Where to Find Budget-Friendly After School Activities for Kids in Calgary

For a great number of us, September can creep up quickly. Among all the back-to-school excitement, you’ll suddenly realize you wanted to sign the kids up for some after-school activities.

Been there? So have we. It can be a little overwhelming to try and find the perfect program based on your kids’ interests and your schedule. Here are a few hidden gems and some budget-friendly options for after-school programs within Calgary.

School-Based Programs – These types of programs are handy for those parents who work Monday to Friday and need something to offset the working hours. The best way to find these programs is to talk with your school to see what is offered in your area. The public or Catholic school boards do not offer programs, but some selected schools have third-party organizations to offer this support; it’s best to contact your Calgary Public School for their information or for the Calgary Catholic School District visit their website for a list of schools which offer an after-school third-party program. Some community associations also offer after-school care, which is easily accessible to your local school.

City of Calgary – Check out the City of Calgary website for an interactive map of programs offered throughout the city; these programs are fun, safe, and best of all, free or low-cost. The programs are play-based activities that also help kids learn new skills, stay active or experience something different. This is one of your best bets for finding free or budget-friendly programs around the city.

STEM activities – If your child interested in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering or Math), these programs are perfect for them. Bricks-4-Kidz is a one-hour class offered after school or on Saturdays for kids to learn more about engineering and technology through the building of LEGO projects. Another great STEM learning program is Engineering for Kids of Calgary, which offers after-school classes for one hour from ages 3-15. They offer a variety of programs in various locations throughout the city for Monday to Friday and Saturdays. IdeaLab offers programs in the Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Music for kids ages 5-13 years.

All STEM activities offer classes at selected community locations within the city, and you can visit their websites for locations and times.

Dance or Sports activities – Living in a city offers you up so many active programs, and with so many options available, it would be hard to describe them all! Here are just a few for you to check out. Pick the sport or location that interests your kids and I am sure there is a program to suit them. Stryler Sports, Evolutions School of Dance, YMCA Programs, School of Alberta Ballet, Gymnastics, Vecova Recreation Centre, Calgary Stars, Talisman Centre, Genesis Centre, Repsol Sport Centre (swim club) or the Trico Centre.

Special Interest – Calgary is a city of diversity, which in turn offers many special interest programs for after school activities to all Calgarians. Here is a list of some of the programs offered around the city; The Calgary Bridge Foundation, Alliance Française, Jewish Community Centre, Calgary Humane Society, Poppy Innovations (PD day programs), The Chinese Academy, Calgary Youth Singers, Calgary Climbing Club (Junior club), Injanation (Trampoline park) , Two Wheel View (Bicycle programs), Aliki’s Art House or Winsport (PD/Holiday camps).

There are plenty of options to get your kids trying or learning something new this school year with fun-based activities. Many of the programs listed also offer PD day or Winter Break camps to keep your kids busy and having fun.