How to find free after-school activities
After-school programming is essential for working families who need to fill the gap between the end of the school day and the end of the workday, but some after-school programs can be expensive.
Here are some places to look to find free or low cost after-school programming in your area.
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School and district-sponsored after-school programs#school-and-district-sponsored-after-school-programs
The National School Lunch Program (NSLP), a subsidiary of the FDA, runs free and subsidized after-school programming to fill the hunger gap and provide additional enrichment for kids.
Often referred to as extended-day programming, these are typically held at schools, libraries, or other district buildings.
YMCA and Boys & Girls Clubs of America#ymca-and-boys-and-girls-clubs-of-america
The YMCA and Boys & Girls Clubs offer free or low cost after-school programs. The YMCA offers sliding scale payment based on need, as well as financial aid for qualifying families.
Some chapters of the Boys & Girls Clubs of America offer free or reduced after-school care. These programs are sometimes run in partnership with a local school or school district.
City parks, rec centers, and community centers#city-parks-rec-centers-and-community-centers
Your Parks & Rec department and community centers may offer free or low-cost after-school programming. This could include sports, recreation, or other enrichment activities.
For example, Chicago Park District's Park Kids programming offers year-round after-school activities at low or no cost to students.
Contact your local recreation or community center to learn more.
Libraries#libraries
Local libraries may offer free or low-cost programming for students after school and in the summer. This may include workshops, crafts, or storytimes. These programs may be free for qualifying families and may include subsidies from the NSLP.
Local nonprofits#local-nonprofits
There may be local nonprofits in your area that offer free after-school activities. Programming may vary based on the mission of the nonprofit. For example, Pittsburgh’s STEM-focused nonprofit Assemble offers free after-school programming based on science, technology, and art.
