Back to school, back to school … are you excited? Relieved? Sad? All the emotions at once?
We feel you. Back-to-school time can be a major shift from summer felt by the whole family. If you’re missing the spontaneity and carefree days of summer and want to add some extracurriculars to your child’s schedule, check out our roundup of some of our favorite afterschool activities below!
AR Workshop Manhattan
Union Square / 7 – 14 years old
AR Workshop Manhattan is a boutique “Do-It-Yourself” studio that offers hands-on classes for creating custom and charming home decor from raw materials such as wood, canvas and yarn. Come join an instructor-led workshop to make custom wood signs, canvas pillows, canvas wall hangings, jewelry hangers, trophy shelves, game boards, tote/sports bags and more!
Brooklyn Boulders Kids Academy
Long Island City / 5 – 12 years old
If you have the kind of little who’s still got tons of energy after the school day is through, check out Brooklyn Boulders Kids Academy. This afterschool program teaches children the mental, physical, and social aspects of climbing with a fun and engaging belay staff. Activities include bouldering, roped climbing, stretching, climbing games, slacklining, and most importantly, teamwork and social interaction! Gear included.
The Craft Studio
Upper East Side / 3 – 15 years old
If your child is in the mood for something crafty after school, The Craft Studio is the perfect place to let their imaginations run wild. It’s located in a beautifully-decorated, spacious studio with an incredibly fun and creative staff. With Toddler Art, Arts & Craft Walk-in Hour, and Tween Drop-Off Mini Camp, there’s something here for kids of nearly all ages.
The Creative Kitchen
Upper West Side / 2 – 6 years old
Feel like indulging in some afterschool cooking classes? The Creative Kitchen team teaches age-appropriate recipes that focus on kid-friendly themes, colors, numbers, and shapes. Little hands are kept busy creating healthful snacks using fresh, wholesome ingredients while also practicing other age-appropriate developmental skills. Little chefs eat their creations and leave with a happy belly!
Creatively Wild Art Studio
Dumbo / 2 – 17 years old
Whether your child is a complete beginner or a seasoned artist, Creatively Wild is dedicated to empowering them with art ‘tools’ to find the freedom of true creative self-expression. Choose from Toddler Afternoon Adventure, Still Life Drawing and Painting, Learn to Draw, Teens Painting, and more.
Freshmade NYC
NoHo / 2 – 12 years old
This cooking and craft studio is designed to teach your little ones all about healthy, mindful eating through fun and dynamic cooking classes and competitions. Classes are taught in age-appropriate increments—choose from Little Chefs, Young Chefs Cooking Camp, and Junior Chefs classes.
Intrepid Sea, Air, and Space Museum
Midtown West / 5 – 17 years old
If your kid wants some more hands-on learning after school, take them to The Intrepid Sea, Air, & Space Museum. It’s an educational institution featuring the legendary aircraft carrier Intrepid, the space shuttle Enterprise, the world’s fastest jets, and a guided missile submarine! Fun and educational for adults and kids alike.
Kids Jiu Jitsu
Midtown East / 3 – 14 years old
Brazilian Jiu Jitsu is a grappling art that is an ever-evolving, practical form of self-defense. If your child has some pent-up energy after school and wants to put it to good use, come on by!
Go On a Museum Tour
Various neighborhoods / All ages
We’ve rounded up 17 NYC Museums currently on KidPass right here! From classics like the Met and the Children’s Museums of the Arts to cool new concepts like The Color Factory and limited-edition Pixinity, there’s something here for every kid (and adult!)
Looking for more ways to play in the city? Here are 9 playspaces to visit in the NYC area. And if you want to discover and book even more fun, check out all upcoming activities across the NY Metro area.