Free and Cheap Afterschool Programs in Connecticut

Afterschool programs offer Connecticut children the opportunity to participate in flexible (and fun!) learning activities, get physical exercise and establish friendships with peers. They also fill up the afternoon hours during which parents are looking for after-school care until they return home from the work day. Many programs will bus the student directly from the school or even are held on school grounds. An ideal solution for working parents!

Be sure to peruse our calendar which is updated weekly and check out the Connecticut Fall Fun Guide for more fun with school-age children.

Free and Cheap Afterschool Programs in Connecticut – Hartford Area

Treehouse – Windsor

Treehouse is a before and afterschool program for Pre-K to fifth grade age children. Tree House students play together, work on projects individually, and participate in small groups. Bus transportation is available from the child’s home. Treehouse opens at 7a and closes at 6pm. 

The Keane on Kids Enrichment Program – Wethersfield

So many fun classes! The Keane Program offers cooking classes, science experiments, athletics, drama and art to children attending Wethersfield Elementary Schools this year, as well as non-residents (provided they have their own transportation). Classes are inexpensive and vary throughout the semester. Parents can register at the Parks and Recreation Dept. 

 

Check out the Y for great afterschool programs! YW Kidslink photo courtesy of YWCA Hartford

YW Kidslink – Bolton, West Hartford, Rocky Hill

The YMCA offers after school care and morning care called YW Kidslink for children in Rocky Hill, West Hartford and Bolton. The program offers time for homework and free play, as well as more structured events with special guests and activities that incorporate leadership, culture, and teamwork. The tuition is not cheap, but the program Care4Kids can help reduce costs for families that qualify. Space is limited and is on a first come, first serve basis.

Oddfellows Playhouse – Middletown

Come join the crew at Oddfellows for the Oddbridge Extended Day Program. Designed for K-8th graders, students can get a bus directly from their school to the stage for classes such as Puppetry, Sing-A-Long, Circus, Mime, Hip Hop and much more. Children are offered a snack and given time to socialize as well.

Boys and Girls Club of New Britain – New Britain

Children in grades 1-8 can be bussed from a NB school directly to the BGCNB location for a great STEAM-centered afterschool program. From 3-6 they will participate in arts and crafts, homework help, computer time, sports, games, STEM and STEAM. 

SEED Program – Simsbury

Open to all children, the SEED program begins at 2:45. The focus of this program is “Respect, Responsiblity and Kindness” and includes daily events such as play, arts and crafts, table games, science and math activities and physical exercise. SEED provides a snack for the children and staff members will even help children with homework. The rate for this program is as low as $80/mo (1 afternoon a week) to $360/mo (5 afternoons a week).

 

The Hartford area has engaging afterschool programs for girls. Photo courtesy of Girls on the Run Hartford

Girls on the Run Hartford – Simsbury, Avon, West Hartford

GOT offers girls from 3rd grade to 8th grade the opportunity to learn more about themselves and develop self confidence. Couched in a fun and encouraging program of physical fitness, girls of all backgrounds and abilities will develop friendships and work toward the goal of participating in a 5k at the end of the season. Financial assistance is available. 

Free and Cheap Afterschool Programs in Connecticut – Fairfield Area

Ridgefield Parks and Recreation Afterschool Enrichment – Ridgefield

Choose from a varied schedule of offerings for afterschool classes including STEAM, Watercolors, Chess, Spanish, Lego, and more. Developmentally appropriate classes vary in price and are divided by age group. Most classes are one hour and are located at Branchville Branchville Elementary School.

Darien Library – Darien

The library offers a plethora of afternoon programming for school-age children. Every day it’s something new! Watch an afternoon matinee, play with Legos, explore cooking or try your hand at at Children’s Theater Workshop. 

The Depot (Darien Teen Center)

This supervised, community center offers teenage residents an after school option. Clubs are offered throughout the school year like Deep Roots, Girls Circle, Murder Mystery Club, LGBTQ+ and the Volunteer Club just to list a few. The Depot is available for kids in Middle School and High School.

 

Kids will love the activities at CT’s afterschool programs! Photo courtesy of the Norfield Children’s Center

 

Norfield Children’s Center – Weston

Norfield’s afterschool program services children from 3-12. Children are able to play, do arts and crafts, explore math and science and get help with homework too. Norfield is a non-profit and offers a scholarship on a need basis. 

Wakeman Boys and Girls Club – Fairfield and Bridgeport

Safe and affordable, the afterschool program is offered in several different school-based sites. Open to anyone with a BGC membership, the programs will offer kids a Teen Center, computer lab, performing arts, STEM and literacy activities and more. Fees start at $35 and move up on a tiered system.Free and Cheap Afterschool Programs for Kids in Eastern Connecticut

Woodcock Nature Center – Wilton

Spend the afterschool  hours in nature. There are three programs offered afterschool for kids in grades K-8. Programs run for about 6 weeks and are limited to 10 children per group. Scholarships are available.

Free and Cheap Afterschool Programs for Kids in Eastern Connecticut

After Care Program East Lyme Schools – East Lyme

The East Lyme afterschool program is affordable and available from 3:30p to 6pm on weekdays. During the 2.5 hour program, children can do arts and crafts, spend time with peers, participate in enrichment programming and even receive homework help. This program is for students enrolled in East Lyme Schools.

The Center – New London

A non-profit located in Waterford, “The Center” offers afterschool programs for kids in grades K-5. The Center offers kids a break afterschool with a snack and a space to relax and then enjoy some of their afternoon programming. The Center offers homework support, enriching activities and the Reading is Fundamental program. Transportation is available from New London schools.

Neighbors and Nature Program – Mystic

Kids will love spending the afternoons at the Denison Pequotsepsos Nature Center. This program is a collaboration with Precious Memories Place next door.  Kids can play on the nature playground, walk the trails, play games, craft and have a great time together. This nature-based program is extremely affordable.

Free and Cheap Afterschool Programs in Connecticut – New Haven Area

 

CT kids get to explore their world at these afterschool programs. Nature’s Playground photo courtesy of Incarnation Camp and Conference Center

Nature’s Playground – Ivoryton

In this program, your kids will be able to spend plenty of time outside from 3pm to 6pm. School-age children will learn survival skills, outdoor cooking, farming, fishing and of course, just playing! This program is affordable and great for kids who need to  blow off steam after the school day.

YMCA Afterschool Program – Meriden

The YMCA’s all over the state offer afterschool programs. Meriden Schools are the location in which the Y offers afterschool programming. The focus is positive child development, social and emotional growth. Care4Kids is available upon application.