7 Unique Afterschool Programs for Kids in NYC

Afterschool programs are an excellent way for students to gain enrichment beyond their classroom instruction. Enrolling your child in an afterschool program can help them develop their emotional and social skills.

We've compiled a list of unique afterschool programs for children of all ages in New York City that will keep your child safe, engaged, and moving after the final bell rings. Each one of these programs also teaches basic life skills that will benefit your children in and out of the classroom.

1. PLAYDAY

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Highly trained art educators teach the students with over 20 creative arts activities including architectural design, printmaking, fiber art, and cartooning at PLAYDAY.

PLAYDAY provides children with a space to build confidence and develop self-awareness. At PLAYDAY, children explore their creativity and learn relevant art history while participating in indoor and outdoor exploratory art projects that promote focus, patience, forgiveness, sharing, dynamic problem-solving skills, and creativity.

PLAYDAY offers afterschool programs Monday to Friday from 3:00pm to 6:00p.m. for children ages five and up in Long Island City and Cobble Hill. PLAYDAY also provides a free pickup service from local schools and bus stops.

2. CinemaKidz

CinemaKidz offers weekly afterschool filmmaking classes for children ages 5 to 15. CinemaKidz is a hands-on experience designed to provide children with the opportunity to explore the art of film and animation.

At CinemaKidz, children build, create, act, design props, explore storytelling, utilize technology, and, most importantly, express themselves creatively while learning about Science, Technology Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM). Activities include planning, exploring options, and problem-solving.

CinemaKidz classes are held at Prospect Park, Williamsburg, and Central Park, with pickup from local schools. Classes run between 8-12 sessions for one hour and 30 minutes. CinemaKidz also offers aftercare services and private group classes.

3. Flatbush Theater Project

The Flatbush Theater Project offers a theater workshop in Ditmas Park in Brooklyn for children ages 10 to 17.

At Flatbush Theater Project, children learn improvisational theater techniques as they write, rehearse, and perform an original work.

Workshops are held twice a week and run from 3:30 to 7:00 p.m. Each workshop is taught by Alexis Spiegel, a teaching artist, author, playwright, and alumna of the New York University Tisch School of the Arts. At the end of the eleven-week program, students perform their original works for the community.

4. Engineering for Kids

Engineering for Kids is a STEM.org accredited afterschool program in Elmhurst, NY, taught by expert instructors. Engineering for Kids helps children ages 4 to 14 discover the exciting world of science, technology, engineering, and math through programs that develop their creativity and STEM skills.

Engineering for Kids is the only afterschool STEM program provider that lets students earn a certificate from Cognia. The program offers interactive engineering, robotics, technology and coding, and Minecraft activities. Each activity helps kids develop problem-solving skills, attention to detail, team-building skills, and organizational skills that will help them succeed in STEM in the future.

5. Aviator Sports

Aviator Sports is a sports complex in Brooklyn with an afterschool program that provides children with homework help and recreational activities.

After receiving help with homework, children play a variety of sports and games with their afterschool instructor to engage in Aviator’s 175,000 sq. foot facility. Children can also participate in ice skating, gymnastics, rock climbing, dance, and a variety of other sports and activities.

Aviator Sports provides pickup from bus lines PS 236, PS 312 & PS 222.

6. Songlab and Songlab Jr.

Keylab's Songlab and Songlab Jr. afterschool programs provide a practical, low-pressure, and fun music education experience for students in first through fifth grade in Brooklyn.

Songlab gives children a space to learn about music theory, composition, and production while gaining experience in group music-making. At Songlab, students learn to use various instruments, including digital pianos, synthesizers, guitars, basses, drums, vocals, and electronic & computer-based recording & live performance tools.

In addition, Songlab Jr. uses games, fun activities, and cool, music-making tools to keep younger learners engaged while building a solid musical foundation.

Songlab and Songlab Jr. run from October to June. Songlab offers classes for second to fifth graders one day per week on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, or Thursdays from 3:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. Songlab Jr. provides classes for first graders on Mondays from 3:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m.

Both Songlab and Songlab Jr. offer school pickup options at 3 p.m. daily at no additional charge from lines PS58, PS32, PS29, ISB, and BNS/PS146.

7. Vital Climbing Gym

Vital Climbing Gym is a rock climbing and fitness center with locations in Brooklyn and Manhattan. Vital Climbing Gym provides a weekly afterschool climbing club for children ages six to twelve with all levels of rock climbing experience.

At Vital Climbing Gym, children learn about teamwork, leadership, responsibility, and taking on challenges in life, and leave each class with a sense of accomplishment.

Each class includes an hour and a half of guidance by trained instructors who help children exercise, make friends, and learn to rock climb.

Enroll your child in a NYC afterschool program today.

There's an afterschool program for every child and these unique options are a great way to help your child reach their full potential.