29 After-School Activities For Every Kind Of Kid

An early introduction to the arts can inspire a child’s lifelong passion for the humanities. Get them started early with a Parks & Rec class or private painting course.

Folding paper requires focus and good fine motor skills, all things children need to develop. But the payoff is when they discover the amazing things they can create with this Japanese tradition.

Whether it’s learning hand stitching or getting an introduction to a sewing machine, many fabric stores offer sewing classes for all ages.

Call it soccer, call it futbol, call it whatever you like, just give your child a chance to play this internationally beloved game. By participating in a soccer team, they’ll learn discipline, get exercise, and just have fun.

For any child who’s baseball curious, T-Ball is a great place to start. The games go super slow so children have a chance to really succeed, getting multiple at bats, and plenty of time to practice running the bases.

Even if your child can’t throw the ball even close to the hoop, that doesn’t mean they’re not ready to join a basketball team. With practice, they can improve their hoop dreams.

Have a kid fascinated by the Medieval age? Do they dream of being a knight? Bring that dream to live by enrolling them in a fencing team.

It may surprise you to learn that there are lacrosse teams available to children as young as four. If they can run and hold a stick, they’re good to go.

Have a future Michelle Kwan on your hands? Get her in the rink asap.

Many parents dream of their children becoming classical music prodigies. And while that might not be in the cards, introducing them to string instruments can start as young as five.

Sign up at your own risk. If your child loves to bang on things and you want to channel that energy into percussion instruments, it might help to have a large play room where you can set up their gear.

The banjo has been growing in popularity recently and especially amongst children. Many cities now offer children and adult banjo lessons, so you can learn to play together.

The series The Queen’s Gambit inspired a renewed interest in chess, and if it’s found a place in your home, you can encourage your child’s interest in the game by finding area tournaments and clubs.

Kids who are interested in tactile arts might find themselves gravitating to a leather work class. Many maker centers offer courses like these.

Your child doesn’t have to wait for high school shop class to expand their love of woodworking. To find a course, contact the art department of your local university or community college.

Help your child stretch and relax with kids yoga. Many yoga centers now offer classes just for children.

This after-school club brings children together to do community service projects, arts and crafts, and activities to earn badges.

Learning about nature, community, and friendship is what the Girl Scouts are all about. Find a club in your town to get your daughter enrolled.

Have a little sous chef on your hands? Help them build their culinary prowess by taking them to a cooking class or finding them private lessons with a local chef.

Learning a second or third language can open so many doors. And the sooner a child can learn, the better.

Dance allows children who have a hard time sitting still to move freely and express themselves. Jazz class is a great way to let them explore their body and rhythm.

The shoes alone are what intrigue most children. But once they learn the steps to “Shuffle off to Buffalo,” they’ll be hooked.

If your kid can’t help but move when they hear a beat drop, get them into a hip-hop dance class right away.

Ballet offers children not just an introduction to a beautiful form of dance, but the language of ballet also opens a window on the French language. So think of ballet class as a two-fer.

This Japanese martial arts system is not just a form of a exercise but a way to build confidence in a child as well.

Little swimmers can channel their fish-like abilities while learning about healthy competition when they join a swim team.

Have a neighborhood veggie garden? Find a local master gardener to lead a group of kids in weekly lessons on plants and their care.

Whether it’s dressage or Western riding, being around horses can have a profound impact on children. This has been found especially true for those with special needs.

4-H Clubs have been around since the beginning of the 1900s and they continue today as a way for children to learn leadership skills often by raising livestock and building agricultural skills.