We’ve all heard dreaded, “I’m sooo bored”, coming from our kids after school. Kids sit pretty much all day at school, so why not find fun after-school activities for kids?
We made it easy to find after-school programs and extracurricular activities for kids!
“Studies indicate that kids involved in after-school activities have higher achievement and attendance rates, are less prone to depression and burnout, and experience dropout less often. [Things to do after school] keep children safe and protect them from risky and negative behavior,” according to the Washington Parent.
These activities are great for kids, but it can be hard to find after-school programs. So, we gathered the best extracurricular activities in Kansas City!
Check them out below:
Extracurricular and After School Activities in Kansas City:
Your local elementary school or school district may also offer after-school programs. Or, explore Field Trips & Group Activities for more learning opportunities & educational things to do after school.
Coding Classes, Tutoring & Enrichment Activities
There are many after-school activities that promote learning and enrichment, such as coding classes! You can also find additional STEM opportunities through the KC STEM Alliance.
The Knight School
The Knight School is a beginner-friendly, high-energy, kid-centered, party-based, developmentally enriching Chess Academy.
Our online Strategy Squad! class is designed by veteran educators to create a truly fun, highly social team atmosphere. We instill academic confidence and genuine excitement for the most mathematically complex game in the world!
** This semester’s after-school activities will be completely online, so no matter where you are in the city your children can participate!
Sylvan KC
Kansas City, MO (Barry Rd and N. Main)
If you’re needing additional tutoring or education supplements, Sylvan KC is a great option. Their experienced tutors set your children up for success through personalized programs.
After their initial assessment/academic check-up, they create a customized plan to adapt to your child’s specific learning needs. Your child can feel confident in their abilities and excel in school with specialized tutoring from Sylvan.
Science City
Learn about science, technology, space, & dinosaurs all at Science City. Your kiddos will be running around all evening exploring the hands-on exhibits. Check out the Science City attractions like the Maker Studio, Dino Lab, Test Kitchen, Demo Area, & more!
Also, explore the Science City Events – there are special exhibits, traveling activities, & other fun-themed events every month.
Girls Scouts
There are Girl Scout troops all across the Kansas City metro. This after-school program provides a wide variety of activities for girls including healthy living, sports, travel, camping, sewing, cooking, arts, culture, STEAM, & fun! The cost of joining is minimal. It is a great way for your kids to spend time learning with other girls their age.
Boy Scouts
Kids learn many life skills in extracurricular activities with the Boy Scouts. Kids participate in a wide variety of activities & programs, so your children will be prepared for anything.
Scout troops are active throughout Kansas City, so find a scout troop near you today!
Boys & Girls Club
The BGC of KC offers after-school programs for kids that follow the whole-child program model. This includes topics in a healthy lifestyle, technology, education & enrichment, and public speaking/leadership development. Kids can engage in sports, career development, digital arts, robotics, & other topics.
There are 6 KC locations across the metro in Independence, Olathe, KCMO, and Kansas City Kansas.
YMCA Youth Development Programs
The YMCA of Greater Kansas City offers TONS of programs, classes, and activities for kids to excel in every aspect of life. The Young Achievers Program prepares high school & middle school children to be successful in college & beyond through life skill classes. There is also the Before and After School Y Club (Kindergarten – 6th Grade) in different schools around KC. Find the closest Y Club After School Program now!
The Upper Room After School Program
Kansas City, MO
This after-school program includes homework help, a hot meal, & enrichment programs for kids. The program runs Monday to Friday, from school dismissal until 6 p.m. each evening.
The after-school program is open to all students, no matter their income. Friendly staff is made up of teachers who speak multiple languages, so kids do not need to know English as a first language. The organization will not turn away any students until their capacity is met so, reach out today!
Operation Breakthrough
Kids ages 5 to 13 come to Operation Breakthrough for before and after-school programs that provide a safe, loving, and educational environment for children in poverty.
- Tutoring, homework help, book club meetings, supervised outdoor play, peer support groups, and special programs
- Smart Lab- robotics, electronics, and graphic arts
- Maker Space- textiles, construction/toy hacking, studio arts, chef’s corner, the green screen and code world/robotics
- Outdoor Classroom
Guadalupe After School Program
Guadalupe Centers: KCMO
Kids are provided an after-school snack, educational sessions, arts & crafts, culturally centered projects, and nutritional culinary classes in addition to many other fun activities. Explore the center today!
El Centro After School Enrichment Programs
These after-school programs tutor kids in different subjects including reading, math, financial education, & cultural awareness. They also offer summer programs, field trips, and other enrichment programs.
4-H Clubs
There are 4-H programs throughout Kansas City.
The 3 types of 4-H programs kids can join are Community, Project, or SPIN Clubs (special interest clubs). Community clubs are for kids that live in/around your community. Kids are engaged in a variety of activities including community services, recreational activities, & activities to improve communication. Project clubs are for kids that share a specific interest.
There are active programs for Johnson County 4-H, Wyandotte County 4-H, and Jackson County 4-H.
You can find all active Johnson County community and project clubs.
Physical Extra-Curricular Activities:
Sports, gymnastics, dance, & dodgeball….explore the perfect physical activity for your child. Get active after school!
i9 Sports
Sports practice is a great after-school activity – your kids get active while also having fun! i9 Sports offers many sports programs throughout the Kansas City metro including:
- Soccer
- Basketball
- Baseball
- Zip lacrosse
- Flag football
As well as additional sports programs in specific locations. There are options for kids of all ages & skill levels! You can even find the nearest program locations to you online.
Learning2Fly
Mission, KS
Aerial fitness & yoga classes are a unique after-school activity to get your kids moving. Learning2Fly offers a wide variety of classes including:
- Intro to Aerial Skills – with different levels
- Beginner Aerial Skills
- Teen Aerial Skills Class
- Toddler Play Skills
- Aerial Yoga
- Aerial Conditioning
- Parent & Child Aerial Fitness Classes
Your kids will love coming to class each week! There is also a Kids Yoga Club each Wednesday from 4:45 to 5:45 if you are looking for a weekly after-school activity. You can even sign-up for classes online – it’s a hassle-free extracurricular activity!
Bach to Rock
At Bach to Rock® Leawood, your kiddos can learn music while playing the songs they love!
Bach to Rock is a unique concept music school in Leawood providing the chance to learn one-on-one from expert musicians. They always encourage students to join ensemble programs like the Glee Club or Band and perform at live events.
At the same time, students get to choose which songs and genres they want to play. Students learn, perform, and even get to record songs by modern stars, vintage bands, or classical composers, They also offer the opportunity to record their own compositions!
Bach to Rock is Truly a Music School for All Ages and Skill Levels
Providing options including private music lessons, or group sessions, they also encourage students to perform with peers, play at live events, and choose which types of songs and genres they play.
The result? Students become well-rounded musicians, have more fun learning music, and get to chart their own artistic journey!
B2R music school offers private music lessons, as well as semi-private lessons for small groups of two or three students. Students work closely with expert musicians in weekly lessons, building skills and confidence with their instruments. The gift of music truly lasts a lifetime.
Sunset Trails
Lee’s Summit, MO
Do your kids love animals? Sunset Trails provides the horses & experienced trainers, you show up for fun! Horseback riding lessons are offered for youths to adults; beginners to skilled riders. Choose from:
- Beginner Horsemanship Lessons (6+)
- Beginner Horseback Riding 1 & 2 (6+)
- Texas Tots Horsemanship 1 & 2 (Ages 4-5)
- Ride On Lessons (must have completed beginner riding 2)
They also offer trail rides if you are looking for a one-time after-school activity. Ride reservations must be made at least one day in advance.
Sky Zone: 2 locations in KC
Sky Zone has locations in Kansas City, KS, and Lee’s Summit, MO so kids across the metro can bounce around after school. Activiteis include Skyslam, Ultimate Dodge ball, Foam Zone, Ultimate Volleyball, Skyladder, Warped Wall, Free Climb, Freestyle Jump, & more activities to come. Kids can also participate in dodgeball leagues & toddler time.
Sky Zone also offers Homeschool P.E. for kids who need school activities during the day!
This activity is included in The POGO Pass 16 kids activities for less than $50! Purchase a POGO Pass for ONLY $49.95 with code iFamilyKC. This is a steal.
Urban Air
Overland Park, KS
Urban Air opens at 4 p.m. on weekdays, making it the perfect after-school activity for South Johnson County families. Activities include dodgeball, drop zone, tumble track, warrior obstacle course, tubes playground, slam dunk zone, & open play. They even have a little kids’ area for kids 7 & under!
Check the Urban Air Activities Calendar to find weekly programs like Dodgeball Night, Air456, Teen Night, & Open Play.
YMCA After School Programs
There are YMCA locations across the metro that offer after-school sports activities. They offer programs for kids as young as 3 years old all the way through high school. Find programs in soccer, martial arts, flag football, gymnastics, cheerleading, basketball, volleyball, & more. Find locations for each sports program now!
Crescendo Conservatory
Overland Park, KS
Dance classes will be fun extracurricular activities for your children. Crescendo Conservatory offers non-competition ballet, jazz, tap, pointe, contemporary, hip-hop, musical theater & creative movement. There is a class for every child’s interest and skill level.
There are also opportunities to perform through their dance company, Crescendo in Motion!
KC Ballet
Kansas City, MO/ Prairie Village, KS
Kansas City Ballet School has 2 locations for your convenience & a wide variety of programs/levels for students. The Academy is for children ages 2 to 18 years old, then The Studio is for children 12 years & older.
Check the full school calendar for specific class dates & times.
Guadalupe Youth Recreation Program
Kids can participate in sports leagues year-round through the Guadalupe Center in KCMO. Sports include Softball, T-Ball, Volleyball, Futsal, Basketball, & Biddyball. These sports activities are provided at a very minimal cost so kids can have access to these after-school programs. Check it out now!
Wyandotte County Parks & Rec
The Parks & Rec Department offers kids many after-school activities & sports programs like cheer, martial arts, karate, volleyball, soccer, yoga, and youth boxing. They also offer art classes like ceramics, quilting, and urban art.
Check the 2018-2019 programs guide for a full list of offerings- there are so many!
Jackson County Parks & Rec
Jackson County offers a wide variety of sports including archery, junior golf, soccer, softball, and other sports. There are also other outdoor activities for after school that are not organized programs. Check out their website for all the county offers!
Kansas City Parks & Rec
Depending on which area of KCMO you live in, there are different after-school activities & programs available. The Youth Zone: After after-school program is provided at certain community centers within the department. Youth Zone After School program is $40 per year and is open to kids 6 to 17 years old.
There are also aquatic classes, dance classes, yoga, Girl Scouts, running clubs for kids, and other kids activities. Check out your local community center today for after-school ideas.
After School Programs: The J KC
Overland Park, KS
There are 3 programs for different ages: AKK for kindergartners, After School Program for grades 1 through 5, and KC Kids for kindergarten carpoolers. All programs start from school dismissal time & end at 6 p.m., except KC Kids. These programs are available to area schools and HBHA students.
Kansas City Youth Running Club
Hot Feet Track Club
Girls on the Run Running Club
Johnson County Parks & Rec
The Johnson County parks and Rec department offers a wide variety of fun extracurricular activities for kids. There are programs for sports like basketball, kickball, soccer, baseball, volleyball, football, tennis, and softball leagues. However, they also offer after-school programs for the following activities:
Cooking After School Activities:
Taste Bud’s Kitchen
Leawood, KS
Taste Bud’s Kitchen offers one-time cooking classes, private classes, family classes, and group programs. There are also caregiver & kids cooking programs and classes for younger kids (ages 2-5) to complete with a parent or other adult.
Find out more about upcoming after-school programs and cooking classes on their website. Their wide variety of classes & times offers an option for every family. Explore baking, cooking, sushi, pastry, desserts, and everything in between at Taste Buds. They even have classes on Saturdays!
Classes range in price, so check the class schedule for more details & to sign-up online. Camps also make for great extracurricular activities since they run multiple days!
The Culinary Center of Kansas City
Overland Park, KS
There are cooking classes for kids ages 2 to 14. Kids can learn basic cooking skills, food groups, and sensory aspects, and also develop more complex cooking skills in Junior Chefs classes.
Young Chefs Academy
Lenexa, KS
Young Chefs offers weekly cooking classes after school as well as workshops and camps. Kids as young as 4 can participate in their Kindercooks class.
A Thyme for Everything
Lee’s Summit, MO
This cooking studio offers classes and programs for kids and adults of all ages. There are fun cooking decorating classes & hearty holiday meals to be made. You can even sign up for classes online!
Lenexa Public Market
Lenexa, KS
The Lenexa Public Market offers cooking classes for kids, families, and adults. Classes are booked weeks in advance, so check online often.
Art, Theater & Music After School Programs:
Ceramic Cafe
Overland Park, KS
Decorate pottery, make glass fusion art, or create with clay classes at Ceramic Cafe! If you’re looking for extracurricular activities in the art world, Ceramic Cafe offers a variety of classes & open play for children to participate in.
Bring the kids after school for a fun activity…or come anytime! There are also Kids Night Out classes where kids can create & have a fun night out.
Paint, Glaze, & Fire
Overland Park, KS
Come create after school! Paint, Glaze, & Fire offers pottery, glass fusing, clay, painting, and other art forms – the perfect artsy activities. Explore options for art classes, Boy Scouts & Girl Scouts, open studio time, and special events. Paint, Glaze, & Fire even offer special discounts for scout groups!
Special events include Kids Night Out (4th Friday of every month), Family Fun Night (2nd Friday), Girls Night Out, & Paint Me a Story for Kids.
Kansas City Young Audiences: Act, Dance, Sing & More
Kansas City, MO
There are a variety of theater programs and after-school classes for kids available. Kids can dance, learn musical instruments, sing, act in theater performances, practice visual arts & many other disciplines. The Fall session begins September 3rd, so start exploring your options now.
You can learn about their different educational programs online too!
Shining Light Music
Lee’s Summit, MO
If you want to learn to better play a musical instrument, Shining Light Music is the perfect place! Their music lessons & camps offer a variety of instruments and music styles for children to practice.
If you have little ones, there is a preschool music program too!
They also offer music instrument repair & sales. Voice, guitar, piano, drums, bass, flute, saxophone & more musical instruments!
Lori’s School of Music
Independence, MO
Lori teaches kids piano classes to K5, 1st & 2nd Grade students. She also offers private lessons for ages K5 and up. There are new classes opening year-round, so check out Lori’s Facebook page for even more info.
She is enrolling students now! Call Lori to reserve a time slot 816-478-4838 & get your kids started in musical extracurricular activities.
Johnson County Parks & Rec
Theater Programs: Find Youth Theater Programs for kids ages 12 to 18 and Preschool Theater programs for kids 3 to 5 years old.
Art Classes: Youth Art Classes are offered to kids 5 to 18 for a wide variety of art mediums. There are also Preschool Art Classes for kids ages 3-5 to explore art.
Music Programs: There are many different music opportunities offered by the Parks & Rec department. Find the perfect match for your kid’s curiosity online.
Kansas Academy of Theatrical Arts
Wyandotte County
KATA helps young artists come out of their shells through theater. Programs and enrollment change throughout the year, so check back for updated info year-round.
Library Programs:
Learning is an extracurricular activity too! So, bring your kiddos to the library to read more…& explore the library programs!
Mid-Continent Public Library
Find community book groups throughout KC, Play & Learn programs, Teen Book Groups, technology classes, Tai Chi classes, as well as Storytime for toddlers, preschoolers, and families. The MCPL branches have all different kinds of classes!
Kids can also get homework help and play games like Are You Smarter Than a Librarian?
Teens also have many after-school options like Anime Club, Teen Create Club, & Makers.
Kansas City KS Public Library
While the library does not provide weekly programs specific to after-school, there are tons of things to do after school at KCK libraries. Check the library events calendar to find educational events, kids’ activities, art exhibits, and other fun things to do at the libraries.
Kansas City Public Library
Kids Cafe – Kids enjoy a healthy snack from 3:30 to 4:30 p.m.
Tinker Time – The Northeast library branch offers after-school STEAM programs for kids. The hands-on activities are every Monday, so show up any time during the 2 hours! (ages 5-12)
Teen Cafe – Provides kids from 1 to 18 with healthy after-school meals at the Southeast Library branch.
There are also other family & kids activities throughout the different KC Library branches. Check the library event calendar for story times, music sessions, STEM programs, and
Johnson County Library
Kids can participate in Book Groups, homework help, reading to dogs, coding clubs, 3D Thursdays, Storytime for different age groups & families, & arts and culture activities like teen journaling meetups and makers groups.
The Johnson County Libraries offers a wide variety of after-school activities & other kids activities throughout the week. Find a full list of library activities and events on their Event Page.
Leisure Extra Curricular Activities:
You can purchase a POGO Pass that includes 16 KC kids activities for only $39.95 so you can do all kinds of after-school activities. Jump at Sky Zone, play at Paradise Park, explore the Kansas City Zoo, & other fun after-school activities are included in the pass.
Kaleidoscope
Kansas City, MO
Create a masterpiece for free at Kaleidoscope any day of the week! Plan your trip now.
Lakeside Nature Center
Kansas City, MO
You can schedule many different nature & science programs at the Nature Center. Explore Nature Center programs like wildlife programs, outdoor hikes, Magic Woods, Hike with a Naturalist, and opportunities for scouts.
They also have a nature scavenger hunt you can complete inside the nature center. What a fun after-school activity!
College Basketball Experience
Learning & playing basketball are combined in this awesome extracurricular activity!
Kids can explore the sport of basketball & learn about college basketball history through interactive exhibits at the College Basketball Experience. Why not get a workout, learn something, and have fun at the same time?
The Kansas City Metro area has so much to offer when it comes to after-school activities. There are after-school programs offered at most schools and many organize other after-school activities for kids as well.
Some of the other benefits of being involved in after-school activities are:
- Enhances and supports academic learning
- Better physical and mental health
- Less likely to engage in risky behaviors
- Teaches important life skills such as teamwork, time management, maintaining friendships
- Teaches time management skills
- Creates a sense of belonging
- Takes some stress off working families
- Explores new interests and hobbies and develops a personality
We have all heard the saying “Busy kids are happy kids”, but what does this mean? Just as much as our kids need structure and education, they also need to have fun.
Finding a cure to your kid’s boredom has an easy fix. There are so many kids’ activities to choose from in the metro area! So, explore the best extracurricular activities in Kansas City!
Don’t forget to check out our Things to Do section for more kids’ activities. You can also sign up for The Scoop! You will receive exclusive invites to Kids Club Events (for FREE or at least 50% off), movie premieres, and other fun things to do in Kansas City. Don’t miss a beat.
You can also purchase The POGO Pass – 16 kids activities for less than $50! Purchase a POGO Pass for ONLY $49.95 with code ifamilykc. This is a steal.
From our family to yours, iFamilyKC.
Gayla, G. (2016, October) Benefits of After-School Activities for Children.