8 Best After School Programs for Kids Activities in Brooklyn

The 10 Best After School Programs & Activities for Kids in Brooklyn

As we get into Back to School mode, it’s also the time when many of us parents start looking at our schedules, work, and life commitments to determine what the school year will look like. After-school programs and activities are not only great for kids, but they also help keep them active, stimulated, and learning long after the clock rings at the end of the day. Here are the 10 best after-school programs and activities for kids in Brooklyn to check out right now!

The Ailey School
405 W. 55th St.
212-405-9000
alvinailey.org/school/first-steps-and-bounding-boys
alvinailey.org/school/programs/junior-division
The Ailey School’s Junior Division offers a highly structured curriculum for conservatory training. Students in the Pre-Professional program (ages 7 to 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, Horton, modern, pointe, tap, and West African. In First Steps and Bounding Boys (ages 3 to 6), children develop an understanding of dance, rhythm, and music through a weekly series of fun exercises.

Cultural Center Allora
Gowanus: 304 Bond St.
Park Slope: 837 Union St.
allorabk.com
Allora Cultural Center offers a child-centered enrichment program designed by a dedicated team of educators to teach the rich traditions and flavors of Italy. They offer after-school programs that include cooking and art classes, such as pizza dough making and clay sculpting. These programs provide students with opportunities for discovery and expression through hands-on learning and experiential exploration. Italian child psychologist Stefania Clementi, along with other experienced educators, designed the small class sizes to provide a nurturing environment tailored to the needs of children. Allora also offers special weekend events and pasta-making birthday parties! Winter break and summer camps are also available. Enroll now for the fall with an additional location in the heart of Park Slope.

Aviator sports
3159 Flatbush Ave.
aviatorsports.com/sports
Aviator Sports is a child’s gateway to fun, fitness and growth. Their diverse youth sports programs—Gymnastics, Parkour/Ninja Warrior, Skating, Ice Hockey, Basketball and FC Copa Soccer—focus on each child’s interests and talents. Each season is a new adventure designed to promote skill development, teamwork and physical fitness in a way that is both fun and educational. Aviator’s professional coaches provide personalized attention, foster a passion for sports and promote an active lifestyle. Aviator Sports isn’t just about athletic skills; they help kids build confidence and nurture positive traits. From perfecting a gymnastics routine to mastering ice skating to honing soccer skills, Aviator Sports provides a dynamic, supportive environment that empowers young athletes to reach their potential.

Brooklyn Ninja Academy
340 4th Ave.
[email protected]ninjabrooklyn.com
Every kid wants to be a ninja warrior! Brooklyn Ninja Academy offers unique and fun after school ninja warrior obstacle training for kids featuring fun and challenging ninja warrior obstacles just like the ones in the American Ninja Warrior TV show. Classes are taught by certified ninja coaches, some of whom have appeared on the show! The progressive program teaches participants how to conquer ninja warrior obstacles by learning new skills and techniques for climbing, swinging, agility, balance and strength. Kids gain confidence as they conquer each obstacle and become stronger. There’s no better feeling than the ultimate thrill of hitting the buzzer at the end of a course, complete with exciting sound effects and lights!

The school at the Mark Morris Dance Center
3 Lafayette Ave.
718-624-8400
markmorrisdancegroup.org/dance-center
Located in the heart of the Brooklyn Cultural District and home to the world-famous Mark Morris Dance Group, The School at the Mark Morris Dance Center offers dance classes in a variety of styles and levels for children and teens, from newborns to 18 years old. Their faculty provides progressive, non-competitive, and inclusive instruction with classes accompanied by live music whenever possible. Classes include jazz, hip-hop, ballet, modern, and tap, as well as music and voice. Each class in the children and teen program (ages 6-18) meets weekly over the course of two 16-week semesters, giving students consistency that supports their understanding over time. The school also has classes for the little ones, including We Dance: Postpartum (from newborn to new crawlers), We Dance: Toddler and Grown-up Movement (ages 18 months to 4 years), and Creative Dance (ages 4-6).

NY Kids Club
nykidsclub.com
NY Kids Club’s enrichment classes offer children access to a wide range of experiences designed to ignite lifelong passions. From cooking to musical theater, these classes provide a rich, hands-on curriculum that encourages creativity, critical thinking, and a love of learning. Young chefs can explore the culinary arts in a fun and engaging environment, learning to create delicious international dishes while understanding the importance of nutrition. Emerging artists can take the spotlight in musical theater class, where they develop confidence, teamwork, and artistic expression through acting, singing, and dancing. These enrichment programs, among the broad fall lineup of classes, are designed to spark curiosity and build foundational skills that children will carry with them throughout their lives. At NY Kids Club, every child has the opportunity to discover new interests, develop their talents, and ignite lifelong passions!

Park Slope United
Locations throughout Brooklyn
parkslopeunited.com
Park Slope United is Brooklyn’s premier youth soccer club. While there are many options for kids soccer lessons in Brooklyn, only one choice offers the promise of a full-service youth soccer club where your child can continue to grow and learn beyond the basics. As the borough’s largest club, PSU offers lessons and programs in nearly every corner of Brooklyn for every skill level, from beginner lessons to serious academy travel programs. All lessons begin after Labor Day and run once a week for 10 weeks. They are staffed by professional coaches who bring years of experience to their Tot Footy (coed, ages 2-5) and Developmental (ages 5-12) programs. There are also options for girls-only lessons.

SKATEYOGI
Williamsburg: 58 North 9th Street @ Kent Ave
Prospect Lefferts Gardens: 140 Empire Blvd @ Bedford Ave
718-484-9777
skateyogi.com
Discover the joy of skateboarding with SKATEYOGI! With their two indoor skate spaces, SKATEYOGI offers skateboarding programs in a fun, creative environment for all ages (2 to adult). Their small teacher-student ratio and ego-free approach ensure that every student feels welcome. SKATEYOGI classes are great exercise, a form of creative expression, and highly adaptable to a variety of learning styles. Weekly group lessons, private lessons, birthday parties, and day camps during school breaks are available. They have after-school pickup at select schools including Brooklyn Arbor, PS 34, PS 770, and more. An open-level format welcomes absolute beginners to experienced skaters. Skateboard rentals are included.

STREB Inc.
51 North 1st Street
718-384-6491
streb.org/children
STREB’s children’s programs offer dynamic, adventurous, and fun classes for kids and teens ages 18 months and up. Under the guidance of expert instructors, including STREB’s Action Hero team, kids can explore PopAction, Trampoline, and Flying Trapeze. Their state-of-the-art equipment allows kids to confidently build strength, coordination, and flexibility. Weekly classes over two semesters provide a consistent and engaging learning environment. STREB operates on a “personal best” philosophy, making techniques accessible to all body types, ages, and abilities. Give your child the chance to fly, fall, punch, slide, and soar with STREB. Based in Williamsburg, Brooklyn for over 20 years, STREB is an affiliate of the world-renowned movement group STREB EXTREME ACTION.

Super football stars
Multiple locations in Brooklyn
212-877-7171, [email protected]soccerstars.com
Soccer Stars has been a top soccer provider in Brooklyn for 24 years. Their program is designed to develop skill, teamwork, and confidence on the field. Each session is a mix of fun, education, and character building, allowing each child to enjoy the game and develop at their own pace. Their coaches are not just seasoned soccer professionals; they are mentors dedicated to inspiring your stars. With a deep understanding of working with children, their coaches make each lesson engaging and focused on each player’s personal development. Their curriculum is carefully crafted to blend soccer, early childhood learning, and life skills. It is adaptable and caters to a variety of age groups and skill levels, ensuring that every child gets the most out of their soccer experience. Fall enrollment is now open!