After-school activities are important for kids, so browse this list extracurricular activity examples to help you choose the best one for your children. Extracurriculars help younger kids explore their interests, talents, and passions as they build teamwork and problem-solving skills. Plus, taking part is a way to make new friends, and build upon existing friendships. For the older set, extracurricular activities can be interesting (and good to have for college applications!).
It can be overwhelming to choose one or two activities, especially if your child is unsure how they like to spend their time. Below are tons of ideas to inspire you and your child to take advantage of free hours after school. See if your child has tried something that’s on the list or if something new is appealing. Just remember: While after-school activities are great for kids, it’s also a good idea to let them have some down time to rest and recharge.
Extracurricular Activities Examples for Kids
Affinity Groups
These after-school groups allow kids to meet with others whose identity is just like theirs. Groups are out there for those who identify as LGBTQ+, persons of color, or certain ethnicities like Greek or Irish. These groups can provide a safe space for your child and provide service activities.
Print, Digital, and Video Media Groups
For kids who love communication, media-oriented activities might be up their alley. They may want to join a group focused on print media, websites, or broadcasting. Exploring these areas can help them learn new technology, and create and build a portfolio for college applications and jobs.
- School or local film projects
- Community or school magazine/journal
- School or community newspaper
- Literary publication at school
- School or local radio station
- Local or school television channel
- A community or school website
- Yearbook committee
Music Lessons and Programs
For the musically inclined, extracurricular opportunities like playing an instrument or singing in school or in the community can nurture their talents.
- Chorus/choir at school, in the community, or with a religious organization
- Chamber music group
- Concert band
- Ensembles
- Instrument lessons
- Jazz band
- Marching band
- Orchestra
- Singing lessons
- Start their own band
Theater and Performing Arts
If you have an aspiring thespian in the house, performing arts may be a good fit. They can try out for plays, or if they prefer to stay out of the spotlight, work behind the scenes making costumes or building sets.
- Comedy club
- Choreography
- Film club
- Miming
- Puppetry
- Theater group at school or in community
Political Interest and Speech Clubs
Some after-school activities, clubs, and teams are intellectual. Kids who like to keep up with current events might like debate or political clubs. Student council may be a good choice for those interested in weighing in on school decisions that impact them.
- Debate club
- Foreign affairs club
- Forensics team
- Mock trial club
- Model Congress club
- Model United Nations
- Political affiliation club
- Student government/council
Sports Teams and Programs
Kids can participate in sports teams at school, through your town, or join travel club teams. They can start as early as toddler and preschool years and play in middle school or high school.
- Baseball and softball
- Basketball
- Bodybuilding
- Cheerleading
- Climbing
- Cycling
- Dance
- Fencing
- Football
- Golf
- Gymnastics
- Horseback riding
- Hiking
- Hockey
- Ice-skating
- Lacrosse
- Martial arts
- Ping-pong
- Skateboarding
- Skiing
- Soccer
- Swimming
- Tennis
- Track and field
- Volleyball
- Water polo
- Yoga
Special Interest Groups
Can’t seem to find an extracurricular activity or club for your child’s interests? Help them start one at school or in the community, or see if you can find a group online (if you’re comfortable with that).
- Boy Scouts
- Chess club
- Entrepreneurship club
- Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA)
- Girl Scouts
- Horticulture
- Model railroads
- Quilt making
STEAM Classes and Programs
If your home is filled with LEGO creations, STEAM programs may be a good fit. These activities are based in science, technology, engineering, art, and math.
- Coding
- Engineering club
- Math club
- Robotics
- Video game development
Wanna get more stuff like this sent to you? Get our newsletters packed with ideas, events, and information for parents in Staten Island.
Read Next | Find Great After School Programs in Staten Island
