Looking for an after-school activity for your kids?

You’re not alone.

Yes, it’s true that kids are so scheduled these days.

They start school first thing in the morning, and from there it’s just go, go, go until they collapse in their bed at 7 or 8 at night.

I know that there’s a whole movement for giving kids downtime, and as chill as I normally am, you might be surprised to know that I’m not really for it.

Children, well, my child anyway, need to stay active.

When you’re the introvert mother of a child who is an extreme extrovert, you do whatever it takes to keep them busy and engaged.

Around the time she was 7, I realized my daughter had more energy than I remember ever having. 

She didn’t walk from one room to the next, she galloped.

Once I witnessed her do 20 cartwheels in a row to get from our front door to the car.

She needed after-school activities. We needed after-school activities.

That year she participate in the extended care program at school, sang in the community choir, was a Girl Scout, and did gymnastics.

The next year, we added her church program, Awana, back in the mix, plus drama.

Hey, as long as we can afford it, she can do it!

Whether you’re planning for your child to do a lot of activities or just a couple, trying something new and being committed to an activity helps to build character.

It might also spark something in her that leads to hear becoming the person that she’s going to be later in life.

When our girls are young, it’s a great opportunity for them to test out a bunch of activities and see what sticks!

After-school Activity Ideas

Start by reading this list to your daughter and see if any of these activities resonate with her. 

Once you narrow it down, find a local organization that offers the activity and sign up.  

• Drama
• Choir
• Martial Arts
• Swimming
• Crafts (Pottery, Sewing, Etc.)
• Painting
• Rowing
• Golf
• Coding
• Rock Climbing
• Hiking
• Running
• Gymnastics
• Volunteering (check your local library!)
• Cooking
• Dance
• Soccer
• Basketball
• Volleyball
• Debate
• Public Speaking
• Ice Skating
• Archery
• Chess
• Robotics
• Violin (or piano, or any instrument!)
• Yoga

National and virtual After-school activity ideas 

There are plenty of organizations that are virtual or national that you can check out, as well. 

It could be fun for your daughter to connect with kids from all over and outside of her normal circle.

Outschool 

Outschool offers live online classes for kids ages 3 – 18.

They have thousands of class options taught by expert teachers from all over the world. Click here to take a class for free with my referral link. 

Girls on the Run

This non-profit organization program that has been inspiring girls of all ages to be joyful, healthy and confident for more than 25 years.

They have programs for girls in grades 3 – 8, and chapters locally. Learn more about Girls on the Run on their website. 

Girl Scouts

The Girl Scouts is an organization for girls that provides a variety of activities and experiences to help girls develop skills for life.

They’re dedicated to helping young people build character, confidence, and leadership skills, so they can lead successful lives in their communities.

Find a local troop on the Girl Scouts website. 

Big Brothers Big Sisters

Big Brothers Big Sisters is a national mentoring program that matches children with volunteer mentors.

The positive impact of the relationships between the “Bigs” and “Littles” is what has made this non-profit so successful for all of these years. 

Learn more about Big Brothers Big Sisters on their website. 

Allschool

Allschool is another virtual learning program with teachers with classes in everything from art to cooking and more.

Click here to try an Allschool class for free!

Black Girls Code

Black Girls Code is an organization with the mission to inspire Black girls to pursue careers in technology by teaching them how to code, develop apps, and become leaders in the tech industry.

Locate a Black Girls Code program near you on their website. 

4-H

If your kiddo is into hands-on projects in areas like health, science, agriculture and civic engagement, 4-H could be a great fit for them.

Learn more about 4-H programs and find one near you on their site.