The 8 Best Kids Afterschool Programs and Activities in Brooklyn
Listings are in alphabetical order
It’s no secret that education is a vital part of any child’s development; that’s why school is a requirement. But what about the experiences and lessons they learn when school is out? Academics are important, but enrichment comes in many forms. A child is often likely to discover hidden talents or new interests through afterschool activities, so it’s highly recommended that parents enroll their kids in a multitude of extracurricular programs like dance, music, theater, sports, etc. to see where they will shine! With back to school right around the corner, now is the time to decide which programs best suit your child. Here in New York, the options seem endless, so we narrowed it down with these top afterschool programs. Each is expertly crafted by top-tier professionals, ensuring that every child reaches their full potential while having fun at the same time. Check them out below!
Alvin Ailey
The Joan Weill Center for Dance
405 West 55th St., Manhattan
ailey.org/training/junior-division
The Ailey School’s Junior Division offers a highly structured curriculum for conservatory training. Students in the Pre-Professional program (ages 7-17) participate in after-school and weekend classes during the school year. All levels include training in ballet and at least one other technique. As students progress, more techniques are added to their training, such as jazz, Ailey Horton, modern, pointe, tap, and West African. In First Steps and Bounding Boys (ages 3-6), children develop an understanding of dance, rhythm, and music through a weekly series of fun exercises.
Brooklyn Greenwood Suzuki Early Childhood Music
Greenwood Music Space
225 Greenwood Ave, Windsor Terrace/Kensington
http://bkgwsuzuki.com
The Brooklyn Greenwood Suzuki Early Childhood Education class provides a literacy-based curriculum presented in a calm environment to children (ages 0-3) and their caregivers in order to establish a musical foundation through repetition and gradual layering of skills. Based on the philosophy that Every Child Can Learn, SECE weaves together the developmental parallels of early literacy skills and the establishment of a musical foundation of rhythm/pitch, paving the way for a seamless entry into future private music lessons. Children of mixed ages will learn from each other in a warm, welcoming environment of adult involvement and encouragement. Come join us on Tuesday mornings beginning September 16th for music and movement! Semester/School year options available.
Circus Academy
30 Tompkins Ave, S. Williamsbug
circusacademy.com/youth-afterschool-circus
Step right up for a semester filled with excitement, creativity, and unforgettable memories. The youth circus program offers a one-of-a-kind afterschool experience where children discover their inner star and soar to new heights—literally. Flying trapeze classes (Mondays, Tuesdays, Fridays, Saturdays) teach students to flip, fly, and be caught mid-air by trained professionals. Juggling classes (Mondays) cover fun tricks for beginners and advanced students. General circus classes (Tuesdays) introduce various skills, including aerial, trampoline, and spinning plates. At semester’s end, all students showcase their talents in a spectacular performance for family and friends. It’s an inspiring experience full of growth, confidence, and circus magic. Spaces are limited—reserve a spot today at circusacademy.com/youth.
Mark Morris Dance Center
3 Lafayette Ave, Fort Greene
718-624-8400
markmorrisdancegroup.org
The School at the Mark Morris Dance Center provides year-round dance and music programming for all students, including those with disabilities, operating on the philosophy that “Dance is for Anybody!” Their Early Childhood Program, for ages newborn to 6, includes “WeDance” (newborn to 4), where young dancers develop skills through play with required caregiver participation, and “Creative Dance” (4-6), which introduces technique and improvisation. At age 5, “Creative Explorations” allows students to explore Ballet, Modern, Hip-Hop, Broadway Jazz, or Tap. The Children and Teen Program, for ages 6 to 18, offers diverse genres such as Modern, Contemporary, Jazz, Broadway Jazz, Ballet, Hip-Hop, Tap, Music and Singing, and West African Dance, with class lengths varying by level and age.
NY Kids Club
Multiple Locations Throughout NYC
nykidsclub.com/activities
NY Kids Club enrichment classes empower young learners and ignite lifelong passions. From dance to art, music to gymnastics, sports to STEM, and more, enrichment classes foster a lifelong love for learning. Their unique, state-of-the-art gym spaces keep children active, help develop motor skills, and teach the importance of teamwork, while our classrooms inspire curiosity, encourage creativity, and spark passions. With highly trained instructors and a thoughtfully crafted curriculum, each class is designed to support children’s growth, both socially and intellectually. At NY Kids Club, every child has the opportunity to discover new interests, develop their talents, and learn to love learning in a fun, nurturing environment. Limited spaces are available—learn more and enroll today!
Noel Pointer
247 Herkimer St., Bedford-Stuyvesant
718-230-4825
noelpointer.org
The Noel Pointer Foundation is a non-profit organization launched 30 years ago in 1995 to honor the memory of Grammy-nominated jazz violinist Noel Pointer, a platinum-selling artist who loved performing in inner city communities and believed strongly that teaching a child a string instrument had the potential to change the entire trajectory of their life. Starting with 18 children at PS44 in Brooklyn, NPF now operates music programs in nearly 50 schools and daycare centers, serving over 35,000 students in all five boroughs. The on-campus NPF Preparatory Program offers an Ensemble Program, a Solo Program, and Music Enrichment Electives from September through May with programming for ages 9 months to adults. More information and registration are available at noelpointer.org
Park Slope United
Locations Throughout Brooklyn
parkslopeunited.com
Park Slope United is Brooklyn’s leading youth soccer club, providing a comprehensive soccer experience for children of all skill levels, from beginners to serious academy travel players. As the largest club in the borough, PSU offers a wide range of classes and programs throughout Brooklyn. Classes begin after Labor Day and run for 10 weeks, meeting once per week. All programs are led by professional coaches with extensive experience in both their Tot Footy (co-ed, 2-5 year-olds) and Developmental (5-12 year-olds) programs. Girls-only classes are also available.
SKATEYOGI
58 N 9th St. & Kent Ave., Williamsburg
Prospect Lefferts Gardens: 140 Empire Blvd. & Bedford Ave.
718-484-9777
skateyogi.com
Discover the joy of skateboarding with SKATEYOGI! At their two indoor skate spaces, SKATEYOGI offers skateboarding programs in a fun, creative environment for all ages (ages 3 to adults). Their small teacher-to-student ratio and ego-free approach make every student feel welcome. SKATEYOGI classes are a great exercise, a form of creative expression, and very adaptable to different learning styles. Weekly group classes, private lessons, birthday parties, and day camps on school holidays are available. They have after-school pick-up at select schools, including Brooklyn Arbor, PS 34, BNS, PS 770, Compass, and more. An open-level format welcomes absolute beginners to experienced skaters. Skateboard rental is included for all on-site programs.
