50 After School Program Activity Ideas

Running an afterschool program that keeps students engaged, active, and inspired is no easy task. Whether you’re working from a School, a commerical venue or a Community Learning Center, the right mix of after school activities can support academic performance, build social skills, and create long-term positive impact.

This list of 50 after-school program activity ideas covers everything from STEAM projects and creative play to physical games and mindfulness exercises. It’s designed for elementary students and adaptable to a wide range of age groups and program formats.

📢 Need an easier way to manage your afterschool schedule, registration, and attendance? Pembee helps providers run after school programs more efficiently - automate your sign-ups, collect children details such as emergency contact info and dietary needs, and give parents a smooth booking experience. Focus on creating a fun and impactful life for kids - we’ll handle the admin. Learn more about Pembee’s afterschool program features.

Now let’s dive into a variety of activities to spark your next schedule!

🎨 Creative Arts & Crafts Activities

Hands-on activities that encourage imagination, fine motor development, and creative play.

1. DIY Slime – A fun activity for kids that explores textures and simple chemical reactions—great for sensory play.
2. Friendship Bracelets – Crafting bracelets builds focus skills and gives students a way to share something meaningful with peers.
3. Paper Mâché Sculptures – A classic craft that allows students to create larger 3D art projects using basic materials.
4. Tie-Dye T-Shirts – A colorful, messy, and memorable creative activity—perfect for building confidence and self-expression.
5. Recycled Material Crafts – Encourages critical thinking skills by using everyday items to create something new and beautiful.
6. Watercolor Painting – Introduce art techniques while helping children relax and explore color theory.
7. Collage Making – Cut-and-paste creativity! Use magazines, newspapers, or themed educational material to make vision boards.
8. Bead Keychains – A hands-on project that builds patience and coordination, great for daily activities in smaller groups.
9. Origami – Promotes problem-solving skills and focus as kids learn to fold paper into animals or shapes.
10. Painted Rock Animals – A nature-inspired art project perfect for decorating your space or a community garden.

🔬 STEM & Educational Activities

Challenge students with STEM projects that build academic confidence and critical thinking.

1. Baking Soda Volcanoes – One of the most iconic science experiments—safe, exciting, and perfect for exploring earth science.
2. Simple Coding Games – Introduce basic programming logic through online games or unplugged coding challenges.
3. Lego Engineering Challenge – Build towers, bridges, or cars to support hands-on learning in physics and design.
4. DIY Weather Station – Track temperature, wind, and rainfall as part of a citizen science project.
5. Marble Run Construction – Use tubes and cardboard to build a working run. Great for STEAM activities and teamwork.
6. Math Scavenger Hunt – Get kids moving while practicing math skills with real-life clues and counting tasks.
7. Build a Solar Oven – Teach sustainability while making s’mores or melting crayons in a homemade sun-powered oven.
8. Paper Circuit Cards – A fusion of art and tech, this after school program idea teaches simple electronics with LEDs and paper.
9. Science Trivia Hour – A fun game format to test knowledge, build communication skills, and reinforce learning topics.
10. Puzzle & Brain Teaser Time – Help students strengthen focus skills with crosswords, riddles, or tangram puzzles.

🏃 Active & Outdoor Activities

Offer high-energy physical activities that support healthy eating habits, physical development, and teamwork.

1. Obstacle Course – Set up cones, hoops, and jump ropes to keep kids moving in a structured environment.
2. Scavenger Hunt – Encourage exploration with a list of items to find—adaptable for indoors or outdoors.
3. Capture the Flag – A classic game that builds leadership skills and fosters friendly competition.
4. Nature Walk with Checklist – Boost observation and appreciation of daily life with checklists for birds, leaves, or bugs.
5. Hula Hoop Games – Perfect for school students to improve coordination and have a good laugh together.
6. Parachute Play – An energetic, inclusive group activity that strengthens cooperative play.
7. Kickball or Dodgeball – Let kids release energy through active games that require minimal setup.
8. Water Balloon Toss (Seasonal) – Cool down with a fun idea that also improves hand-eye coordination.
9. Mini Olympics – Organize races, relays, or jump rope challenges with a focus on encouragement over competition.
10. Dance Party Freeze – This fun activity doubles as exercise and creative play—use current hits or throwback tunes!

🎭 Drama, Music & Performing Arts

Activities that nurture emotional development, creativity, and confidence.

1. Talent Show – Invite kids to share music, jokes, or dance routines and perform in front of parents and friends, ideal for building community through volunteering and performance.
2. Puppet Making and Theatre – Use socks, paper bags, or felt to create characters and write scripts.
3. Lip Sync Battle – A high-quality afterschool program favorite that blends humor, music, and performance.
4. Group Storytelling – Pass a story around the circle to encourage listening and creative thinking.
5. Make-Your-Own-Instrument – Use recyclables to make shakers or drums—combine with rhythm exercises afterward.
6. Choreographed Group Dance – Turn your arts programs into a huge music community with group routines or cultural dances.
7. Skit Writing and Acting – Promote literacy activities while developing confidence and communication skills.
8. Improv Games – Great for disengaged students—improves quick thinking and social bonding.
9. Soundtrack Guessing Game – Play short clips of songs and guess the movie or scene—easy and fun for after school programs.
10. Singalong Sessions – A comforting way to end the school day, especially with familiar songs.

🧘 Mindfulness & Social-Emotional Learning

Support emotional learning and self-regulation in a calm, comfortable environment.

1. Guided Meditation – Teach relaxation techniques to help students reflect and manage stress.
2. Gratitude Journaling – Encourage emotional development with prompts about family, daily life, or personal strengths.
3. Kindness Bingo – A creative activity that gamifies empathy—check off acts like “helped a friend” or “shared supplies.”
4. Team-Building Games – Try group challenges like “human knot” to build trust and problem-solving skills.
5. Yoga for Kids – Short sessions to stretch and ground the body after a full school day.
6. Vision Boards – Encourage goal-setting with cut-outs of dream jobs, places, or hobbies.
7. Breathing Exercises – Quick breathing tools help with focus and transitions between daily activities.
8. Conflict Resolution Role-Play – Use real-life examples to practice handling disagreements with care and communication.
9. “All About Me” Posters – An introductory after school club activity that helps each child celebrate their uniqueness.
10. Compliment Circle – End the day on a positive note as students share uplifting words with each other.

Final Thoughts

A high-quality afterschool program offers far more than just childcare. It builds community, confidence, and curiosity. Whether you run individual programs or work within a Community Based Organization or part of the Department of Youth and Community Development, having a long-term plan filled with enriching ideas is key to engaging every kind of learner.