is to make chores a consistent part of the routine, which, over time, will become a habit.

Quiet Reading

Finally, it’s time for some quiet reading during their quiet time. This part of the after-school routine helps kids relax, improve their reading skills, and foster a love for books.

Reading not only enhances their language skills but also sparks their imagination and broadens their understanding of the world.

Quiet reading doesn’t necessarily mean kids have to read silently. They can read aloud, listen to an audiobook, or you can read a book to them.

The goal is to make reading enjoyable. So, let them choose their books and create a cozy reading nook to make this time special.

How can I organize our day after school?

Organizing your child’s day after school begins with creating a schedule that includes essential activities like:

• Unloading their backpack
• Having a snack
• Doing homework
• Having some screen time
• Doing chores
• Quiet reading

However, remember to be flexible to accommodate individual needs and preferences.

To make it fun and easy to follow, use a visual routine, such as a drawn schedule with a binder clip to indicate the current activity, to help children understand and control their day.

You can also involve children in family chores, as young children often enjoy doing real activities, which can be a bonding experience.

What stuff of kids need to do after school?

What kids need to do after school is a bit different than the daily routine we have over summer break.

After school, kids should focus on personal hygiene, homework, physical activity, chores, and relaxation.

When they come home, they should hang their school belongings, such as backpacks and jackets, in a designated spot.

Consuming a snack and drinking water after school is important to address hunger and stay hydrated.

Then, they should engage in independent play with a variety of items to unwind from their day. Participating in family chores can be both fun and educational for young children.

And, of course, they should take part in physical activities to expend energy and promote healthy development.

How do I encourage my kids to get active after school?

Encouraging kids to get active after school can be achieved by providing opportunities for outdoor play, sports, or other physical activities they can enjoy.

Finding and suggesting physical activities that are enjoyable and feasible within the family’s daily schedule can motivate kids to be active after school.

Activities could range from yoga stretches to dance parties or cushion climbing.

Walking or biking to and from school provides some physical activity and independence while also enjoying some fresh air.

You could also consider signing up for active after-school programs or recreational classes, such as swimming or karate.

How much screen time is good to have after school and before bed?

Screen time should be controlled and should not interfere with other activities or bedtime.

Experts recommend limiting TV or gaming to two hours or less for children above age two, not including any assignments they need to get done.

While screen time can be educational and offer a chance for kids to explore the world around them, excessive screen time can lead to issues such as a lack of focus, attention difficulties, or hyperactivity.

It’s all about balance for kids and us adults! Make sure they can have fun on and off the tablet and get involved with their playtime, too.

Final Thoughts

And there you have it- a simple after-school routine for kids to be productive and have good downtime.

From the moment they set foot at home to winding down with a good book, every step plays a crucial role in shaping their day and setting the tone for a productive and fun-filled evening.

After all, a well-planned and executed after-school routine will not only make your evenings smoother but also help your kids be more organized, responsible, and independent.

So, go ahead and use my free after-school routine to prepare your kids for success this school year.

Related Articles You Might Like

35 Empowering Take Action Quotes to Spark Motivation

Free August Calendar Printable (2024): Organizing Your Month Right

Easy Debt Snowball Worksheet & Debt Avalanche Worksheet

27 Attainable Ideas For How To Better Yourself in 2024

Free Emotional Abuse Checklist: 11 Harmful Behaviors

FREE Hourly Schedule Template Collection (2024)

About Brittany Kline

Hi, I'm Brittany Kline! A organization, productivity, and home systems expert. With my master's degree in education and life experience as a mom I help other moms simplify and organize their entires lives. I have been featured in online publications like Forbes, TIME, USA Today, Huffington Post, Business Insider, Marie Claire, The Penny Hoarder, Bankrate, Nerd Wallet, CNBC, Acorns, Yahoo Finance, MSN, GoBankingRates, Her Money, Thrive Global, The Simple Dollar, Money Crashers, Readers Digest, FinCon, Best Company, Rent Cafe, Romper, Intuit Turbo, Opp Loans, CreditCards.com, Debt.com, Discover, LifeLock, Quick Sprout, Money Geek and many more! Click here to read all of my posts.

Connect with us!

As featured on.

• Editorial Guidelines
• Privacy Policy
• Terms and Conditions

• Donate Goods

Donate Clothing, Furniture & Household Items

• What We Do Overview

Holiday Giving

• Rent, Mortgage and Utility Assistance

Food Pantries

Homeless Shelters

Disaster Relief

Rehabilitation

Spiritual Healing

Job Training

• Solutions to Human Trafficking
• Veterans Services

Services for the Aging

Grassroots Services

Help for Domestic Abuse

Life Skills to Escape Poverty

• Summer Camps

After-School Programs

• LGBTQ+ Support
• About Us Overview
• Employment Opportunities

Commitment to Diversity

• Ways to Give Overview
• Donate Money
• Ways to Give
• Vehicle Donation
• Become a Fundraiser
• Stocks, Miles, Partnerships & More...
• Love Beyond
• 2023 Annual Report

Never Miss a Chance to Do the Most Good

Please enter your name, email and zip code below to sign up!

Unleash Your Child’s Potential: Discover The Salvation Army’s After-School Programs

Children in the United States spend 80% of their waking hours outside of school , and 1 in 5 children are alone after the school day ends. After-school programs have been proven to foster social and academic development as programs provide safe and structured environments for kids during after-school hours, oftentimes filling the space between the end of the school day and when parents return from work.

We know that every parent wants the best for their child’s future. Sometimes, in a world filled with distractions and challenges, finding the right support system can make all the difference. From homework assistance and tutoring to encouraging higher grades and boosting motivation to team-building activities and cooperative learning experiences that help develop essential social skills, our programs are designed to empower kids to unlock their potential and thrive.   

Help build a safe space for a kid to grow, learn, and build lifelong skills.

The salvation army supplements and supports kids’ educational opportunities through:, homework assistance and counseling.

The Salvation Army’s after-school programs are designed to inspire and challenge. For instance, the Cedar Rapids Salvation Army recently opened a new computer lab at its C Avenue headquarters . The lab provides academic support, homework help, and enrichment opportunities to kids who otherwise have no access to computers. And The Salvation Army of North Texas strikes the perfect balance of learning and having fun. In addition to providing homework assistance and tutoring, the staff also encourages kids to engage in art, music, STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math), martial arts, sports, and culinary arts. 

Sports, Clubs, and Extracurricular Activities

Healthy minds and healthy bodies are both crucial elements of youth development. Our no-fee and low-cost after-school programs offer children a chance to play sports and learn athletic skills. Our exciting after-school sports programs inspire a love for health and fitness while teaching teamwork and leadership skills that build healthy, positive relationships with peers. Consider the Seattle White Center after-school program. Best described as an action-packed game where fun meets growth, The White Center organizes youth sports leagues for basketball and futsal, a fast-paced soccer game played on the gym floor with a low-bounce ball and smaller goals. The kids have a blast and learn the essentials of teamwork and other skills that will stay with them for a lifetime. 

Dance, Art, and Music Programs

Our youth community programs provide freedom for children to experience music and art education in supportive no-cost or low-cost environments. We encourage curiosity and exploration through creativity in the arts. The classes and programs vary by location, but we offer everything from choir, band, and dancing to drawing, writing, and acting. For example, in Oregon, when area schools could no longer afford arts programming, The Gresham Corps Youth Center recognized the need and created an after-school music program. From choirs to instrument training, activities, and lessons, students develop an early love for and appreciation of the fine arts that will serve them their whole lives.   

Parental Involvement Coaching

Beyond the activities and academics, our after-school programs foster a sense of community and belonging. Each Salvation Army community center is dedicated to equipping young parents with the skills needed to support and sustain their children’s educational needs. 

One very special example is the “Fatherhood in Action” program at The Salvation Army Metropolitan Division in Chicago . Fatherhood in Action provides job training and placement assistance to young fathers. The program helps participants build a stronger sense of character and social responsibility and learn life and co-parenting skills that help them become better dads. With the success of the program, The Salvation Army extended it to the Cook County Jail, offering to help fathers build better relationships .

 Serving All Without Discrimination

In providing its after-school and summer camp programs and services to families, The Salvation Army is committed to accommodating all those in need without unlawful discrimination or harassment based on age, race, color, religion, sex, national origin, marital status, disability, citizenship, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, or any other characteristic in accordance with our capacity to help.

The Salvation Army Is Here to Help More Kids Learn More Things

In a neighborhood where children are faced with drugs, gangs, and sex work, one local Salvation Army after-school program in St. Paul, Minnesota, provides a safe haven for kids with opportunities that empower them to envision brighter futures. 

0:02 Eastside After-School Program 0:05 St. Paul, MN 0:09 some of the children here new face quite 0:12 a bit of adversity we have the games 0:15 we've experienced two teens in front of 0:17 our door 0:18 prostitution across the street I mean 0:20 just so many things but still we are 0:23 able to remain positive it's with our 0:26 after-school programs we have an 0:29 opportunity to take kids of the East 0:30 Side community and provide enrichment 0:33 activities as well as academic support 0:35 and mostly we provide strong mentorship 0:40 with this program you have an idea well 0:42 you you know where your child is you 0:45 know what they're doing you know what's 0:46 going on and you know that it's 0:48 productive they have tutoring they have 0:50 help with their homework reading math 0:52 science like my oldest son he was behind 0:55 on math and some reading so he improved 0:58 that there's always a new dance there's 1:01 always a new friend 1:02 there's always a new song they've 1:04 learned there's a different skill they 1:06 mastered that they didn't know before 1:08 and you know it's just exciting to them 1:11 it's something else to do when kids come 1:14 to our building they have the 1:15 opportunity to come right after school 1:18 and we decided a few years ago that we 1:21 didn't want kids walking home at 1:23 nighttime every day we load up all the 1:26 kids that come to our program we drive 1:29 them toward program and in the evening 1:31 we drive each and every one of them home 1:33 the school system being as tight on 1:37 money as they are it cut a lot of the 1:38 music and drama and things of that 1:41 nature out of their programs and so 1:43 we've decided very consciously that 1:46 we're going to try to take up on some of 1:48 that we actually contract with local 1:51 agencies that provide professional 1:53 artists that 1:54 you know they provide professional dance 1:56 professional music professional art 2:00 after the after-school program we have 2:02 our basketball programs Boy Scouts a 2:05 girls program that we have going 2:07 anything that we can to make them an 2:09 all-around better person the police have 2:12 been with us now I believe four or five 2:14 years and they have just been phenomenal 2:17 this program allows children to see us 2:21 as human beings too and so they don't 2:23 always look at more enforcement is the 2:25 big bad guy they're actually able to 2:27 work hand in hand side by side with this 2:30 officer you know and that is just 2:32 awesome 2:33 everyone there is associated with the 2:36 community they live in the areas they 2:39 see the kids outside of school they know 2:41 the families so there they are the 2:45 community if the Salvation Army was not 2:48 here like I said this neighborhood would 2:50 be they would be hurting they really 2:54 would be I always tell the kids my 2:56 payment is later in life when I see them 2:59 going miss college working a job 3:03 starting a family being a positive 3:07 outlet to society being involved in the 3:10 Salvation Army actually gives my little 3:12 girls a chance to see that there's other 3:13 things outside of life other than being 3:16 out on the streets and you know having 3:18 no other choices or goals I want them to 3:20 have a good education and to be what I 3:23 can be 3:25 I'm trying we try to show them that no 3:31 matter what's going on in their lives we 3:34 love them 3:35 we see a need and we try to meet need 3:39 where it is 3:40 I've got 85 kids that'll be in our 3:42 building tonight that I know will not be 3:46 on the streets this afternoon that will 3:48 not be at a house by themselves this 3:51 afternoon that there'll be someone here 3:54 helping them with their homework 3:54 there'll be someone here playing 3:56 basketball with them that dollar that 3:59 you give yesterday helps us today to be 4:03 able to take care of that kid they'll go 4:06 home tonight and know that someone cares 4:08 about them

Spread the Word

Turn your passion into action. Share these facts with your friends and followers to educate and inspire change.

400+ After-School Locations

The Salvation Army operates more than 400 after-school programs nationwide. So, no matter where you are, we are committed to supporting your child’s growth and development.

Meeting the Unique Needs of Your Community

Our after-school programs and enrichment activities create experiences to meet the unique needs of your community. We empower your child to embrace new adventures, lifelong learning, and a future filled with endless possibilities. With your help, every child has a safe place to learn, play, and connect. 

Lack of education leads to lack of income.

31% of young adults without a high school diploma currently live in poverty.

When you give to The Salvation Army, you provide funding for programs that help support kids’ educational needs. Donate now

The Salvation Army operates more than 400 after-school programs nationwide.

By offering after-school programs, summer school programs, free summer camps, and summer programs for high school students, we provide a safe place for children living in low- and moderate-income neighborhoods to learn, play, and connect.

These faith-based community programs play a vital role in supplementing the athletic, artistic, and musical education that is often unavailable via local school systems because of budget cuts. Perhaps most importantly, each extracurricular after-school program provides a supervised opportunity for children of all ages to broaden their interests, abilities, and aspirations.

Give now. Change lives forever.

Other Ways We Meet Needs

LGBTQ Support

Responses to Human Trafficking

Veteran Services

How to Create Easy After School Routines Your Kids Will (Almost!) Love

• September 14, 2021
• No Comments
• Last Updated December 6, 2023

Are you looking for some after-school routines that will actually work for your family?  🙋🏻‍♀️

It seems every year we start off with good intentions in our house. We fall into a nice rhythm, do the things we need to do, and our afternoons go well.

I get busy with work, or other activities…and stop enforcing the routine.  And before you know it, we’re scrambling to get all the homework and showers in before bed.  Our nights are chaotic, and our mornings are even more so.

School started last week for my boys.  And I was the after-school routine police!  😆  And it went well.

Until Friday rolled around. 

On Friday, I was busy trying to finish up a client piece.  And it was the weekend, so I didn’t worry too much.  I just let the kids get right to playing. 

I didn’t check their backpacks until Monday morning.  🤦🏻‍♀️   

And I totally forgot about picture day – until Monday night, when I checked Toot’s (he had been home sick, so I didn’t even bother to check it Monday morning).

I don’t even know what the twins wore for pictures!  😬  This has happened before when I didn’t have my afternoon routine down.

One of my older boys went to school in pants that were way too short – on picture day.  He looked like he was waiting for a flood!  (Bad momma moment)

In this article:

Why you need an after-school routine

You mean, aside from pulling our hair out as moms?  😁

There are many benefits to a daily routine .  A daily routine will benefit you, as a mom, for sure, because you’ll feel more organized and in control.  And you won’t send your kids to school on picture day in ketchup stains and floodwater pants.  😁

But daily routines benefit the growth and development of your child even more.  Daily routines help your child with:

• study habits and learning
• time management
• following the rules
• developing a sense of responsibility
• consistency
• self-discipline

Plus, your afternoon routine will instill a sense of security in your child. 

When they know what is expected of them, in what order, and when, children become more confident in who they are.  And when they know what happens next, or what happens if they don’t follow the routine, then they trust you, as mom, to do what you say you are going to do.

This also makes them feel more secure.

So, you know an after-school routine will help you to manage your day better, and you know it will help your kids to learn all kinds of skills, but what exactly goes into an after-school routine?

Typical after-school activities

What you put into your after-school routine is going to depend on your family values, your responsibilities, how many kids you have, and how old they all are.

For the longest time, our after-school routine consisted of running to sporting events to watch the oldest two play ball.  Once they graduated, however, our after-school routine changed. 

If all your kids are younger, then you might not have extracurricular activities in your afternoon routine. 

But you’ll have other things you value in your routine.  Here’s a few ideas, to get you started:

• screen time
• outside play time, such as going for a walk or going to the park
• extracurricular activities, such as sports, music lessons, or art lessons
• time spent visiting family, such as grandma
• volunteering
• Church activities

These are some typical activities that many families will put into their after-school routines.  If you aren’t sure what should go in yours, then start by first figuring out what your family values are .

How to create an after-school routine

After you know what you want in your after-school routine, all you have to do is decide what is going to be done and when!

Oh, and you need to enforce it.  😅  That is the hard part, isn’t it, momma?  It’s so easy to go astray!

The best way to decide what is going to be done and when is to chunk down the afternoon .  I like to use the arrival – that time when my boys get home, snack time, and before dinner as natural transition points during the afternoon.

So, I create my “chunks” around these events.  I’ll walk you through it.  😉

1. As soon as your kids get home

It makes perfect sense to have your children follow the same order of events every day when they get home from school.  We don’t want them coming into the house, throwing their backpacks, coats, and boots down, and merrily skipping off to play.  😆

Sounds nice, but if we allowed that, we’d be cleaning up after them. And they’d learn nothing.

So, when my kids come home, this is what they do:

✔︎ Put their shoes in the closet and hang up their coat.

✔︎ Empty their backpacks out.  Binders/folders go on the mail table, dirty water bottles in the sink, and lunch boxes on the counter.  Backpacks then get hung up.

✔︎ Put their dirty masks in the laundry room. 

(Yes, they still have to wear them.  They don’t have to wear them in school, but they do have to wear them on the bus.  🤦🏻‍♀️  Makes perfect sense.  Kind of like having a peeing section of the pool 😆 and that, momma, is a funny story for another day !)

Update: they no longer wear their masks. 😁 I just drive them in.

After they do all of that, they usually need to use the bathroom and get a drink.  Oh, and they have to say hi to Ava, our German Shepherd.  😆 They adore her.

2. After-school snack routine

After all of that, they are STARVING. So, it’s snack time. 

I’m kind of a stickler on snack time as well.  They get it right when they get home, otherwise, it gets too close to supper. 

I used to make a pretty substantial snack. They’d come home at 3:45, and I feel like they don’t get offered a lot at school.  Healthy proportions and all, momma.  😉  Which is good, except my boys have a high metabolism, and so they burn through that awful fast.

So, we used to have a lot of protein for snack time:  egg mc muffins, cheese, crackers, cheese sticks, or yogurt.

Now, however, they arrive home much later.  So, it is closer to supper.  Now we stick to fruit (they aren’t good veggie eaters), crackers, cookies, ice cream, or popcorn. 

And except for the popcorn, I make them eat their snack at the kitchen table.  If they have no homework to do, they can take their popcorn downstairs.

3. After-school homework routine

After snack time, we get the homework out of the way. Immediately.

I’m a strong believer in the power of play.  I believe that it is a child’s most important job.

And so, I used to let them go play for a while, and we’d tackle homework after supper. They needed a break, after all, right?  😅

But our evenings got very busy, and getting that homework done was just one more element of chaos we didn’t need.

So, now we do it right after snack time. Sometimes the boys will even work on it while they eat their snacks.

Once their homework is done, they have free time.

4. Unstructured free time

I don’t make my boys do afternoon chores.  There is so little time between school and supper, that I want them to have time to just unwind from the day and play.

But that is where our family values come in, momma.  My husband and I highly value play, especially unstructured free time. 

You might value teaching responsibility through chores. If so, this might be a good time to implement chores into your afternoon routine.

My boys, on the other hand, run downstairs to play.  This often involves playing the Xbox or Nintendo.

But they might also play with toys, play board games, or go outside and play.  My Little Toots is an avid reader, so he will often use this time to grab a book and curl up in the corner of the couch.

Whatever it is, it is their time.

5. Before dinner routine

My boys play until suppertime. 

Typically, my husband and I create homemade meals . So, that means I’m in the kitchen from around four to around seven, sometimes later.  That takes up a big chunk of my time!

I need my kids to leave me alone and go play during that time.  😅

But as dinner rolls nearer, I need them to get ready.

So that’s when they have chores.

They simply need to clean up whatever it is that they are playing with! 

And, if their rooms are a mess from the morning, they need to go clean that up as well.

After that, supper is served!

A note on screen time

I do let my kids have screen time.  They are only allowed screen time from after their homework is done until supper.  After supper, they must turn it off. 

But I’m still working out exactly what that screen time looks like.  😆 There’s three of them, and they all want a chance to play XBOX. Do I let them each play alone?  They always want to play alone.

Or, do I make them all play together?

Or do I give one child a chance to play alone each day?

I’m really at a loss!  I used to use screen time minutes . But they seem to have outgrown them.  (And by outgrown, I mean outsmarted…)

So, I’m open to suggestions momma!  If you have a system for screen time that works for you, leave it in the comments below!  I’ll give it a try. 

At the end of the day….

And that’s it! Creating your after-school routine doesn’t have to be hard.  All it takes is knowing what your family values are so that you can decide what activities you want to put in there, and then chunk it down!

Use natural transitions to move from one activity to the next, such as snack time and supper time.

And then stay consistent!!  That’s usually the hardest part.

I have to force myself to stop working when the kids come home.  I meet them at the door, and I just hang out, in the living/dining room, until they have all moved to free time.

That way I’m available to help with snacks and homework, of course, but I’m also there to make sure everything gets done. Did they hang up their backpacks?  Put their masks and lunch boxes away?

Did I sign their planners and check any teacher notes?  😁

At the end of the day, momma, it’s up to us to stay consistent with the after-school routines.

More on Sahm Schedules

How to Create The Best Morning Routine for Your Stay-at-Home Mom Schedule

Wanna Create the Best Ever Stay at Home Mom Schedule? Here’s How!

How to Create a Daily SAHM Routine Using Time Chunking

The Secret to a Great Stay-At-Home Mom Schedule

How to Create an Awesome Summer Routine

• Schedules & Routines

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed .

Hey there momma!

Welcome home! My name is Shannon, and I’m a stay-at-home mom, freelance writer, and blogger! If you want to know how I do it ~ and how you can, too, grab a cup of coffee! We have a lot to talk about!!

How can I help you?

Ready be happy at home.

Hey there momma, ready to LOVE staying home? Tap that sign up button PRONTO for life-altering tools and tips delivered straight to your inbox! 

Want a Free Monthly ToolKit?

Join the happy sahm fam, connect with me.

• Read the Blog
• [email protected]
• The Best SAHM Jobs
• How to Create the Best SAHM Schedule
• The Best Blogging Tools for Beginners
• Free Blog Planner!

The Boring Bits

• Privacy Policy
• Disclosure Statement
• Copyright Notice
• Cookie Policy

© Making Mommas 2023 All rights reserved

Connect with a community of supportive moms who understand what you are going through.

Never feel alone again, free printable stay at home mom schedule template.

Download your free daily stay-at-home mom schedule & customize it any way you’d like!!

16 Things to Do After School That Kids & Parents Will Love

Your kids aren't the only ones looking for things to do after school. You may be looking for engaging activities or simple things you can do together to make the most of the after-school hours. Once your child is saved by the bell, you can try some of these fun things to make the afternoon exciting. 

Engaging Things to Do at Home After School

You've had a long day, the kids are ready for some afternoon fun, and you're all craving some quality time. These at-home activities are easy to implement and make an ordinary afternoon feel extra special. Plus, they don't take too long so you still have time for dinner prep and homework .

Have a Snack Bar

School works up quite the appetite and kids of every age are eager for afternoon snacks when the bell finally rings. Set up a snack bar to enjoy together and share in meaningful conversation over yogurt parfaits, cheese and crackers, or a homemade trail mix.

Quick Tip You can also out random fruit, veggies, and other healthy snacks from the fridge or pantry and put them on a cutting board or tray for a kid-friendly charcuterie snack board that feels extra-special. 

Make Paper Bag Puppets

If you have younger kids who like to get creative, spend one afternoon a week building on your paper bag puppet collection. Keep all your supplies in one storage container and break them out when you need a cozy or crafty way to wrap up your afternoon. 

Build a Fort

An indoor fort of pillows and blankets is a childhood experience that simply must happen at least once. Why not surprise your kids with snacks and snuggles under the most epic pillow fort ever? They'll come home from school to a memory that's sure to last a lifetime.

Garden Together

From spring blooms to harvest season vegetables, gardening helps kids get their hands dirty in the best way. Whether you have small elementary-aged kids or a mix of tweens and teens, gardening can bring the family together every afternoon. Plan your garden together and start spending some time showering those plants in love as you reconnect with nature after a long school day.

Get Your Puzzle On

A family puzzle invites everyone to sit down, chat, and just spend some time in one another's presence. Make a little progress each day on your puzzle and in your relationship as your kids unwind from school. 

Quick Tip We like to use a large piece of cardboard underneath our puzzles so they can easily slide under furniture for out-of-sight storage. 

Watch a New (or Old) Show Together

Screen time has its place in all of our lives and your children might enjoy a half-hour block of TV time to watch a beloved show with you. Set out the snacks, snuggle up, and unwind from the day together as you follow the storyline of your favorite show. This might even be a good time to introduce your kid to shows from your childhood .

Get Crafty & Creative

There's no shortage of creative ideas for kids , and many of them could help your child discover their next favorite hobby. Grab the paint, the construction paper, and all those paper towel tubes you've been saving for a weekly craft afternoon to inspire creativity for the whole family. 

Exciting Things to Do on the Way Home From School

If you're picking your kids up from school (or extracurriculars), you might want to add in a bit of fun some days. Whether you're killing time before an appointment or just want to make the most of a beautiful day, try these activities before you head home for the evening. 

Plan a Family Bike Ride

You might have your own wheels or hit up a park with rentals. Either way, a family bike ride is a fun way to get in some quality time and some meaningful movement at the end of a school day.

Picnic Snacks in the Park

If you prefer a park trip that's a bit more relaxing, pack a few snacks and hit the lawn. You can kick back with a book while your kids play between bites of their favorite travel snack. Don't forget your blanket and plenty of water for everyone.

Go to a Trampoline Park

Your kiddos might need to burn off some energy after a long day sitting still and studying. Stop off at the trampoline park so they can jump out all that post-school energy as you sip a coffee or catch up on emails. If you don't have a local trampoline park, look for a bounce house park, a laser tag spot, or an indoor adventure park. 

Volunteer Together

Doing something good for others is a surefire way to lift spirits after a tough day at school. It's never too early to introduce your child to the value of giving back to the community and volunteering for a cause together doubles as a special way to use your quality time. 

Find a Local Reading Hour

Some kids can't wait for the bell to ring, but others truly can't get enough of learning. If you have an eager learner on your hands, extend their academic hours with a reading hour at your local library or bookstore. This is an easy weekly activity to add to your schedule that lets you sneak in a bit of reading and book browsing for yourself.

Fun Things to Plan for Your Teen After School

You might not be the first person your teen looks forward to seeing after school, but you could be the person to facilitate a fun afternoon with their friends. Add these parent-approved activities to the weekly agenda to give your teenager a chance to socialize outside of school.

Coffee Shop Hang With Friends

You've had a busy day and your teen probably has too. You could both use a bit of caffeine and some casual conversation. Have your teenager invite a couple of friends to tag along and let them have a neighboring table to chat while you finish up some work or catch up on your latest read.

Need to Know Friends don't have to be a part of the equation. You and your teen might enjoy some meaningful conversation with one another over a specialty coffee. 

Go Shopping

Shopping doesn't mean you have to buy something, but it certainly makes the outing more fun. If you have an older teen, an hour of browsing the mall with friends may brighten their day. You could hit the salon or do some of your own shopping while the teenagers are making memories. 

Quick Tip To make the most of your budget, you could hit up the local thrift store to find fun secondhand items to use or gift . 

Host an Afternoon of Gaming

If you have a gaming teen, they might run straight for the power button on their console the second they get home from school. Encourage some socialization as they defeat enemies and complete campaigns by hosting a weekly gaming afternoon for all their friends. 

Start a Small Business

A small business is a wonderful way for your teen to gain some experience and start thinking about their future. Whether it's baking cakes, mowing lawns, or running their own Etsy shop, a small business helps your teen spend some of their free time gaining priceless knowledge. 

Make the After-School Hours Count

You value those post-school hours so much because that's when you get to work in some quality time with your child. Make that time count with a plan to spend some time learning, growing, or just having fun together. You'll never regret the extra time spent with your kiddos and they'll hold on to those memories for a lifetime. 

After School Routine for Working Parents: Free Planner to Organize your Evenings!

If you’re a working parent, you know just how tough it is to juggle a full-time job and ensure your kids have a healthy after school routine. It can be downright overwhelming! But don’t worry – we’ve got your back. We’ll explore some tips and tricks for setting up an evening and after school routine that works for both you and your kids. We’ve got a free printable planner to help you out. So if you want the inside scoop on making the most of the time between school and bedtime, read on!

As any working parent knows, striking the right balance between work and home life can be tricky. You need to make sure your kids spend enough time doing their homework and still have time to do fun activities at home or with friends. And then there are appointments and chores that need to get done during the week. It all adds up quickly!

But don’t sweat it! With a little bit of planning, you can create an after school routine that takes into account everyone’s needs while also providing plenty of opportunities for fun and relaxation. We’ll show you how to set up an effective routine that will give your family structure without feeling overwhelmed by all the tasks that need to get done before bedtime. Ready? Let’s explore!

Benefits Of Establishing An After School Routine

Let’s face it, juggling a job and caring for kids can be a real challenge. Establishing an after school routine is essential to maintaining order in the household. It helps children structure their day and keeps parents (mostly) sane!

Kids thrive on consistency. They’re creatures of habit, and having a regular routine helps them feel secure and safe. Having a consistent routine in place makes life easier for everyone involved.

Having an evening schedule also gives parents structure and direction when managing their child’s activities. Furthermore, having that routine documented so everyone can refer to can reduce power struggles between parents and children.  When kids are reluctant to transition tasks – say from screentime to homework –  parents can “blame the schedule” instead of shouldering the (perceived) blame themselves.

How To Create An Evening Routine

When it comes to creating an evening routine for working parents, the key is to find something that works for you and your family. There’s no one-size fits all solution here; what works for one family may not be suitable for another.  There may also be some trial and error until you find something comfortable that works.

The key is to set up a daily routine that will help you stay organized and give your family time to relax and recharge – without letting important tasks or appointments slip through the cracks.

Start by establishing a consistent bedtime for your children, as this will ensure that they are getting the necessary hours of restful sleep each night.  Once the bedtimes are set, you can work backward to create a timeline of everything else.

Account for items that are outside of your direct control like after school clubs, sports practices, etc. Once these items are on your schedule, create a to-do list of chores, homework, dinner prep, etc., that needs to be done before the end of the day. Make sure to plan out enough time for breaks and other fun activities so that your kids don’t feel overwhelmed or overworked.

Set limits on screen time and eliminate any bad habits that might be getting in the way of productivity. This could include turning off all electronic devices after a set time or setting up rules about how much TV or video games each family member can watch or play each night. 

It’s good to have some quiet time to wind down and prepare for bed.  This is a good time to turn off the screens and devices, make sure everything is ready for the following day, put on some pajamas, and relax until bedtime.

By creating an evening routine that works for your family, you’ll have more energy during the day and more quality time together in the evening. It may take some trial and error to get it right but it’s worth it in the long run! Transitioning into creating a calendar/schedule is essential for ensuring your family sticks to their established routine.

• Start with bedtime and work backward
• Add After school Activities, Team Practices, etc where you don’t control the time
• Allocate time for homework
• Plan for dinner and family time
• Get set up for the next day
• Even a few minutes to wind down can help
• Establish a bedtime routing
• Use a planner or calendar app to help keep organized.

Creating A Calendar/Schedule

Creating a calendar or schedule for your family is an important step toward making sure everyone is on the same page. It’s essential to be consistent and organized – that way, you can avoid any possible power struggles down the line (or at least some of them), as everyone should be following their schedule.

Creating an effective after-school routine can help families keep track of important deadlines, ensure that kids don’t miss crucial school activities or events and make sure everyone is getting enough rest.

One way to create an effective after-school routine is to start with scheduling any regular extracurricular activities first. For example, if your child has soccer practice every Monday, Tuesday, and Thursday evening, write that down in the calendar first. Then add in any special events like field trips or school plays. After that, you can fill in the remaining days with meals, studying, and other tasks or chores.

We use this simple evening schedule printable to help us stay organized.  We can time block off the weekly and daily tasks, slot in some time for homework and chores, plan for dinner, and try to make sure we have some quiet time before bed.  We laminate our and put it on the refrigerator so everyone knows what their schedule is and we can easily make changes (and save paper!) Check it out and hopefully it can help you organize your after school routine too.

After School Activities

We want our kids to have exposure to a variety of activities, be involved, and enrich their lives, right?  The reality is that each activity adds to the chaos we have to tame to get through the week.

These activities not only help foster interpersonal skills and team building strategies but also provide an excellent outlet for physical exercise and creative expression. 

Many parents opt to enroll their children in extracurricular activities such as sports teams or after school clubs.  Other activities outside of school like dance lessons, music lessons, or martial arts are also popular. 

You want your kids to have the best of everything (and be the best at everything!) Just make sure to set a schedule that’s maintainable – for both yourself and the kids.  Trying to do too much can burn out the kids – yourself as you’re trying to do everything in a few evening hours!

Having a set of activities with the same set schedule each week provides children with the comfort of knowing what to expect each day which is especially important when parents are balancing careers with parenting.

Designating Time For Homework

As fun as the afterschool activities may be, there’s homework to be done. Factoring in dedicated homework time can help make life a little easier!

Here are some tips for making sure the homework gets done: – Designate a time and place for homework – Create a routine that works best for your family, whether it’s right after school or after dinner. – While consistency is best, flexibility wins the day: homework time may vary depending on activity times.  – Using a schedule or planner can help visualize time blocks – Have the same spot every day where your child can do their homework, such as a kitchen table or desk. – Ensure that distractions are kept to a minimum so that your child can focus on their studies.

Incorporating Technology Into The Routine

Let’s face it—technology is an integral part of our lives and kids are no exception. But if used correctly, technology can be an invaluable tool for working parents to help manage their after school routine. To begin with, parents can use apps such as Google Calendar or Cozi that easily allow all family members to stay up-to-date on activities and appointments.

Through these apps, parents can also set reminders for tasks like picking up the kids from a friend’s house or bringing clothes to soccer practice.

Another way technology can help is through online organizational tools like Trello or Airtable. These tools give families a place to store information about contacts, upcoming events, and even recipes in one central location that everyone has access to. Plus, many of these tools offer mobile versions which makes them especially helpful since parents often have limited time during the day to manage the household.

By using technology strategically and in moderation, working parents can actually find more quality family time throughout the week instead of feeling overwhelmed by a busy schedule. So don’t underestimate the power of technology – when used in combination with other scheduling strategies it can greatly improve your after school routine!

Scheduling Quality Family Time

At the end of the work day, we shift into focus on family. Working parents have a unique challenge in balancing work and home life. But carving out quality family time is essential for building strong relationships and creating lasting memories.

He’s a sample (and perhaps highly idealized) sample schedule to provide a few ideas to start from.

It can be tricky to schedule in an hour or two of quality family time each day, but it’s worth the effort! The benefits are immeasurable and will pay dividends for years to come in terms of improved communication, stronger relationships, and better overall health. Plus, it’s just plain fun!

While it’s great to sit down to a family dinner, some evenings just may not be workable to gather everyone around the same table with busy schedules.  We have nights where both parents grab a kid and head to a different activity.  We’ve found that we enjoy one on one time with the kids (and sometimes they enjoy a break from their sibling.)  This helps us bond with our kids and give them individual attention.  We just make sure not to pack the schedule so much that every night is a rush from one thing to the next.

Now that we’ve taken care of the important stuff it’s time to prepare for the following day; let’s take a look at what that involves…

Prepare For The Following Day

Now that you’ve scheduled in quality family time, it’s time to start thinking about the next day. Working parents have a lot on their plates and getting ready for the following day is key to staying organized and avoiding a stressful morning. To do this, parents can make use of some simple strategies that will save them precious time and energy.

Want an easy morning routine?  Here’s a secret: Do most of the planning the night before.  Pack lunches and school snacks, pick out clothes, get bakpacks ready etc. 

Whether you’re using a printable planner or online calendar app, check the schedule for the following day.  Make sure all the assignments and homework are ready for their day at school. Make sure you’re not forgetting a themed dress up day or field trip. A few minutes glancing at our schedule has saved us a morning scramble on more than one occasion.

With these two steps taken care of, it’s easier than ever to jump into planning relaxation and wind-downs after a long day of work and other commitments.

Planning  Relaxation And Wind-Downs

After a long and hectic day, it’s important to plan a few moments of relaxation and wind-down for yourself and your family. This will help you settle the kids down for bed and let you recharge, reset, and be ready to face all that comes your way the next day.

One way to do this is by carving out some time each evening before bedtime to enjoy something calming together as a family – or have some individual space to unwind. Whether it’s reading stories or having conversations about the day, these small moments can have big impacts on how we feel after a long day.

Having a consistent bedtime routine helps let the kids know that it’s time for bed.  This can be as simple as: pajamas, toothbrush, and a bedtime story.  We like to spend a few nights individually with each child to tuck them in and let them talk for a few moments about whatever is on their mind.

Setting Bedtime Expectations

Parents who work full-time need often struggle to get their kids to bed on time – or just get them to bed, period. It’s important to stick to a regular bedtime routine, as it helps kids fall asleep faster and sleep more soundly.  (A bedtime routine helps adults too!)

But setting a strict bedtime can be hard. There are always the inevitable excuses from your little darlings about why they can’t possibly go to bed right now – they need to beat the next level in a game, or they need to finish streaming an episode of their favorite show. So how do you set expectations without turning into a taskmaster?

Be firm and stick to your routine.  That’s the whole point of making the schedule.  That said, things will not always go according to plan.

Keeping The Routine Flexible

Creating a successful after school routine feels like winning the parenting lottery when it works – it’s a major accomplishment!  While it’s great to have that consistent routing, flexibility is key. This means being able to adapt and pivot when needed, according to the day’s schedule. 

There are last minute assignments (at work and at school), flat tires, bad weather, and all kinds of things that can monkey wrench even the most carefully crafted plan.  Roll with it, shake it off, and do the best you can to get things done. 

Allow yourself some slack; life can get pretty hectic at times, so try not to beat yourself up too much if things don’t go as planned.  Tomorrow’s another day.

Ultimately, remember that your family comes first – they should always be a priority before any job or task. If you can create an atmosphere of understanding and respect between you and your children, then sticking with the routine won’t feel like such a chore. With that in mind, it’s time to talk about something that many parents overlook or push aside completely; prioritizing self-care.

Prioritizing Self-Care

It’s all too easy for working parents to neglect their own needs after a busy day. But the truth is, it’s just as important—if not more so—for them to take time out and prioritize self-care. Here are three simple ways to inject some rest and relaxation into your after school routine:

Set aside 20 minutes Whether it’s an evening stroll around the block, a few moments of quiet reflection or curling up with a good book – carve out 20 minutes each day to do something that brings you joy.

Make time for hobbies After your kids have settled into bed, devote an hour or two to those hobbies that you never seem to get around to. From knitting and painting to gardening and woodworking – we all need something in our lives that’s just for us.

Take care of yourself Even if you can only spare 10 minutes before bed, use this time wisely. Read a bit, meditate, write some journal pages, or whatever little thing is most meaningful – this is your chance to unwind and recharge for the next day.

Self-care doesn’t have to be complicated or expensive; it’s simply about taking the time out from our hectic daily lives and doing something that makes us feel good. And when we do, we can make sure that our after school routine is full of joy and contentment rather than stress and exhaustion!

Wrap Up – Creating an Evening Routine for Working Parents 

Well, there you have it: an after school routine that working parents can use to make sure their kids are taken care of while they’re at work. Establishing a schedule and calendar, designating time for homework, planning relaxation and wind-downs, setting bedtime expectations, keeping the routine flexible, and prioritizing self-care can help create a structure that works best for everyone in the family.

The key is to find what works best for your family – something that allows them to stay active, finish their homework on time, and still get enough rest each night. With some dedication and consistency, you’ll be able to create a routine that will help your kids thrive!

hevanmiller

Howie Miller is as dedicated to fatherhood as he is to life long learning. Musician, Photographer, Educator, Consultant, Entrepreneur, Blogger, and founder of STEMtropolis, where you can share his adventures in STEM and STEAM with his family.

Recent Posts

Awesome 3D Printed Musical Instruments (With Free 3D Models)

3D printing has become an increasingly popular hobby and technology. Many people use this technology to print toys, models, and other items. However, some people use it to make musical instruments....

Makeblock Codey Rocky Review

We love getting new robot kits, and Codey Rocky was a welcome addition to the family.  We were enamored with its compact, user-friendly design, which combines durable materials with an...