After School Activity Ideas for Elementary Kids

After a long day at school, children need time to relax, but that doesn't mean learning has to end! The hours after school are valuable, offering kids a chance to process and build upon what they've learned during the day - make the most of this time!

The best after school activities blend laughter, creativity, and skill building, encouraging children to explore their interests and ideas in new ways. They can support your child in reinforcing classroom learning while fostering important life skills.

Whether you're after quality bonding time or need engaging activities to keep your child learning while you're running errands, these 7 types of creative after school activity ideas are ideal for keeping elementary-aged kids curious and inspired!

1. Night Zookeeper

Whether your child needs a fun way to relax after school or extra support with reading and writing, Night Zookeeper is the perfect after school activity that combines learning and play to keep your child inspired! On their Night Zookeeper adventure, kids take on creative writing challenges, play educational games, and design their own animals - all while developing essential literacy skills. The program can be tailored to your child’s learning level and provides personalized, encouraging feedback from qualified tutors to build confidence. Kids can also read and comment on each other’s work, adding a social aspect to their after school time.

It's super easy for parents with no prep required - simply log in and let the learning begin! You can use it at home or on the go with a laptop or tablet, as long as you have an internet connection.

A bonus is that you can try a 7-day FREE trial to see if it’s the right fit, risk free - cancel anytime!

2. Crafting

Arts and crafts are a fantastic after school activity that gives children the chance to get creative and express themselves. Here are some great crafty ideas to keep hands busy and minds engaged:

• Paper plate masks
• Finger painting
• Puppet making (they could even put on a puppet show to show off their masterpieces!)
• Scrapbooking
• Tie-dye clothes
• Nature collages
• Jewelry making
• Origami
• Cup or egg carton animals

There are limitless opportunities to get crafty and creative with recycled materials! These activities help build fine motor skills and encourage imagination while keeping kids entertained. A bonus is that they’re cost effective and easy to set up at home with just a few basic supplies, making them a great option for busy afternoons!

3. Cooking

Cooking is a fun and rewarding after school activity that teaches kids useful life skills while encouraging creativity and independence. It's a convenient option because it keeps them both entertained and fed! Here are some simple culinary ideas to excite your kids:

• Fruit kebabs
• Homemade pizzas
• Smoothies
• Fruit juice popsicles
• Cupcakes or cookies (you could pre-bake them or buy plain ones and let your child decorate them)
• No bake rice crispy treats
• Chips and dips

Cooking helps build confidence, supports math and reading skills through measuring and following a recipe, and gives kids a real sense of achievement when they're able to eat their creations! It’s also a great way to spend quality time together and spark curiosity about healthy eating and different types of food.

4. Imaginative play

Creative expression plays a key role in a child’s development and offers them a way to explore their ideas, emotions, and imagination. After school is the perfect time for children to unwind and express themselves, and there are lots of ways they can do this, including dancing, painting, and playing. Here are some fun ideas for imaginative expression:

• Creating a radio show or podcast
• Creating a short movie, either using an app or filming a home movie
• Creating a comic strip
• Building with LEGO
• Writing and performing a play
• Putting on a fashion show
• Creating a dance routine

These activities can boost your child’s confidence and improve important skills such as problem solving, communication, and fine motor control. They’re also great for social interaction - whether bonding with siblings, the whole family, or friends.

5. Outdoor activities

After a long day in the classroom, outdoor activities are a brilliant way for elementary aged children to stay active, explore nature, and enjoy some fresh air. Connecting with the outdoors can ignite your child's sense of adventure and curiosity. Here are some fun outdoor ideas:

• Going for a walk or bike ride
• Playing sports such as soccer, tennis, or baseball
• Setting up a backyard obstacle course
• Gardening
• Outdoor art such as chalk drawings
• Scavenger hunts
• Birdwatching
• Playing tag

These activities encourage fitness and teamwork, and are excellent way to boost mood and foster a love of nature - making them a perfect complement to your child's learning.

6. After school clubs

After school clubs allow children to build new skills and make friends outside the classroom. They encourage kids to discover their interests and can play a big role in their social development. Plus, they give parents time to run errands after a busy day!

Your child’s school may offer extracurricular clubs for hobbies or sports, and local community centers often have activity options too. Here are some popular clubs:

• Chess
• STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math) clubs such as coding
• Reading clubs (local libraries often host storytime or book clubs)
• Sports groups such as soccer, gymnastics, dance, and athletics
• Drama
• Music lessons or band practice
• Homework help groups

There are so many hobbies and skills for your child to explore - it could be the start of a lifelong love! These clubs offer a fun and supportive way to extend learning beyond the classroom.

7. Mindfulness

After a busy school day, mindful activities can help children slow down, reset, and relax. Calming moments are just as important as active ones because they give kids time to process their day. Mindfulness helps with emotional regulation and wellbeing, focus, and self reflection.

Here are a few gentle mindfulness ideas for kids:

• Children’s yoga
• Guided meditations
• Coloring
• Listening to music
• Listening to a podcast
• Jigsaw puzzles
• Nature walks

Taking time for peaceful, reflective activities in the afternoon can help children feel more centered, reduce stress, and prepare for the next school day with a positive mindset. These quiet moments are ideal before homework or bedtime to help your child unwind.

These enriching after school activities support extended learning while giving children the chance to relax and recharge. By choosing activities that are both enjoyable and educational, you can support your child's academic, emotional, and physical development and allow them to discover new passions every day!

🌟 Don’t forget you can try Night Zookeeper FREE for 7 days, risk free, and cancel anytime! Click 'Learn More' to start your trial:

If you have any questions, email us at [email protected] or drop us a message on social media.