The Best Kids After-School Programs and Activities in and Near Queens
Listings are in alphabetical order
While academics lay the foundation for a child’s education, the learning doesn’t stop when the school day ends. After-school programs offer valuable opportunities for kids to explore new interests, develop hidden talents, and build confidence outside the classroom. Whether it’s dance, music, theater, sports, or STEM, extracurricular activities can help children discover what truly excites them. With the new school year fast approaching, now’s the perfect time to explore the many programs available across New York City. To help you get started, we’ve rounded up some of the best afterschool options—each thoughtfully designed by experienced educators to foster growth, creativity, and plenty of fun.
All Star Studios
108-21 72nd Ave. 4th floor, Forest Hills
718-268-2280, allstarstudiosnyc@gmail.com
allstarstudiosnyc.com
All Star Studios programs are designed to encourage and educate students on increasing flexibility, improving coordination, focusing on muscle strengthening, building poise, and having fun. All instructors have experience teaching and performing to give students the skills they need, help push them toward their goals, build self-confidence, and encourage a healthy, active lifestyle. Their competition team does annual fundraising shows to support families with children on the spectrum. The dancers learn technique and choreography during the year and perform in the Annual Spring Show. The first class is free, and tuition is on a monthly basis, so you are not tied into a semester contract. The studio spans three floors with viewing windows for the parents in the heart of Forest Hills.
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 such as jazz, Ailey Horton, modern, pointe, tap, and West African are added to their training. 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.
The Afterschool Collective
11-45 47th Ave., Long Island City
833-697-8326, info@theafterschoolcollective.org
theafterschoolcollective.org
At The Afterschool Collective, they believe the best learning happens when kids are having fun! Their Scholars Program blends hands-on discovery with movement, creativity, and connection—all in a nurturing, small-group setting (just a 1:6 ratio!). Each day brings something exciting: build robots, explore art, jam out in music, design machines, and get moving with fitness games. They “sneak in” the academics through play, teamwork, and real-world challenges—led by expert instructors who know how to keep kids engaged.
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!
Performing Arts Conservatory of New York
35-57 89th St. Jackson Heights
718-639-1425 or 917-774-3411, info@paconyschool.com
paconyschool.com
Performing Arts Conservatory of New York offers comprehensive music and arts education for students of all levels—beginners, intermediate, and advanced. They provide private instruction in piano, violin, cello, bass, electric and classical guitar, drums, woodwinds, voice, and brass. Their visual arts program includes drawing and painting techniques in watercolor, oil, acrylic, and more. With six concerts per year, their students gain valuable performance experience and are well-prepared for auditions at performing arts high schools and colleges. Group classes in music theory, choir, and chamber music are essential to their professional training approach.
