The 10 Best After School Programs for Kids in Manhattan

The 10 Best After School Programs and Activities for Kids in Manhattan

The entries are in alphabetical order

Parents know that finding an after-school program can be a challenge. It is of the utmost importance. We want the activities, the hours, and most importantly, to be an enriching experience for our children.

There are many reasons, some personal and some obvious (our workload, after-school stimulation is beneficial for kids), why a parent might choose to place their child in an after-school program. Luckily, we live in New York City, where we have some great resources. But let’s Uber-focus on the Manhattan area. As you prepare for the upcoming school year, we’ve got the 10 best activities and after-school programs for you to choose from that will not only make you happy, but your child too!

Academy at Steps
2121 Broadway, 4th floor.
332-334-4177, [email protected]stepsnyc.com/academy
Steps on Broadway Academy offers comprehensive dance education for students ages 2-18. Led by internationally acclaimed faculty, classes include ballet, pointe, hip hop, jazz, theater dance, tap, contemporary and modern styles. Steps Academy is home to three divisions tailored to the needs of a wide range of dance students: First Steps (ages 2-6), Youth Division (ages 7-18), and the Pre-Professional Division (audition only) (ages 10-18). Whether your child wants to dance once a week or become a professional, Steps Academy offers flexibility and empowers everyone to strive for excellence. Register for the fall season today to secure your spot and join a dance community unlike any other.

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.

Ballet Academy East
1651 Third Ave.
212-410-9140, [email protected]balletacademyeast.com
Ballet Academy East is home to aspiring dancers of all ages. The Young Dancer Division, for children ages 18 months to 6 years, teaches the joy of dance in an environment focused on developing individual potential and creativity through age-appropriate, structured instruction. The Primary Division, for first-grade students, focuses on developing strength, coordination, and flexibility. The Pre-Professional Division, for ages 7-19, combines extensive ballet training with professional performance opportunities to prepare students for success in the dance world. The Children and Teen Division offers inspiring and enriching dance classes for ages 7-15, with no audition required. For adults, the Open Adult Division offers ballet classes for all levels and abilities, as well as fitness classes.

Bloomingdale Music School
323 West 108th St.
212-663-6021, [email protected]bsmny.org/fall-2024/
Now celebrating 60 years of serving generations of New York City families, Bloomingdale School of Music is the destination for music education on the Upper West Side. Lessons and classes are available for students of all ages and levels, from early childhood to adult, and from beginners to college prep. Bloomingdale’s expertly curated faculty of professional musicians teach over 20 instruments in a variety of genres. Private lessons at Bloomingdale offer individual attention, customization, and a personalized curriculum. Call the school to schedule a 30-minute trial lesson for just $30. Other options include beginner group lessons, string orchestras, vocal ensembles, guitar orchestras, jazz ensembles, music theory lessons, and more. Registration is ongoing, and you can check out their website to learn about upcoming sales, promotions, and free family events.

Broadway Dance Center Children and Teens
37 W. 65th St.
201-707-6566, [email protected]broadwaydancecenter.com/children-teens/about-children-teens
Broadway Dance Center Children and Teens offers comprehensive dance education programs for young movers ages 3-18 with over 40 years of experience. Classes are held at their Lincoln Center facility on W. 65th Street and Times Square Studio on W. 45th Street. They offer a variety of programs including their annual program, fall and spring semester programs, as well as summer options including weekday and day camps and workshops for advanced dancers. Our mission is to create a healthy environment where dancers can connect socially and artistically, build self-confidence, positive self-esteem, and a strong work ethic. The center is dedicated to educating the whole student, with the goal of inspiring them to dance and share their passion with others.

Dedimus Potestatem
718-954-1357, [email protected]potestatem.co
Dedimus Potestatem offers fun, engaging programs that teach coveted leadership skills. Founded by an educator who has worked with local and national governments, UN affiliates, and nonprofits worldwide, Dedimus Potestatem creates the next generation of global leaders. Their students have won awards at local and national tournaments, and alumni have created their own national nonprofits, applications, and educational programs. Their offerings include Leadership, Model United Nations, Debate, Mock Trial, Philosophy, Model Congress, Computer Programming, Academic Writing, Financial Literacy, Self-Defense, and more. All programs are student-centered and taught by experienced educators. Dedimus Potestatem offers programs for elementary, middle, and high school students, both in person and online. They also offer group and private tutoring in New York.

Ninja Academy in New York City
625 W. 55th St.
917-903-7535, [email protected]nycninja.com
Every kid wants to be a ninja warrior! New York City 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 TV 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 in Peridance
126 E 13 St.
212-505-0886, [email protected]peridance.com/sap.cfm
Discover the magic of movement at Peridance, the premier East Village Children’s Dance School that has been nurturing creativity and confidence for over 40 years. Expert instructors offer lively classes for all levels and ages in ballet, hip hop, jazz, tap, modern and contemporary. Peridance’s staff is dedicated to providing a supportive environment that fosters lasting skills and encourages each student to reach their full potential. Conveniently located in the heart of Union Square, the school is a hub of artistic activity that is easily accessible. Join us on a transformative journey through dance, where every step helps children grow and shine. Enroll today to give a child the opportunity to thrive on and off the stage.

Play on! Studios
263 West 86th St.
347-709-4149, [email protected]playonstudios.com
Play On! Studios offers after school and Saturday theater classes at the UWS that are guaranteed to give kids an amazing experience filled with acting, music, and fun that they won’t soon forget. Young actors rehearse and perform in a showcase or full production, work with professional NYC actors/teachers, build skills in a nurturing, non-competitive environment, and play lots of drama games. Their classes are great for beginners or more experienced actors, whether your child is just starting out or ready for Broadway! Creative Drama, Theater Lab, Musical Theater Revue, and Musical Theater Performance classes all offer varying levels of commitment for kids of all ages. Classes are available for grades PreK-8, after school, or on Saturdays.

Super football stars
Multiple locations in Manhattan
212-877-7171, [email protected]soccerstars.com
Soccer Stars has been Manhattan’s #1 soccer provider 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!