8 afterschool activities for toddlers and preschoolers

Afterschool activities don't have to mean another packed commitment. For toddlers and preschoolers, an activity can be a weekly class, an afternoon outside, or a simple project at home. Toddlers may enjoy exploring music with shakers and movement, while preschoolers might be ready to follow a dance routine, try an instrument or take on a simple building project.

If you have children at different stages, many activities can be adapted so everyone can join in. Here are eight ideas to try.

Creative afterschool activities

For young children, creativity is mostly about experimenting. They don't need a finished product or a set of instructions. Give them something interesting to work with and see where they take it.

Art and sensory play

Toddlers can explore finger painting, chunky crayons, play dough, sand play or painting with sponges. Sensory art can be especially engaging for children who enjoy exploring different textures and materials. As preschoolers get older, try pottery, painting, collage or more open-ended crafts.

You can look for sensory art classes at local studios, libraries, community centers or children's museums. Parent-and-child sessions can be a good option for younger toddlers, while older preschoolers may be ready for a class they can join independently.

Music and movement

Toddlers can explore music through singing, dancing and simple instruments at parent-and-child classes or at home. Shakers, drums and homemade instruments can turn a few songs into an afternoon activity. Preschoolers might be ready for group singing, creative movement or beginner music lessons. Look for classes that keep things playful rather than expecting young children to sit still for long periods.

You can find toddler music classes and preschool music programs through local music schools, libraries, community centers and early childhood programs.  

Active afterschool activities

Movement-based activities give young children a chance to practice climbing, balancing, jumping and coordination while getting some energy out after a day at daycare or preschool.

Gymnastics

Parent-and-child gymnastics can give toddlers a chance to climb, balance, and explore soft equipment in a structured setting. Older preschoolers may enjoy beginner gymnastics, obstacle courses or movement classes with slightly more structure. Many recreation centers, gymnastics clubs and community centers offer toddler gymnastics or parent-and-child movement classes.  

Dance and creative movement

Toddlers can enjoy dancing with props, copying simple movements and moving along with songs or stories. Creative movement classes are often a good introduction because there is less focus on learning a routine. As preschoolers become more confident, they might try ballet, tap, hip-hop or creative dance. Look for classes that still leave room for imagination and play. 

Swimming and water play

Swimming can be a fun way for young children to get comfortable in the water while building movement skills. Toddlers can start with parent-and-child swim classes that focus on enjoying the water, practicing simple movements and becoming familiar with basic water-safety skills. As preschoolers become more confident, they may be ready for beginner swim lessons that introduce more independent movement and basic swimming techniques.

You don't always need a formal lesson. A family trip to a child-friendly pool can be a chance to practice kicking, blowing bubbles and getting comfortable in the water together. Just remember that young children need close, active supervision around water at all times.

Hands-on and discovery afterschool activities

Hands-on activities can turn everyday materials into something worth investigating. They're a good fit for children who like to touch, build, mix, take things apart and see what happens. 

Cooking and baking

Cooking gives children a chance to be part of something the family is already doing. Toddlers can help wash fruit, tear soft ingredients, stir or add toppings with close supervision. Preschoolers can take on more steps, such as measuring, mixing, rolling dough or helping prepare a simple snack.

Cooking naturally introduces concepts such as counting, textures, colors and sequencing — without making the activity feel like a lesson. 

Building and simple STEM

If your child is always taking things apart or building towers, give them materials to experiment with. STEM stands for science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. Toddlers can explore blocks, stacking toys and age-appropriate construction sets. Preschoolers can take on simple challenges, such as building a bridge for a toy car or creating a house for a stuffed animal. At the preschool age, STEM learning and classes are all about learning how and why things work, naturally developing their curiosity, and building foundational skills. STEM classes can also encourage curiosity and problem solving.

You can also look for STEM classes for preschoolers, maker programs or building workshops at children's museums, libraries and community centers.  

Library storytime and imaginative play

A library can be more than a place to borrow books. Many offer free programs where children can listen to stories, sing songs, make crafts, play with puppets or explore imaginative play. Toddlers may enjoy parent-and-child story time, while preschoolers might be ready for longer stories, themed activities or simple storytelling sessions. Check your local library's calendar for children's programs and drop-in activities.  

Enrich your child’s development outside of school

Afterschool activities offer numerous social, emotional, and physical benefits for your preschoolers. From dance to art class to storytelling, there is a type of class or activity for every interest. When chosen thoughtfully, your child can interact with their creativity and skills outside of school or home. Even more, these activities create passionate and creative learners. Enrich your child’s development outside of school with these activities and watch them flourish.

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