The Best Kids After-School Programs and Activities in Long Island
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 after-school 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 on Long Island, the options seem endless, so we narrowed it down with these top after-school 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!
British Swim School
Locations in Lake Success, Garden City Park, Valley Stream
718-576-1870, goswimbrooklynqueens@britishswimschool.com
britishswimschool.com
With over 40 years of experience, British Swim School is a premier choice for parents and students seeking a learn-to-swim provider. They offer a safe and fun instructional program for all ages, from 3 months through adulthood, prioritizing a survival-first approach with gentle teaching methods. Lesson options are available seven days a week, including weekday classes starting at 2:45 pm and weekend availability. Enrollment is flexible, allowing you to begin as early as the next day.
The Coder School
Multiple Locations
syosset@thecoderschool.com
thecoderschool.com/landing/longisland
Since 2017, the CoderSchool has been empowering tech-savvy kids across Long Island through engaging, personalized coding instruction. With four convenient locations, students ages 6–18 learn to code in a fun, low-pressure environment, guided by expert Code Coaches®. Whether building games in Scratch, apps in Python and JavaScript, or designing Roblox and Minecraft worlds, kids gain real-world tech skills and confidence. TheCoderSchool offers year-round programs and exciting summer camps focused on creativity and problem-solving. Join the thousands of families who trust us to help their children thrive in a digital world. – Ready to get started? Contact your nearest Long Island location today to schedule a free trial class!
German Language School of Greater New York
Manhattan and Long Island
212-787-7543, kidslearngerman@aol.com
german-american-school.org
The German-American School Association has been teaching children since 1892 and welcomes children of all backgrounds. Lower grades receive bilingual instruction, while upper grades are taught in German. Accredited by the New York Regents since 1911, the school’s students complete the FLAC exam; college-bound students take AP training and are encouraged to take A1/A2 exams.
Music Institute of Long Island
90 Plandome Road, Manhasset
516-627-7052, miligirls@gmail.com
milimusic.com
MILI is Long Island’s premier music academy consistently voted #1. Instrumental programs starting at age 3 and up include violin, viola, cello, piano, flute, clarinet, saxophone & voice. They teach the Traditional, Suzuki, and ABRSM methods. Students participate in All-National, All-Eastern, All-State, youth orchestras, and score highly in NYSSMA and Royal Academy Music Festivals. First prize winners of competitions earn solos at Carnegie Hall and with orchestras. MILI offers Fall/Spring semesters plus Summer Sessions. Semesters include 15-17 weeks of private lessons, solo recitals with a final GALA Concert featuring chamber music.
Soccer Shots
Multiple Locations
516-558-2266, liwest@soccershots.com
soccershots.com/liwest
Soccer Shots is a high-energy, imaginative soccer program for children ages 18 months to 8 years, designed to nurture confidence, character, and friendship through active play. With a curriculum that early childhood education experts approve, Soccer Shots makes learning age-appropriate and exciting. And parents? You’re always part of the journey, always informed on the skills and character-building themes your child explores, so you can cheer them on and build on their learning. Each session is led by trained, enthusiastic coaches who create a positive and inclusive environment for every child. Soccer Shots is more than just soccer—it’s a building block for lifelong learning, teamwork, and fun. Fall enrollment is now open — join the fun and watch your little one thrive!
Soccer Stars of Long Island & Eastern Queens
45 Cherry Valley Ave., West Hempstead
516-766-5437, longisland@soccerstars.com
soccerstars.com/ny/longislandeasternqueens
Soccer Stars has been Long Island’s leading youth soccer program for over 25 years. The program is designed to build soccer skills, confidence, and teamwork—blending fun, education, and character development in every session. Coaches at Soccer Stars are more than just soccer professionals; they are trained mentors with a deep understanding of how to engage and inspire children. Each class is interactive, high-energy, and focused on individual development. The curriculum is thoughtfully crafted to combine soccer fundamentals with early childhood learning and life skills. It’s adaptable across age groups and skill levels, ensuring that every child gets the most out of their soccer experience. Registration is now open, and spots are limited.
TGA of Northern Nassau County
Multiple Locations
516-202-0763, northernnassaucounty@playtga.com
playtga.com/northernnassaucounty
Whether your child is a beginner or building on skills, TGA of Northern Nassau County helps them thrive through active play.TGA of Northern Nassau County offers convenient and accessible golf, tennis, and pickleball programs for children ages 4-14, fostering a fun, inclusive, and pressure-free environment. TGA has collaborated with schools, parks, and sports facilities nationwide for over two decades to introduce individual sports that cultivate confidence, focus, and self-discipline. Their after-school enrichment programs feature a progressive, play-based curriculum that integrates athletic skill development, academic learning, and life lessons designed to nurture the whole child. With low student-to-coach ratios, children receive personalized instruction, learn fundamentals, and grow both on and off the court, helping them thrive through active play regardless of their skill level.
YMCA Child Care
Multiple Locations
516-674-8091, childcare@ymcali.org
ymcali.org/childcare
The YMCA of Long Island’s before- and after-school programs support children in reaching their full potential by providing academic support and enrichment experiences in a safe and structured environment for children in kindergarten through 5th or 6th Grade. Partnering with school districts in Nassau and Suffolk counties to support student learning, their experienced staff design engaging enrichment activities to help support your child’s learning in all areas. The program is designed to offer your child daily homework help, STEM activities, arts & crafts, healthy eating and nutrition education, youth movement, conflict resolution strategies, and developing social skills. Just be sure to check your local branch, as ages vary by school district.
