START 7 DAY FREE TRIAL

Activities

Music

Parents

Sports

5 After-School Activities For Kids To Do At Home

Written By: happycamper

Parents are looking for activities for their kids to do when the school day ends and they’re still working. Without being able to drop kids at soccer practice or ballet lessons, it might be a little harder to keep the kids entertained.

Here are five activities for kids to enjoy when they are done with school for the day.

 

Get Creative With Crafts

Grab a bin, fill it with a bunch of craft supplies, and see what your kids come up with. Build art time into their schedule after school. Let them get creative! Some great options for the bin include: construction paper, glue, scissors, markers, pom poms, pipe cleaners, beads, string, crayons and popsicle sticks. If your kids are older and a little more responsible you can introduce glitter or paint. It’s also worth dedicating a specific space to be the craft area. Cover a table with a plastic tablecloth or newspapers so you can easily clean up the mess. 

For inspiration check out Summer Camp Crafts.

 

Escape With A Good Bookkid reading

Reading is a great activity for kids to do on their own when they have some down time. Reading a good book can transport kids to a new world and let their imagination grow. Visit your local library and stock up on some books for the week. Or sign up for your library’s digital system so you can rent ebooks. Create a reading nook where kids can go with their books so it’s a dedicated quiet space for reading. Make it cozy. Put some blankets and pillows out, and make sure they have a good light nearby. 

 

Learn A New Language

Kids are smart, and they pick up new skills easily. Why not have them practice learning a second language so they can be bilingual? That will help them later in life when they’re looking for jobs or interacting with other people. There are so many free programs to use out there. Check out apps like Duolingo or Rosetta Stone For Kids to see what languages might interest your child. The apps present language learning in a fun way, plus it doubles as a chance for your kids to interact with technology. Or, if you don’t want them using technology pick up a language learning workbook.

 

Learn An Instrumentgirl playing instrument

Music can lead to a better understanding of math, so why not let your kids try learning an instrument? Songs incorporate basic math skills like matching and comparing through changes in pitch, volume and rhythm, and patterns and sequencing through repetition of melodies. At Happy Camper Live your kids can choose from Guitar Camp, Keyboard Camp, Singing Camp, Ukulele Camp and Violin Camp. Learn about your instruments and start practicing!

 

Get Active

It’s important to provide ways for your kids to be active at some point during the day. There are many health benefits associated with being active, including helping with disease prevention and strong bone growth. According to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services kids ages 6 to 17 should do one hour or more of moderate to vigorous physical activity a day. Build recess into their school day, or build in a few hours after school is over. Things like hula hooping, kicking around the soccer ball or playing tag with siblings are all great ways to get some energy out. Whether your kid loves hiphop, yoga, basketball or taekwondo, there’s something for them to explore at Happy Camper Live. 

What activity do you plan to try with your kids after school?

Tagged:- activities for kids, activities for kids to try at home, after school activities

RELATED ARTICLES

Activities

Outdoor adventure

9 Best Water Games for Kids and Adults

When the sun’s blazing and you need to cool off, nothing beats water games! Here are 9 quick and easy water games that are perfect for camps, backyards, or beach days:   #1 Water Balloon Toss Pair up and toss a water balloon back and forth, taking a step back after each catch. Last dry […]

Activities

Parents

5 Accessible Activities to Get Your Child Physically Ready for Summer Camp

Summer camp is one of the most exciting rites of passage for kids across the United States. Whether it’s a rustic sleepaway in the woods or a vibrant day camp filled with games and crafts, the experience is more than just fun—it’s developmentally rich. In fact, a 2024 Gallup poll found that more than 60% […]

Read More...

Activities

Arts and crafts

STEM

30-Day Summer Fun Challenge for Kids: One Activity a Day!

Summer is all about sunshine, adventure, and making unforgettable memories with the kids. Looking for a fun way to keep your kids active, engaged, and smiling all month long? Whether you’re at home, on vacation, or at summer camp, this challenge is full of easy-to-do activities that will make each day feel like a brand […]

Read More...

Activities

Self-Care Activities for Kids

At Happy Camper Live, we believe that self-care isn’t just for grown-ups—it’s for kids too! Learning to take care of their minds and bodies helps kids build emotional resilience and healthy habits that can last a lifetime. Here are a few simple self-care activities your child can try at home, at camp, or anywhere in […]

Read More...

Activities

Arts and crafts

Campers

Outdoor adventure

7 Awesome Camping Crafts for Kids

One of the best parts of camping is the creativity it inspires! Whether you’re gathered around the campfire, hanging out in a cozy cabin, or enjoying nature at a local park, camping crafts are the perfect way to engage young minds and make lasting memories. These fun and easy projects are ideal for kids of […]

Read More...

HAPPY CAMPERS

Happy Camper Live Podcast Episode 11 With Photography Counselor Courtney Ortiz

Read More...

The World’s Biggest Campfire Wants You!

Read More...

New Year’s Eve Indoor Party Games for Kids

Read More...

How To Hire Great Summer Camp Staff

Read More...

categories

Activities (246)

Arts and crafts (76)

Camp stories (11)

Camp traditions (23)

Campers (93)

Cooking (41)

Education (6)

Family activities (85)

Featured camps (12)

Gift Guides (12)

Music (9)

Outdoor adventure (34)

Parents (64)

Podcast (25)

School (15)

Science (15)

Sports (32)

STEM (10)

Water sports (1)