The 10 Best Kids Afterschool Programs and Activities in Manhattan
Listings are in alphabetical order
Parents know that finding an afterschool program can be challenging. It is all-important. We want the activity portion, the hours, and most significantly, to be an enriching experience for our kids.
There are many reasons, some personal and others obvious (our workload, afterschool stimulation is beneficial for kids), that a parent chooses to place their child in an afterschool program. Thankfully, we live in New York where we have amazing resources. But let’s get uber-focus on the Manhattan area. As you prepare for the upcoming school year, we have the 10 Best Activity and Afterschool programs standouts for you to choose from that not only will you be happy, but most notably, your child will!
Multiple Locations
646-884-9644, quickstartny.com
Discover Advantage QuickStart Tennis – For Ages 4 & Up! Kids can really get in the game with the fall 2022 QuickStart program. It’s tennis customized for age, ability and tons of fun. Kids learn to rally faster, develop a love of the game, and make new friends! No experience or equipment is needed. Featuring special kid-sized racquets & smaller play areas, slower-bouncing balls, a friendly, positive atmosphere and engaging drills and games. All the QuickStart pros are specially trained in a PTR and USTA NetGen-based curriculum. The program is developed with convenience in mind. The fall session offers classes after school or on weekends. Whichever suits your schedule. There are 6 NYC locations to choose from; there’s sure to be one a family can reach easily. Best of all, If you’re not sure tennis is suitable for your child, an Advantage pro will give a short evaluation to help you decide. Free. Advantage also offers junior programs for kids 7 and older. Fall session enrollment is open now. If you’re looking for big fun for a small player, check out Advantage QuickStart Tennis. Pick a time and place and get started!
1651 3rd Ave 3rd fl, New York, NY 10128
212-410-9140
Ballet Academy East is home to aspiring dancers of all ages in its Young Dancer, Pre-Professional, Children & Teen, and Adult Divisions. The Young Dancer Division instills in each child the joy of dance within an environment focused on developing individual potential. Children ages 18 months to 6 years develop physical coordination, self-confidence, musicality, focus, and creativity through age-appropriate, structured classes. The Pre-Professional Division’s comprehensive curriculum and professional-caliber performance opportunities prepare students for success in the dance world and beyond. The Children and Teen Division offer inspiring and enriching dance classes to ages 7-15, with no audition required. The Adult Division offers drop-in classes in dance and fitness for teen enthusiasts and adult beginners to seasoned dancers and athletes. Ballet classes have live piano accompaniment and are held in Ballet Academy East’s five beautiful, light-filled studios.
323W 108th Street, New York, NY 10025
212-663-6021
Bloomingdale School of Music, serving the UWS since 1964, offers a variety of music classes for students of all ages in their beloved brownstone and online. Bloomingdale classes aim to educate students and instill a sense of passion and fun for self-expression through music. The school offers private lessons and classes 7 days a week for over 20 instruments – for every type of student at all skill levels. Multiple genres from classical and jazz, to Broadway and pop music, are available. Private lessons at Bloomingdale offer individual attention, customization and a personalized curriculum. Students and teachers are strategically matched based on teaching style, experience, and schedules. These lessons can be transformative for students as they discover their unique talents and interests. Call the school to arrange a 30-minute trial lesson for only $30. Other options include beginner group classes, string orchestras, vocal ensembles, guitar orchestras, jazz ensembles, music theory classes, and a comprehensive college prep program. Most classes and lessons take place weekdays afterschool and on weekends. The fall semester begins September 11, 2022. Visit the website to register and learn more.
New York City
718-954-1357
potestatem.co/after-school-programs
Dedimus Potestatem provides fun, engaging academic programs that teach and integrate the leadership skills most sought in today’s interdependent society: communication, initiative, negotiation, adaptability, critical thinking, empathy, conflict resolution, organization, and creativity. Founded by an educator who has worked with local and national governments, UN-affiliated organizations, and grassroots nonprofits worldwide, the company’s objective is to create the next generation of leaders – and they seem to be succeeding. Dedimus Potestatem works with renowned schools like the United Nations International School, whose students have competed and won awards at local and national tournaments. The company also proudly showcases students and alumni who have created national nonprofits, practical applications, and educational programs in the United States and abroad. Their offerings include Leadership, Model United Nations, STEM & Bioethics, Mock Trial, Philosophy, Model Congress, college application and interview preparation, academic writing, a Little Leaders program for kindergartners, and etiquette. All programs are student-focused, with plenty of time allocated for applied practice using simulations, team-building activities, and group projects. Dedimus Potestatem offers programs to elementary, middle, and high school students in schools nationwide, both in-person and online. They also offer private group classes and private lessons in New York.
The Diller Quaile School of Music
24 East 95th Street, New York, NY 10128
212-369-1484
The Diller-Quaile School of Music offers a full range of in-person and online music classes and lessons for all ages, including beginning to advanced instrument and voice study for students 4 and up. Through comprehensive programs, weekly classes and ensembles, and the High School Certificate Program, faculty guide students in a vibrant and nurturing environment through an approach united by the pedagogical principles of using a repertoire of enduring quality, teaching technique musically, and leading students to an understanding of the structure of music. The Early Childhood Program for children 3 months to 5 years fosters young children’s musical, intellectual, social-emotional, and physical development by introducing them to the joys of music and visual art. Led by experienced educators, each class session is a unique musical experience where children are immersed in collaborative music-making with their peers and professional musicians. All in-person classes include a pianist who accompanies each class in a variety of styles, in response to the children’s singing and expressive movement. Diller-Quaile offers a learning environment where music flourishes in all its aspects, enriching the lives of students of all ages and cultural backgrounds. Join them as they cultivate joy, creativity, and togetherness through music!
The Herb Alpert Center
645 Saint Nicholas Avenue, New York, NY 10030
212-926-4100 x309, 541-310-1876
Harlem School of the Arts (HSA) offers afterschool instruction in music, dance, theater, musical theater, and media & design to children ages 2-18. It empowers youths to reach their full potential through interdisciplinary arts training that celebrates the rich complexity of their community. Whether your child is exploring a new artistic passion or wants to build upon their existing talent, HSA has something for you! HSA trains the creative thinkers and global citizens of tomorrow while enriching and strengthening their connection to the community. HSA also offers a highly selective, pre-professional scholarship program for exceptionally talented and dedicated students ages 12–18. HSA Prep provides advanced-level arts training in music, dance, theater and the visual arts, plus mentoring, excellent performance opportunities, and more! Fall classes are offered M-F from 3 pm-7 pm, and Saturdays from 10 am-3 pm. Registration for Fall 2022 opens in August! For more information, visit HSA online.
1-800-631-1757
Kweller Prep Tutoring and Educational Services, Inc., is an established accelerated learning program that helps students in grades 3-12 get to the next level of their academic careers. It has a proven track record with over 15 years of success in the New York City region with locations in Queens and Manhattan. We have served over 10,000 NYC families to date. This program has now expanded to the East End of Long Island with a new location in the Hamptons. Kweller Prep specializes in competitive middle, high school, college, and graduate school preparation. Class sizes are limited to 10 students and are offered through zoom online and in-person. Kweller Prep has a very intentional, dedicated mission to guide students to advance to higher education, including placing them in highly competitive environments and building their careers. Kweller Prep purposely hires tutors who reflect the students who are served. Kweller Prep identifies early talent and focuses on holistic learning approaches that place its students on track for success, offering private lessons and group instruction.
15 W 37th St, New York, NY 10018
212-382-2255
The Manhattan Fencing Center is the top saber feeder club in the US to highly selective college universities and has finished with the top national medal count in the country for the last 15 years. The club offers Olympic level training for both recreational and competitive students that includes private lessons, group classes, open bouting, camps and tournaments. Classes are available for kids as young as age 4: “Mini Musketeer” with plastic equipment. Youth classes are open to children ages 7 to 14, includes all equipment and are available daily. Instructors teach students fencing footwork, etiquette, blade work, as well as discipline, coordination, and sportsmanship.
Upper West Side
917-519-7982
“Founded in 2019 by Alex Garcia, Stellar Soccer was created with one goal in mind: to create an atmosphere of fun, soccer learning in a stress-free environment. Stellar Soccer is a play-based program built through a rich curriculum set by early childhood educators. Lesson plans are created in advance and are reshaped to the development of each pod. Soccer classes during the fall are held outdoors throughout NYC area parks such as Central, Riverside, and Morningside Park. During the winter season, we plan to lead indoor classes at indoor locations such as the JCC Harlem and Cathedral St. John the Divine. Stellar Soccer also hosts outdoor celebrations. Suggest the location and there’s a chance we might go to you. With Stellar Soccer, there’s more to soccer than just the ball.”
2121 Broadway, New York, NY 10023
212- 874-2410
The Steps Youth Program is housed within Steps on Broadway, the epicenter of dance training on the Upper West Side of New York City. The Youth Programs nurture creativity and explores the world of dance in a comprehensive approach that benefits both the physical and emotional wellbeing. Students will have the unique opportunity to train with a diverse and professional faculty, choreographers, and fellow dancers in various dance styles– ballet, tap, jazz, hip hop, theater dance, and modern – along with performance skills and opportunities. Graduates of the program flourish in the professional dance world and are among the top picks for elite college dance programs, conservatories, and dance companies, as well as commercial and Broadway work. Whether your child wants to dance once a week or aspires to become a professional dancer, there are classes for everyone. Split into three divisions, the Steps Youth Programs include the Pre-Professional & Academy Divisions (Ages 10-18), Kids and Teens (Ages 7 & 18), and First Steps (ages 2-6). Class observations, performances, community nights, and receptions give parents and dancers opportunities to celebrate throughout the year. Join Steps on Broadway, September 12-18, for a FREE Open House!
