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Kids are back in school, and it’s time to think about what they will do in the hours in between school and dinner. You may be looking for a great after-school program or just putting together some fun ideas to keep the kids and their friends engaged in activities that they enjoy. According to Bayu Prihandito, a licensed psychologist, “The key to a balanced life for kids is a mix of physical, creative, and intellectual activities.”
Here’s a list of some of our best ideas for after-school activities.
Creative crafts
1. Put together friendship bracelets
Kids will enjoy this craft because they can take the final product and share it with their friends at school the next day. There are plenty of online videos showing how to make the bracelets with creative and unique designs. All you need is the string and a piece of cardboard to serve as an aid.
2. Design a time capsule
Let the kids find special things from the year that include photos, special gifts, and stickers. Place them in a shoebox with a note explaining why the items were in the box and why you’re making a time capsule now. Find a place in the backyard to bury it and you’re set.
3. Do finger painting
While kids of any age will enjoy this, it is great for younger kids who are developing fine motor skills in their hands. Give them a piece of large poster-size paper to create a masterpiece. You can give kids a prompt or let them paint whatever comes to mind. They’ll enjoy getting their hands dirty and mixing colors for a bigger palette.
4. Build a homemade kite
This can be a paper kite or a sewn kite that the kids design. If you’re sewing, make sure an adult is around to help them with the machine. Let the kids make a design on the kite and attach a tail so it flaps in the sky. When done, head to the park and let them fly their creations.
5. Create a sidewalk mural
Get the sidewalk chalk out and designate a space where the kids can create a mural. Make sure the space is safe and that the kids won’t be in the way of pedestrians or cars. A great spot is the driveway, so park the car on the street and give them the space to create.
6. Make crayon candles
Take that carton of old broken crayons and put it to use. Melt them down and shape them into candles of bright colors and designs. Place the candle wick in the center of the mix and let the kids use their imagination to make each candle colorful and unique.
Hobbies
7. Find a sport you love
After school is the perfect time to take up a new sport and get passionate about it. At first, you might be trying a few different sports to give the kids the exposure they need to find the one that they love. Then sign up for a team and get spirited cheering them on. Sports are great for confidence, teaching teamwork, and understanding good sportsmanship.
8. Join the Scouts
The Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts offers great programs that help kids learn new skills and develop lifelong friendships. Ask your school or local church if they know when the next scout meeting will be and mark your calendar.
9. Join the photography club
More than ever, kids have access to cameras and are constantly taking pictures. Help your child develop an eye for photographs by having them join the photography club. They’ll enjoy pulling out the camera and being creative with it. You’ll be impressed to see that they have an eye for it.
10. Learn to knit
Childhood is the best time to learn a hobby like knitting when your mind is open to new concepts. Teach them the basics and then get them some easy patterns to follow so that they can start making a scarf or sweater that they can use during the winter months. When kids get passionate about it, they’ll start making gifts for their friends for the holidays.
11. Take an acting or improv class
Spark your child’s imagination and ability to act and entertain with an acting class. Kids will learn stage presence and how to learn lines and deliver them for dramatic effect. Most classes have a performance at the end that you can enjoy watching. See your child shine onstage.
12. Get an old-fashioned pen pal
Find a child around the same age as your child who lives in another city. You can probably do this on Facebook by posting a request. Teach your child how to write a letter and address an envelope. Put a stamp on it, then send the letter and start the pen pal process. Your child will light up when real mail arrives addressed to them, and they'll have something tangible to hold and reply to. After some time, you can even make plans with the other parent to have the pen pals meet in-person.
Educational activities
13. Learn a language
Sign your child up for a class where they learn another language. Help them become passionate about it by doing some research on the place where the language is spoken. If they’re learning French, get them French pastries to enjoy or find some local fashions to ignite their passion for the language. Try your best to learn some of the language, too, so that you can communicate with them and practice at home.
14. Play an instrument
Music helps the brain develop. Getting your child to learn the piano, guitar, or other instruments at a young age is a great way to spend time after school. Between music lessons and practice, there’s always something to keep your child occupied after school.
15. Join the debate club
This is generally for older kids. Debate helps them formulate opinions and learn to have real conversations in a polite and courteous way. It also builds self-confidence socially in kids who might otherwise just decide to read a book alone and keep to themselves.
