Dear dads, are you tired of your kids spending all their free time glued to screens after school? It’s time to mix things up and get them engaged in some fun and productive activities. In this article, we’ve rounded up a list of after-school activities for kids that will keep them busy and entertained.
Playing musical instruments, getting crafty with DIY projects, and exploring the great outdoors are just a few of the options we’ve got in store for you. With our help, you can provide your little ones with a well-rounded after-school experience they’ll love. So, put away the tablets and let’s dive into some creative ideas for after-school fun!
Striking the right chord
Learning to play a musical instrument is not only a fun activity. Above all it is one that can lead to a lifelong passion. While parents may want to steer clear of drums and percussion, the guitar is the perfect instrument for boys or girls. If your child is a budding Clapton or Etheridge, the ChordBuddy Guitar Learning System from Sharper Image will set them on the right path to becoming a guitar guru. The pack contains the ChordBuddy which can be attached to electric and acoustic guitars. In addition you’ll find an instruction book, a color coded song book and a companion DVD.
DIYs
Learning to create things for ourselves is one of the greatest joys in life – and a fantastic way of keeping kids occupied after school. Cricut offers a huge amount of tools and accessories to help fire your child’s imagination and get them creating some amazing things.
Inspiring Interactive Projects
These days – more than ever – it’s really important to promote kindness and empathy toward others. The Kindtude Box for teenage girls features fun, interactive projects within a safe and inspiring community. This monthly subscription features empathy projects, faith-based projects and skill-based activities such as time management and teamwork. Most importantly, it is aimed at steering teens toward self-love and kindness to others.
You can even ask your kids to help you with any home projects. They would love to help you build the new dining table you’ve been meaning to start on. Go to Lowe’s with the kids to help you choose new paint colors and lighting fixtures. They could even have more taste than you!
Sen-Tense Card Game
If you’re on the lookout for engaging and educational after-school activities to keep your kids busy, consider exploring the “Sen-Tense Card Game” from Education.com. This captivating card game not only provides hours of entertainment but also helps sharpen essential cognitive skills. It’s a fantastic option for parents looking to strike a balance between fun and learning.
With Education.com’s extensive collection of interactive and educational resources, you’ll find a wide range of activities like this one to keep your children engaged and motivated to learn outside the classroom.
Cooking up a storm
If your little one plans on being the next Gordon or Nigella, a Raddish Kids subscription will give them a taste for gaining new culinary skills. These monthly kits are created by experts specifically for kids and are great fun for all ages.
Great after school activities for kids – by design
For kids aged 14 and above, the Maker Crate from KiwiCo is an incredible art and design innovation box which is delivered direct to your door. Each crate contains new ideas and techniques and is even suitable for absolute beginners.
Crafts
Nothing inspires children more than using something that they’ve made themselves. Dollar Tree has tons of crafting items. This includes yarn and floral tools to help kids to find their new favorite hobby.
The sweet escape
In today’s world, STEM activities are super important in encouraging children toward a rewarding and lucrative career. The Candy Science Kit from Klutz is the perfect way to sneak some science education into your child’s after-school activities. Kids can learn science fundamentals while making their favorite sweet snacks, including jelly beans and marshmallows.
S’now better after school activities for kids
Not only is skiing a fantastic way of exercising and having fun, it’s also a perfectly socially distanced sport. If you’re lucky enough to live close to a ski resort or a winter activity center, now is the perfect time to introduce your kids to this fantastic pastime. Skis.com is a one stop shop for everything your child will need to hit the slopes this season.
Best foot forward
For kids interested in fashion, they might be able to give Mr. Louboutin a run for his money. Learning the techniques and processes of making footwear will keep them occupied after school – and possibly for a lifetime! Footwear Pattern Making And Last Design is a really good introduction to the art of shoe-making and offers tons of inspiration for your little fashionista.
For busy parents, finding after school activities for kids and keeping them away from their screens can be a huge challenge. This is especially the case during the colder months when a lot of outdoor activities are off limits. Thankfully, the ideas highlighted in this guide will give you some inspiration for activities. Hopefully they will help to keep the kids occupied until dinner time – and beyond.
Make sure that when you’re spending time with your kids you keep these in mind – 15 Important Rules for Dads with Daughters and 10 Things Parents Should Avoid Saying to Their Kids. Additionally, if you find yourself juggling working from home and keeping the kids busy, check out How to Work from Home with Kids While Being Productive.
