Do you have a kid who is always asking “What are we going to do today?” Every. Single. Day.
These can be challenging times for parents, caregivers, and teachers. Kids are coming home from school and they’re either wanting to relax or they’re wanting to run around like maniacs. There isn’t often a middle. Regardless of which direction they’re swaying, you have to find something for them to do that’s appropriate and well…easy for you.
In this post, we will share no-prep after school activities for kids so that you have new ideas ready to go! Keep in mind that by “no prep” we mean you should already have some form of the supplies so everything you should be at your fingertips!
Our Favorite No prep After School Activities
Martial Arts
Kicking off our list is something that requires no set up at all on the end of the parent. Enrolling your child in an after school program such as martial arts is a fantastic option! You can find a wide variety of martial arts centers near you on our explore page!
This after school activity lets kids explore a variety of martial arts in a safe and fun environment. Martial arts teaches kids discipline, respect, and focus through structured classes with other kids their age.
Kids can choose from a variety of martial arts including karate, tae kwon do, judo, and more. Martial arts is one of the more high-energy no-prep after school activities, making it great for active kiddos. It gives kids something to do, improves their focus while they are at home, and helps them build confidence! Kid-friendly martial arts classes are also a great way for kids to make friends and stay active.
Kid-focused martial arts classes often have a lower intensity level than adult classes, but still give kids a great workout. Martial arts classes for kids usually last about 90 minutes, so your child can spend plenty of time playing outside after class and still have time to relax.
Martial arts is also a fantastic way for kids to relieve stress. Martial arts focus on breathing and visualization techniques to calm kids down and help them focus. Kids can learn to use these techniques at home, school, and even during sports practice to stay calm and focused during times when they need it most. Check out these martial art activities:
-Karate
-Jiu Jitsu
-Tae Kwon Do
-Kung Fu
-Wrestling
-Tag Team Throw down
Music Activities
When it comes to after school activities for kids, there are tons of fun things to do. One of our favorites is music. Kids love music, and it’s a great way for them to calm down and relax after a long day of school. Listening to music can also help kids unwind and get ready for bed at the end of the day.
There are a variety of fun and creative ways that kids can create music, whether it be singing, playing an instrument, or creating music with technology. If you have a large group of kids you can create a song or dance together and record it so you can share it with your friends and family!
If you have a smaller group of kids, look for activities that let each child create their song or music. Any way that kids create music is a great way for them to let go of stress and unwind after a long day of school.
It’s also a great way to include kids who may be shy and have trouble speaking up and being creative. Music is an activity that can be enjoyed by almost everyone and is a great way to bring a group of kids together! These are some of the best music activities kids love:
- Singing in a group or solo.
- Playing instruments.
- Dancing.
- Making music with your friends
- Drumming
-Ear Training
-Improvisation
Art Activity Games
Kids love creating art, and it’s a great way for them to get creative and let loose after a long day of school. Creating art is a great way to relax and let go of any stress they may have had during their day at school. Art activities can be anything from painting to creating sculptures.
If you have a large group of kids you can create an art project together, such as creating a mural or painting a large piece of artwork. If you have a smaller group of kids you can create a fun art activity game that is a great way to get creative and laugh together.
Any art activity game is a great way to get kids out of their chairs and moving around so they are less likely to get too focused and stressed out. Art activity games are also a great way to engage a large group of kids and make them all feel included and have fun together!
The best art activity games include a variety of materials such as paint, markers, and paper. You can also include some smaller items such as craft supplies or small toys that are easy for kids to use. Here are some best art related no-prep after school activities.
-Paper Cut Art
-Contact Paper Suncatcher
-Collage
-Toothpick Sculptures
-Masking Tape Art
-Crayon Art
-Doodle
-Stop Motion Animation
-Watercolor Painting
-Color Mixing
Final Thoughts on No-Prep After School Activities
No-prep after school activities are a great way to keep your kids busy and engaged after school. If you have kids who are always asking “What can we do?” after school, have a few of these activities ready to go so they have something fun to do.
These after school activities require little to no preparation and are perfect if you are short on time or just want your kids to have something to do at home. They are also great for kids of all ages, whether they are in elementary school, middle school, or even in high school!
Before You Go
Remember that sometimes the best no-prep after school activities are ones that don’t even happen in your home. Check out our explore page to find some incredible after school programs that will do all of the work for you!
Don’t forget to also check out our sweepstakes giveaway and these extra resources below!
