These Towns Lead the Way
When it comes to after-school activities, finding the perfect fit for your child can make all the difference. With school districts increasingly offering a variety of engaging, high-quality programs, parents now have more opportunities than ever to enrich their children’s afternoons. Gone are the days of scrambling to find something fun and productive for your kids to do between the end of the school day and the end of the workday.
Many districts are stepping up, not just by providing safe and supervised environments, but by offering an array of exciting after-school activities tailored to students’ interests. From free transportation to some of the most sought-after activities in town to a wide range of options, these districts are making it easier than ever for kids to explore new passions and grow in ways that extend beyond the classroom.
1. Chappaqua, NY
Lots of districts provide bussing to get kids back and forth to school. But Chappaqua literally goes the extra mile with an Activity Bus that transports kids directly from school to their after-school activities. That gives busy parents some breathing room, knowing their kids are getting where they need to be—like soccer practice, stem programs, music lessons or karate, and other commitments—without worrying about ducking out of work early or juggling a complicated carpool schedule.
2. Bronxville, NY
The fun begins at the Bronxville After School Clubs (BASC) when the school bell rings. Kids K-8 can choose from tons of clubs designed to appeal to all ages and all interests. Gymnastics, LEGOs, ice skating, karate, puppetry… let’s just say, if your kid wants to try something, BASC probably has a club. In fact, with dozens of options, the toughest thing for your kids about BASC may be deciding what to sign up for each semester. Classes are available Monday-Thursday from 3:00-4:00 p.m., but an extended day option is available for an additional $20 per semester.
3. Ossining, NY
The village of Ossining has an entire Youth Bureau dedicated to providing enrichment programs that create a sense of community, including Youth Engaging in Success. This free, year-round program helps kids in 6th to 8th grade tap into the creative side of their brains—we’re talking activities that range from drumming, chess and art classes to Brazilian martial arts, coding, and cooking. The Youth Bureau also provides free swimming lessons for all Ossining kids—as of 2023, more than 250 kids have learned how to swim through the Water Safety Program.
4. Westport, CT
Middle school can be tough. The 7th Grade Initiative Program at the Westport YMCA makes it a little easier with a free program that helps kids bridge the transition from childhood to adolescence. Kids get a free membership to access the fitness center and pool, monthly events, and special teen nights with activities, food, games, and more. The program is open to all Westport seventh-graders—they just need to show a school ID, report card, or other proof of grade level when they apply.
5. Greenwich, CT
Encourage your child to discover new passions and skills before and after school. In Greenwich, kids in grades 1-5 can start and end their day with enrichment programs at North Street School. There’s a broad line-up of classes in arts, sports, and sciences—even a class for Swifties!— and most of them are taught by North School teachers. Drop off for before-school programs is at 7:45 a.m., and pick up for after-school programs is at 4:20 p.m.
6. North Caldwell, NJ
North Caldwell kicks after-school enrichment up a notch with its program for Grandview School and Gould School students. Kids at both schools can try many fun activities, from cooking and drawing to science and sports. Even better? Classes are held right after school, so no jumping through hoops to get kids where they need to be is required. Schedules are announced at the start of every semester, and advance registration is required.
7. Livingston, NJ
Do you have a kid who’s interested in robotics? Gardening? Cooking? Kindergarteners through 5th graders who attend Livingston’s after-school program can dabble in all of these activities and so much more. The program runs until 5:30 p.m. Monday through Thursday during the school year at East Side School (bussing is available to kids at Winans); parents who need care on Fridays can sign their kids up for an extra day. Have more than one kid? Siblings get a 50% discount off the already reasonable rates.
Need help finding a town with the right enrichment programs – and the right district – for your kids? Schedule your free Suburbs Strategy session now.
