School may be out for the day, but the kids probably still have a lot of energy left to burn, making the hours between school and dinnertime challenging — unless you have a few fun ideas in your back pocket. After school, some children are raring to go and looking for high-energy activities, while others need something more calming that will help them unwind after a busy day.
While many kids will be happy to zone out on a screen, that doesn’t allow for physical or mental exercise. Public school teacher and blogger Chelly Wood believes that “it’s important for kids to get at least one hour of playtime after school, regardless of age. That’s ‘real’ playtime, not computer play, video game time or TV time.”
Whether kids are looking to explore their creative side or expend some energy with a more physical game, after-school activities can be the perfect way to end the afternoon. And, yes, you just might want to join in on the fun, too!
Here are 25 fun and unique after-school activities for kids.
Art-based activities
If you have a budding Picasso on your hands, these activities will keep them entertained and stimulate their creative side at the same time.
1. Paint objects from nature

Have kids go outside and gather different objects to paint and create with. The more often they do this, the more creative they will get with their choices, as they learn how different objects create different effects.
Who is it good for? This painted pine cone flower activity from Manda Panda Projects is great for preschool- to middle school-aged kids.
2. Use shaving cream to create a marbled masterpiece

Kids can create beautiful works of art just by mixing some food coloring into shaving cream. Using a toothpick and paintbrushes, have them swirl the shaving cream until they create a pattern they love.
Who is it good for? This DIY art project from Meaningful Mama will be a winner with little ones, who will love the tactile fun of it, and older kids, who will take pride in their beautiful creations.
3. Make and get your hands in some rainbow foam

All you need is a little soap, water, a mixer and some food coloring to create this tactile activity from Fun at Home With Kids. Change it up by picking up some unusual food coloring hues at a local craft store.
Who is it good for? This rainbow soap foam activity is tons of fun for the preschool to elementary school set, but you should keep an eye on younger children who might accidentally get soap in their eyes.
4. Make sensory containers

Relaxation jars, calm-down jars, sensory containers — call them what you want, but these creations are as useful as they are lovely. Easy and fun to put together, sensory containers are a unique way to teach children how to self-regulate their emotions by looking at their jar when they feel overwhelmed.
Who is it good for? Depending on how elaborate you want to get, sensory activities can work from ages preschool on up. In fact, you may even want one for yourself!
5. Try the 3 Marker Challenge
Most kids are familiar with the many art challenges found on YouTube, and this one has taken off with kids of all ages. You’ll just need some markers and a few coloring sheets. Have kids close their eyes and then choose three markers at random from a pile. No matter which ones they picked, they now have to color one of the sheets in completely. Children will have fun doing it on their own, but it’s more fun as a competition with a sibling, friend or you.
Who is it good for? The 3 Marker Challenge is great for elementary- to high school-aged kids.
Writing and theater activities
These activities will thrill any kid who loves to entertain others and express themselves through the arts.
6. Dress up and put on a short play

Give kids a theme, such as a summertime picnic or a winter kingdom, and ask them to put together a short play to present to you later. It should have a beginning, a middle and an ending, but the rest is up to them. Encourage them to get into it by using whatever they can find to dress up as characters.
Who is it good for? This imaginative activity is best for elementary school-aged kids, who are already able to dress themselves and work together to come up with a basic story structure.
7. Create your own movie

Yes, older kids can create their own movie! Kids are more adept at using phones and tablets than most adults, and free editing software is the perfect way to put together their own short movies. Depending on the software, they can create a movie using pictures, their own footage or cartoons. Try the Magisto Magical video making app or iMovie.
Who is it good for? Movie-making is great for older children, ages 10 and up, who are proficient with tablets, computers or phones.
8. Tell me a story

Put together a collection of storytelling prompts in a jar and have kids choose one to work with in creating their story. Encourage them to use as much detail as possible and maybe even create a picture to go along with it as the story’s cover.
Who is it good for? This storytelling activity from Kitchen Counter Chronicles works for younger and school-aged children. While the older children may enjoy writing out their tales and eventually creating a book of their own short stories, younger children can simply tell you the story aloud.
9. Make a rainbow poem

This activity uses the colors of a rainbow to help teach kids how to create a poem. Have kids choose the colors of their rainbow, and then come up with descriptions of each color. After all the descriptions are completed, they can line them up in a rainbow to create their own poem.
Who is it good for? This colorful activity from Small World at Home is ideal for elementary-aged children, but it can work for younger children with a parent or caregiver’s help.
10. Make your own puppets and put on a show

Help children put together simple puppets using paper bags, and then encourage them to come up with their own puppet show for you to watch.
Who is it good for? Best for elementary school-aged children, this puppet activity from I Heart Crafty Things would also work with some older siblings who can help them out.
Cooking and food activities
These are sure to be a hit with the kid who loves to bake, cook or just get messy with food.
11. Make ice cream in a bag

Have kids make their own ice cream in a bag in only five minutes. Using ice cubes, half and half, sugar and the flavorings of their choice, this one is as delicious as it is fun. The best part? Eating their ice cream straight out of the bag!
Who is it good for? This foodie activity from More Momma requires some supervision in the beginning for younger children, but it’s a winner with any kid of any age who likes ice cream. (That includes you!)
12. Make bread in a bag
Continuing with the bag theme, this activity is a good one for the colder months when you’re stuck inside. Kids can make their own mini-loaf of bread by tossing the ingredients into a plastic bag and kneading it before baking. It’s yummy fun that is also a great tactile activity for kids.
Who is it good for? Bread-making is a good activity for toddlers up through high school-aged kids, but all younger children should be working with a parent on this one.
13. Bake something together

Children love baking with grownups, and they certainly love eating the final product. If you have the time to spend, come up with a treat the kids can help you bake for everyone. Cookies can be an easy and interactive baking project.
Who is it good for? Children of all ages love baking with an adult, and older kids may be able to take on the bulk of the work themselves.
14. Create snack art

When it’s snack time, put out some ingredients that the kids can use to make their own art creation. Using tortillas, toast or whole-grain crackers as a base, kids can use fruits, vegetables, cheese and more to create funny faces.
Who is it good for? This activity is best for younger children, toddlers through elementary school.
15. Make rainbow toast

Let kids play with their food to express their artistic sides by painting their own toast. All you need for this activity is bread, sweetened condensed milk and food coloring.
Who is it good for? Rainbow toast is a sweet activity for kids of all ages, though younger children should be supervised by an adult.
Science and STEM activities
Let kiddos explore their analytical side with these unique and brain-building activities.
16. Try the cabbage color experiment

Perfect for the little scientist, this activity is a fun way for kids to learn about how plants absorb water. All you need is some cabbage leaves, water, food coloring and a few jars.
Who is it good for? The cabbage color experiment from Paging Fun Mums is ideal for elementary-aged children who are likely also beginning to learn about plants in school.
17. Make cloud dough
Using only three ingredients, creating cloud dough is a sensory activity that kids will absolutely love. Change up the colors or use glitter to make this activity one you can return to over and over.
Who is it good for? Kids up through middle school will love to create cloud dough, but it’s especially fun for toddlers, preschool and elementary school kids.
18. Create a toothpick tower earthquake

This minimal-ingredient activity encourages problem-solving, as children try to keep their structures from collapsing. When the structures fail to hold, the real learning begins.
Who is it good for? This building activity from Teachers Are Terrific would likely be too frustrating for very young children so it is best suited for kids in elementary or middle school.
19. Make sequin slime

Is there a child alive who does not love making slime? There are a million slime recipes to be found on the internet, ranging from the super simple to the somewhat complicated, but creating slime is fun and educational for kids, as they learn the basics of chemistry while combining ingredients to create a new substance.
Who is it good for? This slime-making activity from I Can Teach My Child is good for preschoolers (with supervision) on up.
20. Create lemon volcanoes

This activity is full of frothy fun, and it smells good, too! Children will learn how the chemical reaction created by mixing citric acid and baking soda results in a bubbly volcano that they create on their own.
Who is it good for? This science experiment from Babble Dabble Do is a ton of fun for elementary aged-kids, but early middle school-aged kids would love it, too.
Physical games and activities
When children needs to burn off some steam after school, these high-energy activities will do the trick.
21. Play the Movement Chain game

You’ll need at least two players for this game. The first person begins by performing a movement (jumping in place, doing a TikTok dance move or anything else they come up with). The next person has to perform that movement and add on one of their own, forming the movement chain. The next person must do the two original movements and add on one of their own. You continue this until the movement chain is broken (someone forgets a move) and that person is out. The last person standing wins!
Who is it good for? This energetic activity is best for elementary- through middle school-aged children.
22. Go on a Lego hunt

You’ll need four pieces of paper and an assortment of Lego blocks that match in color for this activity. Start by laying out the four pieces of paper and hiding the Lego blocks somewhere in the home. Kids must then go find the Lego pieces and place them on the matching colored paper until all of the pieces have been found. Keep track of how long it takes them and then challenge them to beat their score.
Who is it good for? Going on a Lego hunt is a great energy-burning activity for preschool- to elementary school-aged children.
23. Have a dance party

What better way to get rid of excess energy than by having a dance party? Simply turn on some music for the kids and let them dance it out. Have them show off their new moves or switch it up by playing a game where everyone must freeze when the music stops. Bonus points if you join in, as well!
Who is it good for? Dancing is a solid activity for kids of all ages.
24. Go on a scavenger hunt
Kids have been going on scavenger hunts forever, and with good reason — they’re fun! Give kids a list of objects that they must find to complete the hunt, and let them know which areas are OK to search in. To kick it up a notch, use a pirate map to create an outdoor scavenger hunt where they can search for their own treasure.
Who is it good for? Scavenger hunts are a ton of fun for kids of all ages. Simply adjust the objects and hunting areas based on what they can handle. High school-aged kids can also create their own hunts for younger siblings.
25. Create an obstacle course

Another oldie but goody, obstacle courses are challenges that kids love conquering. You can make this as simple or as complicated as you like, and some kids even enjoy creating their own. Use pillows, baskets and furniture for an indoor course, or go all-out and put together an American Ninja Warrior-style course for the kids outside.
Who is it good for? Kids of all ages love running through an obstacle course, but you should adjust the course to be age-appropriate.
FAQs
25 after-school activities and games for every type of kid? ›
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.
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.
What activities do they do after-school? ›- 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.
- Build a Fort. ...
- Gather Donations. ...
- Start a Journal. ...
- Learn to Draw. ...
- Hear a Story from Space. ...
- Build the Ultimate Paper Airplane. ...
- Put on a Play. ...
- Collect Broken Crayons.
Many pre-teens and teenagers enjoy spending their free time doing things like shopping, going to parties, being with friends, gaming and using social media, texting, watching movies, reading and going to the beach or park.
What games do you play after school? ›- 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.
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.
How do you stay happy after kids? ›- Communicate with friends: After pregnancy, your mind will be filled with thoughts that are both positive and negative. ...
- Pamper yourself: You have been through a lot with the pregnancy. ...
- Pursue relaxing hobbies: ...
- Your opinion is the only one that matters: ...
- Bond with your baby:
- Undivided attention. One of the things children love the most is, getting full attention. ...
- Their world. It seems like one of the things all kids is living in a continual world of make-believe. ...
- Creative pursuits. ...
- Dance parties. ...
- Cuddles. ...
- Best friends. ...
- Structure. ...
- You notice things about them.
- Making playthings from household items.
- Bubble socks.
- Build a den.
- Ice finds.
- Water painting.
- Drawing with chalk.
- Drawing outdoors.
- Scavenger hunt.
What activities are beneficial for children? ›
Encouraging your child to move more
5 to 12 years: at least 60 minutes of moderate to vigorous physical activity every day to increase the heart rate. That includes fast walking, riding a bike or scooter, playing, running and participating in organised sports.
- 1) Hide and Seek. It had different versions and probably every Indian child must have played this one. ...
- 2) Lock and Key. Whatsapp Community. ...
- 3) Pittu. ...
- 4) Land and Water. ...
- 5) Chain Sakli. ...
- 6) Colour- Colour. ...
- 7) Four Corners. ...
- 8) Blind Spot.
- Cricket.
- Football.
- Badminton.
- Table Tennis.
- 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.
- Doing your homework.
- Completing your chores around the house.
- Eating your dinner.
- Taking a bath or shower.
- Preparing your bag for the next school day.
Schedule blocks of time to work on daily tasks like homework. If you have certain things that you need to complete every single day, like homework or daily chores, schedule a specific time to complete them. Set a timer on your phone or alarm clock to remind you when you need to start a daily task.
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.
What are the benefits of after-school activities for students? ›Consistent participation in afterschool programs has shown lower dropout rates and has helped close achievement gaps for low-income students. For older youth, regular participation in an afterschool program may also reduce risky behaviors and help them gain college and career-needed skills.
Why are activities important for kids? ›Extracurricular activities help kids develop the social skills that they will need as adults. They provide opportunities for leadership, cooperation, and peer interaction.
How do you keep your kids entertained? ›- Star in your own TV show. ...
- Make some music. ...
- Have a spa day. ...
- Hold a sensory scavenger hunt. ...
- Be your own superhero. ...
- Make a special soothing box. ...
- Join the Mad Hatter's tea party. ...
- Put together a time capsule.
How do I get the spark back after kids? ›
- Spend time together without the baby. This can be more of a challenge when you're new parents, but it's still important. ...
- Compliment your partner. ...
- Get plenty of rest. ...
- Touch the non-erotic parts of the body. ...
- Talk to your partner. ...
- Talk to your health care provider.
- Take Some Time Out. Know that one of the most important things you can do for your family is to take some time off being a parent to JUST BE YOU. ...
- Stop Parenting. Take some pressure off yourself and your children by shifting your focus from parenting to connection. ...
- Focus on Connection.
They're really life conditions, such as having enough nurture and love; a strong sense of attachment to a parent or other primary caregiver; confidence and optimism about the future; physical health; a sense of belonging to something larger than oneself; and of course, basic needs such as food and shelter.
What are the most popular activities with children today? ›- Sand. ...
- Water Play. ...
- Play Dough. ...
- We believe your little ones deserve the very best care. ...
- Dress-Up and Role Play. ...
- Doll and Character Play. ...
- Drawing and Painting. ...
- We believe your little ones deserve the very best care.
Not surprisingly, sleep is the single largest use of time, at about 40 percent (about 9.5 hours per day). Time spent in school is next, at 19 percent (or 6.3 hours per school day), followed by duties/chores, a catch-all category including meals, commuting, chores, and personal hygiene, at 15 percent.
How many activities is good for kids? ›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 are playful activities? ›- Knock the letter cup. This activity is a combination of letters and sport. ...
- Playdough. Everyone has played with playdough as a kid. ...
- Role-play. Children love to role-play and dress up. ...
- Alphabets on pillows. ...
- Sand.
- ENGAGE. In the first phase of the learning cycle, the teacher works to gain an understanding of the students' prior knowledge and identify any knowledge gaps. ...
- EXPLORE. ...
- EXPLAIN. ...
- ELABORATE. ...
- EVALUATE.
Creative activities like drama, music, dance, art and craft are great for learning and development in these years. They can help preschoolers: develop imagination and creativity. build confidence. understand and express emotions.
What are 3 types of activities that can help children stay fit? ›Make physical activity fun. Fun activities can be anything your child enjoys, either structured or non-structured. Activities can range from team or individual sports to recreational activities such as walking, running, skating, bicycling, swimming, playground activities, or free-time play.
What are useful activities? ›
Working out — I especially like strength training because being strong is one of the most useful things in life. Sitting behind your desk for hours, going shopping, traveling — your life will be a lot easier when you're physically strong. Spending time with people you love — It doesn't really matter what you do.
What is the most important dramatic activity for children? ›Pretend play is an important part of children's development. They learn by imagining and doing. If you stand back and observe children involved in pretend play, they are often mimicking what they've seen adults do. We take all of this into consideration when planning what to place in our dramatic play area.
How do students spend their time after school? ›In fact, most of the after-school activities of children involve technology. A significant majority of children (64%) watch television or movies after school, regardless of their age group. More than four in 10 (42%) play video games, but this is much more common among children ages 9–12 (48%) and 13–17 (49%).
How do you fix a bored child? ›- Play a sport outside. This is such a simple idea, but sometimes kids just need someone to put it in their heads. ...
- Wash the car. ...
- Go for a bike ride. ...
- Do 'mindful movement' videos. ...
- Play hide-and-seek. ...
- Make a fort. ...
- Have a dance party. ...
- Make an obstacle course.
The term after-school restraint collapse was coined by counselor and parenting educator Andrea Loewen Nair. It describes a type of behavior in children who behave well at school but come home upset and often angry and crying.
Why do children misbehave after-school? ›This type of behaviour is what some psychologists refer to as 'after-school restraint collapse' and it's not unusual. It happens because your child has been busy managing their emotions all day as they navigate the complexities of school life. When they get home, that's their safe space to let it all out!
Why is my child well behaved at school but not at home? ›He's processing so much during the school day — a new environment, new routines, new social and academic skills. Turns out it's completely normal for him to do well at school, only to fall apart once he's back in his familiar and safe home environment. This explanation made perfect sense to me.
Where kids spend most of their time? ›Nonetheless, other activities, such as watching television and socializing with friends, take up a much larger share of the typical child's schedule (along with sleep and school, which dominate).
How can I make the most time after school? ›- Read for fun. f you're an English or Humanities student, I bet most of the reading you've been doing has been for school. ...
- Get some work experience. ...
- Start thinking about the future. ...
- Get involved in a cause that means something to you. ...
- See your friends. ...
- Work on your Personal Statement.
You will grow up a lot
Your parents may expect you to take over your own bills, do more work around the house, get a job, pay rent, or more. If you move out of your parent's house, you'll also be expected to do laundry, clean your own room, make your own meals, and be in charge of your own schedule and finances.
Why do kids with ADHD get bored easily? ›
Students with ADHD struggle to sit still and focus on tasks, and because their brains are wired to need frequent stimulation, boredom sets in quickly. One bored student can disrupt an entire classroom, so keeping these kids engaged is critical to their success – and it's the key to keeping them out of trouble.
What can a 10 year old do when bored at home alone? ›- 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.
Make a list of things to do when you're bored. These things will occupy you and help you the next time when you are bored. For example, think of things such as cleaning the house or your bedroom, learning a new language, or finding some friends to spend time with. Play board games.
How do I stop my students from being bored? ›- Communicate and ask questions. ...
- Encourage your child to set achievable goals. ...
- Set up a meeting with your child's teachers. ...
- Celebrate every success and every victory. ...
- Explore outdoor activities (outside of school)
Being bored can be good for kids by helping them develop planning strategies, problem-solving skills, flexibility, and creativity. It also helps kids build tolerance for not-so-fun experiences, preparing them for life.
Why do I get bored so easily? ›Boredom can manifest when you're unable to focus your attention. This can be because you are consumed by multiple stressors in your surroundings. If you're stressed out about something else, and your present situation is overly-stimulating, you may feel bored.