after homework activities

25 Fun After-School Activities

There are so many cool STEM activities you can organize by yourself to stay mentally stimulated no matter the time of day! With that in mind, we’ve come up with a list of fun things to do after school by yourself and fun after-school activities.

Discover fun after-school activities you can do by yourself for kids and teens

Enrichment activities help children learn and grow outside of the structure of classes and homework. These pastimes give students the chance to make, build, and learn without the pressure of exams and grades. Examples of amazing after-school hobbies include casual and organized sports, AI clubs, coding lessons, museum visits, music lessons, and book clubs.

1. DIY engineering

Designed by the Gelfand Center , the Bridge Building Challenge challenges students with engineering a functional, load-bearing bridge. Use a range of materials – spaghetti noodles, popsicle sticks, twigs, LEGO, toothpicks, gumdrops, etc. and challenge kids to discover which materials and designs bear the most weight. Remember to document and photograph your build before testing, since they might fall apart as you increase the load. Remember also that if you use marshmallows or gumdrops, try not to eat your building materials!

2. Game building club class

Let's create fun games together! Make a new project each week from a spinning dart game to a soccer pong game and much more. Join along in this live online club series as an expert guides a small group of students through a different project from start to finish in a 50-minute session each week. There's always an expert on hand to answer any questions live over video, so your student can figure things out without getting stuck.

3. Cloud in a jar

The Gift of Curiosity website teaches about water cycles using this super simple project to study condensation, evaporation, and states of matter. Fill a glass jar with hot water. Swirl it around to heat the glass. Then cover the top of the jar and place several ice cubes on top of the lid, and let it alone for about twenty seconds. Then take off the cover and spray hairspray into the jar. When you replace the lid, watch the clouds form!

4. Fibonacci numbers

Fibonacci numbers , otherwise known as fractals, are mathematical patterns of self-similarity found often in natural phenomena like the branching of leaves, veins, flowers, and rivers, as well as in swirling patterns such as hurricanes and cyclones. They are fascinating to observe! While not normally taught in lower grades, even elementary school-aged children can understand them through observation. Counting the number of spirals in the yellow center of a daisy, for example, or the spirals in a pinecone are good ways to explain them. Mensa for Kids has more ideas.

5. Oil spill cleanup

This activity teaches how oil spills impact the environment and how chemical and environmental engineers play a role. Use trays filled with a few inches of water, feathers, straws, cotton balls and sponges. Add some oil. Students can devise strategies to get oil off a feather and other “wildlife” in their “ocean.” Read more in this post by the Coalition for Science After School .

6. Start a garden

Gardening is a great way to learn about food, nutrition, soil, and weather. Children can easily learn about planting times, watering schedules, and saving seeds, while also gaining greater autonomy and outdoor time, as well as contributing to the family with meaningful work, something that gives confidence and a sense of accomplishment. The patience required for gardening is a skill in itself that teaches delaying gratification. There’s something for everyone: grow flowers, herbs, or vegetables. There’s nothing like fresh strawberries or tomatoes straight from the summer garden! If you have the space, consider making a small plot in the yard and start with something simple like marigolds, radishes, and tomatoes. Even kids living in high-rise apartments or a low-light area can grow certain plants in containers on a balcony.

7. Beginner-friendly coding class

Scratch Ninja teaches children the fundamentals of coding such as loops, conditionals, functions, and variables. Using inquiry-based learning, instructors guide students through the creation, design, and testing programs in this beginner friendly class. Children can design their own games and animations, while mastering problem solving skills in this exciting program designed by pros from Google and Stanford. You can even take the first session for free !

8. NASA STEM Club

Discover the wonder of deep space with fun weekly projects. From Mars and the moon, to black holes and aliens, space enraptures kids and adults alike. Stargazing is a source of powerful dreams. In this series of live online sessions , your kids will learn a wide range of topics related to astrophysics, NASA, and engineering. In each session, they will learn new facts about outer space, build small projects, and play games to reinforce the lessons.

9. Canva for kids

Does your child love art, painting, and drawing? This project allows students to create beautiful digital cards, posters, slides or videos for their school projects using Canva - a powerful graphic design platform with a user-friendly interface. Did we mention the Canva is free? This exciting online live course explores examples of great graphic design and visual storytelling.

10. Book club for kids

This podcast is aimed at kids that love reading. Through a variety of activities and interesting people within the podcast, kids can learn about the elements of storytelling while developing critical reading and analytical skills. With more than 100 free episodes there’s something for all book-loving children and families to enjoy!

11. Digital art club

In this online art club , kids learn how to create a different art project in each session. For example, they might learn the architectural design of medieval castles and design their own, or even create their own character and comic. In each of these hands-on activities, students are guided through understanding artistic elements in life such as patterns and symmetry, exploring emotions and feelings, and learning about art basics such as color palettes.

12. Kids do ecology

All children can understand the importance of ecology and environmental protection. By learning about biomes, marine mammals, reptiles, and data science, kids can even create their own classroom experiments on this interactive website. It is also available in Español.

13. Kids.gov

From imaginary rainforests to electricity experiments, Kids.gov has plenty of resources for a rainy day. Watch an animation on thunderstorms or take a virtual field trip to the National Zoo.

14. The Kids’ Science Challenge

This website is chock full of cool after-school activities. KSC hosts a free, nationwide science competition for students in grades three to six as well as informal activities like hands-on science experiments, games, cool videos, and scavenger hunts. Or check out more fun STEM competitions .

15. NASA Kids’ Club and Space Place

NASA Kids’ Club is the perfect place for kids to have fun while learning about outer space. You can use your science and math skills to explore Mars, construct a fleet of rockets or search for NASA spinoffs in your garage. At NASA Space Place , kids build their own spacecraft, play space volcanoes or browse through a gallery of sun images to explore the galaxy and the limits of the universe.

16. National Geographic Kids

At National Geographic Kids you can vote in polls, (which is cuter: the pufferfish or the clown fish?), take part in egg-speriments, watch geographic videos, play puzzles and learn amazing facts about the cultures and customs of people around the world.

17. Python for AI

Python is a high-level coding language with many applications. Netflix and Google use this coding language extensively in their products and it has become an industry standard for data-science and AI projects around the world. Throughout the course , students learn the basics of Python and how it can be applied to AI. You can even get started with a free Python class session .

18. PBS Kids

This online platform has a huge range of activities for kids after school. As a leader of informal childhood education for more than half a century, PBS has some of the most engaging and fun content around for kids of all ages. In Cyberchase , Jackie, Matt and Inez use math to protect the digital universe from evil. Don’t worry: Cyberchase has lots of math games, videos and activities to aid you in your quest. For Dr. Seuss lovers, The Cat in the Hat Knows a Lot About That! offers great Pre-K STEM games, activities and videos galore. Explore the biological world in Lifeboat to Mars with this free online game. In one simulation (Microland) you control hungry microbes. In another (Ecoland), you have to balance out the space station’s ecosystem.

19. Junior Hackers

Learn all about computer security and how to use the internet safely. This will be the most exciting cybersecurity class for kids with real-world applications, delivered through a combination of project and inquiry-based learning. You'll enjoy fun videos, games, and security tools, as well as build projects of your own.

20. Tech Expert Events

These free events offer an exciting window into the lives of tech experts from all over the world! Topics cover everything from filmmaking, Minecraft, and AI. See what free events are upcoming, and register anytime. If you can't attend the live event, you’ll receive a link to download the recording to watch at your convenience.

21. AI Explorers

This free live online AI event shows kids how to use fun, innovative AI applications. Students learn about self-driving cars and the purpose of AI in the real world, while getting involved in hands-on activities.

22. Weather Wiz Kids

At Weather Wiz Kids you will get to know meteorologist Crystal Wicker, who has designed a website explaining everything about the weather. Find fun facts, games, flashcards and photos, plus get answers to your meteorological questions.

23. Junior Robotics

In Junior Robotics , introduce your students to the fascinating world of robotics! In this live virtual class, your student will program a robot to move, draw, turn, and more, all guided by an experienced teacher. Don't worry, no physical robot is needed.

24. Minecraft Modding Quest

Chances are your child loves playing Minecraft! It’s the best selling video game ever, and it’s super fun. But aside from that, it is an amazing learning tool, showcased in Create & Learn’s Minecraft Modding Quest . In this online class, students can actually code their own Minecraft games. Students learn the basics of coding through solving puzzles. Once they have mastered the coding concepts, children start designing their own games.

25. Roblox Coding

Aside from Minecraft, Roblox is one of the most popular online activities with kids today! In this fun class kids will learn how to make their own games in Roblox. Along the way they'll also master important coding concepts such as if/then, loop, and variable in the context of Roblox coding, as well as how to have game elements respond to interactions from players such as clicks, movements, and more! There's also a free Roblox class if you want to give it a try.

Try after-school activities you can do by yourself

As you can see, there are tons of options out there for fun after school activities that kids can do by themselves. Whether or not they have tried coding before, many kids will be surprised and excited to design and execute their own programs while experimenting with important STEM concepts. These activities can be done alone or with a friend, and they are sure to make your summer time both fun and educational. If you would like to read more, check out some creative STEM spring activities and indoor activities for kids .

Written by Bryan Gordon, a Create & Learn instructor. After ten years of working as an English teacher, Bryan began studying Math and Computer Science over the past few years. Aside from writing and teaching, he likes cooking, gardening, playing guitar, and hanging out with his cats, Baguette and Wally.

You Might Also Like...

15 Remarkable Online Coding Platforms for Kids & Teens

25 Inspiring Computer Science Quotes

• Grades 6-12
• School Leaders

Free end-of-year letter templates to your students 📝!

17 Fresh Middle School Activities for After School

We turned to our teacher audience to compile this awesome list.

Middle school activities are sometimes hard to come by. Sure, you’ve thought of all the generic ideas, but what about something different that will really engage your students? One of our HELPLINERS recently wrote:

“I teach middle school and would like to come up with something to do for an after-school activity. We already have sports, a generic homework help room and a few other things. Does anyone know of any new middle school activities? Probably one day a week, maybe two.”

Our teacher group offered so many good ideas–from Best Buddy programs to learning about new cultures to playing Pokémon (yes, Pokémon)–that we knew we had to share. Here are some of our favorites.

Meet Someone New “Bring in guest speakers to talk about different careers.” –Martha H.

“Community service club – so much fun! And middle schoolers love it.” –Stephanie M.

“We have a Best Buddies program at our school. We foster friendships between grade levels, do service projects for the school and community, read to lower grade levels, sponsor dances, etc. It’s a feel good club!” –Melissa R.

“My biggest success was a multicultural league where we study new cultures each month. We watch videos, make crafts, attempt to learn the language and most importantly, we make and eat the food. The kids love it.” –Stephanie J.

Express Yourself “Theater, theater, theater!” –Julie T.

“Film club. There’s an organization that you can sign up to that will lend films. It’s great for getting every child involved in discussing the story line, not just the ones that can read the book.” –Tessa H.

Get Moving “Think of something that’s fun, but not necessarily geared towards students who love athletics. Maybe yoga or dance.” –Kathryn G.

“There are tons of great clubs to get middle schoolers invested! Check out Girls on the Run.” –Rebekah D.

Bring On the Games “On the funny side we have a Pokémon club and an anime club.” –O’Donna T.

“LEGO club! You’d be amazed what kind of attendance and level of participation you can get from giving kids a chance to build creatively and cooperatively!” –Anita K.

Write It Out “How about focusing on card making for the holidays? They could create gifts for senior adults and veterans, too.” –Billie W.

“Believe it or not, my kids really want to learn cursive! Calligraphy combined with classic cursive may reach some of the quieter souls.” –Rehtaeh E.

“Mindfulness coloring!” –Sarah L.

Make it Yummy “Cooking classes are a big hit!” –Sandie W.

“Depending on where you live, you could garden. Try growing vegetables and flowers for special occasions.” –Lyne L.

Keep It Educational “STEM/STEAM activities are becoming very popular and could give students a chance to really explore their creativity and problem solving ideas. It would also allow for adequate time for the students to really dive in, as opposed to the limited time available during the regular school day.” –Terri M.

What are the most popular after-school middle school activities at your school?

You Might Also Like

5 Surefire, Fun Ideas to Celebrate and Motivate Student Success

Reach those #goals with a dash of joy and cheer. Continue Reading

Copyright © 2024. All rights reserved. 5335 Gate Parkway, Jacksonville, FL 32256

• August 6, 2022

35 Fun and Educational After School Activities For Kids

After school activities combine education, skill development and fun into one event, but is your well running dry when it comes to after school activity ideas? Read on for some inspiration, and feel free to borrow liberally from our list of after school activities for kids.

Why Are After School Activities Important?

Children may spend the bulk of their day in the classroom, but they don’t stop taking in information once their last bell rings. Children are always learning, and after school activities give them the opportunity to interact with ideas they may not encounter during the typical school day. Additionally, activities may be presented and experienced in ways not encountered in school—this may help teach kids of all ages new learning methods outside of school.

School activities like the various clubs available on campuses, as well as school programs like band, can help impart some of these lessons and experiences to middle school and high school students.

However, younger children from elementary school and preschool may not have access to such programs. In that case, parents or guardians who arrange child care for the rest of the post-school business day can either choose caregivers who prioritize activities for kids or leave activities with their chosen care giver.

Of course, parents or guardians can also participate in these at home lessons. They can be a great time to bond for you and your family!

Coding and Gaming Activities

If you’re planning activities for a child obsessed with technology, there are fun ways to bring their interests off the screen and into the real world—you can even start them on the path to creating their own apps and games! Check out some ideas below, and for more,  visit Juni Learning’s list of coding activities .

Board Game Night

Whether it’s with family, friends or both, board game night can disguise many different lessons as no more than game rules and systems.

Take on a Fun Coding Project

Get your child excited about coding with these  fun coding projects . Built for every age and level of experience, these coding projects are a hands-on way for your child to learn about what you can do with coding.

Online Tech Camps for All Ages

A number of sites, including Juni Learning, host  virtual coding camps  for young people of all ages. Not only are coding camps a great way to inspire a passion for coding, they teach kids valuable lessons on collaboration and teamwork.

It’s available on almost every platform, it’s a mainstay for YouTubers and it has maintained popularity for more than a decade.  Minecraft  touches on everything from counting to creativity, and its enemy-free creator mode gives kids full reign to explore their ideas.

Team Sports

It doesn’t matter if it’s in the backyard, at the park or at their school, kids who participate in team sports learn social skills and critical thinking—all while they get a workout. The world of team sports is vast and can provide safe, enriching experiences no matter what sort of sport a child is comfortable with.

If your child loves team sports, encourage their interest by teaching them how to use  sports analytics  to make smart plays.

Ladder Ball

With trick shots all the rage on social media, ladder ball may be the perfect way to introduce your Youtube obsessed little one to the joys of backyard games.

Augmented reality gaming has taken off, with games like Pokemon GO encouraging people to take their game hobby to the outdoors. Playing augmented reality titles with groups is a safe, fun way to enjoy this new and ever-expanding technology.

Science Activities

The science classroom is a great place to discuss theory, but unless a child has a dedicated lab period scheduled during their school day, they may not be seeing or participating in the practical applications of those theories. There are a number of science-related activities that can be done with items common around a typical household. You’ll find some quick suggestions below, but  check out Juni Learning  for more!

Create an Obstacle Course

Construction of an obstacle course involves measuring distance and considering applicable laws of science, like gravity. It provides a focus on biology and anatomy when discussing parts of the body challenged by each obstacle.

The Volcano Experiment

Nothing beats a classic. Just grab some vinegar and baking soda, pour them into your volcano or stand-in volcano, then it’s time for the show.

Ice Cream in a Bag

You probably have most of the items necessary for this activity in your kitchen, but the rest can be acquired easily at any grocery store. After gathering materials and putting 10-20 minutes into this exercise, your ice cream in a bag will be complete.

Crayon Melting

Explore the melting point of wax and the properties of color by melting old crayons to create something new.

Elephant Toothpaste

Using a bottle, some dish soap and food coloring, create a large, slow-moving, colorful foam that resembles toothpaste from the tube—but this toothpaste is big, so it must be for elephants.

Invisible Ink Messages

A kid can feel like a secret agent and learn about chemical reactions thanks to common household substances that create and reveal secret messages on paper.

Which Paper Airplane Is Best?

Build paper airplanes with different sizes, shapes and enhancements. Then test them to see what works, what didn’t work and why.

Math and Numbers Activities

Whether they think in numbers or they refuse to touch their math homework, children will grow to interact with numbers more times than they can count.  Juni Learning has a number of math courses  that help familiarize kids with the practical applications of math, and some other examples can be found below.

Taking Inventory

Ask a young person to help take stock of which groceries are in the house. Have recipes handy so they can compare what’s there versus what’s needed. Itemize some recipes by an items weight and encourage conversion.

Playing Cards

A standard 52-card deck can be used to play a variety of games with rules that rely on addition and subtraction—especially when it’s time to tally up scores. Card games also teach critical thinking through strategy, as well as sportsmanship.

Probability Bottle Flip

Measure probability while taking part in the ever-popular pastime of water bottle flipping.

Sudoku is a magic square puzzle that requires players to keep track of number sums. These popular puzzles are widely available in books and online.

Play Math-centric Board Games

Games like Monopoly require the use of math and number comparison during almost every turn. Kids will learn while they’re just trying to win.

Calculate Distance

Have children calculate the distance from their front door to their favorite restaurant, or from home to school. Then, use a search engine to compare that distance with the distance from other interesting locations like local landmarks, well-known cities or destinations abroad!

Also known as bean bag toss, cornhole is a great way to encourage physical activity while the game’s scoring system encourages basic math skills. Smaller versions of the game’s boards are available for purchase at most sporting goods retailers.

Life Skills Activities

Learning how to care for themselves and manage money are important life skills that will help your child make smart decisions.

Building healthy money habits starts young. Jun Learning has a wide variety of virtual courses that help children learn about the stock market, economic laws like supply or demand, and even cryptocurrency.  See Juni Learning’s full slate of courses here .

Play Store Clerk

Take turns pretending to be the shopper and store clerk to teach your child about the value of money and purchases. Kids will learn to count money—and how to prioritize purchases based on needs and means.

Build a Simulated Stock Portfolio

Introduce your kids to the stock market and investing with a simulated stock market. Free to access and influenced by real market trends, a stock market simulator allows your child to try their hand at trading with virtual money.

Start a Piggy Bank

Teach your kids the importance of saving money by getting them their very own piggy bank. For bonus points, use a clear container like a jar so your child can see their money growing.

Grow Plants

Use a patch in the backyard, a window planter or a community garden to grow flowers, vegetables or herbs. If kids grow one of the two latter plants, encourage them to create a meal with their crops!

Cook Together

Cooking teaches children to follow directions and be comfortable in the kitchen—an invaluable life skill that’ll save them money later.

Countdown Calendar

Create a cool calendar that counts down to vacations, events, holidays or important dates in the child’s life.

Take Care of a Pet

Classroom pets, daycare pets and house pets impart consideration and responsibility. It’s important to know a child is ready before choosing to allow them access to a pet.

Arts and Writing Activities

Learning how to craft projects, stories or poems doesn’t just help students explore their own ideas, it also helps them learn to communicate in healthy ways . Juni Learning provides options to you and your budding artist , and more can be found below.

Sign Your Little One Up for Private Music Lessons

Learning an instrument or perfecting their singing voice can teach discipline and have a long-term impact on a young person’s quality of life. Skills in music can turn free time into productive practice, lead to promising career paths and help kids network as young adults.

Throw a Dance Party

If a child is crazy about the latest viral dance move, turn your common space into a kid-friendly dance club and get on the floor! Kids love sharing their interests, and this could be a fun way for them to introduce an adult to their taste in music.

Have a Puppet Show

Buy puppets or make your own, then plan a puppet show to put on for friends, family, an audience of toys or yourselves! Children can learn to think on their feet with improv, get creative by adapting a known story or practice acting by reciting an existing script.

Practice Origami

This Japanese art of paper folding requires adherence to step-by-step instructions and precise folds. It’s a great way to build patience, critical thinking skills and fine motor skills. Kids can then hang their works of art in their living space.

Play With Rainbow Soap Foam

If you have dish soap and food coloring, you’ll be able to  curate this colorful activity  in as little as 10 minutes. Be careful with young children, as the soap can still sting and shouldn’t be ingested. Also remember to wear old clothing and be mindful of where you perform this activity, as food coloring can stain. Now that the disclaimers are out of the way, it’s time to get chromatic!

Play Dress Up

The possibilities here are endless. From children dressing up and imitating older family members to donning the attire of their favorite heroes, a quick wardrobe change could transport a kid to a different world.

Read a Short Story

It’s a classic, but reading together can spark curiosity, imagination and creativity. It also helps establish routine and increase attention span.

Explore Online Afterschool Activities

Whether you’re playing to a child’s interests or attempting to introduce them to new concepts, fun after school activities can enrich a young life. Juni Learning is full of great resources that can guide kids after school activities to educational, artistic or practical learning.  Flip through their course catalog  to get started!

Python Coding Classes for Kids: This Is How to Start

Block Coding for Kids: What Is It and Why Is It Effective?

Coding Projects for Kids: Fun Ways to Get Into Programming

Go further with juni.

Find your potential through our exclusive educational content, guides, and resources only available to Juni Subscribers.

Recent Posts

Looking for a juni course check out our course explorer.

EXPLORE ALL COURSES >>

Get fun activities sent straight to your inbox

Enjoyed this article? Become a Juni subscriber to get even more exclusive educational content, guides, and deals sent straight to your email inbox.

Investing & Entrepreneurship

Communications

Help with Schoolwork

All Courses

How It Works

Instructors

Student Projects

On Demand ACT & SAT Prep

Help Center & FAQ

Founders’ Story

Instructor Jobs

Our Policies

Subscribe to our newsletter

Learn about our latest events, resources, programs, and more!

By subscribing you agree with our Terms of Use & Privacy Policy .

2261 Market St #4242, San Francisco, CA 94114

[email protected]

Discover more from Juni Learning

Subscribe now to keep reading and get access to the full archive.

Type your email…

Continue reading

• Math for Kids
• Parenting Resources
• ELA for Kids
• Teaching Resources

11 Best Multiplication Apps for Kids

How to Teach Number Formation in 5 Easy Steps

13 Best Resources for Math Videos for Kids: Math Made Fun

How to Teach Skip Counting to Kids in 9 Easy Steps

10 Best Math Intervention Strategies for Struggling Students

6 Best Alternatives to Public Schooling: A Guide for Parents

How to Cope With Test Anxiety in 12 Easy Ways

Developmental Milestones for 4 Year Olds: The Ultimate Guide

Simple & Stress-Free After School Schedule for Kids of All Ages

When Do Kids Start Preschool: Age & Readiness Skills

How to Teach Letter Sound in 6 Easy Steps

How to Teach Letter Formation to Kids in 9 Easy Steps

15 Best Literacy Activities for Preschoolers in 2024

12 Best Poems About Teachers Who Change Lives

6 Effective Ways to Improve Writing Skills

10 Best Game-Based Learning Platforms for Kids

60 Fun Animal Facts for Kids

12 Best Behavior Management Techniques for the Classroom

13 Best Online Teaching Tips for Teachers

How to Teach Kids to Write in 9 Easy Steps

35 After-School Activities for Kids to Stimulate Their Minds

35 Educational Yet Fun After-School Activities for Your Little Person

How to pick suitable after-school activities, frequently asked questions (faqs).

After-school activities are vital for a child’s physical and mental development. In addition, research shows that well-formulated after-school programs can improve kids’ social skills , school attendance, and academic outcomes. 

After-school programs are beneficial for both young and older kids. These activities keep your energetic toddler busy and tire them out for a good night’s sleep. In addition, older kids can stay on the right path and dodge bad company when participating in skill-based activities. 

There are several after-school courses, activities, and learning programs available. You must select a suitable activity based on your child’s age and interest. The activity has to be fun yet lay down the foundation for school. 

For parents’ reference, we have laid out the 35 best after-school activities for kids of all age groups. 

Usually, kids spend all day in school, which leaves them with less time to play. So rather than swamping your child with too many activities to do after school, why not pick an activity—based on your child’s grade level and interest—that can entertain and educate your little one. 

Since middle and high schoolers are quite vocal about their interests anyway, this article’s focus is on kindergartners , preschoolers , and elementary students.

So read on to find the best after-school programs to develop a new skill in your child.

Best After-School Activities for Kindergarten Students

Kindergartners are little balls of energy. They are curious and always ready to explore new things. Also, kindergarten classes are shorter, leaving children plenty of free time at home. 

Thus, before your toddler turns your home upside down, you can enroll them in the following activities:

1. Online Learning Games

Material Required : SplashLearn app

Skills : Math and Reading

Does your child love to play with your phone? Then, you can download the free SplashLearn app and let your toddler play learning games . SplashLearn has many free math games and reading games for preschoolers to fifth graders . With animations, storylines, and learning curves, these brain games for kids can build their academic skills. 

2. Scavenger Hunter in Park

Material Required : Small toys 

Skills : Tactical and Motor 

After school, you can take your child to a local park and pack up some of their favorite small toys like a car, a stuffed toy, etc. Then, you can hide those toys around the park and let your child run around to find all the items. Ensure that you do not hide the toys so far that you lose sight of your toddler. Such concentration games will also help them to have a great time!

3. Recycling Crayons

Material Required : Broken crayons, different plastic molds 

Skills : Color matching and Shapes

Ask your kiddos to collect all their broken crayons and color-coordinate them. Then, you can melt broken crayons and pour the mixture into different shape molds to set. Children will be fascinated to see crayons melting and forming different shapes while learning about shapes via games .

4. Colorful Popsicles

Material Required : Food color and flavors 

Skills : Color recognition and Taste sensing

Sensory development in young children is essential. So, you can make some colorful popsicles with your kids after school and develop their senses. To make popsicles, you can use food colors and different flavors, like orange, grapes, etc. 

5. Color an Item

Material Required: Any waste item like broken toys or paper plates

Skills : Color and Motor 

Pick a random item from your waste bin, like paper plates, cans, or broken toys. Then, leave your kid with paint and a brush to turn that item into something fun. It is a messy but great activity to indulge children. This will help kindergarteners to identify objects by colors .

6. Count It

Material Required : Nothing 

Skills : Counting , Matching and Observation 

You can also plan an activity while driving to/from your toddler to school. For example, you can pick a random item, say a tree, and ask your child to count all the trees that come from school to home. Again, it is a simple learning activity to boost your toddler’s observation skills. 

7. Paint a Sidewalk

Material Required : Colorful chalks

Skills : Motor and Hand–eye coordination 

Does your kiddo love to draw on your living room walls? In that case, you can get some colorful chalks for your toddler and take them outside to paint sidewalks. This activity can develop your child’s interest in art at an early age. 

8. Word Tree

Material Required : Dry leaves, marker, dual side tape, cardboard sheet

Skills : Alphabets and Numbers 

Take your children to a park and ask them to collect dry leaves. After that, write an alphabet or number on each leaf and stick tape on its back. Next, place a cardboard sheet in your living room and give the word to your toddler that they must find on leaves and paste on the sheet. This will make gardening with children a fun activity .

9. Calming Jar

Material Required : Empty jars, glitters, hand soap, watercolors 

Skills : Sensory 

You can create calming jars with your kids to relax them. Simply put water, glitters, colors, and hand soap in an empty jar. Tighten the jar’s lid and give it to your child so they can shake the jar when they feel agitated after a long day at school.

10. Dance Your Heart Out

Material Required : Children’s music playlist

Skills : Physical and Body Balance

The simplest kindergartner’s activity is to select your child’s favorite song to dance and blast it on your living room TV. This dancing session is going to be exciting one for kids. This activity can tire out your toddler and can act as a workout for kids . 

11. Chase Bubbles

Material Required : Dish soap, glycerine, straw

Skills : Motor

You can make some homemade bubbles using dish soap, glycerin, and waste straws. After that, let your kids chase colorful bubbles and giggle around the home.

12. Pebble Friends

Material Required : Pebbles, watercolors 

Skills : Emotions 

Ask your toddler to select pebbles from the road and paint them using different colors. You can also draw faces on the pebbles. These pebbles can become your child’s friend to share happy and sad movements. In addition, it can build emotions among your young children.

Best Activities for Preschoolers to Do After School

Preschool after-school activities have to be simple and engaging. It is hard to keep preschoolers’ attention for long. Therefore, you must select some entertaining activities to improve your preschooler’s attention span and teach them new skills. Here are some of the best activities for preschoolers to do at home:

13. Foam Art

Material Required : Shaving foam, watercolors, sheets of paper

Skills : Color recognition and Sensory

This is an artistic and sensory activity for preschoolers. Simply put shaving foam on a piece of paper and let your child paint something on the foam. Then, place another piece of paper over the foam, and all the colors will transfer to it. This will create a cool foam painting. These painting ideas for kids are definitely going to be super fun for them!

14. Tell Me a Story

Material Required : A jar, paper, pencil 

Skills : Imagination 

This is an easy activity for preschoolers where you can simply create small paper chits and write random words on them like blue, rainbow, and so on. Then, put all the chits in a jar and ask your children to pick a chit every day after school. Then, they must create an imaginary story using the word mentioned in the chit. It is a great way to improve your children’s imagination and storytelling skills.

15. Color Sort Your Room

Skills : Color names 

Parents are going to love this activity. It will not only teach children different color names but also teach them how to organize their rooms. For example, you can ask your kids to put all the items of a color present in their room in one place. Your children can learn to clean their room and the names of colors.

16. Swimming with Dinosaurs 

Material Required : Kiddy swimming pool 

Skills : Arm strength 

Is it around 50° outside? Then, you can pull out the kiddy swimming pool from your garage and fill it with water bubbles for your kids to splash around in.

17. Bake It

Material Required : Kid’s baking kit

Skills : Baking

You can order a kid’s baking kit for your preschooler and let them bake up some delicious treats with you. This activity can help you bond with your toddler and pass on your baking passion to them. Baking, which is a science, will also help them understand proportions, precise measurements, and why certain chemical combinations result in particular results.

18. Fashion Parade

Material Required : Your wardrobe 

Skills : Dress up, Colors and Motor

Are you blessed with energetic kids? In that case, you can open up your wardrobe and let them create an awesome fashion show. It might mess up your wardrobe, but it will improve your kids’ creative abilities, imagination, confidence and self-esteem, allowing you to create beautiful memories with your little ones, which makes this certainly worth it.

19. Plant a Seed

Material Required : A flower pot, a seed

Skills : Gardening

You can give a flower pot and a flower seed to your child. Then, you can teach them how to sow a seed and nurture it to turn it into a blooming flower. Your child can learn to care for others with this activity. You can teach them how flowers bloom after good care. 

20. Cabbage Experiment 

Material Required : Food coloring, water, empty jar, cabbage leaves

Skills : STEM

This fun after-school activity can turn your preschooler into a little scientist. To perform this activity, put different food colors into jars filled with water and place a cabbage leaf in it. This experiment will show your kid how leaves absorb water. 

21. Rainbow Bread

Material Required : Bread slices, food coloring 

Skills : Color recognition 

Sometimes it is alright to let your kids mess around with food. For example, you can give your preschoolers a slice of bread and some food coloring to make colorful rainbow bread for their lunchbox.

22. Wheat Clay

Material Required : Flour, food coloring 

Skills : Motor skills

Playing with clay helps to improve your child’s hand and finger grips. So instead of buying clay from the store, you can use whole-purpose flour and food coloring to make clay at home. Simply knead the dough using different food colors and let your little bundles make clay toys.

23. Build a Fort

Material Required : Bedsheets, home decorations

After school, you can build a fort in your living room using bed sheets and let your child take a nap in it. You can decorate the fort by using different home decor items like tealights, plants, or your child’s favorite toys. This activity is the best way to put your child down for a quick nap.

24. Sing a Song

Skills : Speaking 

Is your toddler struggling to speak words? In that case, indulge them in activities that allow them to speak more. Of course, singing along with your toddler is the best activity in this situation. Without even noticing, your children can learn to speak difficult words when they sing rhyming songs with you. After school, you should spend a few minutes singing with your child; who knows, you might have the next American Idol on your hands.

Best After-School Activities for Elementary Students

Elementary students are more mature and understanding than preschoolers and kindergartners. You can try more advanced activities with elementary students to develop their academic skills. At this age, your child can also tell you which after-school activity excites them the most. 

Some of the best activities for elementary students after school are listed here. 

25. Teach Your Siblings 

Skills : Academic 

You can put your elementary school goers on the homework duty of their younger siblings. This can help them to revise their own lessons and bond with their siblings. Besides, you also get some free time to relax.

26. Puppet Show 

Material Required : Socks, buttons, threads

Skills : Creative 

You can help your child create a sock puppet using cute buttons and colorful threads. Then, for festivals or family dinner parties, your kids can present their special puppet show and build their stage skills. 

27. Indoor Sack Race 

Material Required : Old sacks

Skills : Physical strength and Competitiveness 

You can invite your kids’ friends to a fun sack race in your backyard after school. Grab some snacks and host a fun sack race competition at your home. 

28. Make Your Ice Cream

Material Required : Ice cubes, zip locks, milk, sugar, and any ice cream flavor

Skills : STEM 

Taking your kids for an ice cream treat after school is the best way to reward them. But you can turn ice cream treats into a fun activity by showing your child how to make ice cream in a ziplock with some ice cubes and a mixture of half-and-half and sugar. 

29. Plan a Movie Night

Material Required : An animated movie for kids , snacks

Skills : Planning and Responsibility 

Give your kid the responsibility to plan a family movie night. Let them choose any famous kids’ movie and snacks for a fun family time. It can make your child responsible and teach them how to cater to other people’s needs. 

30. Read a Story

Material Required : Good children’s books 

Skills : Reading 

Elementary students have an advanced reading level. They can read all the big words. So, you can ask your kiddo to read you a new bedtime story every night. This can help you in improving your child’s reading skills . 

31. Dry Leaves and Flowers

Material Required : Leaves, flowers, salt, airtight jar

Here’s another science experiment for kids to develop your their interest in science. You can show your child how salt absorbs moisture by creating dry leaves. Just place fallen leaves and flowers in a jar of salt. Salt will absorb all the moisture within a few days, turning them all dry. 

32. Sleepovers 

Material Required : PJs, sleeping bags, junk food

Skills : Social 

Encourage your kids to organize a sleepover party with friends. This activity boosts social skills and develops sharing habits among your elementary school goers. 

33. Veggie Stamp

Material Required : Various veggies like okra or cauliflower, water paints 

Skills : Creativity & Botany

Kids will have a blast when they see how awesome stamp patterns they can create by dipping veggies like okra into the paint. 

34. Origami 

Material Required : Colorful paper, safety scissors 

Skills : Hands-on 

Elementary students are old enough to handle scissors. So, you can enroll your kids in online origami classes to learn how to create cool stuff using paper. 

35. Calligraphy 

Material Required : Calligraphy books

Skills : Writing 

You can order some calligraphy books to help your child develop beautiful writing skills to shine in school. 

Every type of after-school activity is important to improve your child’s academic skills and can even teach them a new art form. You can develop several hands-on skills in your kiddo using the right after-school activity ideas. 

Simply consider your child’s age and passion while selecting the best activities. Also, don’t forget to choose fun activities for kids . 

There, you have already explored thirty-five of the best activities to perform after school for kids. So, select the suitable one and keep your child engaged even after school.

What are after-school activities for?

After-school programs can help children and youth develop socially, emotionally, cognitively, and academically, reduce risky behaviors, promote physical health, and provide a safe and supportive environment.

Why should schools provide more after-school activities?

Participation in after-school programs on a consistent basis has reduced dropout rates and helped close achievement gaps for low-income students. Regular participation in an after-school program may also help older youth reduce risky behaviors and gain college- and career-related skills.

Should after-school programs be mandatory?

Extracurricular activities for kids like speech leagues, sports, and many others should be made mandatory because they all provide excellent opportunities to interact with others and improve your social skills. When applying for a job in the real world, networking is more important than your GPA.

15 Best Movement Activities for Preschoolers in 2024

12 Best Activities for Kinesthetic Learners

15 Best Speech Therapy Activities for Toddlers

• Pre-Kindergarten
• Kindergarten

Most Popular

15 Best Report Card Comments Samples

117 Best Riddles for Kids (With Answers)

40 Best Good Vibes Quotes to Brighten Your Day

Recent posts.

What is Eclectic Homeschooling & How To Start [Full Guide]

Math & ELA | PreK To Grade 5

Kids see fun., you see real learning outcomes..

Watch your kids fall in love with math & reading through our scientifically designed curriculum.

Parents, try for free Teachers, use for free

• Games for Kids
• Worksheets for Kids
• Math Worksheets
• ELA Worksheets
• Math Vocabulary
• Number Games
• Addition Games
• Subtraction Games
• Multiplication Games
• Division Games
• Addition Worksheets
• Subtraction Worksheets
• Multiplication Worksheets
• Division Worksheets
• Times Tables Worksheets
• Reading Games
• Writing Games
• Phonics Games
• Sight Words Games
• Letter Tracing Games
• Reading Worksheets
• Writing Worksheets
• Phonics Worksheets
• Sight Words Worksheets
• Letter Tracing Worksheets
• Prime Number
• Order of Operations
• Long multiplication
• Place value
• Parallelogram
• SplashLearn Success Stories
• SplashLearn Apps
• [email protected]

© Copyright - SplashLearn

Make study-time fun with 14,000+ games & activities, 450+ lesson plans, and more—free forever.

Parents, Try for Free Teachers, Use for Free

Back To School

Hint: An after-school snack is never a bad idea.

When my oldest son started kindergarten, I was clueless about how to structure his after-school routine. Did he need to eat a snack immediately? Did he need to focus on homework or play? Should I limit screen time after school ? We needed a routine, but I had no idea where to start. I ultimately put a call-out on social media begging for my experienced friends to weigh in.

Any after-school routine should really be based around the needs of the individual child, says child psychologist Maureen Healy , and all kids need time to decompress after school. “The goal is to build that 'downtime' into the day,” Healy says, noting that kids need to “rest, relax, and recharge after a full day of school.”

Every kid is different and as they change and grow, their after-school routine may change as well. For example, elementary kids will still want time to play, while middle school and high school students may need to factor in school sports practices or part-time jobs later on.

After-school routine templates

These basic after-school routine templates below can help you put together the routine that works best for you and your family. They might look different day-to-day, so don’t be stressed if your routine is ever thrown off — because it will likely happen — but knowing generally what to expect is good for both parents and kids.

Preschool & kindergarten after-school routines:

• Nap or rest
• Free play (indoors or out)
• Family walk

Elementary school after-school routines:

• Extracurricular activities

Middle school after-school routines:

• Rest/quiet time (with or without screens)

High school after-school routines:

• Clubs, activities, part-time job
• Rest/quiet time

Whether you're home with your child after school or they're in the care of someone else, you can still find a way to make their routine work for them. Let the tips below guide you as you flesh out the details of your afternoon.

Prioritize food

My kids are always ravenous after school. Sometimes lunch periods are in the late morning and by pick-up time, they’ve worked up a serious appetite again. An immediate snack after school to keep energy levels up is never a bad idea.

While your kids might beg for something sweet to eat after working hard at school all day, Angie Weiss , the nutrition services director at Wichita Falls Area Food Bank in Texas, tells Romper that parents should encourage foods with energy-boosting qualities after school. It's tempting to reward kids for their hard work at school with a sweet treat, but Weiss says to reach for "less candy and more whole grains, veggies, fruit, and lean protein" to prevent late-afternoon sugar crashes.

Get homework out of the way

If your child dreads homework, you may choose to get it out of the way sooner than later. After they’ve fueled up with a snack and had a few minutes of rest, break out the books. With the whole evening stretching in front of them, they’ll be able to take their time and not feel hurried, which can take the edge off some of their homework stress.

Give them after-school chores

You don’t have to pile a lot of housework on their shoulders, but giving your child some simple tasks to do around the house can help build their sense of self-esteem. In fact, a Michigan State University study concluded that assigning children age-appropriate chores to complete daily can lead to a more balanced household, and leaves more time for parents and children to spend together.

Provide flexible free time

"I would build 20 to 30 minutes into your after-school schedule so they get to unwind and not rush anywhere," Healy says. "They may sit outside under a tree, play a video — depending on your family rules, take a nap, or play with their Lego toys, as examples. Of course, some children may need more time while others need less — but remembering that rest and restoration are essential to healthy development on a daily basis is an important part of intentional parenting."

Screens may play a role in your child’s after-school routine when it comes to free time. Expert advice varies depending on your child’s age and what type of screen time they will engage in, so it is up to you to decide what is best for your family.

My own kids have trouble focusing on homework if they don't have at least some free time after school. Even if it doesn't happen until after homework time, knowing they will have time to play or relax gives them something to look forward to after a long day at school.

Engage in organized activities

Participating in organized youth sports can provide "an emphasis on fun while establishing a balance between physical fitness, psychologic well-being, and lifelong lessons for a healthy and active lifestyle," a study published in the Journal of Sports Medicine found. When you allow your child to participate in an organized activity after school, you're also giving them another opportunity outside of school to socialize with their friends and let off some steam after a long day of learning.

If an organized activity is too much for your family, you can reap similar benefits by letting kids play with their neighborhood friends once they're home, or having a quick game of catch in the backyard before dinner.

Take a walk

One thing that my own kids have really enjoyed having as part of our after-school routine is regular walks. Especially when the weather is particularly nice, they are just itching to get outside after being at school all day. They get to stretch their legs, breathe some fresh air, and bounce around to get their extra energy out.

Practice gratitude

"Parents who can invest — it's really an investment — five to 15 minutes per child every evening to establish a practice of gratitude or connection build a stronger parent-child relationship, which contributes to positive emotional health," Healy says. She suggests trying an exercise called ‘three good things’. "Every night, you name three 'good things' from the day," Healy says. "Some days are easy like ice cream, pizza, and puppy dogs, while other days are harder like having the ears to hear and arms to hug, but this is a positive practice for parent and child."

Another activity Healy recommends is "the 'rose and thorn,' where, before bedtime, you ask your child what his 'rose' or favorite part of the day was, and the 'thorn' which may be the most challenging moment. Of course, we want to focus on the rose, but also coach our child on how thorns exist and how to handle them, too."

Whatever after-school routine you create with your children, the key is figuring out what’s comfortable for you and your kids. Every family’s routine will look a little different, and that’s totally OK.

Studies cited:

Merkel DL. Youth sport: positive and negative impact on young athletes. Open Access Journal of Sports Medicine. May 31, 2013. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/instance/3871410/

Sources interviewed:

Maureen Healy , child psychologist, author of The Emotionally Healthy Child

Angie Weiss , nutrition services director, Wichita Falls Area Food Bank

This article was originally published on July 30, 2019

High Impact Tutoring Built By Math Experts

Personalized standards-aligned one-on-one math tutoring for schools and districts

Free ready-to-use math resources

Hundreds of free math resources created by experienced math teachers to save time, build engagement and accelerate growth

13 Fun Homework Ideas: The Best Ways To Make Homework Fun For Kids Quickly & Easily

Sophie Bartlett

Figuring out how to make homework fun can be a tricky task for parents.

Does it feel like you’re constantly nagging your kids to do their homework? If your answer is yes, know that we’ve all been there! It’s natural for parents to want their children to progress and do well in school, but after an entire day of paper, pencils, and books many youngsters will resist getting on with their homework – and that’s putting it mildly!

Top Tips To Make Homework Fun:

1. work together, 2. use rewards and incentives, 3. make them a snack, 4. make it visual, 5. try different learning apps, 6. set up a homework play date, 7. go outside, 8. turn it into a game, 9. let them play teacher, 10. use a timer, 11. create a special homework space, 12. remember to be positive, 13. get help if you need it.

Thankfully, there are ways of making homework less boring and that are a little bit more fun for your child. Whether they need to practice spelling, learn their times tables or revise for an important exam, our top fun homework ideas will help you magically take the ‘work’ out of homework.

Adults often work best in the company of others, and the same can be said of kids, so why not sit with your child while they’re studying and get on with some of your own work or life admin?

Whether you’re returning emails or doing your online banking, creating a shared workspace and modeling focused work is a great way to spend quality time together while they complete their homework. Win-win!

Quick win : While your child is tackling their fractions homework, you could sit down with them and take a look through your finances.

Rewards and incentives are great when it comes to getting your children to follow your household rules and routines, and homework is no different. Things like stickers or the promise of time on their iPad or games console for slightly older children can all work wonders in getting them to do their homework without a battle.

Quick win: For every few questions they answer they could get a minute of screen time!

Let’s face it: A hungry child is an unfocused, unmotivated and unhappy child.

Most children come out of school ravenous, so let them nibble on a nutritious after-school snack while they get on with homework; things like popcorn, apple slices, grapes, or crackers and cheese are all great snack options.

If you’re feeling a bit more adventurous, Active for Life has a list of healthy after-school snack ideas and recipes to try.

Quick win: One of the best brain foods for kids is a nice and crispy apple! So when your child is craving something sweet just cut up an apple and let them munch away.

Help to eliminate the late night ‘Oh, I forgot to do that’, and create a weekly homework chart so your child can see what they have to do each day and check off each ‘to do’ task as it’s been completed.

Again, Pinterest has some great free printables to help keep kids organized. Get them involved by letting them color it, or decorate it with their favorite stickers, and pin it up somewhere at their height, where they will see it easily every day as a reminder. Some exciting new stationery and colorful pens might help too.

Quick win: An easy way to make homework fun is to grab a piece of paper and get your child to draw out and decorate a ‘homework chart’ consisting of 5 days. Stick it on the fridge and add a sticker to each day after they’ve done their homework, when they’ve collected 5 stickers they get a treat!

If your child prefers to be online, there are some great online apps around that children will have fun using, yet encourage learning too. Here are our favorite free math websites for example. Speak to your child’s teacher too and see which apps the children use in school so you can support what they’re doing at home.

Quick win: One of our favorite websites that makes homework fun is Tang Math !

Holding a homework playdate where your child can invite one of their best school buddies over to do homework together can be a great way for them to learn and make sure the work gets done, especially older children in elementary school.

Plus, it’s likely that their parents will be delighted!

Younger children may need a bit more support and guidance but can still gain a lot from the experience of learning together with a friend – think of this as a mini-educational play date for them.

Quick win: Let your child and their friend play for a while, and then get them to work through their homework with the incentive of a yummy ‘ice cream party’ when they’ve completed all of their homework.

If the weather allows, create a comfortable outside study space and allow your child to do their homework outdoors.

The fresh air can help kids with their concentration if they’ve been stuck in a classroom all day, and studies also show that being outside, closer to nature, can increase productivity. The reward of a quick game of Frisbee or a kick-around of a soccer ball between tasks will help them stay motivated too.

Who said home learning had to be boring? If children enjoy what they’re learning, they’re more likely to remember what they’re being taught, so turn their learning into a fun game. Using sweets like Smarties to help with math and number work can turn the experience from a chore into a treat. If they get the right answer, they get to eat some!

Another trick that you can use when your child is learning spellings is to write them in shaving cream or in magnetic letters. It sounds simple but we can guarantee that it will make homework a lot more fun for your child.

These math games for kids and times tables games are a great place to start.

Quick win: If you’re looking for some fun homework ideas then check out this simple multiplication activity you can do at home, it’ll even get in one of your child’s five a day!

Make another fun homework game by creating your own mini-classroom and letting your child step into the role of teacher.

Have your child explain a concept to you as a teacher, as you, or their sibling, play the role of the student. This game works particularly well with subjects that require theory, like Science for example, as it will improve their understanding of the concept and build logic and reasoning skills.

Quick win: Make homework fun by getting your child to choose their favorite teddies and toys and setting them up in their own mini- classroom. Start off with registration, ‘mom’ ‘present’, ‘mr teddy’ ‘here’ etc. You’ll soon notice that your child is growing in confidence regardless of the topic as children love playing teacher!

Some children may have difficulty working for prolonged periods of time without a break, so using a timer can be great for getting them to complete homework without whining. For example, if your child is given 20 math problems for homework, you can say “Complete the first 10 questions, then we’ll take a 5-minute break, then complete the next 10 questions”.

Many children will need a mental break and will work more effectively when given the opportunity to take one. At the end of the task, they get to pick an activity of their choice. If your child gets easily distracted, a timer game can work well to keep them focused on the task in hand.

Quick win: Put the timer on your phone so that your child can see the countdown while they’re working.

A special study space can make homework more fun and help motivate your child to get it done! Choose a space in your house that’s least likely to distract your child, and create simple, organized, and kid-friendly homework.

You could hang up some of their artwork above the desk, and have all their school essentials nearby so everything is close to hand.

Quick win: Make sure that they aren’t surrounded by things that will distract them. Televisions and iPads are a no go at homework time!

Remember to always be upbeat and positive about school and the importance of their homework. Give your child lots of praise and encouragement about how well they’re doing to help them stay motivated and on track.

Quick win: After every homework session, spend five minutes talking through what your child has accomplished. If you’re running out of activities to do, have a look at our list of home learning packs – all free to download.

Homework can be frustrating if your child doesn’t understand the material or gets bored easily. If your child is struggling, get them some expert help!

Quick win: Third Space Learning has plenty of advice on learning math for kids and parents but if you need more support, our primary school math tutors are easy to organize and very affordable.

Do you have students who need extra support in math? Give your students more opportunities to consolidate learning and practice skills through personalized math tutoring with their own dedicated online math tutor. Each student receives differentiated instruction designed to close their individual learning gaps, and scaffolded learning ensures every student learns at the right pace. Lessons are aligned with your state’s standards and assessments, plus you’ll receive regular reports every step of the way. Personalized one-on-one math tutoring programs are available for: – 2nd grade tutoring – 3rd grade tutoring – 4th grade tutoring – 5th grade tutoring – 6th grade tutoring – 7th grade tutoring – 8th grade tutoring Why not learn more about how it works ?

The content in this article was originally written by primary school teacher Sophie Bartlett and has since been revised and adapted for US schools by elementary math teacher Christi Kulesza.

Related articles

Teaching Money: 11 Nifty Tips For Unearthing Kids’ Inner Billionaires

Math Homework Guide For Helping Kids With Math At Home

How To Prevent The Summer Slide: 9 Ways To Prepare Students For The New School Year

Back To School Math Ideas For Parents: How To Make Sure Your Child Is Ready For Math In The New School Year

PEMDAS Math Poster (Spanish Version) [FREE]

Trying to help remember what the mnemonic PEMDAS stands for? Display this poster to engage young learners with answering questions on the order of operations.

Check out more English and Spanish posters available in our US resource library!

Privacy Overview

• Infertility
• Miscarriage & Loss
• Pre-Pregnancy Shopping Guides
• Diapering Essentials
• Bedtime & Bathtime
• Baby Clothing
• Health & Safety
• First Trimester
• Second Trimester
• Third Trimester
• Pregnancy Products
• Baby Names By Month
• Popular Baby Names
• Unique Baby Names
• Labor & Delivery
• Birth Stories
• Fourth Trimester
• Parental Leave
• Postpartum Products
• Sleep Guides & Schedules
• Feeding Guides & Schedules
• Milestone Guides
• Learn & Play
• Beauty & Style Shopping Guides
• Meal Planning & Shopping
• Entertaining
• Personal Essays
• Home Shopping Guides
• Work & Motherhood
• Family Finances & Budgeting

Viral & Trending

• Celebrity News
• Women’s Health
• Children’s Health
• It’s Science

Mental Health

• Health & Wellness Shopping Guide
• What To Read
• What To Watch
• Mother’s Day
• Memorial Day
• Summer prep
• Single Parenting
• Blended Families
• Community & Friendship
• Marriage & Partnerships
• Grandparents & Extended Families
• Stretch Mark Cream
• Pregnancy Pillows
• Maternity Pajamas
• Maternity Workout Clothes
• Compression Socks
• All Pregnancy Products
• Pikler Triangles
• Toddler Sleep Sacks
• Toddler Scooters
• Water Tables
• All Toddler Products
• Breastmilk Coolers
• Postpartum Pajamas
• Postpartum Underwear
• Postpartum Shapewear
• All Postpartum Products
• Kid Pajamas
• Play Couches
• Kids’ Backpacks
• Kids’ Bikes
• Kids’ Travel Gear
• All Child Products
• Baby Swaddles
• Eco-Friendly Diapers
• Baby Bathtubs
• All Baby Products
• Pregnancy-safe Skincare
• Diaper Bags
• Maternity Jeans
• Matching Family Swimwear
• Mama Necklaces
• All Beauty and Style Products
• All Classes
• Free Classes By Motherly
• Parenting & Family Topics
• Toddler Topics
• TTC & Pregnancy
• Wellness & Fitness

• Please wait..

30+ activities your kids can do instead of homework

Too much homework for kids can be harmful. Here are other ways for your children to learn at home.

By Jessica Smock and Beau Brink Updated August 10, 2022

There are many aspects of my more than decade-long career as a teacher that I’m proud of. My reputation for  giving lots and lots of homework —sometimes over two hours’ worth—is not one of them. My intentions were good: I, like their parents, didn’t want my students to fall behind.

However, when I entered a doctoral program in education policy, I learned that some research suggests homework is not good for elementary school-aged kids. Not only does it fail to improve the academic performance of elementary students,  but it might actually be damaging to kids’ attitudes toward school , and to their physical health.

Related: Is school stressing out your child? 10 ways to tell—and help them feel better

After hours spent sitting and engaging in mostly adult directed activities , children’s minds and bodies need other kinds of experiences when they get home, not more academics. It’s not just that homework itself has few academic benefits for little kids (and may even be harmful), it’s also that homework is replacing other fun, developmentally appropriate and valuable after school activities—activities that help children grow into healthy, happy adults.

Who invented homework, anyway?

Modern homework was invented by Johann Gottlieb Fichte, who created a compulsory school system that was meant to support the effort to unify Germany (it had originally been a set of city-states, and reached unification in 1871). For Fichte, homework was a way for students to be involved in patriotism: They attended state-sponsored schools and spent their free time doing assignments related to their state-sponsored education. It was brought to America by Horace Mann, a pioneer of  public education in the United States , in the 1840s.

However, in the interim, a lot has changed in education. With time and research, educators are learning more and more about how children learn best and what kinds of work are developmentally appropriate at different ages and stages.

What does the research say about homework for kids?

While researchers think that homework  is  beneficial for academic achievement, the amount and type of homework makes a difference. One study published in the  Journal of Experimental Education  found that excessive homework leaves kids stressed, sleep deprived, and lacking balance for social and family activities even when those students come from upper-middle class families and go to top-performing schools—and many students  don’t  have those advantages.

Then there’s the issue of whether homework is actually effective at changing academic outcomes. Education researchers generally agree that kids get more benefit from homework the older they get, but one 2020 Rutgers study found that homework has become less effective at reinforcing classroom learning as smartphone use has become widespread. Kids use their phones to complete their assignments and get good grades on homework, but then don’t perform well on exams.

Here are a few ideas for after school activities for kids

1. spend time with family.

Many parents have daily battles with their elementary-aged kids over homework, and for many it negatively affects their relationships. Instead of parents nagging their overtired kids to do homework,  families can spend much more time talking together  about their day. In fact, conversation is the best way for all of us—especially young children—to learn about our world and cultivate empathy.

Encouraging  multigenerational relationships  can also yield many lessons for kids. By spending time with Grandma and Grandpa, they can learn how other adult role models in their lives who love them handle conflict, create and negotiate rules and routines, and embrace family traditions.

Suggested activities:

• Talking to parents
• Helping out with dinner
• Hanging out at grandma’s
• Reading a book together

2. Self care

Just like adults, kids  need time to take care of themselves  so that they can perform well in school. And also like adults, a lot of kids don’t have self-care basics in their routine.

Take sleep, for instance.  The National Sleep Foundation  estimates that between 25 and 50 percent of children aren’t getting enough sleep. Lack of sleep can cause all sorts of problems in kids, including poor attention, behavior problems, academic difficulties, irritability and weight gain. But even small amounts of additional sleep can have big impacts. One study found that only 20 additional minutes of sleep can improve kids’ grades.

Other self care activities benefit children, too: Reading aloud to a child helps them  build their vocabulary , having a bedtime routine  improves children’s social and behavioral habits  and having some relaxing downtime recharges their  ability to pay attention and concentrate .

• Building a consistent bedtime routine
• Cleaning their room
• Listening to classical music

3. Independent activities

Solitary activities—those that children can do  on their own, without the help of adults —build kids’ confidence and help them to relax. Plus, if there’s an element of learning, like your child acquiring a new skill on their own, it can  improve their motivation and memory in the long run .

Kids benefit in different ways from different independent activities. According to the National Literacy Trust,  reading for pleasure has a greater impact on children’s achievement  in school than their family’s economic status and not only builds vocabulary and comprehension but builds confidence. Knitting and crochet build fine motor skills, and gardening helps kids apply what they’re learning in their science and math classes to the real world.

• Independent reading
• Working on a puzzle
• Learning to knit
• Conducting a science experiment
• Planting a garden

An important part of how young kids’ minds develop is  through free, self-directed play . According to David Elkind, Ph.D., author of  The Power of Play: How Spontaneous, Imaginative Activities Lead to Happier, Healthier Children , free play is more critical now than ever, as recesses are shortened or eliminated and kids’ calendars are busier than ever.

There are a lot of different kinds of play: Risky play, sensory play, parallel play, constructive play, cooperative play, and more. All types of play have benefits for children, like building social skills, increasing creativity, improving problem-solving skills, and providing opportunities to explore the world in new ways. It’s even good for parents: As the  American Academy of Pediatrics  says, “Play offers parents a wonderful opportunity to engage fully with their children.”

• Go up a slide backward
• Dig in the dirt
• Play with a friend in a sandbox
• Play dress-up
• Create a collage
• Play Simon Says
• Make a fort

5. Physical activity

Kids who are physically active —as well as adults— have stronger hearts, lungs, and bones . They are less likely to develop cancer or be overweight and more likely to feel good about themselves. Even rough-housing can be beneficial. Rough and tumble play is not the same as aggression. It’s vigorous, freeform, whole body, energetic, happy play. Kids learn decision making skills, relieve stress, improve their ability to read social cues, and enhance their cardiovascular health.

And walking the dog counts: Kids who  help take care of family pets  may be less anxious, less likely to develop allergies and asthma, and are more active.

• Jumping rope
• Riding a bike
• Walking the dog
• Setting up an obstacle course in your living room
• Have a dance party

6. Volunteering

Through volunteering , kids can become  more grateful, empathetic, and feel more connected  to the wider community. Volunteering at an animal shelter can be especially enriching for children. Even kids who don’t have pets at home can benefit from being around animals. The emotional and psychological benefits of being around animals can also be found when kids care for injured animals and take on care-taking responsibilities for other people’s pets.

• Playing with animals at a shelter
• Bringing flowers to seniors in nursing homes
• Organizing or contributing to a toy drive
• Donating clothes to a shelter
• Picking up litter in the neighborhood

7. Creative expression

According to the  American Psychological Association , creative expression has incredible benefits for children’s mental health. Various studies have found that  engaging in creative expression  while experiencing negative emotions like anger and sadness helps people, including children, to process those emotions healthily. It doesn’t matter what kind of creative expression it is: Drawing, acting, writing, playing music and more can all build resilience along with improving kids’ imaginations, fine motor skills, and communication.

• Practice an instrument
• Draw a picture
• Write a story
• Take pictures
• Create with slime, play dough or kinetic sand

No homework? No problem

Homework takes away from the time available to engage in endless other forms of learning, such as social, physical, and emotional, as well as rest. And in any case, the learning done in school is only one form of learning.

Our kids deserve a chance to spend all their other hours outside of school doing their most important job of all:  being a kid .

With additional reporting by Beau Brink and Diva Anwari. 

A version of this post was originally published on Parent.com . It has been updated.

Related Stories

Child Learn & Play

4 ways to instill a love of learning in your child.

15 toys that will keep your kids entertained inside *and* outside

Children's Health

From adhd to dyslexia: 5 common learning issues and how to help your child thrive.

Embracing my ADHD in motherhood led me to deeper self-compassion

Motherly’s 2024 state of motherhood report, mom of three explains why she doesn’t ask her kids to ‘help’ around the house, mass retailers have pulled weighted infant sleepwear from shelves due to safety concerns, our editors also recommend....

Professional Development

• Login Talk to a Mentor

15 Innovative School Homework Ideas to Make Learning Fun

Aashita Pillai

Aashita is a writer here at Suraasa and has formerly worked as a Teacher Mentor for a couple of years. She wields words like weapons to help readers get clear and concise information.

Introduction

General tips to keep students hooked to school homework, 15 innovative school homework ideas to engage your students, theme a: arts and crafts, theme b: physical and outside activities, theme c: digital activities, theme d: games, theme e: entrepreneurship.

“Hi teachers! I am your old friend, School Homework. Over time as education changed, so have I— thanks to the endless innovations that happened to me.  Let me take you through my life and the various innovations that made me your best friend- I was born in the 1920s to help students reinforce what they learned in class. Until the 1980s, I was basically just pen-and-paper-based assignments.  The Internet was born in 1983. From there onwards, I made my stride into the ‘digital era’.

Until the beginning of 2020, I was slowly being integrated within online platforms and technology to help students learn better. Then at the onset of 2020, the world plunged into the COVID-19 pandemic. Schools shifted to a ‘remote learning’ mode of education. During this pandemic, you and I became very crucial in ensuring the continuity of our students’ learning. You all embraced creative approaches to keep the students engaged. You leveraged interactive games, virtual simulations, & more to make me engaging. Gone are the days when you, my dear teachers, would limit your homework to worksheets, textbook questions, literature reviews, and reports. Today as we stand here in 2023, there is no limit to innovative and exciting homework formats! Well, that’s from me. See you in the classrooms!”

So teachers, we heard from homework about how it has evolved over time. As it said, many innovative ways have come up to reinforce our students' learning. So, are you ready to make your students fall in love with these new school homework ideas? Let’s begin with understanding some general tips to keep your students engaged with their school homework.

1. Make it Relevant and Meaningful 

Connect the school homework to their lives, interests, or current events to make it more meaningful and relatable. For example, if it’s Christmas time, you can ask your students to explore the themes of charity, storytelling, etc.

2. Give Them a Choice

Allow students to have some choice and autonomy in their assignments. Ask them to select the format (e.g. written format in the online medium, oral format in the offline medium) in which they want to submit their homework. When they feel a sense of ownership, they are more likely to be motivated and engaged. This is how you become a 21st-century teacher who uses differentiated learning. 

3. Celebrate Their Achievements

When children get appreciated for their achievements or good behaviour, it boosts their self-confidence. It encourages them to repeat those actions. This creates a positive learning environment. They are more likely to deliver results when appreciated for their actions. Hence, you can celebrate their achievements via small rewards, recognition or a display of their work in class.

Let's move to the next part of this blog, where we will share innovative school homework ideas that will turn mundane homework into engaging learning sessions!  After assigning any of these innovative homework ideas, you might never hear students’ innovative excuses to avoid homework! To give you a quick run-through, these ideas have been grouped under some common themes. Under each theme, you will learn how to use 3 ideas listed alongside relevant examples to comprehend it completely. Come along as we give the ratty old homework a MAKEOVER!

By infusing the joy of arts and crafts into school homework, you can tap into the innate curiosity and imagination of your students. And you never know, you might end up being the person that shaped the next Da Vinci! So, let’s get right into it:

1. Create Your Storybook

We all have heard stories. We have loved them and adored them. So why not give our students a chance to write one?  After the students submit their storybooks, you can review their stories and give personalised feedback. Such feedback addresses each student’s individual needs, strengths, and areas for improvement. This fosters a student-centric learning environment.  Let's look at a few examples to understand this school homework approach more closely:

2. Make Your Own Board Game

Do you remember the joy of gathering around a table, rolling a dice, and playing Snakes & Ladders? As kids and even as adults, many of us love spending our time playing board games.  Now, picture becoming the teacher that integrates school homework with a board game! Students can design board games and incorporate artistic elements into their theme, board layout, cards, etc. They can become architects of fun and learning!

Let's look at a few examples to understand this school homework approach more closely:

3. Construct a Birdhouse

Now, let’s tap into the sweet nostalgia of DIY(Do it Yourself) Projects. It could be something as simple as bedsheet forts or something a little more complex like a birdhouse 🙂 Won’t it be wonderful to watch your students feel a sense of accomplishment when they build their own handmade creations?  Let’s focus on the idea of constructing a birdhouse. By assigning students this homework, you’ll additionally be encouraging kinesthetic learning . 

Let's look at a few examples to understand this school homework approach more closely: 

Students love spending their time outdoors. Assigning school homework that requires them to be outside is a big plus! It will also help them apply what’s taught in class in real-life situations and promote active learning.

4. Participate in a Scavenger Hunt

Everyone loves a good old mystery! Give your students the chance to be modern-day ‘Sherlock Holmes’ as they set out on scavenger hunts.  Let's look at a few examples to understand this school homework approach more closely:

5. Maintain a Physical Activity Journal

In this digital age, where mobile and laptop screens often dominate, the majority of the students lead sedentary lifestyles. School homework which encourages physical activity, can be a game-changer! And what better than maintaining a physical activity journal that helps with it? Additionally, it will also promote the healthy habit of having an active lifestyle among students.  Getting students to journal can seem tough, but with the right motivation & incentives, it can be done. Additionally, this can also be a fun summer holiday homework, where students can keep track of their activities all summer! Encourage them to document their daily exercise triumphs. Push them to go beyond their own records! Ask them to explore science concepts- BMI, heart and pulse rates, diet, and nutrition! Once you do this, exercise will not just be about breaking a sweat anymore. It will also be something that incorporates learning! Let's look at a few examples to understand this school homework approach more closely:

6. Conduct a Survey at a Local Supermarket

This outdoor activity is an extremely fun option for school homework. Most kids love running through the different aisles in a supermarket. Introducing a concept like surveys here gives them a chance to do some ‘real-life’ work and also provides much-needed relief to their parents!  Let's look at a few examples to understand this school homework approach more closely: 

In the age of tech-savvy students, we often find parents complaining about the excess screen time with their kids. But what if you could harness the untapped potential in technology? Today's kids are already immersed in the digital world, so why not tap into their enthusiasm and merge it with learning?  Let’s look at some innovative methods of assigning digital activities for school homework:

7. Record a Virtual Job Application

This can be a fun homework assignment for students of all grades. One thing that we often forget as teachers is that school is not just about the present; it's also about the future. But often, we don’t discuss the future. This results in students being almost lost when it comes to their future career opportunities.  This is exactly where this school homework activity helps. Assigning school homework related to professions is a great chance for students to explore their career options. This, in turn, will help them be better prepared for life after school.  Let's look at a few examples to understand this school homework approach more closely:

8. Participate in Online Collaborative Projects

Online projects are a catalyst for active learning and student engagement. They can be a tool for you to create a dynamic learning environment that goes beyond traditional classroom boundaries. Additionally, these activities enhance digital literacy and empower students to leverage technology for learning. Working on online collaborative projects will also help students learn how to function together as a team. This is something that also prepares them for life beyond school, where it’s crucial to learn to work together.

9. Virtual Cultural Exchange

Cultural exchange events open doors to new horizons, offering students a unique chance to explore diverse cultures. By immersing them in new traditions, you develop acceptance, and empathy in your students. You give them a chance to have a broad and more inclusive perspective of the world. Let's look at a few examples to understand this school homework approach more closely:

Game-based school homework is one of the best ways to engage your students. Integrating learning within games creates a powerful synergy where education and entertainment merge seamlessly.  It’s time to tap into your students’ natural love for games and leverage it!

10. Use Minecraft as a Learning Tool

Ah, Minecraft! A name that brings back memories of endless adventures in pixelated landscapes. It’s a game that is a nostalgic reminder of our childhood.  But did you know that Minecraft can be more than just a game? It can be a powerful learning tool to level up the educational experience of your students.  💡Learn how to leverage Minecraft to make your classrooms more engaging! Let's look at a few examples to understand this school homework approach more closely:

11. Encourage Role-Playing Games

Lights, camera, action! Role-playing games(RPGs) let students step into the shoes of a character and bring lessons to life. Even though RPGs are not typically classified as games, their unique blend of learning and fun makes them ideal for educational purposes.  You can assign students to act out roleplays based on a historical event, scientific concept or work of literature. They can develop characters, write dialogues, and present this to the class. Let's look at a few examples to understand this school homework approach more closely:

12. Online Challenges

You can introduce online challenges like coding of varying difficulties for different grade levels. Platforms like Scratch or Code.org can be helpful for this purpose. Coding challenges offer hands-on experience to students. It allows them to practice coding concepts and algorithms in a practical and engaging manner.  Let's look at a few examples to understand this school homework approach more closely:

In today's competitive world, students who embrace innovative thinking and an entrepreneurial mindset stand out. As a teacher, you can nurture these qualities in your students via thought-provoking school homework. Such assignments can ignite students' passion for problem-solving, creative thinking, and strategic planning. Let’s look at some of the ideas below.

13. Pitch Your Business Idea

Have you watched shows like Shark Tank or Billion Dollar Buyer? Have you been completely captivated by the business pitches on these shows? Now, imagine doing the same for your students— unleashing their entrepreneurial spirit. It’s time to bring the hustle of the business world into your classrooms! Encourage students to develop a business idea and create a persuasive pitch. They should research their target market, competitors, and unique selling points. In fact, students can present their pitch using multimedia tools, such as slides or videos, highlighting the problem they're solving and the value their business brings. Let's look at a few examples to understand this school homework approach more closely:

14. Design a Mobile App

Smartphones have become an integral part of our lives. Think about the countless hours that you spend on your smartphone, exploring different apps that make your life easier. This is a practice growing like fire amongst kids as well and is cause for serious concern! What if they spend time on their phone and learn at the same time? This homework assignment encourages students to apply their creativity and technical skills to develop a concept for a mobile application. Additionally, you can also assign this as a holiday homework assignment and let students go wild with learning during summer! Let's look at a few examples to understand this school homework approach more closely:

*Technologies like designing mobile applications can be too complex for the primary school. Hence, we focus on this idea only for middle and high school students.

15. Set up a Stall at the School Fair

This homework acts as an Introduction to Business 101 class for students of all grade levels. Students get to decide what stall to put up, then work on the logistics and finally manage the stall and finances on D-Day. This will teach students real-world skills and give them a feeling of ownership. Let's look at a few examples to understand this school homework approach more closely: 

Grade-Specific Tips to follow while Preparing School Homework ‍

1. primary school students ‍.

• Keep it Interactive and Hands-on Younger children thrive on tactile and interactive experiences. Incorporate more of arts and crafts, storytelling, etc., to make homework enjoyable for them.
• Use Visuals Vibrant colours will capture their attention and make tasks visually appealing.
• Keep it Short Primary school students have limited attention spans. Give them small tasks that they can accomplish in a limited timeframe. ‍

2. Middle School students ‍

• Offer More Choices Middle schoolers are often teenagers already on the precipice of changes beyond their control. They will appreciate having some control over their learning. Allow them to choose topics or formats that align with their interests.
• Incorporate Technology Middle school students are often technologically savvy. Utilise online resources, interactive platforms, and digital tools to make homework more engaging and relevant to their interests.
• Encourage Independent Research Foster their curiosity by assigning research-based projects. Encourage them to explore various sources and present their findings in creative ways. ‍

3. High School Students ‍

• Encourage Critical Thinking and Analysis High schoolers are capable of higher-order thinking skills. Assign tasks that require critical thinking, problem-solving and analytical thinking.
• Encourage Self-expression Offer creative assignments that allow them to express their thoughts, opinions and ideas. Remember that they are young adults finding their voice in a loud world. Encourage them to write essays, create multimedia presentations, or engage in spirited debates.
• Push for Practical Application Assign tasks that connect to real-world situations, allowing them to see the relevance and importance of their learning. ‍

How to Improve Your Homework and Other Teaching Strategies?

Do you want to learn about more strategies to improve school homework? What if you could upskill and improve all your teaching strategies- classroom management, assessment, and lesson planning, among many others? Book a call with a mentor to get dedicated teacher counselling on upskilling and improving your teaching strategies.

In a world where school homework is generally met with students’ whining, you can use these approaches to turn it into a gateway for innovation! By infusing ideas such as game-based learning, digital activities, and arts and crafts, you can help students engage with school homework meaningfully. This will foster a lifelong love for learning among your students, ultimately helping them succeed in and beyond the classroom. Want a short compilation of all the amazing school homework ideas? Click the button below

Meet Suraasa, the World’s First Career Growth Platform for Teachers.

Keep Reading

10 Essential Teaching Skills for 21st-Century Classrooms

Discover the essential teaching skills in education that can help you become a 21st century teacher. Learn what they are and how you can get them.

What an M.Ed Degree Can Do for Your Teaching Career

Explore this ultimate M.Ed degree guide: eligibility, admission process, salary potential, and career advancement opportunities.

Lifelong Learning for Lifelong Impact: Professional Development for Teachers

Discover the importance of teacher professional development for educators and students. Explore pathways and tips for your career growth.

Lovely Momhood

7 Easy Steps to Create an After School Routine for Kids (Printable Schedule)

It is no secret that implementing an effective after school routine for kids is on every parent’s wish list. After all, school after hours are one of busiest and most stressful hours of the day for most families with school-age children.

Well my friend, if that is the case for you, don’t you worry.

Today we will be talking all about how to create an effective after school routine for kids, and resources that will help you implement it right away.

Why implement an after school routine for Kids?

An after school routine ensures children know what to expect and what’s expected of them when they come home from school. They are also imperative when it comes to creating consistency and setting them up for a successful school year.

Routines in general, allow for better discipline, less stress, and more efficiency, and after school routines are no different. In fact, an effective after school routine is  one of the most important because they have a direct impact on school performance.

Both young and older kids respond really well to routines.

The question is…  how do we implement an efficient after school routine and what tools can we use to help us get things done more effectively? Let’s take a look…

What do I need in order to implement an effective after school routine? 

A whistle! Ok, just kidding.

All you need is a written schedule, a meeting with your kiddos, and sticking to the plan.

As simple as that.

When you set expectations and you follow through your kids will listen, trust me.

As you read the following  after school routine for kids ideas  remember to take into consideration the following:

• The age of your children
• Your work schedule
• Their school hours
• Sports and other after school activities
• Other personal factors unique to your family’s dynamic

Then as you read through, pick and choose what works best for your family and formulate a schedule that meets your needs.

So, grab a pencil or bookmark this page, because after today, you my friend, will have a glorious after school routine schedule to help keep your sanity.

That way, you can sail  into the sunset. Okay, fine… maybe just fold some laundry and if you are lucky have a little bit of downtime with your hubby once they are off to bed, but you get the point.

Next, are 7 easy steps to create an after school routine for kids which in turn will make everyone’s life easier. Also, look out for a sample after school schedule (printable) and additional resources that will help you in creating the perfect after school routine for your family.

Let’s get started….

After School Routine for Kids Ideas

* This post may contain affiliate links.  Click here  for more info. 

1. School morning routine 

Every good after school routine starts with a successful school morning routine !

How your child starts his/her day, will set the tone for the rest of their day.

Ensuring our kids get a great start to their day starts with us.

Waking up before them with ample time to get ready is a perfect example of a stress-free morning routine.

Here are some other tips to help your early morning routine go smoothly:

• Prepare everything the day before (if you have older kids teach them to do it themselves)
• Get up at least 30 minutes before the kids
• Time-stagger (especially if you have more than one child)

Another great thing to implement in their morning routine is using Affirmation Cards for Kids . You can learn all about them here!

2. Arrival from school routine 

School day is over, the bus just pulled up, and in comes a stampede of germs running through your front door!

Not a good time!

The arrival from school routine allows you to set clear expectations of what they must do the minute they walk in through the front door.

Designate a space in your home where they can put their backpacks, shoes, and dirty clothes.

You can find a corner close to the door or in your kid’s room where you can create assigned spaces for their school-related items. If your home has a mudroom, that is a great place to set up a “school corner”.

If you don’t have a mudroom in your home a great solution for a creating a “school corner” is to grab one of these handy and inexpensive organization solution …

Just add a small hamper next to it for dirty clothes and you are set.

Don’t forget to remind them to wash their hands once they have changed their school clothes.

3. Snack-time and Free time 

After they have taken off their clothes and washed their hands is time for a snack.

I don’t know about your kids, but mine come home starving.

Take the next few minutes to prepare them a healthy and fuel-packed snack to get them ready for homework.

Giving them a few minutes to unwind is also a good idea.

The average child is in school about 8 hours a day. Therefore, allowing them to have a little free time before they dive into homework can help them relax and unwind.

A great after school snack tip is to prepare labeled “snack baskets” for each child. You don’t have to prepare them everyday— once a week should be sufficient.

Add fruits, nuts, crackers, and other goodies to their baskets, and if you have space in your fridge you can also designate an after school “snack drawer” or use a plastic bin where you can keep them in. Fruits, cheese, hummus, and yogurt are great additions to their after school fridge snacks!

When they come home they know where to go to help themselves. This snack system is lifesaver for busy moms with multiple kids.

4. Homework Routine

Another important after school routine is the homework routine!

Often times parents dread homework time as much as kids do. However, by setting an efficient after school homework routine we can help our kids not only finish homework faster, but do so in a relaxed, unrushed manner.

Helping our children establish good homework habits has a direct impact on their lifelong school success.

It is important to keep in mind that homework routine’s time frame may vary depending on your kid’s age and homework load.

If they happen not to have any homework, they can have a little more free time or for older kids you can have them read for 20 minutes.

Homework routine tips:

• Have them eat a healthy and brain fueling after school snack
• Designate a homework space
• Make sure they have all homework supplies at hand
• Eliminate distractions
• Set a timer

To help establish a consistent homework routine consider writing it down in a family calendar or chore schedule .

Finding a place for school work

In addition to getting their home work done in time, finding a designated place to keep all of their school works is a lifesaver.

No, you aren’t the only one with drawers full of school papers from 2 years ago.

A great system to put in place is to use a School Memory Binder !

Here is how to do it:

• Get yourself a plastic bin, and instruct your kids to place all school work they bring home in that bin.
• When you have time (whether is once a week, once a month, or once a school year) go through the bin and curate the paper you want to keep as keepsakes, and those you want to throw out.
• Once you have chosen the school papers to keep, file them in your School Memory Binder by organizing them in categories (which come in the School Memory Binder Bundle).

….and voilá! You save yourself the hassle or figuring out what to do with a year’s worth or of school paper work, while at the same creating a priceless (and organized) keepsake.

Related Article: How to Keep School Papers Organized with a School Memory Binder!

5. Chores and Shower Routine   

After homework is done, a nice warm shower follows.

But before they are off to bathe, completing any chores they have assigned for the day is a great idea.

Because some days homework tends to take longer than other days, I suggest you schedule chores on alternating days so that their after school routine doesn’t feel as crowded. For instance, 2-3 times a week. Or, you can assign everyday chores that are well-balanced in time and difficulty.

If you don’t have a Chores and Rewards routine in place, or your current one isn’t working, I suggest you look into the Chores Toolkit Bundle .

It has everything you need to implement a hassle-free chores routine that works!

Related Articles: Chores for Kids of All Ages (Plus, Rewards and Allowance Suggestions)

The shower routine is the perfect time for them to wind down before dinner and bedtime.

Shower routine tip… SET BATHROOM RULES!

• Teach them to take a change of clean clothes into the bathroom and to make sure they have a towel.
• Dirty clothes must go into the dirty hamper after they shower.
• Also teach them to pull the shower curtain/door all the way and make sure no water splashes outside of the tub/showers.

If you have teenagers, you know exactly what I mean. Even if your kids aren’t as old yet, teach them how to look after themselves. That will save you ,and them, a lot of headaches in the future.

6. Dinner Routine

Dinner routine is a great time for the entire family to come together.

Here are a few ideas for your kid’s dinner routine that can also be beneficial for the entire family. Also, these family dinner principals make a great addition to any Family House Rules .

• Have kids help set the table
• No electronic devices while eating (phones, tablets, etc.)
• Everyone sits together to eat
• Give thanks and teach your kids to be grateful for their meal
• Ask each other about their day
• Have kids take their plates and utensils to the sink

The dinner routine is a great time to implement present parenting techniques.

Related Article: How to Create Family House Rules (50 Rules and Printable)

7. Bedtime Routine

Last but not least in implementing an effective after school routine for kids, is having a set bedtime routine.

Now that everyone is clean and fed, it is time for bed.

Letting the kids have a bit of free time in between dinner and bedtime is also a good idea. This is also a great time for older kids to get their clothes ready for the next day.

Ideally, the bedtime routine shouldn’t involve electronic devices.

Electronics such as cellphones, tablets, computers, or TV all emit blue light which interferes with the release of sleep-inducing melatonin, increase alertness, and reset the body’s internal clock to a later schedule. ( Source )

Instead, have them opt for reading a book, play with a toy, or listen to music.

Then, they can brush their teeth and off to bed.

Bedtime routine tips:

• No electronic devices for at least 1 hour before bed
• A night light or white noise machine might help induce sleep
• Night prayers help them relax and think positive thoughts
• Aim for bed routine to be at the same time every day to create a sense of consistency
• Read a positive affirmation card

Printable After School Routine Schedule/Chart

• 3:00pm-4:00pm School Arrival Routine
• 4:00pm-5:00pm Snack Time/Free Time Routine
• 5:00pm-6:00pm Homework Routine
• 6:00pm-6:45pm Chores and Shower Routine
• 6:45pm-7:30pm Dinner Routine
• 7:30pm-8:00pm Bedtime Routine

Summary of After School Routine Resources

Family routines course.

If you need help creating all kinds of children’s routines I recommend you take a look at this course .

Family Routines: How to Automate Your Housewife Life will teach you:

• Lunch Routines
• Kids helping with meals
• Morning routines
• After school routines
• Cleaning and house chores routines
• Homework routines
• and…clothing routines

You can check out the full curriculum here .

Sometimes all we need is a fresh set of ideas we can easily implement to what we already do daily, but in a more efficient manner.

Chore Charts

Chores are a parenting must, and implementing them along side an after school routine is a recipe for success.

Grab the Chore Chart Toolkit Printable Bundle to save your sanity.

School Memory Binder 

Another great resource to implement along your after school routine is to get your School Memory Binder . It will help keep school papers organized, categorized, and out of sight all year round.

School Corner

Any efficient after school routine for kids starts with a good organization system. If you don’t yet have one already…. here are four great Amazon organizational options you can have sent to your front door.

★ Related School Age kids Articles:

• How to Organize School Paper with a School Memory Binder (Printables)
• How to Create an At-Home Learning Routine and Printable Schedule
• 5 Tips to Help Your Child Develop Great Homework Habits  
• The Best Reading Journal for Kids (Printable Download)
• How to Raise Grateful Children (15 Gratitude Activities for Kids and Parents)

Motherhood is a constant roller coaster ride. It has its up and its downs and it’s all arounds. But having routines and schedules in place can make all the difference in the world.

Make a plan, set goals , and stick to it!

Not all days are the same, and sometimes things won’t always go as planned. But mapping out a realistic and efficient after school routine for kids will makes life easier for the entire family.

When kids know what to expect and what is expected of them, school days go way smoother.

What after school routines have you implemented lately?

Sharing is caring!

These routines are great. Family life is often smoother with a few routines. Routines can also build family bonds. A good routine caters for the needs of all family members. Thanks for sharing ♥️ ♥️ xx

Totally agree! 🙂

After school routine in our house includes computer time. My daughter gets off the bus, we jump into the car and drive back to her school to grab her brothers (Tae doesn’t want to stop riding her bus, and since the bus drives by my house anyway I allow it, however we live too close to the school for the boys to take a bus so they are walkers). We grab the boys, and drive back home. The four of us attempt to get in the house without the dogs escaping *L*.

From 2:40-3 everyone grabs snacks. 3-4 Tae uses the computer and I help Tony with his homework. From 4-5 Tony uses the computer and I help Taelin with her homework. At some point between 3-5 I also help Davan. From 5-6 or 6-7 Davan uses the computer. While I am helping the kids do their homework I am also checking their folders. While making dinner unneeded papers go into the recycling bin, pictures/work goes in a pile until I can discreetly place it into the recycling bin (I made the mistake of getting busted once, hooboy).

Busy home Jurrien. You are doing great. 🙂

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Privacy Overview