after school activities and 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.

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• 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!

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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?

Discover Why Corbin's Crusaders is NYC's Premier After-School Sports Program

At Corbin’s Crusaders , we believe every child holds the potential to become a champion, both in sports and in life. Nestled in the heart of New York City, our program is a beacon for parents seeking an after-school sports program that goes beyond just teaching the rules of the game. What sets us apart is our steadfast commitment to fostering connections, building confidence, and inspiring leadership through a wide array of athletic endeavors.

From the baseball diamond to the soccer field, our professional coaches are dedicated to nurturing every child's individual talents while emphasizing teamwork, interpersonal skills, and personal growth. With a focus on creating a user-friendly and welcoming environment, Corbin’s Crusaders simplifies the journey for families, making it easy to find and engage in enriching sporting activities. Here, it's not just about winning the game; it's about creating lasting memories, learning invaluable life lessons, and laying the foundation for a bright, active future. Join us, and see how we're crafting the next generation of sportsmanship and camaraderie, one game at a time.

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

Unleash Creativity at Summer Music Camp

Sending your child to a Summer Music Camp unlocks a world of creativity, connection, and confidence. At Summer Music Camp , they'll dive into the rhythms and melodies that shape our world, guided by passionate instructors. These camps are more than just musical training grounds; they're a place where friendships flourish and personal growth is nurtured. With each note played, children explore new aspects of their capabilities, learning not only about music but also about collaboration and self-expression. Choosing a Summer Music Camp means giving your child an enriching experience that echoes beyond summer, fostering a lifelong love for music and discovery.

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!

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Published: Aug 19, 2019 · Modified: Jul 20, 2022 by Judita Pauzuolyte · This post may contain affiliate links ·

20 After School Activities That Require Minimal Set-up

I will be a bit controversial here and state that after school activities for kids would be as educational and beneficial (if not more) to them as their school curriculum. Last time I wrote about some before school surprises to make the mornings more joyful. Now it's time to speak about the time after school. Asking me why? It's because kids will be:

• in their relaxed environment.
• free to choose what they want to do.
• more creative with their activities.
• more likely to continue on the activity even when it's over.

The best part - most of these after school activities require minimal set up. You'll be surprised how well it works. Here is my 20 after school activities my kids just love!

20 After School Activities For Kids to Enhance their Creativity 

1. 3d hand craft.

• 2. Cabbage Juice Science Experiment
• 3. Dress up Games
• 4. Exploring Colors with only 2 ingredients!
• 5. Help your child find a pen pal friend
• 6. Water Drop Race
• 7. Thaumatrope
• 8. Toilet Paper Rolls
• 9. Coin Jump
• 10. Rainbow Soap Foam
• 11. Calm Down Jars
• 12. Fog in a bottle
• 13. Royal Crayon Gems
• 14. Science Experiments on Food
• 15. Wildflower Goop
• 16. Suminagasha Art
• 17. Spelling Game
• 18. Squish Painting
• 19. I-Spy Discovery Bottle
• 20. Apple Stamping

This creative activity is going to be fun for the whole family! Now, 3D Art can be done at home.

2.  Cabbage Juice Science Experiment

Not all experiments involve chemicals. This experiment is so fun because you can watch liquid ingredients change colors.

3.  Dress up Games

Any child loves to play dress up. After a busy day at school, this is the perfect way to remove your child's stress.

4.  Exploring Colors with only 2 ingredients!

Using only baking soda and vinegar, your kids will be excited to go home after school!

5.  Help your child find a pen pal friend

Keeping your child interested in writing letters to a friend far away will help him or her learn how to write and interact through writing.

6.  Water Drop Race

As a child, I've done this during the boring times at a party or a restaurant. I know how exciting this is, the more water drops, the better!

7.  Thaumatrope

Optical illusion is one of the easiest magic trick of all time. Try to do a thaumatrope with the whole family and let your creativity shine!

8.  Toilet Paper Rolls

Don't let those empty toilet paper rolls go into waste! Collect them and paint them different colors so your kids can play by building or stacking them.

9.  Coin Jump

Cold water, a coin and a bottle will literally make you jump in surprise of how cold water and your warm hands can do magic!

10.  Rainbow Soap Foam

This is a wonderful way to make your kids wash their toys in a fun way!

Activities for kids

11.  calm down jars.

This simple activity is for long term use. Calm down jars can be used anytime either you or your kids need it.

12.  Fog in a bottle

This activity may not seem very fun for us - adults, but I promise you, my kids couldn't stop staring at the bottle until the fog completely fade away.

13.  Royal Crayon Gems

Leftover, broken and small pieces of crayons can still be used by recycling them into cute royal shapes.

14.  Science Experiments on Food

Another colorful science experiment on how fast and how can plants and leafy vegetables absorb liquid!

15.  Wildflower Goop

A 3 ingredient cute flower goop to help your kids improve their sensory skills.

16.  Suminagasha Art

A modern art activity, not just for kids but for adults too! Let's try to make this! And don't forget to keep all the artwork!

17.  Spelling Game

There are lots of ways on how to play spelling games. You can use a salt tray, or chalk, or even with Q-tips only!

18.  Squish Painting

With just a few colors of paint and a piece of paper, you can make your own piece of art in only 2 minutes!

19.  I-Spy Discovery Bottle

You can put different icons or small toys for the discovery bottle so your kids would ask and investigate what is in the bottle!

20.  Apple Stamping

Apple stamping is one of the best activities and very timely for the Fall season, too!

Found your favorite after school activity for kids? Share in the comments below!

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20 fun after-school activities for kids

After a busy day at school, you may be looking for some activities to help your child to relax and unwind. But are there any activities that also include a little learning?

Well don’t worry – there are! And best of all, they don’t need to be complex or require lots of planning, so your child can have lots of fun without leaving you exhausted.

So, if you and your child are ready to discover some new after-school activities that’ll help them to feel both refreshed and ready to learn new things, read on!

20 awesome after-school activities

1. watch educational videos together.

This after-school activity is super quick to get into as there is plenty of fun, educational videos on YouTube that you and your kids can enjoy. 

Try searching for topics that interest your children, such as their favourite timeline in history, science experiments or mathematics. You can even find playlists specifically tailored to different age groups. Ah, the wonders of the internet!

2. Play learning games online

There are a ton of online games that can help kids to learn new things in a fun and interactive way. 

Try playing games focusing on maths, reading, or geography. You could also use the Doodle apps, which create every child a personalised learning experience tailored to their needs! Why not try them for free ?

3. Draw or colour together

After-school activities don’t have to be expensive (or hurt your brain to plan!). Encourage your child’s creativity by having them draw or colour with you after school. 

This activity is a great way to bond with them by talking about the day’s events and let their creativity shine. You may even discover their hidden artistic talents; maybe they’ll out-perform Picasso himself!

4. Bake delicious treats

Kids love being in the kitchen and helping to bake things! Plus, it’s an excellent opportunity to teach them about measurements and how to follow a recipe. 

Let them choose the recipe they’d like to make and encourage them to help you measure out the ingredients. They’ll be so proud of themselves when they get to eat their delicious creation! But most importantly, try to remember the importance of sharing, even if it’s your favourite!

5. Take a walk outside

A simple walk outdoors is a great way for kids to release energy after sitting in class all day. It’s also a great opportunity to learn more about their surroundings and world. 

You can play games of spotting different species of birds and insects and keep a journal of each time you take a walk to build up books filled with exploring and memories of learning together. Why not take a look at these outdoor learning activities for some inspiration?

6. Have a picnic indoors or outdoors

What’s more fun than having a picnic? No, seriously, I can’t think of anything!

Your kids will love eating their lunch or dinner outdoors (or indoors if it’s raining, which is pretty likely if you’re in the UK!). You can also choose various activities while picnicking, such as playing games, reading books or telling stories.

You can even use Doodle’s maths and English apps offline. This makes them perfect for learning when you’re out and about picnicking – and you can try them for free !

7. Visit the library or go on a book scavenger hunt

The library is a treasure trove of books just waiting to be read! Encourage your child’s love of reading by taking them to the library for some after-school browsing time. 

You could also try going on a book scavenger hunt where they have to find particular books based on specific criteria (e.g., books with purple covers, books over 500 pages long etc.). But here’s a fair warning: you may end up spending hours doing this after-school activity!

8. Have a games night

Whether it’s the classic Monopoly, Pictionary or just card games, turn off your technology and spend some time playing games as a family. This is a great way to let your kids’ personalities come out and encourage them to be themselves.

There are also lots of maths board games you can play to add a little extra learning to your after-school fun! Why not check out our favourites ?

9. Create some crafts

From painting to origami to making things out of recycled materials, there are plenty of crafts you can do together as a family. Be sure to display all of your crafted goodies around the house to boost your child’s pride in their creations!

10. Do some gardening

Start a small herb garden or spend some time outside planting flowers. If you don’t have a garden, no problem: many plants can be grown in pots on a balcony or by the window! So get your green thumbs out and learn some new gardening skills together. Best of all, you’ll get to taste your hard work!

11. Become a chef 

Choose a few recipes and make dinner together. Try to pick things that everyone will enjoy eating. You could even take your children to the supermarket and let them find all of the ingredients you need; this is a great way for them to develop an awareness of their surroundings and pay close attention to details.

12. Put on a show

Inspire your child’s imagination by putting on a play or show together. They can be the show’s star while you help with props and costumes and, of course, be their number one fan!

13. Conduct a science experiment

There are plenty of simple science experiments that you can do at home with things that you probably have around the house already!

For example, you could try the classic volcano experiment or make slime. There are endless possibilities; your kids will love getting messy and learning about science simultaneously! Check out these indoor learning activities for even more ideas.

14. Go for a bike ride

Take a trip to your local park or around your local area and go for a bike ride together. It’s a great way to get some exercise while enjoying the outdoors. If you don’t have bikes, try renting ones from a local shop. Just be sure to wear helmets!

15. Go stargazing

This after-school activity may not be right after school, but it’ll be worth waiting up to gaze at the beauty above us. Head outside on a clear night and look up at the stars. See if you can spot any constellations or shooting stars. You can also look up information about different stars and planets beforehand!

16. Have a dance party

Turn up the music and have a dance party in your living room. This is a great way to get in some exercise and have some fun. But most importantly, remember to record these moments: not only will they help you to hold on to the memories, but you can also show them to your children when they get older. They will love it… I promise!

17. Make a scrapbook

Get together some old photos, mementoes and natural things you find out and about (like leaves or flowers) and make a scrapbook together. This is a great way to preserve memories while spending quality time together!

18. Volunteer

Find a local charity or organisation that you can volunteer with as a family. This is a great way to give back to the community and teach your children about the importance of helping others!

19. Learn a new skill together

Choose something your child wants to learn and find a class or tutorial online. For example, you could learn how to cook, knit, play an instrument or speak a new language (be sure to choose something that isn’t taught in school!).

20. Complete some puzzles

Puzzles are a great way to spend some after-school time together. Not only are they fun, but they can also be educational. Try choosing a challenging puzzle that will keep you both entertained for a while!

After-school activities don’t need to be complicated, expensive or overwhelming! This list of things to do after school will provide them with invaluable learning experiences and, most importantly, let you spend quality time together as a family.

So what are you waiting for? Get out there and have some fun!

And don’t forget: Doodle’s maths and English apps can be used offline, making them perfect for fitting around your after-school plans! Why not give them a go ?

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Back To School

Hint: An after-school snack is never a bad idea.

When my oldest son started kindergarten, I was clueless about how to structure his after-school routine. Did he need to eat a snack immediately? Did he need to focus on homework or play? Should I limit screen time after school ? We needed a routine, but I had no idea where to start. I ultimately put a call-out on social media begging for my experienced friends to weigh in.

Any after-school routine should really be based around the needs of the individual child, says child psychologist Maureen Healy , and all kids need time to decompress after school. “The goal is to build that 'downtime' into the day,” Healy says, noting that kids need to “rest, relax, and recharge after a full day of school.”

Every kid is different and as they change and grow, their after-school routine may change as well. For example, elementary kids will still want time to play, while middle school and high school students may need to factor in school sports practices or part-time jobs later on.

After-school routine templates

These basic after-school routine templates below can help you put together the routine that works best for you and your family. They might look different day-to-day, so don’t be stressed if your routine is ever thrown off — because it will likely happen — but knowing generally what to expect is good for both parents and kids.

Preschool & kindergarten after-school routines:

• Nap or rest
• Free play (indoors or out)
• Family walk

Elementary school after-school routines:

• Extracurricular activities

Middle school after-school routines:

• Rest/quiet time (with or without screens)

High school after-school routines:

• Clubs, activities, part-time job
• Rest/quiet time

Whether you're home with your child after school or they're in the care of someone else, you can still find a way to make their routine work for them. Let the tips below guide you as you flesh out the details of your afternoon.

Prioritize food

My kids are always ravenous after school. Sometimes lunch periods are in the late morning and by pick-up time, they’ve worked up a serious appetite again. An immediate snack after school to keep energy levels up is never a bad idea.

While your kids might beg for something sweet to eat after working hard at school all day, Angie Weiss , the nutrition services director at Wichita Falls Area Food Bank in Texas, tells Romper that parents should encourage foods with energy-boosting qualities after school. It's tempting to reward kids for their hard work at school with a sweet treat, but Weiss says to reach for "less candy and more whole grains, veggies, fruit, and lean protein" to prevent late-afternoon sugar crashes.

Get homework out of the way

If your child dreads homework, you may choose to get it out of the way sooner than later. After they’ve fueled up with a snack and had a few minutes of rest, break out the books. With the whole evening stretching in front of them, they’ll be able to take their time and not feel hurried, which can take the edge off some of their homework stress.

Give them after-school chores

You don’t have to pile a lot of housework on their shoulders, but giving your child some simple tasks to do around the house can help build their sense of self-esteem. In fact, a Michigan State University study concluded that assigning children age-appropriate chores to complete daily can lead to a more balanced household, and leaves more time for parents and children to spend together.

Provide flexible free time

"I would build 20 to 30 minutes into your after-school schedule so they get to unwind and not rush anywhere," Healy says. "They may sit outside under a tree, play a video — depending on your family rules, take a nap, or play with their Lego toys, as examples. Of course, some children may need more time while others need less — but remembering that rest and restoration are essential to healthy development on a daily basis is an important part of intentional parenting."

Screens may play a role in your child’s after-school routine when it comes to free time. Expert advice varies depending on your child’s age and what type of screen time they will engage in, so it is up to you to decide what is best for your family.

My own kids have trouble focusing on homework if they don't have at least some free time after school. Even if it doesn't happen until after homework time, knowing they will have time to play or relax gives them something to look forward to after a long day at school.

Engage in organized activities

Participating in organized youth sports can provide "an emphasis on fun while establishing a balance between physical fitness, psychologic well-being, and lifelong lessons for a healthy and active lifestyle," a study published in the Journal of Sports Medicine found. When you allow your child to participate in an organized activity after school, you're also giving them another opportunity outside of school to socialize with their friends and let off some steam after a long day of learning.

If an organized activity is too much for your family, you can reap similar benefits by letting kids play with their neighborhood friends once they're home, or having a quick game of catch in the backyard before dinner.

Take a walk

One thing that my own kids have really enjoyed having as part of our after-school routine is regular walks. Especially when the weather is particularly nice, they are just itching to get outside after being at school all day. They get to stretch their legs, breathe some fresh air, and bounce around to get their extra energy out.

Practice gratitude

"Parents who can invest — it's really an investment — five to 15 minutes per child every evening to establish a practice of gratitude or connection build a stronger parent-child relationship, which contributes to positive emotional health," Healy says. She suggests trying an exercise called ‘three good things’. "Every night, you name three 'good things' from the day," Healy says. "Some days are easy like ice cream, pizza, and puppy dogs, while other days are harder like having the ears to hear and arms to hug, but this is a positive practice for parent and child."

Another activity Healy recommends is "the 'rose and thorn,' where, before bedtime, you ask your child what his 'rose' or favorite part of the day was, and the 'thorn' which may be the most challenging moment. Of course, we want to focus on the rose, but also coach our child on how thorns exist and how to handle them, too."

Whatever after-school routine you create with your children, the key is figuring out what’s comfortable for you and your kids. Every family’s routine will look a little different, and that’s totally OK.

Studies cited:

Merkel DL. Youth sport: positive and negative impact on young athletes. Open Access Journal of Sports Medicine. May 31, 2013. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/instance/3871410/

Sources interviewed:

Maureen Healy , child psychologist, author of The Emotionally Healthy Child

Angie Weiss , nutrition services director, Wichita Falls Area Food Bank

This article was originally published on July 30, 2019

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30+ activities your kids can do instead of homework

Too much homework for kids can be harmful. Here are other ways for your children to learn at home.

By Jessica Smock and Beau Brink Updated August 10, 2022

There are many aspects of my more than decade-long career as a teacher that I’m proud of. My reputation for  giving lots and lots of homework —sometimes over two hours’ worth—is not one of them. My intentions were good: I, like their parents, didn’t want my students to fall behind.

However, when I entered a doctoral program in education policy, I learned that some research suggests homework is not good for elementary school-aged kids. Not only does it fail to improve the academic performance of elementary students,  but it might actually be damaging to kids’ attitudes toward school , and to their physical health.

Related: Is school stressing out your child? 10 ways to tell—and help them feel better

After hours spent sitting and engaging in mostly adult directed activities , children’s minds and bodies need other kinds of experiences when they get home, not more academics. It’s not just that homework itself has few academic benefits for little kids (and may even be harmful), it’s also that homework is replacing other fun, developmentally appropriate and valuable after school activities—activities that help children grow into healthy, happy adults.

Who invented homework, anyway?

Modern homework was invented by Johann Gottlieb Fichte, who created a compulsory school system that was meant to support the effort to unify Germany (it had originally been a set of city-states, and reached unification in 1871). For Fichte, homework was a way for students to be involved in patriotism: They attended state-sponsored schools and spent their free time doing assignments related to their state-sponsored education. It was brought to America by Horace Mann, a pioneer of  public education in the United States , in the 1840s.

However, in the interim, a lot has changed in education. With time and research, educators are learning more and more about how children learn best and what kinds of work are developmentally appropriate at different ages and stages.

What does the research say about homework for kids?

While researchers think that homework  is  beneficial for academic achievement, the amount and type of homework makes a difference. One study published in the  Journal of Experimental Education  found that excessive homework leaves kids stressed, sleep deprived, and lacking balance for social and family activities even when those students come from upper-middle class families and go to top-performing schools—and many students  don’t  have those advantages.

Then there’s the issue of whether homework is actually effective at changing academic outcomes. Education researchers generally agree that kids get more benefit from homework the older they get, but one 2020 Rutgers study found that homework has become less effective at reinforcing classroom learning as smartphone use has become widespread. Kids use their phones to complete their assignments and get good grades on homework, but then don’t perform well on exams.

Here are a few ideas for after school activities for kids

1. spend time with family.

Many parents have daily battles with their elementary-aged kids over homework, and for many it negatively affects their relationships. Instead of parents nagging their overtired kids to do homework,  families can spend much more time talking together  about their day. In fact, conversation is the best way for all of us—especially young children—to learn about our world and cultivate empathy.

Encouraging  multigenerational relationships  can also yield many lessons for kids. By spending time with Grandma and Grandpa, they can learn how other adult role models in their lives who love them handle conflict, create and negotiate rules and routines, and embrace family traditions.

Suggested activities:

• Talking to parents
• Helping out with dinner
• Hanging out at grandma’s
• Reading a book together

2. Self care

Just like adults, kids  need time to take care of themselves  so that they can perform well in school. And also like adults, a lot of kids don’t have self-care basics in their routine.

Take sleep, for instance.  The National Sleep Foundation  estimates that between 25 and 50 percent of children aren’t getting enough sleep. Lack of sleep can cause all sorts of problems in kids, including poor attention, behavior problems, academic difficulties, irritability and weight gain. But even small amounts of additional sleep can have big impacts. One study found that only 20 additional minutes of sleep can improve kids’ grades.

Other self care activities benefit children, too: Reading aloud to a child helps them  build their vocabulary , having a bedtime routine  improves children’s social and behavioral habits  and having some relaxing downtime recharges their  ability to pay attention and concentrate .

• Building a consistent bedtime routine
• Cleaning their room
• Listening to classical music

3. Independent activities

Solitary activities—those that children can do  on their own, without the help of adults —build kids’ confidence and help them to relax. Plus, if there’s an element of learning, like your child acquiring a new skill on their own, it can  improve their motivation and memory in the long run .

Kids benefit in different ways from different independent activities. According to the National Literacy Trust,  reading for pleasure has a greater impact on children’s achievement  in school than their family’s economic status and not only builds vocabulary and comprehension but builds confidence. Knitting and crochet build fine motor skills, and gardening helps kids apply what they’re learning in their science and math classes to the real world.

• Independent reading
• Working on a puzzle
• Learning to knit
• Conducting a science experiment
• Planting a garden

An important part of how young kids’ minds develop is  through free, self-directed play . According to David Elkind, Ph.D., author of  The Power of Play: How Spontaneous, Imaginative Activities Lead to Happier, Healthier Children , free play is more critical now than ever, as recesses are shortened or eliminated and kids’ calendars are busier than ever.

There are a lot of different kinds of play: Risky play, sensory play, parallel play, constructive play, cooperative play, and more. All types of play have benefits for children, like building social skills, increasing creativity, improving problem-solving skills, and providing opportunities to explore the world in new ways. It’s even good for parents: As the  American Academy of Pediatrics  says, “Play offers parents a wonderful opportunity to engage fully with their children.”

• Go up a slide backward
• Dig in the dirt
• Play with a friend in a sandbox
• Play dress-up
• Create a collage
• Play Simon Says
• Make a fort

5. Physical activity

Kids who are physically active —as well as adults— have stronger hearts, lungs, and bones . They are less likely to develop cancer or be overweight and more likely to feel good about themselves. Even rough-housing can be beneficial. Rough and tumble play is not the same as aggression. It’s vigorous, freeform, whole body, energetic, happy play. Kids learn decision making skills, relieve stress, improve their ability to read social cues, and enhance their cardiovascular health.

And walking the dog counts: Kids who  help take care of family pets  may be less anxious, less likely to develop allergies and asthma, and are more active.

• Jumping rope
• Riding a bike
• Walking the dog
• Setting up an obstacle course in your living room
• Have a dance party

6. Volunteering

Through volunteering , kids can become  more grateful, empathetic, and feel more connected  to the wider community. Volunteering at an animal shelter can be especially enriching for children. Even kids who don’t have pets at home can benefit from being around animals. The emotional and psychological benefits of being around animals can also be found when kids care for injured animals and take on care-taking responsibilities for other people’s pets.

• Playing with animals at a shelter
• Bringing flowers to seniors in nursing homes
• Organizing or contributing to a toy drive
• Donating clothes to a shelter
• Picking up litter in the neighborhood

7. Creative expression

According to the  American Psychological Association , creative expression has incredible benefits for children’s mental health. Various studies have found that  engaging in creative expression  while experiencing negative emotions like anger and sadness helps people, including children, to process those emotions healthily. It doesn’t matter what kind of creative expression it is: Drawing, acting, writing, playing music and more can all build resilience along with improving kids’ imaginations, fine motor skills, and communication.

• Practice an instrument
• Draw a picture
• Write a story
• Take pictures
• Create with slime, play dough or kinetic sand

No homework? No problem

Homework takes away from the time available to engage in endless other forms of learning, such as social, physical, and emotional, as well as rest. And in any case, the learning done in school is only one form of learning.

Our kids deserve a chance to spend all their other hours outside of school doing their most important job of all:  being a kid .

With additional reporting by Beau Brink and Diva Anwari. 

A version of this post was originally published on Parent.com . It has been updated.

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The Best Guide to After School Activities for Kids: The Power of Play!

Looking for After School Activities For Kids? From sports to arts and crafts, there’s something for every child to enjoy. 

We will covered everything you need to know, including ideas for free activities , programs for middle and high school students , and frequently asked questions.

Discover the benefits of after school activities for kids and find the perfect activity for your child.

The key to keeping your kids engaged and thriving with our ultimate guide to After School Activities for Kids.

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35 After School Activities for Kids

After-school activities are a great way for kids to explore their interests, make new friends, and develop new skills.

From sports teams to arts and crafts sessions, there’s something for every child to enjoy. 

In this article, we’ve compiled a list of 35 after school activities for kids that they will love.

1. Arts and Crafts

Get creative with arts and crafts! Let your kids explore their imagination with painting, drawing, sculpting, and more.

2. Music Lessons

Enroll your kids in music lessons and help them discover their musical talents. They can learn how to play an instrument or sing.

3. Dance Classes

Dancing is a fun way to get some exercise and express oneself. Sign your kids up for dance classes and watch them shine on the dance floor.

4. Cooking Classes

Teach your kids how to cook and bake. They’ll learn valuable life skills and have fun in the kitchen.

5. Sports Teams

Join a local sports team and get your kids active. Whether it’s soccer, basketball, or baseball, sports are a great way to build teamwork and physical fitness.

6. Book Club

Encourage your kids to read by starting a book club with their friends. They can discuss their favorite books and discover new ones together.

7. Coding Classes

Introduce your kids to the world of coding and technology. Coding classes can teach them valuable skills for the future.

8. Science Experiments

Get hands-on with science experiments at home . Your kids can learn about the world around them and have fun doing it.

9. Yoga Classes

Yoga is a great way to improve flexibility, balance, and mindfulness. Sign your kids up for yoga classes and help them destress after a long day at school.

10. Drama Club

Let your kids explore their dramatic side with a drama club. They can act, sing, and dance on stage.

11. Chess Club

Challenge your kids’ minds with chess. Chess clubs can help kids develop critical thinking and problem-solving skills.

12. Robotics Classes

Build robots and learn about robotics with your kids. Robotics classes can help kids develop an interest in science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) fields.

13. Debate Club

Encourage your kids to express their opinions and debate important issues with a debate club. They’ll develop communication and persuasion skills.

14. Photography

Teach your kids how to take great photos and express themselves visually. Photography can help kids develop a creative eye.

15. Volunteer Work

Get involved in your community with volunteer work. Your kids can learn about social responsibility and make a difference in the world.

16. Language Classes

Learn a new language with your kids. Language classes can help your kids develop an appreciation for different cultures and improve their communication skills.

17. Gardening

Get your hands dirty with gardening. Your kids can learn about plants and the environment while having fun outdoors.

18. Model Building

Build models with your kids. Model building can help develop their fine motor skills and attention to detail.

19. Video Production

Create videos with your kids. They can learn about storytelling, editing, and producing their own content.

20. Pottery Classes

Get messy with pottery classes. Your kids can create their own works of art with clay.

21. Horseback Riding

Take your kids horseback riding. It’s a fun way to enjoy nature and learn about animals.

22. Fishing

Teach your kids how to fish. It’s a relaxing activity that can help them connect with nature.

23. Archery

Take up archery with your kids. It’s a fun and challenging sport that can help them develop focus and discipline.

24. Swimming

Go swimming with your kids. It’s a great way to beat the heat and enjoy good weather

25. Martial Arts

Sign your kids up for martial arts classes. They can learn self-defense and discipline while getting some exercise.

26. Drawing Classes

Help your kids improve their drawing skills with drawing classes. They can learn new techniques and develop their creativity.

27. Puzzle Solving

Get your kids interested in puzzle solving. It can help develop their problem-solving skills and patience.

28. Writing Workshops

Encourage your kids to express themselves through writing. Writing workshops can help them improve their writing skills and develop their creativity.

29. Board Game Nights

Have a family board game night. It’s a fun way to spend time together and develop strategic thinking skills.

30. Astronomy

Explore the wonders of the universe with your kids. Astronomy can help them develop an interest in science and technology.

31. Nature Walks

Take a nature walk with your kids. It’s a great way to enjoy the outdoors and learn about the environment.

32. Acting Classes

Sign your kids up for acting classes. They can develop their confidence and communication skills while having fun on stage.

33. Karaoke Nights

Have a family karaoke night. It’s a fun way to sing and dance together.

34. Potluck Parties

Organize a potluck party with your kids’ friends. They can learn about different cuisines and cultures while having fun.

35. Movie Nights

Have a family movie night. It’s a relaxing way to spend time together and bond over a good film.

There are so many after-school activities for kids to choose from. Whether it’s sports, arts and crafts, or academic pursuits, there’s something for every child to enjoy and learn from.

Free After-School Activities

Who says After School Activities for Kids have to be expensive? There are plenty of fun and engaging activities that your kids can do for free.

In this section, we’ll share some ideas for free after-school activities that won’t break the bank.

• Reading or writing clubs
• Nature walks and exploration
• Group game nights
• Arts and crafts sessions
• Yoga or exercise classes
• Community service projects
• Cooking or baking classes
• Talent shows or open mic nights
• Debate or discussion clubs
• Movie screenings or film festivals

After School Activities for High School Students

High school is a time for exploration and self-discovery. After School Activities for Kids can help students find their passions and develop new skills.

In this section, we’ll highlight some of the best after-school activities for high school students.

• Sports teams or fitness clubs
• Academic clubs, such as math or science teams
• Debate or mock trial teams
• Theater or performing arts groups
• Student government or leadership groups
• Internship or job shadowing opportunities
• Robotics or engineering clubs
• Creative writing or journalism groups
• Foreign language clubs
• College preparation workshops

After School Program Activities for Middle School

Middle school can be a challenging time for students. After School Activities for Kids programs can provide a safe and engaging environment where students can learn new skills and build confidence. 

In this section, we’ll share some great after-school program activities for middle school students.

• STEM clubs, such as robotics or coding clubs
• Music or theater groups
• Art classes or painting workshops
• Book clubs or literary circles
• Debate or public speaking clubs
• Photography or videography groups
• Chess or strategy game clubs

After School Program Activities for Elementary Students

Elementary school students are full of energy and curiosity. After-school programs can help channel that energy into fun and educational activities. 

In this section, we’ll suggest some great after-school program activities for elementary students.

• Storytelling or creative writing classes
• Science experiments or STEM activities
• Outdoor nature exploration
• Building and engineering activities
• Group games and activities

After-School Activities Examples

There are endless possibilities when it comes to after-school activities for kids. 

In this section, we’ll provide some examples of after-school activities that your kids might enjoy. 

From sports to arts and crafts, there’s something for every child to explore.

• Dance classes
• Martial arts classes
• Photography or videography clubs
• Pottery or ceramics classes
• Swim or water polo teams
• Coding or computer programming clubs
• Model building or architecture classes
• Fishing or outdoor exploration
• Archery or marksmanship classes
• Horseback riding lessons

Frequently Asked Questions about After School Activities For Kids

If you’re considering enrolling your child in after-school activities, you likely have a lot of questions. 

What are the benefits of after-school activities? How do you choose the right activity for your child? 

In this section, we’ll answer some frequently asked questions about after-school activities for kids.

Whether you’re a parent or a caregiver, this section will provide you with the information you need to make an informed decision about after-school activities for your child.

What is the most popular after school activity?

The most popular after-school activities vary by region and age group, but some of the most common activities include sports teams, music lessons, and art classes.

What activities do they do after school?

Children and teens may participate in a wide range of activities after school, including sports teams, music lessons, dance classes, arts and crafts sessions, academic clubs, and more.

How do you keep kids entertained after school?

There are many ways to keep kids entertained after school, including participating in after-school activities, doing homework, playing games, reading, and spending time with friends and family.

What is an after school activity called?

After-school activities may be called extracurricular activities, enrichment programs, or after-school programs.

What do 3rd graders like to do for fun?

Third graders may enjoy playing games, reading, playing sports, participating in arts and crafts, and spending time with friends and family.

What do 5th graders like to do for fun?

Fifth graders may enjoy participating in sports teams, playing video games, exploring the outdoors, reading, and spending time with friends.

What should I do everyday after school?

After-school activities, homework, and spending time with friends and family are all great options for what to do every day after school.

What do you do everyday after school?

Some common activities after school include homework, participating in after-school activities, spending time with family and friends, and relaxing.

What are engagement activities for kids?

Engagement activities for kids may include arts and crafts sessions, sports teams, music lessons, academic clubs, and more.

What do you do in the evening after school?

After-school activities, homework, spending time with friends and family, and relaxing are all common activities that kids may do in the evening after school.

Should kids have chores after school?

It’s up to individual families to decide if kids should have chores after school. Some families find that chores help teach responsibility and time management skills.

What should a 13 year old do after school?

After-school activities, homework, and spending time with friends and family are all great options for what a 13-year-old can do after school.

What are afterschool programs example?

After-school program examples may include sports teams, music lessons, dance classes, art classes, academic clubs, and more.

What are the after school clubs?

After-school clubs may include academic clubs, arts and crafts clubs, music clubs, sports clubs, and more.

What is an example of a school activity?

An example of a school activity may include a science fair, a school play, a spelling bee, or a math competition.

Wrapping Up After School Activities for Kids

In conclusion, after-school activities for kids provide a valuable opportunity for children to explore their interests, develop new skills, and make lasting friendships.

Whether it’s through sports teams, music lessons, or art classes, after-school activities can help children to become well-rounded individuals with a variety of talents and abilities.

With so many different types of after-school activities available, it’s important to choose one that your child will enjoy and benefit from the most.

Remember, after-school activities for kids don’t have to be expensive, and there are plenty of free options available.

So, consider enrolling your child in after-school activities today and watch them thrive both academically and socially.

After School Activities For Kids are a great way to keep children engaged and learning outside of the classroom, so don’t hesitate to get involved!

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1. Snack and Downtime

2. homework time, 3. physical activity, 4. chores and responsibilities, 5. free time and play, 6. screen time, 7. dinner and family time, 8. preparation for the next day, 9. bedtime routine.

Have you ever found yourself at a loss about how to manage the chaotic hours after school ends and before bedtime begins? I’ve been there. The afternoons used to be a blur of snacks, homework complaints, and the constant battle to limit screen time, leaving both me and my kids frazzled by dinner. That’s when I realized the power of a structured after school schedule for kids.

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Introducing a simple, yet effective after school routine didn’t just transform our evenings. By sharing my journey and the strategies that worked for me, I hope to help you turn your post-school hours from a time of chaos to a period of productive calm. Let’s dive in.

Why Do Kids Need an After School Schedule

When I first started thinking about establishing an after school schedule for my own children, I was a bit skeptical. Could a few changes in how we approach those few hours really make a difference? The answer, I found, was a resounding yes. Here are some key reasons, based on my own experience and a bit of trial and error:

1. Predictability brings security: Kids thrive on knowing what comes next. When we introduced an after school checklist into our daily routine, I noticed my kids felt more secure and less anxious. This checklist provided a clear outline of activities from snack time to homework, and playtime, making transitions smoother.

2. Balanced time management: Before we had a schedule, it felt like we were constantly running out of time for homework, not to mention any fun activities. The schedule helped us allocate time wisely, ensuring there was enough room for both responsibilities and relaxation.

3. Reduces overwhelm: My kids, like many others, would come home exhausted and overwhelmed from their day. Having a structured after-school schedule meant they didn’t have to make decisions about what to do next; they could just flow from one activity to another, which significantly reduced their stress levels.

4. Promotes independence: As my kids got used to our after-school routine, I noticed they started taking initiative on their own tasks, like starting their homework without being asked or preparing their snack. This was a big step towards fostering their independence.

5. Enhances family time: With everyone knowing what to expect and when, we found ourselves arguing less about what to do and spending more quality time together. The schedule cleared up misunderstandings and set aside dedicated time for family activities.

6. Improves sleep habits : A consistent routine leading up to bedtime helped signal to my kids that it was time to wind down, making bedtime less of a battle. We included quiet activities towards the end of our checklist to help them relax and get ready for sleep.

Simple After-School Routine for Kids

Navigating the after-school hours can be a challenge, but with a little structure, we can turn it into the most enjoyable part of our day. Here’s how we tackle what to do after school, broken down into a manageable after-school to-do list:

After a long day of learning and socializing, the first thing on our after-school to-do list is always a snack and some downtime. This isn’t just about refueling their bodies, but also about giving their minds a chance to relax and decompress. We usually opt for healthy snacks that can keep the energy levels up without causing a sugar crash. 

During downtime, I encourage activities that they find relaxing, whether it’s reading, drawing , or simply lounging for a bit. This break is crucial for transitioning from the structured school day to the freedom and flexibility of home.

Once they’ve had a chance to unwind and snack, we move on to homework. It’s important to establish a distraction-free environment where they can focus. For us, this means a clear table, all the necessary supplies at hand, and no electronic devices unless needed for the homework itself. Setting a specific time for homework helps in making this a non-negotiable part of our routine. By consistently doing homework at the same time, it becomes a habit, reducing complaints and procrastination.

Physical activity is next on our list. It plays a vital role in boosting mood and energy levels, especially after sitting in a classroom all day. We try to vary the activities to keep things fun , from a quick walk around the neighborhood to a bike ride or even just playing tag in the backyard. The goal is to get moving and shake off any remaining school day jitters. This not only helps them physically but also improves concentration for any tasks or homework that’s left to do.

Teaching responsibility is a key part of growing up, and integrating chores into our after-school routine has been a great way to instill this value in my kids. We keep a list of simple, age-appropriate tasks that they can choose from. 

This not only helps in sharing the household workload but also in making them feel like an important part of the family team. Whether it’s helping to set the table, watering the plants, or tidying up their rooms, these responsibilities give them a sense of accomplishment and readiness to enjoy their free time.

After chores, it’s crucial to balance the scales with free time and play. This is where kids get to follow their interests, be it through unstructured play or pursuing hobbies. It’s one of the best ideas for after-school activities , as it allows them to explore their creativity and passions without a set agenda. 

Whether they’re building a fort, drawing, playing with toys , or kicking a ball outside, this time is essential for their development and happiness. It’s a chance for them to unwind in their own way before we regroup as a family for dinner.

In today’s digital age, it has become nearly inevitable to keep our kids entirely screen-free. Screens are everywhere, serving various purposes from education to entertainment. The challenge isn’t in eliminating screen time but in managing it wisely to ensure it adds value to our kids’ lives rather than detracting from it.

SplashLearn has been a game-changer for us.

• It turns screen time into an interactive learning experience that’s both productive and enjoyable. 
• The platform is designed with kids in mind, offering a vast array of activities and games that cover math , reading , and other essential skills. 
• What sets SplashLearn apart is its ability to adapt to each child’s learning pace, providing challenges that are just right for their level. This personalized approach keeps learning engaging and effective, ensuring that screen time is not just another hour spent passively watching videos or playing games with little educational value.

The benefits of incorporating SplashLearn into our screen time routine have been significant. Not only do my kids view learning as fun and exciting, but I’ve also noticed improvements in their academic skills. The interactive nature of the platform encourages critical thinking and problem-solving, skills that are invaluable both in and out of the classroom. 

Dinner time is more than just eating; it’s an opportunity for the whole family to come together and share their day’s experiences. We make it a point to sit down without any distractions (yes, that means no screens at the table) and engage in meaningful conversations. 

This practice not only strengthens our family bond but also encourages healthy eating habits. Sharing stories, laughs, and sometimes even the challenges of the day, we ensure that everyone feels heard and valued. This time is sacred in our routine, providing a sense of belonging and unity.

To ease into the morning without any rush or stress, we’ve made it a habit to prepare for the next day as part of our evening routine. This means packing school bags, checking that homework is done and tucked away, and laying out clothes for the next day. 

My kids have learned to make this part of their nightly routine, and it’s amazing how much smoother our mornings are because of it. This simple step helps eliminate the frantic search for lost items or decisions about what to wear, making our mornings more peaceful and giving us a bit more precious time together.

A calming bedtime routine is the perfect end to our day. It signals to my kids that it’s time to wind down and prepare for sleep. We keep it simple but meaningful, involving activities like reading a book together, talking about what we’re grateful for, and sometimes gentle stretches or a warm bath. 

This routine not only helps them relax but also fosters a sense of security and well-being. Ensuring they get adequate rest is crucial for their health, mood, and performance at school. By sticking to a consistent bedtime, my kids wake up refreshed and ready for the day ahead.

How to Craft Your Own After School Schedule

Creating an after-school schedule tailored to your family’s unique dynamics doesn’t have to be complicated. Follow these steps to design a routine that works for everyone:

1. Assess your family’s needs: Take some time to think about what’s most important for your family during the after-school hours. Consider factors like homework load, extracurricular activities , meal times, and downtime preferences.

2. Set priorities: Determine which activities are non-negotiable and which ones can be more flexible. For example, homework time might be a priority, but the specific order of other activities could be adjusted based on your family’s preferences.

3. Allocate time blocks: Divide the after-school hours into manageable time blocks based on your priorities. Consider factors like how long homework typically takes, how much time is needed for meals, and how much free time your child needs to relax and recharge.

4. Be flexible: While structure is important, it’s also essential to remain flexible. Be prepared to adjust your schedule as needed based on unexpected events, changes in your child’s needs, or new priorities that emerge over time.

5. Involve your child: Get input from your child when creating the schedule. Ask them about their preferences, interests, and any concerns they have about the after-school routine. Giving them a voice in the process can increase their buy-in and make them more likely to stick to the schedule.

6. Start simple: Don’t feel like you have to cram every possible activity into the after-school hours. Start with a basic schedule that covers the essentials and leave room for spontaneity and adjustment as needed.

7. Monitor and adjust: Once you’ve implemented your after-school schedule, pay attention to how well it’s working for your family. If certain activities aren’t working or if the timing feels off, don’t hesitate to make adjustments until you find a routine that works.

8. Be consistent: Consistency is key to the success of any schedule. Try to stick to your after-school routine as much as possible, but also be willing to make exceptions when necessary.

Establishing a simple after-school routine can transform chaotic evenings into structured, peaceful times that both kids and parents look forward to. By incorporating ideas for after school activities and using an after school routine chart, we can guide our children through their post-school hours in a way that’s productive, restful, and enjoyable for everyone involved. Remember, the goal is to create a balance that works best for your family’s unique needs and lifestyle.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

How do you organize your time after school.

To organize time after school, use an after-school routine chart to outline specific activities like homework, chores, and playtime. This helps ensure a balanced mix of productivity, rest, and fun.

How many hours should you rest after school?

Kids should have some downtime immediately after school, about 30 minutes to an hour, to decompress. The total rest, including sleep, depends on their age and activities but ensure they get adequate sleep at night according to health guidelines.

What is a good routine for an 11-year-old?

A good routine for an 11-year-old includes a balance of homework time, physical activity, chores, free time for hobbies or play, and a consistent bedtime. Incorporating ideas for after-school activities can keep them engaged and help develop new skills.

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After-school activities: Why are they important and what should you look for?

September 7, 2016 By ninthfloor

As the school year begins, many parents are thinking not only about what classes their children will take in school, but also what their kids will do after school. After-school activities offer opportunities for kids to learn new skills, explore different areas of talent, deepen existing expertise, get support for areas they aren’t as strong in, make friends, and form relationships with supportive adults. Participation in structured after-school activities has also been linked to a number of positive outcomes. For working parents, after-school activities are often more than a luxury, they are necessary child care in those gap hours when children are out of school but parents are still at work. Research shows that there are risks of kids being unsupervised after school, so after-school activities are an important resource to parents seeking to make sure their kids are in a safe and structured place once they leave their classrooms.

So what does the landscape of after-school activities look like and how should you choose the right one for your kid?

After-school activities range from extra-curricular activities (school-based clubs or teams), to comprehensive after-school programs (school or community-based), to private lessons, faith-based groups, and specialized tutoring or mentoring programs targeted towards specific needs. Programs differ in their costs and offerings. Whereas both of these factors are important for families, the aspect of programs that affects kids the most is their quality.

Research suggests that participation in structured after-school programs and activities can have benefits for kids, including social skills, emotional development, and academics. But the quality of and the child’s engagement in a program both influence the impact it will have.

High quality programs provide a safe space with supportive relationships, appropriate structure, and positive expectations for behavior. But beyond that they also provide opportunities for belonging and skill building and give youth a place to express themselves, take on responsibilities, and tackle challenging tasks. Researchers studying after-school programs focused on social and personal skills found that programs with four features, called the “SAFE” features, had an impact on both social-emotional and academic outcomes. These programs had a (S)equenced set of activities, emphasized (A)ctive learning, had a component that (F)ocused on building social and emotional skills, and communicated in an (E)xplicit way about the skills they were trying to develop in youth. Other researchers have found that programs that allow youth to actively shape activities and take on meaningful roles in “real world” projects (including artistic performances and other types of public presentations) provide opportunity for youth to develop important social, emotional, and cognitive skills. The adult staff in such programs play an important role in creating opportunities for learning, setting expectations, serving as role models, and providing useful feedback and scaffolding.

So can there be too much of a good thing?

About a decade ago, the notion of the “over-scheduled child” took hold. Some people argued that children are too scheduled during the after-school hours, leading to undue pressure on kids, with potentially negative outcomes. In reality, very few kids participate in extremely high levels of after-school activities. Overall, kids average about 5 hours per week of scheduled after-school activities, and about 40% of kids don’t participate in any organized after-school activities. There does not appear to be evidence that more activities, in and of themselves, have a negative impact on kids. But of course it is important to be sensitive to your kid’s needs.

Whereas parents in some communities may be concerned about over-scheduling, parents in other communities are struggling to find high quality programs for their kids. Youth from lower income households participate in out-of-school activities at lower rates than their higher income peers and there is substantial unmet demand for high quality programs, especially among lower income families .

So, what are some things to keep in mind as you try to find the right after-school activities for your kids?

• Stay focused on what your child likes to do. It is fine to suggest trying new activities to expose your child to a variety of interests. But your child’s enthusiasm for the activity is also important. Even if it is necessary for your child to participate in after-school programming every day, talk to them about what types of activities they find most engaging.
• The after-school hours can be a great time for kids to explore different talents. As many schools have faced cuts in enrichment programs, after-school activities can offer your child the chance to demonstrate talents and learn skills they may not get to in school. This can be important not only for developing new interests, but also for kids to experience competence in different areas.
• Be sensitive to your kid’s needs. Although there is no evidence to suggest that more activities are bad for kids, if your child is expressing a dislike of particular activities or a desire to do less, talk to them about what is motivating those feelings. Think about how you might be able to balance their activities in a way that gives them opportunities to develop skills and participate in activities they enjoy while also having some time for play and socializing in safe and structured environments.
• Look for programs that offer sequenced, active, focused and explicit activities in safe spaces where youth have opportunities to shape and take on meaningful roles in activities. All of these are program features that research has linked to positive learning experiences and outcomes for kids.
• Pay attention to the adults. Relationships with caring adults are associated with positive outcomes for kids. High quality after-school activities can be environments where kids can form relationships with adults who can supplement the support that you give your child. And good adult leaders translate to better experiences for kids.
• If you have a limited budget, look into local community-based organizations that offer sliding scale fees for families, and often waive fees altogether for families that need it.

Proper citation link for this blog post: Deutsch, N.L. (2016, September 07). After-school activities: Why are they important and what should you look for? Retrieved from http://infoaboutkids.org/blog/after-school-activities-why-are-they-important-and-what-should-they-look-like/

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After-school activities: The pros and cons of filling your kids’ schedule

From www.care.com

By Emily Starbuck Gerson

When Robyn Parets’ two boys were young, she was torn in numerous directions, running all over Boston to take them to extracurricular activities. Like many parents, she thought her kids needed to be involved in as many activities as possible. But one day at her 7-year-old son Noah’s soccer game, she noticed he was more interested in pulling grass than actually kicking the ball.

“That was a lightbulb moment for me; my kid didn’t love it and he wasn’t good at it,” she says. “He isn’t a traditional sports type, so why am I even knocking myself to get to those games?”

Since her kids were little, Parets has owned Pretzel Kids, a nationwide kids yoga company that trains adults to teach yoga to kids, so she knew the importance of mindfulness and stress management. Following that aha moment, she focused on guiding her kids to just one activity each that they both were good at and liked — not just what all the other kids were doing.

In recent decades, there’s been increasing pressure on parents to involve their children in extracurriculars. Part of it is the competitive nature of getting into schools and college these days. Another factor is the need for after-school care with today’s working family. There are certainly mental, physical and developmental benefits to being involved in after-school activities like sports or the arts, but overscheduling kids can also do more harm than good.

Keeping your kids so busy outside of school that they lack free time for play or rest can lead to stress, anxiety and depression, says Dr. Harpreet Kaur , a licensed clinical psychologist for kids and teens at CHOC in Orange County, California.

“I think parents feel this pressure to prepare their kids for academic success and make them competitive college applicants and make them successful for a job, but they often miss out on that unstructured playtime that provides some of the skills that kids need to be successful anyway,” she says.

The benefits of extracurriculars

Don’t get us wrong — there are plenty of compelling reasons to have kids involved in extracurricular activities. Kaur says extracurriculars help improve the overall functioning of children.

Encourages positive habits

Kids do best when they have structure and routine, she says, and those involved in extracurriculars perform better academically and are more likely to finish high school.

“These children engage more with their parents and are more active in their community,” Kaur says. “They’re also less likely to engage in drug use or other criminal activities.”

Helps develop skills and interests

Jennifer Fink, a nurse-turned-freelance writer in Mayville, Wisconsin, is the mother of four boys. She founded the site BuildingBoys.net to help parents and teachers better support and advocate for boys, and she says an extracurricular activity “gives children a chance to develop their skills, learn more about their interests and connect with others who may share the same passions and interests that they do.”

Fosters time-management skills

Fink has found that getting involved in extracurriculars can also help teach the kids time management.

“Sometimes a kid wants to do a lot of different things, and it may look like too much to us,” she says. “I think there’s some value in letting them try it and see how it goes. If all of those things are really important to the kid, they may find a way to make it work and learn very important time management skills in the process — things like how to get your homework done even when you’re playing on a sports team and taking a dance class.”

The downside of overscheduling

Unfortunately, overscheduling kids in too many extracurricular activities can take a toll on both the children and their parents, and it’s becoming increasingly common — an alarming trend that Kaur has observed in her practice.

Interrupts valuable unstructured playtime

Kaur says there’s simply not enough information out there about how valuable play is.

“Unstructured playtime promotes social skill development, and kids develop problem-solving skills,” she says. “It allows them to be creative thinkers and develop assertiveness, and they learn how to cope with negative emotions. If you think about children when they get into a conflict on the playground, they have to manage some of these things without an adult present.”

Kaur says unstructured playtime has become so deprioritized that an American Academy of Pediatrics report recently encouraged pediatricians to prescribe play to help make it more common for children again.

Triggers stress, anxiety and depression

When kids are too overscheduled and stressed, they’re more prone to anxiety, irritability, tiredness and destructibility, Kaur says. She adds that rates of anxiety and depression are already somewhat high in the general adolescent population, and “overscheduling kids just makes those rates increase.”

Increases pressure on parents

In addition to stress the kids feel from being overscheduled, Fink says it’s also hard on the parents, who often have to be in more places at once than is physically possible.

“I think parents need to be cognizant of their own tolerance and capability and energy, as well, because sometimes I think that’s where the negatives first show up,” she says. “The kids might still be doing OK, but if you’re driving yourself crazy trying to get everybody to everything, it’s not necessarily worth it.”

7 ways to find balance

If your family feels hopelessly overbooked and overstressed, here’s the good news: There’s a lot you can do to regain a sense of balance.

1. Create a visual schedule

Kaur recommends that parents create some sort of visual reminder of everything that’s going on, whether it’s a calendar or list of activities, and to color code it by family member.

“If one person has too many things going on in their schedule, it’s easy to identify, and it helps families be more aware when they’re creating schedules for their children,” she says.

2. Schedule downtime

Another way to help busy kids, Kaur says, is to schedule at least an hour a week for family time to relax and have quality interactions together. This could be anything from cooking or playing a game to watching a movie as a family, she says.

3. Make room for unstructured play

Kaur also urges parents to give kids of all ages unstructured playtime.

“It’s so helpful for a child’s development and allowing them to pick an activity they enjoy and blocking out an afternoon or weekend time for the child to pursue their own interest,” she says.

4. Practice moderation

While it’s tempting to have your child involved in a million activities in order to look like a stellar college applicant, Kaur says, pay attention to what the children value and where their interests are, and consider picking just one or two activities that are meaningful. It’s wise to focus on quality over quantity and schedule in moderation, Kaur says.

5. Try mindfulness

In her business, Parets has also noticed a stark increase in stressed and overscheduled kids, and she sees yoga and mindfulness as a potent antidote. She started her own kids on yoga from a young age and saw how much it helped them. In families with frazzled kids, she recommends dropping them to just one extracurricular and then bringing them to yoga.

“Here, they’ll find a place that’s noncompetitive, where they can just be themselves, feel good in their own skin, gain confidence and all the other benefits that go along with it,” she says.

6. Celebrate kids’ differences and talents

Parets has noticed that many parents fear their kids being “different” from other kids if they aren’t involved in certain activities, and they worry that their kids won’t get into college if they aren’t involved in everything under the sun. But in her experience, tuning into your child’s true talent and nurturing it, even if it’s not the most popular extracurricular, makes them happier and healthier — and there are colleges that are happy to accept someone who shines at one thing rather than is simply involved in 10 things, she says.

7. Find the right balance for your family

While Fink points out that there’s no single definition of “overscheduled,” and it varies depending on each kid and family, the rule of thumb that’s worked best for her family is also just one extracurricular activity per season per child.

Parets says, “… when I saw that spark in their eyes, I knew. They had their one thing, and I wasn’t running myself ragged taking them to four activites a week. You have to find some balance; if that activity you’re taking them to is meaningful to them, then it works better for the whole family. They’re happy, you’re happy.”

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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.”

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Crack the Code: How to Select After School Activities Your Kids Will Love

C hoosing an after school activity with your child can feel a bit daunting. You might feel obligated to sign them up for the same activities as their peers (perhaps a little motivated by FOMO?). You may want to encourage them to excel at a sport or art form that you excelled at (or wish you did) when you were younger.

You wonder how much to push or encourage them to participate in something they may or may not want to do or when to pull back and admit defeat. It’s a tricky line parents have to walk and one of our biggest challenges.

The good news is that we are lucky to live in a city with an endless (albeit a bit overwhelming) number of options for after school activities . When you make a choice you are setting your child (and yourself) up for a major time (and financial) commitment so you better get it right, right?  Here’s a handy little guide to ask yourself and your child when it’s time to choose.

Expert Tips on Choosing the Perfect After School Activity for Los Angeles Kids

What are they interested in.

Before getting caught in a rush to sign them up for something, for fear the class will fill up and everyone else is doing it, take a moment to sit down as a family and reflect on your child’s interests, hobbies, and passions WITH THEM. What activities do they enjoy doing in their free time? Make a list of things that genuinely excite them.

What are they already excelling at?

Think about the strengths and skills your child already has. Are there any NEW activities that align with these abilities? If they already love skateboarding what about signing up for surf lessons ? Do they love playing video games? What about a coding class? Consider how you can leverage your child’s talents in an activity that helps them explore something new. Maybe each year you make a goal to have your child try at least one new activity.

Related: Little League in Los Angeles

Explore your options.

Research different after-school activities available in your area and talk to friends to see what they know and teachers about your own child’s interests and goals. There is no shortage of options but in your research try to consider other factors like:

• The Time Commitment: How long will the drive take? Will there be friends participating that you can arrange a carpool with? 
• Consider factors like homework and other responsibilities so that it fits comfortably into your schedule without causing excessive stress or exhaustion.
• Keep track of the time commitments, the costs and the pros and cons of these activities in a spreadsheet to stay organized (and sane).

Talk to your child about what they hope to gain from participating in extracurricular activities. Are they looking to improve a specific skill, meet new friends, boost their academic performance, or simply have fun? Setting clear goals can help narrow down your options.

Attend Trials and Open Houses

Most programs will offer FREE trial sessions or will host open houses where you can experience the activity firsthand before committing. Take advantage of these opportunities to get a feel for the environment, meet instructors or coaches, and see if the activity is a good fit.

Consider the Long-term Benefits

Think about the potential long-term benefits of each activity. Will it help your child develop important life skills, boost their college applications, or provide opportunities for personal growth and leadership? Choose an activity that aligns with their future aspirations. If they don’t know yet that’s ok. This is their time to explore!

Related: See our Los Angeles After School Classes and Enrichment Program Guide

Listen to your gut.

Trust you and your child’s instincts. You will know if your child is enjoying something and if they are just not that into it. If you are lucky enough to find something they love- keep it up!  If they are resisting and it’s all starting to feel forced, you need to resist the urge to push them into it or you may have an adverse effect (e.g. your child quits and never picks it up again). You and your child’s intuition can often guide you towards the best choice for your child’s interests and personality.

Be Open to New Experiences

Don’t be afraid to step out of your comfort zone and try something new. A child that seems to resist playing a sport or instrument might get inspired by something totally unique like a cooking class or an after school nature program. If the piano lessons are starting to feel like pulling teeth, try signing them up to play the keyboard in a band at School of Rock.  

Maybe your “strong willed” tween could benefit by channeling some of that cheekiness into a comedy class? Sometimes, the most rewarding experiences come from taking risks and exploring totally unfamiliar territory.

Remember parents, the goal of an after-school activity is to keep your kids active, engaged and curious and maybe, if all goes well, enhance their overall well-being.

Choose activities that bring them joy, challenges them to grow, and enriches their life both in and out of the classroom. Then give yourself a pat on the back for excelling at one of the hardest skills of all; parenting.

Maggie Tancred is a writer and mother of two working in kid’s content with the goal of helping others and bringing good into the world. You can read more of her writing at The Mother Co.

MomsLA is your source for Things to do with Kids in Los Angeles

Disclaimer:  MomsLA has made every effort to confirm the information in this article; however, things can often change. Therefore, MomsLA makes no representations or warranties about the accuracy of the information published here. MomsLA strongly urges you to confirm any event details, like date, time, location, and admission, with the third party hosting the event. You assume the sole risk of relying on any of the information in our list. MomsLA is in no way responsible for any injuries or damages you sustain while attending any third-party event posted on our website. Please read our Terms of Use which you have agreed to based on your continued use of this website. Some events have paid to be listed on MomsLA.

The post Crack the Code: How to Select After School Activities Your Kids Will Love appeared first on MomsLA .

Easiest After School Routine Kids Can Follow Daily in 2024

By: Author Teresa

Posted on Last updated: January 12, 2024

Categories Free Printables , Organization

Is your life chaotic after school and it’s stressing you out? Don’t worry you can fix this with an easy after-school routine that will work for you. You’ll be amazed at what a difference adding a daily schedule for kids can make.

You’ll find the best after-school routines are ones that let your kids decompress after school but also ensure kids get all their tasks done. A great way to do this is to create a mix of screen time, free time, family time, after-school activities, and homework time. It’s a balance that sounds hard to find but you can do it don’t worry.

I’ll go through everything for you to consider when you’re creating your own after-school routine so you can make a stress-free daily routine that works for kids and parents.

I know it sounds overwhelming but it really is easy once you know how to do it and find a plan that works for your family.

Plus you’ll get our free printable After School Checklist and homework assignments tracker to help keep you organized. So let’s get started and create the perfect after-school routine for you!

This post contains affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases . If you choose to buy something using my link, I earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. For more information, see my disclaimer here .

How to make an after school routine that works for you.

There are so many things to consider when determining what you’re after-school routine will be. Such as your kid’s personality, what activities they’re in, and the best times to do their homework.

But don’t worry I’ll walk you through this so you can make your after-school time less stressful and enjoyable for everyone.

Make sure to read our Smart Back to School Organization Ideas & Hacks for Busy Moms to find more ways to get you organized and ready for the school year.

Why You Need an After School Routine

Less arguing.

Do you find yourself spending tons of time arguing about putting shoes away, asking where their backpacks are, and telling your kids to do their homework?

The best part of a routine is there is less arguing because everything they need to do is set and it just becomes part of their daily lives.

Sets Expectation

Your kids will know exactly what they need to do every day so you won’t have to nag them. Once you get the new routine going they will know they are expected to do things such as hang up their backpack when they get home and do homework assignments after dinner for example.

These routines will be set so there is no questioning or forgetting what needs to get done.

Consistency

The best way to start a new evening routine is to be consistent. This will help both parents and kids have consistency in their daily routine. You’re not asking them to do something one day and not asking them to do it another day. This is usually where the kids and you get upset.

Honestly, the consistency part can be the hardest part for parents to maintain. What I have found that helps me the most is posting a before school & after-school checklist on our fridge.

This keeps us all on track and helps the whole family stay consistent. I can just point to the chart and say “what do you need to do next”. This goes back to less arguing too!

Plus kids really thrive when there is consistency to their day and they know what to expect.

Want To Customize Your Before & After School Checklist? Create a checklist that matches your family’s needs with an Editable Before & After School Checklist .

The 11-page printable templates include pre-done checklists you can alter & blank checklists to create a totally customized routine for your family. Bonus it includes an editable chore chart too!

Keeps You Organized

Organization is the key to taking away the daily stress in your life with kids. When your kids hang up backpacks and put away their lunch bags you can easily find them in the morning. This helps make your morning routine less stressful too.

It also reminds everyone to go through their backpack to look for any school folders sent home or homework assignments the kids need to do. This way you are keeping on top of everything and not running around at the last minute to finish some project or fill out papers that were sent home.

Having a set time to do homework will also make things less hectic so kids aren’t trying to finish assignments at the last minute which tends to stress everyone out.

You can end that by sitting down at a certain time each night to go over their work even if it’s just 5 minutes to make sure everything is completed.

Creating Your After-School Routine

Now the question is what should I do after school with the kids? Let’s go through the after-school activities and what to consider adding to your daily routine.

At the end grab your FREE Printable After School Checklist or the Blank After School Checklist to make your own schedule.

First Thing Put Away Backpacks & Lunches

The first thing to do is get your kids in the habit of emptying their school bags and hanging them up after school.

Consider creating a DIY Backpack station or cubbies to store their backpack, coats, and shoes by the front door or in a mudroom. This way there is a designated spot to hang up their school bags and it sets the expectations for where they should go.

The kids should also make sure to take out any school folders they brought home or homework assignments from their backpacks. While also discarding unneeded papers they bring home.

Then I would suggest having the kids bring their school lunch bags to the kitchen. This will help you or the kids be ready to pack school lunches easily the next day.

If you consistently ask your kids to do this it will become routine and then you won’t even have to ask it will be just what they do after school.

Tip: Send funny Lunch Box Jokes with your kids to school once a week. They’ll love the surprise in their lunch box and sharing it with friends at the lunch table.

Healthy Snack

I don’t know about your kids but mine are starving after school. So once their backpacks are hung up it’s time for a healthy after-school snack .

A huge time saver is making your snacks ahead of time and having them ready in your fridge or pantry for the kids to grab. I know it sounds like a lot but I promise you it will make things smoother after school.

Plus it gives your kids some independence to pick out their own snacks from the choices you left for them.

See how I did it in my DIY Pantry Organization Ideas for Snacks & School Lunches .

Let Them Decompress with Free Play

After snack time let the kids have some free play. It’s a long day at school and they probably need some time to just relax and play.

This is when you need to decide if you will let the kids have screen time or not. I would suggest setting the precedent right when you begin your routine so there is no fighting about it later on.

Give the kids ideas of what they can do during free time such as play outside, build legos, do a craft, play a board game . Here are tons of fun indoor activities and outdoor activites for kids they’ll love.

If it’s back-to-school time have them color these cute & free back to school coloring pages .

I would suggest you try and balance out a certain amount of time to go outside or play indoor games with screen time.

Tip: You can set time limits on their iPads or pick specific shows so you can restrict the amount of time they spend on electronics.

Here’s a free printable Fall Bucket List to help you plan fun things to do with your kids all autumn long.

Do Your Homework Assignments

I find the perfect time of day that kids can best focus on homework is different for each kid. Some kids do better getting their homework done right away while others would prefer to have some time to play after school and get some energy out.

This might be something you have to play around with and see what works best for your kids.

They may be too wound up after school to settle down and do school work and playing outside after snack is a better option. While other kids might never get their homework done if they don’t do it right away.

Another thing to consider is what after-school activities you have this will play a role in when homework needs to get done too.

Get your homework organized with our free printable Homework Assignments tracker & checklist . It will make tracking what homework they completed easier for both kids and parents. 

Another great way to get your kids to focus is having a designated homework station . Create a place kids can just work on their homework without any distractions.

This could be the kitchen counter, kitchen table, or desk space in their room. I created cheap dollar tree homework areas for my kids to work and it’s been a huge help.

Daily Chores

As part of your after-school routine get your kids doing chores at home. It’s a great way to teach them some responsibility and help out around the house.

It can be as simple as making their bed or when they get older helping with the dishes and taking out the trash. Use our age-appropriate chore chart to give you some chore ideas to start.

Adding chores to your daily routine will help make it an automatic thing they do each day and not become something they dread doing each day.

Plus having each family member chip in at home will make it easier on everyone so you have time to relax at night.

Dinner & Family Time

Dinner time is different for each family with their work schedules and after-school activities. Figure out what time of day works best for your family to eat and adjust the rest of your after-school schedule around that.

For instance, if you like to eat early maybe your kids can do their homework after dinner. But if you tend to eat late they should probably get their homework done before dinner.

Having family dinners together is a great way to hear all about your kid’s day and connect with them. It’s getting away from screen time and just focusing on each other which is a really important thing for families.

Another great way to bond as a family is to plan a family game night . Try scheduling a game night at dinner time once a month and have a blast playing games together.

We love playing cooperative board games , detective games , and printable Escape room games on our family game nights.

If you have no time to plan use our Family Game Night Printable to get 12 Months of pre-planned printable game ideas, food ideas, prizes, and more. Everything is already planned for you so you can just relax and have fun together.

Reading Time

I always add reading time into our daily routine so that we don’t forget to do it. Reading is so important for kids of all ages but it can get skipped when we get so busy.

Making 20 minutes of reading part of your daily routine will ensure your kids create good habits for life.

We like to do our family reading time before bed so everyone calms down and relaxes enough to sleep. When the kids were little we would read to them and as they got bigger the kids started reading to themselves before bed.

If your kids are going to read earlier in the day make a comfy ready nook to inspire them to hang out longer and read. We made a cool DIY reading nook out of a recycled cardboard box. It was a huge hit!

So make sure to schedule reading time into your after-school routine.

After School Activities & Sports

The after-school activities and sports are what can throw off your daily schedule. But don’t let this stop you from creating a daily routine.

Your routine does not need to come with a set time you can just keep a general checklist of what you need to do each day. Then adjust that around your after-school activities.

Printable After School Routine

Make creating your after-school routine easier with our FREE printable after-school checklist & schedule . It has all these items we listed in an easy checklist format to follow.

Hang it up on your refrigerator and get started today.

Want to create your own routine for after school? Grab our blank daily schedule and create your own routine checklist.

Be Flexible With Your Daily Routine

You do not need to be rigid about your after-school routine. This is supposed to be something to help you and if it starts stressing you out that won’t be helpful either.

Use the checklist as a guide for after school but don’t feel you need to always do each activity in order or every day. Just do your best and figure out what works for your family.

Getting Your Kids to Do the Routine

This can be the trickiest part of starting an after-school schedule or routine. The best way to set your routine is to be consistent in what you’re asking your kids to do.

If you ask them to accomplish the same tasks every day then it will just become your routine. I think the first week will be the hardest while you’re changing your kid’s old habits. But once it’s set you’ll find it to be easy to keep up.

A great time to start these routines is Back to School or after a school break like winter break. But don’t let this keep you from getting started if you are ready just go and your kids will follow.

Are you ready now to get yourself organized and start your after-school routine? I am telling you it will make such a huge difference in your stress level with the kids after school.

Once you start your daily routine things will go so much smoother. Plus the after-school checklist will keep you focused on what everyone needs to get done.

If you enjoyed this article I’d love for you to become part of the Happy Mom Hacks community with our  weekly ENews.  My focus is finding ways to make a mom’s life easier and our newsletter is filled with ideas to help you.

Each week get all our latest kids’ activities, quick family meals, kids’ party ideas, household hacks, and family vacation destinations.

Bonus you’ll get our free printable  Would You Rather Game  to use as a hilarious birthday party game or fun family game night.

Looking for a laugh every day? Join my  Happy Mom Hacks Facebook,  Twitter , or  Instagram  for parenting jokes to put a smile on your face on those hectic days.

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• School Education /

Holiday Homework for Class 3 Science: Creative Ideas for Curious Minds

• Updated on  
• May 27, 2024

Holiday homework is a thing where learning and fun can go hand-in-hand. In this blog, we are providing you with holiday homework for class 3 science. Here, you will find many creative ideas that are fun to do during vacation time. These ideas will not only allow students to learn but will also make sure that they have fun and enjoy themselves as they spend their time doing these projects. So, let us explore this blog now! 

Table of Contents

• 1.1 1. Growing a Plant
• 1.2 2. Weather Chart 
• 1.3 3. Swin or Sink
• 1.4 4. Mini Museum
• 2 Class 3 Science Holiday Homework: Projects 
• 3 Class 3 Science Holiday Homework: Arts and Crafts 
• 4 FAQs 

Class 3 Science Holiday Homework: Activities 

Below is a list of activities that can be assigned to students as holiday homework.

1. Growing a Plant

Choose a seed of your choice, lentil, bean seed, pulses, etc.—and plant the same in a pot. Observe it as it grows and develops leaves. Make a chart explaining your observations every 3 days. Make little drawings of the same. 

2. Weather Chart 

Observe the weather daily and prepare a chart of the same using different little emoticons. You can make clouds for cloudy, smiling sun for sunny days, etc., and put them on the chart. 

Here are the 10 Fun Things You Can Do While Staying at Home ! 

3. Swin or Sink

Collect different objects from around the house like sponges, marbles, etc. Now, using a small tub, fill it with water. One by one, put the objects in the water and make a chart of whether they swim in the water or sink in it. 

4. Mini Museum

For this activity, go for a walk in nature. You can go to a park or even go trekking. From there, collect different objects like colourful rocks, leaves, feathers, etc. Paste them on a chart and label them. On the top of the chart, write “Mini Museum” in a creative manner. 

Also Read : Essay on Summer Vacation: Samples for Students  

Class 3 Science Holiday Homework: Projects 

Below are some of the projects that students can do during their vacation. 

• Animal Adaptation Poster: Do thorough research on animals and their different adaptations. According to your will, choose an animal that you find the most interesting. Create a poster of that animal in a creative way, displaying its adaptations using watercolors. On the back of the poster, write about the adaptations of that animal in 10 points. 
• My Five Senses: Draw a face and label the five sense organs that humans have. Then, draw straight lines from each organ and draw or paste pictures of things that you experience from that sense organ. 

Also Read : 10 Ways to Make Your Summer Break Productive  

Class 3 Science Holiday Homework: Arts and Crafts 

Arts and crafts is another great way to enhance students’ creative sides. Below are some ideas for the same. 

• Make a Wall Hanging : Using cardboard, make a wall hanging using the shapes of nature. Paint and decorate it with different materials. 
• Best out of Waste : Using the waste materials in your house like newspapers, old CDs, bottles, etc, make something decorative or useful. 

Also Read : 5 Best Social-Emotional Learning Activities  

• Paint a Scenery : Using poster colors, paint a scene of a place that you visited during your vacation. In that scene, label the different plants and elements that you observed. 

Ans: Holiday homework aims to simply allow the kids to remain in touch with their studies during the course of vacation. 

Ans: Holiday homework does have a role to play. It makes sure that kids don’t lose touch with their studies. Hence, yes, it is somewhat necessary.

Ans: The full form of “student” is “Smart Thoughtful Understanding Disciplined Energetic Notable Talented Person.”. 

Explore interesting ideas for school children here:  

To refer to interesting ideas related to children’s school education activities, follow Leverage Edu now!! 

Deepansh Gautam

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• Raising Kids

What School Subjects Do You Need in High School?

The subjects you study in high school should allow you to graduate, but you’ll also want classes that will prepare you for college and for life as an adult.

• Subjects Offered in High School
• Subjects Needed to Graduate
• Subjects for College Preparation

Picking high school courses is an exciting process. Core high school subjects like math, science, and language arts are required, but a range of others can be selected. Finally being given more of a choice in what a student studies can be freeing, but also may feel overwhelming, confusing, or stressful.

What courses are best? There's no one right path. First, consider what is needed to graduate. Then, take a look at your options.

Parents and teens can work together to choose school subjects that not only engage their interests but also have their future plans and goals in mind.

For example, students who want to go to college may be required to take more years of a foreign language or other classes required by the schools they are interested in. A student who is interested in pursuing a career in construction may want to take an industrial arts class.

Read on to learn more about selecting courses in high school.

Parents / Nusha Ashjaee 

What School Subjects Are Offered in High School?

Most high schools offer the same basic school subjects: Math, language arts, foreign language, science, social studies, health, and physical education (PE).

However, the exact courses may vary dramatically from school to school. Different high schools—even within the same district—often have different course offerings or special programs. If possible, choose the local high school that provides the programs and classes that best suit your needs and passions.

Below is a list of the most common school subjects. However, individual schools may offer a range of specialized classes, such as mindfulness or engineering.

High School Subjects

• Literature or Language Arts
• Speech and Debate
• Writing or Composition
• Trigonometry or Calculus
• Biology (typically has advanced class options)
• Chemistry (typically has advanced class options)
• Earth or Space Sciences
• Physics (typically has advanced class options)
• US Government
• World History
• Foreign Language, such as Spanish, French, Japanese, Chinese, Arabic, and German
• Physical Education and Health
• Arts, such as Music, Photography, Drawing, or Ceramics
• Computer Applications, Graphic Design, or Web Design
• Cooking and other life skills
• Physical Education
• Trade field studies such as Auto Mechanics, Woodworking, or Nursing
• Personal Finance

School Subjects You Need to Graduate

Ideally, teens should start high school with a basic plan of the classes they will need to take to graduate. Every state has different requirements for obtaining a high school diploma, and each school varies greatly in what it offers to give kids a chance to fulfill them. Different schools also vary in the number of classes students take each year.

The school's guidance department can help students understand the graduation requirements and how their coursework aligns with them.

English language arts

Studying the English language and literature is an important part of high school for every student, regardless of their post-school plans. In addition to studying important pieces of literature, English classes teach teens about writing, reading, and speaking.

Most states require four years of English or language arts classes. Colleges require four years of English for admission. The main English classes in high school include:

Mathematics

In high school, students dig into several different types of math . Algebra and geometry are required at most high schools, and students may choose to take advanced math classes if they are offered.

Most states require three or four years of math coursework in high school. The main math classes in high school include:

Basic life sciences (biology) and physical sciences (chemistry and physics) are required at most high schools. These classes often include lab components that allow students to perform hands-on experiments.

Most states require two to three years of science coursework in high school. These may include:

• Biology (typically has advanced class options)
• Chemistry (typically has advanced class options)
• Earth or Space sciences

Social studies and history

Understanding the past and how the world works is important for young adults. In high school, students will study history and government and learn about how social studies affects their lives.

Most states require three to four years of social studies coursework in high school, including:

Foreign languages

Learning a second language is important in today's global world. While many high schools offer foreign language courses, only 11 states require students to take a foreign language course.  

High school students can fill these requirements by learning the basics of at least one foreign language. They may also be able to choose to take advanced classes to learn more.

Common languages offered in high school include:

• Mandarin Chinese

Other possible language offerings include Russian, Latin, American Sign Language, Arabic, and German.

Physical education and health

Physical education and health classes can teach high schoolers how to care for their bodies' fitness, health, and nutritional needs. These courses often touch on the following:

• Mental health
• Sexual health
• Making healthy choices about drugs, alcohol, and nicotine.

Many states require at least one unit of PE and health to graduate. Other states offer these subjects as electives.

School Subjects for College Preparation

Students planning to go to college should consider how colleges will look at their courses during the application process. Grade point average (GPA) is important, but coursework should also demonstrate academic rigor.

When planning, it can be helpful to balance standard high school courses with some that are more challenging. Additionally, students can do this—and even get a head start on college—by taking advanced placement (AP) or college-level classes.

AP classes are more rigorous courses that teach subjects at an introductory college level. Some of the most common AP courses that are available include:

• Calculus AB
• English Literature
• African American Studies

Students who take AP classes have the option to take an AP test in the spring. If they get a certain score, they can get credit for the course at many colleges.

College credit courses

Many high schools offer opportunities to gain college credit through various programs. Your child's academic advisor, teachers, or counseling department can inform them about such offerings.

These may be online or in-person classes through programs offered by colleges and universities, and a professor or a high school teacher may teach them. Dual-credit programs allow students to fulfill their high school requirements while obtaining some college credits free of charge.

School Subject Electives

In addition to the basic classes, there are usually plenty of opportunities to take electives in various areas of study. These can not only broaden a student's academic knowledge but also teach them valuable life skills and inspire their career aspirations .

In some cases, a student may be given the freedom to choose one class from a select group of options required in the school's curriculum. In others, a student may have room in their schedule to choose to study something simply based on their interests and goals.

Examples of elective classes may include:

• Arts, such as music, photography, fashion design, painting, theater, dance, or ceramics
• Computer applications, graphic design, or web design
• Student government
• Forensic science
• Physical education
• Sports medicine
• Trade field studies such as auto mechanics, welding, or nursing
• Personal finance or business

Students on a vocational track may be able to gain some hands-on learning in fields such as metalworks and woodworking. Many schools even offer the opportunity to gain certificates or licenses that will help them in their future careers .

Key Takeaways

Choosing high school classes requires planning both as a student enters school and throughout their high school experience. The right classes are challenging and engaging but not unrealistically rigorous or overwhelming.

An ideal schedule can help a student succeed, enjoy learning, and have a good academic experience while preparing them for their future plans , whatever they may be. Have your teen set up a meeting with their school counselor if they need any help.

The association between neighbourhoods and educational achievement, a systematic review and meta-analysis . J Hous Built Environ . 2016.

50-state comparison . Education Commission of the States . 2019.

High school classes required for college admission . National Association for College Admission Counseling . n.d.

The national K-16 foreign language enrollment survey report . American Councils for International Education . 2017.

Program summary report . College Board. 2019.

Related Articles

Homework tips for supporting children in primary school

Homework can be a sticking point for busy families.

After experts questioned its relevance for primary schoolers, many of you weighed in on Facebook, disagreeing on how much, if any, homework is the right amount for this age group. 

So, what is beneficial? And what are some strategies to help make it a less stressful part of the day for both parents and kids?

What's the value in homework?

Grattan Institute deputy program director Amy Haywood says there is value in homework — particularly set reading — for primary school-aged kids.

Ms Haywood, based in Naarm/Melbourne, says time spent reading independently or with an adult "is a really good use of time because it builds up the vocabulary".

In addition to reading, other key skills such as maths can be a focus.

"In classes is where they're doing a lot of the learning of new content or skills, and then outside the school might be opportunity to practise."

She says there's "clear evidence around practice leading to mastery, and then the mastery having an impact on students' engagement in school, [and] their confidence with taking on different learning tasks".

There's also a case for homework in later primary years as you might want them to build some of those study habits before they go into secondary school.

But, she says "schools need to be careful about what homework they are setting".

Communicate with the school

Ms Haywood encourages parents to speak to teachers if they have concerns about set homework.

"[Teachers] may not necessarily realise that a student is spending a lot of time or needing quite a bit of help.

"That new information is very useful for a teacher because it means that they can go back and understand what they might need to reteach and any misconceptions that they need to go over."

Find the best time for your family

Parenting expert and family counsellor Rachel Schofield says finding the best time for homework in your family's routine is important.

Based in New South Wales' Bega Valley, on traditional lands of the Yuin-Monaro Nations, she says for some families fitting it into the morning routine is easier.

It's also about when parents and caregivers are in "the best shape" to help, "because if you've got a kid that's battling homework, you're going to have to be in emotionally good shape".

"If you're really stressed at the end of the day, then that's probably not the best time."

Ms Schofield says "parents have incredibly busy lives" but if you can carve out the time "homework can become a place where you actually get to slow down and stop".

She says children below the age of 10 need a lot a supervision and shouldn't be expected to do homework independently.

Why homework straight after school might not work 

Ms Schofield says kids "need decompression time after school".

She says there's an understandable tendency among busy parents to get homework out of the way as soon as possible, but this could be working against them.

Snacks, play and time to offload are usually what primary-aged kids need, Ms Schofield says.

Some time to play and connect with a parent after school can be "really helpful".

Even 10 minutes "can make the whole trajectory of the evening go differently", she says.

Ms Schofield says kids can come home with "a lot of emotional stuff" and rough-and-tumble-play can be a good way to spend time with them and help them decompress after school.

Ms Schofield says you can also try and engage with your child 'playfully' if they are refusing to do homework.

It's tempting to be stern and serious in response, but she says treating it more "goofily" by poorly attempting to complete it yourself or asking your child for help with a task might get a better result.

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• Homework and Study

Stroudsburg school administrator Sean Richmond killed in I-380 accident

Stroudsburg Area School District Director of Activities and Athletics and wrestling coach Sean Richmond died after being struck by a tractor trailer Saturday on Interstate 380.

According to the Pennsylvania State Police, calls came in shortly after 6 p.m. Saturday regarding a tractor trailer hitting a person around mile marker 1.4 of I-380 northbound in Tobyhanna Township, Monroe County. Police, fire and EMS responded.

Monroe County Coroner Tom Yanac confirmed Sunday to the Pocono Record that Richmond was the victim.

Richmond was taken to St. Luke's Monroe Campus, where he died.

He had been Stroudsburg's athletic and activities director since 2018 .

In a statement on the district website , Stroudsburg Superintendent Cosmas Curry remembered Richmond as an administrator, coach and friend.

"It is with a heavy heart and my deepest sympathies to all staff, students, and our greater school community, on the loss of Sean Richmond, our Athletic/Activities Director and our head wrestling coach. I grieve along with you as we are all devastated at his untimely passing. He was an outstanding athletic director poised to take on bigger roles in our School District and District XI. His wrestlers loved him and always had students' best interests in mind. He was a great administrative teammate to me and many of you, and an even more tremendous friend. Sean’s service is most appreciated. He had a propensity for leadership in the athletics and activities department," Curry wrote.

"Our thoughts and prayers are with his family and we ask you to respect their privacy at this time. In this situation, words cannot adequately define feelings and emotions, I simply ask for your support as we mourn the loss of our colleague. He will be sorely missed," Curry concluded.

"Our entire District XI family mourns the loss of Sean Richmond. Sean was a strong coach and AD who cared immensely about the athletes at Stroudsburg High. He will be missed by all of us. Thoughts to his young girls, wife and entire family and the Mountie family," the PIAA District XI account posted on X .

Kathryne Rubright is the managing editor of the Pocono Record and the Tri-County Independent. Reach her at [email protected] .