Free After School Activities

Whether looking to enroll in an after-school afternoon with health and fitness activities or seeking educational enrichment for your child, after-school programs can be a way to fill a day; if they are provided free of charge, all the better. Many households include two working parents, by involving your child in various activities you will provide a stimulating and engaging environment as well as a watchful eye as you finish up your workday.

  1. Library Programs

    • Many larger cities offer free, after-school programs as part of their library system. Most of these programs are reading-based and attempt to complement the work children are doing in school. A partnership is developed between community organizations and the after-school program to create a cohesive program that emphasizes play as well as academics. Contact your branch library for programs.

    Girl/Boy Scouts

    • The Scout programs cover a wide range of activities such as crafts, singing, camping and specialized projects. The scouts offer mentors (troop leaders) through their organizations as well. These mentors spend quality time teaching the fundamentals of social interaction as well as basic life skills. Time is also spent covering more complex issues, such as peer pressure, violence prevention, teamwork and self-esteem. Children are placed in troops near their neighborhoods or schools for convenience. The annual registration is $10 (as of January 2011), boys age 7 to 18 may join Boy Scouts and girls from kindergarten through 12th grade may participate in Girl Scouts.

    Community Centers

    • Local community centers offer free, after-school programs that include crafts, community projects and exploration of the surrounding areas. Many community centers may offer sports-related programs such as softball, baseball and basketball for free or reduced fees. These programs are mostly staffed by volunteers or parents.

    Salvation Army

    • In many areas, the Salvation Army offers after-school, enrichment programs. These programs often include assistance with homework, computer labs, snacks, crafts and may include indoor and outdoor physical activity. The Salvation Army has further implemented a specialized program called "Betsy's Kids." This program provides children a concentrated focus on activities to enhance their talents. Free classes are offered in karate, computers, sewing, photography, dance, athletics, drama and art. A quick Internet search will list local offices and programs.

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