Best After School Programs & Activities for Kids on Long Island

The 10 Best After School Programs and Activities for Kids on Long Island

The entries are in alphabetical order

Back to school is almost here and parents are starting to plan what this year will look like for their families. Whether you’re looking for childcare while you’re at work or want the kids to enjoy extracurricular activities, Long Island has some great options. Here are the best after-school programs and activities for kids in and near Long Island!

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.

British Swimming School
1111 Marcus Avenue, New Hyde Park
2350 Jericho Tpke, Garden City Park
750 Sunrise Highway, Valley Stream
718-576-1870, [email protected]britishswimschool.com
British Swim School is the premier learn to swim school for people of all ages, with programs for children ages 3 months to adults. They use gentle teaching methods and a survival-oriented approach to help people become safer, stronger swimmers. They have both group and private lessons. British Swim School’s safe and fun lesson program has been the preferred choice for parents and students for over 40 years. With multiple locations throughout Nassau County, lesson options are available 7 days a week, with lessons beginning at 2:45pm during the school week. You can enroll at any time and start the next day.

Long Island Institute of Music
90 Plandomeweg, Manhasset
516-627-7052, [email protected]milimusic.com
MILI is Long Island’s premier music academy, consistently ranked #1. Instrumental programs for ages 3 and up include violin, viola, cello, piano, flute, clarinet, saxophone, and voice. They teach Traditional, Suzuki, and ABRSM methods. Students participate in All-National, All-Eastern, All-State, youth orchestras, and place highly at the NYSSMA and Royal Academy Music Festivals. First place winners in 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, and a GALA chamber music concert concluding.

Football shots
Multiple locations in Nassau and Suffolk
516-558-2266, [email protected]soccershots.com/liwest
Soccer Shots is an engaging kids soccer program for children ages 2-8, with a focus on character development. Soccer Shots is youth soccer that is fun and engaging. Their caring team positively impacts children’s lives on and off the field through the best in coaching, communication, and curriculum. Their expert-approved curriculum is age-appropriate and aligned with New York State Early Childhood Education Standards. Parents can trust that their child’s coach meets rigorous coaching and safety standards and is trained in the use of developmentally appropriate techniques. Throughout the season, parents receive constant and timely communication about what their child is learning to enhance the experience. Fall enrollment is now open.

Super football stars
Multiple locations in Eastern Queensland and Long Island
516-766-5437, [email protected]footballstars.com/ny/longisland/
Soccer Stars has been a top soccer provider on Long Island 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.

TGA of North Nassau County
Multiple locations in Nassau and Queens
516-202-0763, [email protected]playtga.com/northernnassaucounty
Learning a new sport should be fun and stress-free. TGA of Northern Nassau County makes it easy for kids to learn golf, tennis and pickleball. For over 20 years, TGA has partnered with
schools, parks and sports facilities to introduce children ages 4 to 15 to these sports in a safe, non-competitive environment. TGA’s after-school programs are designed to inspire the next generation
athletes through fun, age-appropriate activities. The curriculum uniquely combines athletic skill development, academic learning, and life lessons to nurture the whole person and player. With a low student-to-coach ratio, children receive individual attention, learn the fundamentals, and realize their athletic potential while building character. Join TGA of Northern Nassau County, where children’s passion for sports comes to life. Save 20% on your lesson with the exclusive discount code NYFAMILIES24.

YMCA of Long Island Before and After School Program121 Dosoris Lane
855-2YMCALI, [email protected]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 ages kindergarten through 5th or 6th grade. Working with school districts in Nassau and Suffolk Counties to support student learning, their experienced staff designs engaging enrichment activities to support your child’s learning in all areas. The program is designed to provide your child with daily homework support, STEM activities, arts and crafts, healthy eating and nutrition education, youth movement, conflict resolution strategies, and social skills development. Be sure to check with your local branch, as ages vary by school district.