Things to do after school: 31 activities for kids after school (2023)

After homework and chores are done, there is a period before bed when your kids get bored and need to do something to keep them entertained and busy. To help your kids have fun, we've compiled this list of fun activities for kids after school!

Practice a sport outdoors.Nothing is better for children than physical activity! Double the points if you play with a group of friends andimproving your social skills. Stock up on all the necessary supplies at your local store. Kids can play sports organized by the local YMCA or just hang out with friends at a collectible game. Either way, getting outside is a great way to boost their mood and keep them healthy.

For study.One after-school activity that your child may not want to do, but should, is study. This is especially necessary as children get older and school workloads increase. It takes ten to fifteen minutespracticing letter writing, reviewing spelling words and preparing for the next day's test can reduce bad grades and school stress.

Draw with chalk.Let your little artist have a big canvas by drawing with chalk all over the sidewalk. There are tons of colors and styles to keep them busy for hours (we love ourGlitter Sidewalk Chalk Set!). Try to track each other and then fill in the facial features and favorite clothes. Offer your family members chalk accessories that match their personality, like a favorite toy, doll, or ball. Hopscotch is also a time-tested classic outdoor game that is sure to be a hit.

Burst bubbles.Nothing widens a child's eyes like a big, colorful bubble! you can get onelarge wand setof unobubble machine! Don't worry if it runs out! Just mix some water with some detergent and keep blowing. Try to see if your child can pop all the bubbles before they hit the ground or who can pop the biggest bubble!

Visit a neighborhood park.Let your children make new friends by visiting a neighborhood park. There is always a new face and lots to do. They will get some exercise and develop their outdoor play skills by climbing, swinging, jumping and running over obstacles.

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Ler.Your child's vocabulary will improve, as will his general knowledge, when he reads for up to fifteen minutes a day. Take them to the local library and let them pick out some books. They can explore a new topic that interests them or escape into a magical world with a great novel.

Go on a treasure hunt.Have your kids take turns hiding a "treasure" and then create a map with a big red X on it. The treasure can be anything your child is happy to find, such as money, candy, a favorite toy, or even a unique trinket from around the house. Make the map colorful and full of cool images and have the route take them all over the yard!

Play with a pet.When a child has a pet, pets are often overlooked due to our busy schedules. Make your furry friends happy by having your children play with them for at least ten minutes a day. This could mean playing ball with the dog or going for a walk, brushing a smaller pet's coat, or letting the pet outside for fresh air.

Play a game outside.Nothing is as much fun as a large group of children playing hide-and-seek until dark! Encourage your child to get his friends together and teach them some of the classic games like hide-and-seek, red rover, or colored eggs. The kids will not only bond and exercise, but also learn a bit about each other!

Make a movie.Put away the smartphones and have your kids write a script or just improve a story as they go. When they're done, upload it to your computer and ask them to add special effects or subtitles using video editing software. using acable hdmior another method, broadcast your new creation on the big screen and pass out the popcorn.

Break the board games.Develop critical thinking and math skills while playing board games! Your child will not only learn counting, but also many fun board games such asLifemiMonopolyteach real world skills too. With so many titles, you are sure to have hours of endless fun.

Be smart.all you need is somethingconstruction paper,scissors,wage adjustment, miBrilliantineto keep your child busy for hours! Have them make cards or create their own stuffed animals using online templates. If your child is a bit older, start with crocheting or knitting.

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Explore or Walk.You may not live near the mountains, but with a little imagination, the forest can be a magical world to explore. Bring the dog, along with mom and dad, and check out some of the green areas in your neighborhood.

Riding a bicycle.Cycling is a great way for your child to stay healthy and have fun. If you or your child don't have your own bikes, many parks offer rental services. Grab one for each member of your family and spend the afternoon hitting the trails!

Build a blanket fort.Cloudy sky? Don't worry! Grab some blankets and chairs from the kitchen and create a blanket fort in the living room. Dim the lights and use flashlights to see inside. Add popcorn and a movie to make it even more special.

Practice a skill.Is your son in the band or basketball team? Ask them to spend some time practicing whatever their special skill is. Just a few minutes a day can make a world of improvement and help them become more proficient at their craft.

Learn something new.Ask your child to choose a special activity they would like to do, such as learning sign language or breakdancing. Spend some time on Youtube exploring how-to videos and let them immerse you in new experiences.

Have a snack.Crumble the pretzels and cheese or make some homemade chocolate chip cookies together. Have your child create their own face on the plate using chips or make their own sandwich.

Haz Geocaching. geocaching, similar to the strokePokémon isgame, consists of searching for hidden treasures using GPS coordinates. Many phones have downloadable applications that allow you to participate in these digital treasure hunts. Grab your smartphones and take your kids outdoors and on a quest.

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Run an obstacle course.Have your child create obstacles in the backyard and create a course for their friends and siblings to run on. Grab a stopwatch and see who can do it the fastest!

Learn how things work.Do you have an old radio or a computer in the garage? Let your child explore how technology works by asking them to take it apart. Provide supervision and security, but let them use the tools and do the discovery themselves!

Exercise.There are lots of fun things your child can do to get exercise inside or out! Jogging, playing sports or jogging are great ways to keep your heart healthy. If it's a rainy day, stay inside and do azumba dance videostogether. Everyone will enjoy moving to the music and laughing while they do it!

make slimeUsing simple ingredients found around the house, your child can create slime of different colors and textures. Add some color or glitter for a fancy look, or add some styrofoam balls for a fun texture! here's a cool oneno-fuss 3-ingredient recipeWe found no kinder craze!

Put on a puppet show.Set a table on its side and cover it with a blanket. Have your kids make puppets out of socks and other household items, or use action figures to tell a story. Let other friends or siblings sit in the audience and take turns to see who can put on the best show!

Go to skate.Whether it's at the rink or around the block, skating is great exercise and so much fun!

Elegant.With tons of different ways to paint, your little artist will never get bored! take somescreensand let them mix colors and add texture. When finished, the painted canvases make excellent wall decorations for the bedroom or living room.

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Play together.Your child craves your attention, and sometimes the best activity is playing together. Let them choose a fun activity to do together and then have fun and have fun.

Go to the library.Local libraries are great places to spend an afternoon. Have her child choose a novel, a book on a certain topic, and a book that interests her, and then spend the afternoon reading together. Many libraries also offer classes and other fun family activities.

Build.take someLEGOpieces and build a tower that reaches the roof or go outside and see if you can build a tent out of sticks. Playing with blocks and other building materials will strengthen your little architect's creativity and practical skills. Here are some ofour favorite LEGO activities for kids!

Do a science experiment.Research together some science experiments that interest your child, then head to the store to buy supplies. There are many unique and fun ways for your child to learn about science through hands-on investigation.These are some of our favorites!

Make your own comic strip.Take a sheet of white paper, draw some squares, and ask your child to create his own comic strip. They can write the dialogue, draw pictures and then color it. Make a few copies of the finished issue so your friends can read it too!

Keeping kids busy can seem like a challenge at times, but with a little creativity, you can keep your kids entertained and having fun with this list of fun after school activities for kids.

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Things to do after school: 31 activities for kids after school (1)

And if you're looking for more ways to have fun at home, follow our Fun With Kids board where we share all kinds of fun ideas!

FAQs

What activities do they do after school? ›

Typical activities
  • Reading, including book discussion club.
  • Sports, including soccer, baseball, scooter racing, hockey, swimming.
  • Performing arts, including dance, drama, ballet, choir, and band.
  • Creative arts, including painting, drawing, crafts.
  • Gifted/remedial education, including Kumon for literacy, mathematics, etc.

What is the most common activities after school? ›

Sports. Sports are the most common extracurricular activity for kids in the United States. 2 Swimming lessons, ice skating lessons, gymnastics, and soccer clinics are typically offered to children as early as the toddler and preschool years.

How do I make my child busy after school? ›

Read on for a list of activities to keep kids busy, learning and entertained while you work or study:
  1. Build a Fort. ...
  2. Gather Donations. ...
  3. Start a Journal. ...
  4. Learn to Draw. ...
  5. Hear a Story from Space. ...
  6. Build the Ultimate Paper Airplane. ...
  7. Put on a Play. ...
  8. Collect Broken Crayons.
Mar 18, 2020

How do you balance after school activities? ›

Read on for tips on finding the right balance between school work and extracurricular activities.
  1. Set a Schedule and Stick with It. ...
  2. Give Yourself Time to Relax and Recharge. ...
  3. Make the Most of Your Free Time. ...
  4. Limit Distractions and Stay Focused. ...
  5. Don't Be Afraid to Ask for Help.
Oct 25, 2018

What do you do everyday after school? ›

These might include:
  1. Doing your homework.
  2. Completing your chores around the house.
  3. Eating your dinner.
  4. Taking a bath or shower.
  5. Preparing your bag for the next school day.

What should I do everyday after school? ›

Sample After School Routine for High Schoolers:
  • Wash hands.
  • Eat a snack.
  • 20-30 minutes of free time, encourage some quiet time or exercise.
  • Do homework.
  • Help with dinner prep or put dishes away.

What are three school activities? ›

Common activities include student government, honor societies, service clubs, arts organizations (band, choral, theater), academic (forensics, debate, academic competition), and literary publications (newspaper, yearbook, literary magazine). Most schools will have a variety of clubs.

What games do you play after school? ›

Afterschool Games
  • Treasure hunt – this game requires minimal setup and can be played inside or out. ...
  • Problem Solver – Make the best of this game using physical items, and an imaginary scenario. ...
  • Collaborative writing – have kids start a story with a sentence and pass the paper to the next child.
Jul 6, 2022

How do I relax my child after school? ›

Calm Activities to Help Kids Decompress After School
  1. Detailed coloring pages. ...
  2. Sticker books. ...
  3. Listening to Classical instrumental music. ...
  4. Sensory activities. ...
  5. Looking at family photos. ...
  6. Household chores. ...
  7. Extreme Dot to Dots.
Jan 19, 2015

How do you stay active after kids? ›

How to Keep Your Active Lifestyle After a Baby
  1. Start Simple. Before jumping into any complex exercise, you will want to wait until you've had your 6-week postnatal checkup. ...
  2. Have the Right Equipment. ...
  3. Daily Walk or Run. ...
  4. Yoga. ...
  5. Water Exercise. ...
  6. Go On a Hike. ...
  7. Exercise with Your Baby. ...
  8. Be Intentional.
Mar 22, 2022

How do I keep my 15 year old busy? ›

Tips for keeping teens busy and creative
  1. Tip #1: Follow in the footsteps of their favourite celebrities. ...
  2. Tip #2: Become a budding entrepreneur. ...
  3. Tip #3: Learn a new language. ...
  4. Tip #4: Take the MasterChef challenge. ...
  5. Tip #5: Community support. ...
  6. Tip #6: Have a clear out. ...
  7. Tip #7: Revisit an old hobby. ...
  8. Tip #8: …Or take up a new one.
Oct 31, 2022

How many activities should a kid do? ›

Choose a healthy maximum.

Children should not have activities every day of the week. Many people agree that three is a good maximum. If a child is at that maximum and wants to add a new activity, then ensure that they drop one.

What is an example of balance in activities? ›

Examples of balance exercises include: Standing with your weight on one leg and raising the other leg to the side or behind you. Putting your heel right in front of your toe, like walking a tightrope. Standing up and sitting down from a chair without using your hands.

Why are after school activities important? ›

Afterschool programs can support social, emotional, cognitive, and academic development, reduce risky behaviors, promote physical health, and provide a safe and supportive environment for children and youth.

What are 3 2 1 activities for students? ›

A 3-2-1 prompt helps students structure their responses to a text, film, or lesson by asking them to describe three takeaways, two questions, and one thing they enjoyed. It provides an easy way for teachers to check for understanding and to gauge students' interest in a topic.

What are social activities? ›

Social activities are activities that involve communication and interaction with others. These are built into social systems such as work, school and culture. For example, a meeting or class is essentially a social activity.

What do 3rd graders like to do for fun? ›

Fun learning games and activities for 3rd graders
  • Crazy captions. This simple but fun activity builds reading and writing skills.
  • Microscope discovery. ...
  • Create a scroll. ...
  • Play a matching game. ...
  • Writing letters. ...
  • Power reading talk. ...
  • Water glass music. ...
  • Family fitness.
Apr 23, 2020

What to do after games? ›

5 Tips to Help Your Body Recover Faster After a Tough Game
  1. Refuel. When you're out there playing your heart out, you're going to be burning “fuel” like crazy. ...
  2. Cooldown. A buildup of lactic acid in your muscles greatly contributes to soreness the next day. ...
  3. Ice/Hot Baths. ...
  4. Massage. ...
  5. Sleep.

How do you beat school anxiety? ›

  1. Create a morning routine or timetable. ...
  2. Think together about how your child can manage their anxiety. ...
  3. Encourage them to do things that help them relax. ...
  4. Recognise small achievements. ...
  5. Try to take the pressure off.

How do you calm a stressed child? ›

  1. The goal isn't to eliminate anxiety, but to help a child manage it.
  2. Don't avoid things just because they make a child anxious.
  3. Express positive — but realistic — expectations.
  4. Respect their feelings, but don't empower them.
  5. Don't ask leading questions.
  6. Don't reinforce the child's fears.
Feb 23, 2023

How do you bounce back after kids? ›

Taking the time to heal, having rest days and setting realistic goals are the start of any successful postpartum journey. Light cardio, weight training and getting in your steps will help you build your strength back slowly and put you on the right path to getting your body back after baby.

How can I be an active mom? ›

17 Tricks That Will Make It Easier to Be a Fit Mom
  1. First Things First. Work out before the day gets away from you. ...
  2. Block It Out. ...
  3. Have a Plan for How You'll Sweat. ...
  4. Don't Worry About Your Outfit. ...
  5. Take RUNch. ...
  6. Include Your Kids. ...
  7. Make the Jungle Gym Your Bootcamp. ...
  8. Run With 'Em.
Jan 10, 2017

What can a 11 year old do when bored at home? ›

Check out these kid activities perfect for a day indoors.
  • Boredom Jar. One creative parent told us she made a “boredom” jar for her house. ...
  • Build a Fort. Who doesn't love a fort on a stormy day? ...
  • Indoor Obstacle Course. ...
  • Write a Letter. ...
  • Sock Puppets. ...
  • Dress Up. ...
  • Imaginary Creatures. ...
  • Tea Party.

How do I keep my 14 year old busy this summer? ›

Consider these summer activities for teens:
  1. Volunteer. Summertime is a great time to encourage your teen to give back to the community. ...
  2. Get Active. Wondering how to keep a teenager busy during the summer? ...
  3. Learn a New Skill. ...
  4. Get a Job. ...
  5. Keep Their Brains Engaged. ...
  6. Summer Camp.
Jan 24, 2020

What are daily activities for kids? ›

Toddlers and preschoolers: ideas for daily routines
  • getting ready in the morning.
  • eating meals.
  • spending time playing and talking together.
  • reading books or telling stories.
  • having a bath and going to bed at night.
Apr 5, 2023

What should a kid do everyday? ›

Your kids should learn to brush their teeth every day, take a bath every day and maintain general cleanliness. All kids over the age of 5 should do these things every day without being prompted by their parents.

How many chores should a 11 year old do a day? ›

There is no hard-and-fast rule about how many chores are appropriate for your child. Kids in elementary school should be expected to do 10 to 20 minutes of helping around the house each day. You can expect a little more on the weekends and in the summer.

What are the 5 activities that requires balance? ›

Balance skills are important skills for children to have as children must control and maintain multiple body positions in their daily life functions. They rely on balance for daily activities such as dressing, going to the toilet, navigating each environment, sitting to eat meals, and playing.

What are 3 activities that require balance? ›

Additional Fun Balance Activities
  • Wheelbarrow Walking.
  • Crab Walk.
  • Gymnastics Balance Beam Skills.
  • Hopscotch.
  • Stepping Stones.
  • Biking.
  • Riding a Unicycle.
  • Tumbling (Head Stand & Hand stand)
May 12, 2017

Is 6 extracurricular activities good? ›

How Many “Normal” Activities Should Students Have? The Goldilocks “just right” number of activities is 5 or 6. This is a good amount because it's achievable for most students without being overwhelming.

Should kids be in after school activities? ›

Kaur says extracurriculars help improve the overall functioning of children. 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.

Is it afterschool or after-school? ›

Afterschool can also be spelled after-school. After school is used to indicate a time later than school hours, as in Tanya walked home with her friends after school and then promptly did her homework.

Why is my child so tired after school? ›

As a parent, we know there could be any one or many things contributing to kids feeling tired after school—mental exhaustion, physical activity, lack of sleep, poor nutrition, or something else entirely.

How do you motivate a child who doesn't like school? ›

And there are a number of things parents can do to help motivate kids to try harder.
  1. Get involved. ...
  2. Use reinforcement. ...
  3. Reward effort rather than outcome. ...
  4. Help them see the big picture. ...
  5. Let them make mistakes. ...
  6. Get outside help. ...
  7. Make the teacher your ally. ...
  8. Get support for yourself.
Feb 20, 2023

Why is my 12 year old daughter always tired? ›

Many factors can lead to tiredness. A busy schedule, not getting enough sleep at night and even being hungry can all make a child tired. But if a child is consistently feeling tired, especially when he or she is getting enough sleep, it is a good idea to talk about it with a pediatrician.

Why is my 14 year old daughter always tired? ›

Unexplained fatigue in teens is common and is probably related to the combination of rapid physical and psychological change, which can leave some teens feeling exhausted. Although there are no tests to confirm the fatigue, we know the symptoms are real.

Is it normal to cry after school? ›

If your kid struggles to deal with big emotions after school or at bedtime, you're certainly not alone. According to the experts, it's a very common and natural response that children have when they're trying to deal with the world around them.

How do you motivate students at the end of the school year? ›

Goals are a great way to keep students motivated and on-task towards the end of a school year. Help your children select one or two small goals to accomplish before the end of the school year. The goals should be challenging but reachable.

How do you motivate students at the end of the year? ›

Here are some ways you can keep your students growing and learning:
  1. Student-driven learning. ...
  2. Reinforce and reteach important concepts with a new twist. ...
  3. Make connections with other schools and students. ...
  4. Focus on feedback intentionally! ...
  5. Plan for continued learning. ...
  6. Celebrate!
May 5, 2018

How do you survive a boring school day? ›

Before Class
  1. Sleep Well. Your sleep is inherently tied to your ability to focus. ...
  2. Read Material. ...
  3. Create Questions In Advance. ...
  4. Prepare Yourself For A Mentally-Draining Class. ...
  5. Sit Up Front. ...
  6. If You Are On Your Laptop, Don't Check Social Media. ...
  7. Enjoy A Cold Beverage During Class. ...
  8. Sit With An Enthusiastic Classmate.

What causes loneliness in children? ›

Some of the most common causes include: A recent change in their life, such as changing schools or moving home. Remember that children are much more sensitive to change, and something that may be exciting for the rest of the family, such as moving to a big city, can make a child feel lonely.

How can having no friends affect a child? ›

As argued, socially isolated children are at increased risk of health problems in adulthood. Furthermore, studies on social isolation have demonstrated that a lack of social relationships negatively impacts the development of the brain's structure.

What is lazy child syndrome? ›

What is Lazy Child Syndrome? Lazy child syndrome is when a kid believes the world revolves around them. They expect people to do tasks for them, because they are special. Oftentimes (but not always) lazy kids live a life of privilege.

How do you discipline a child that doesn't care? ›

Here are 10 tips for how to give consequences that work—even when kids say they don't care.
  1. Use Consequences That Have Meaning. ...
  2. Don't Try to Appeal to His Emotions with Speeches. ...
  3. Make Consequences Black and White. ...
  4. Talk to Your Child About Effective Problem-Solving. ...
  5. Don't Get Sucked into an Argument over Consequences.

How do I know if my child loves me? ›

They raise their arms for you to pick them up and hold them close. It seems entirely natural, but it's also a sweet sign that your toddler loves and trusts you. They seek comfort from you. Your toddler may hold out their hand so that you can kiss a boo-boo, or cry for you to cuddle them after a fall.

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