After-School Activities for Kids in Toronto and the GTA

Yes, it's that time of year again. Now that summer is nearly over and it's almost back to school, it's time to look around for some after-school and weekend activities. Because as much as we sometimes just want to fall into a heap of couch cuddles, that actually gets a bit limiting (read: the kids get bored and start fighting). So we've rounded up some different enrichment opportunities to foster their coordination, creativity and crafting skills. Say bye bye to screen time and hello to happy minds and tired bodies.

Now THIS is a climbing facility. Tons of courses, great instructors, and weekly classes for kiddos as young as three years of age all the way up to age 12. This gym also features an awesome Ninja Warrior obstacle course, so have fun to try out while the little ones are climbing—or take the whole family after programming one week. Where: Milton Pricing: From $259 per 12-week session

These great basketball house league programs feature skill development, skills competition and game play. Extending to girls, boys and co-ed junior development (as young as age 4), there's something for everyone. Too often basketball gets overlooked as a junior sport and it's time to change that! The end-of-season tournament is a great time to see those new skills shine through. Where: assorted locations in the GTA Pricing: From $300 for 9-week session

For the 5-7 crowd, these weekly sessions are all about movement. They'll make everything from puppets to vehicles to marble runs, looking at cause and effect contraptions. The older crew (8-13) will have the freedom to choose their object of interest and will learn how to capture it in a variety of different ways, from a 3D installation to a theatrical performance. Creativity abounds here at My Art Lab. Where: Broadview and Queen St E Pricing: $240 for 13 sessions

At the Institute of Robotics and Intelligent Systems kiddos get introduced to robotics via LEGO sets. They're easy to use and kiddos learn to build and program LEGO models with working motors and sensors. The end result is a budding interest in science and technology and great skill building, plus a whole lot of fun. Where: Etobicoke, Scarborough, Mississauga and Markham Prices vary, available from ages 5+

Is your little one looking to play a more unique musical instrument? How about the oboe, lute, mandolin, or Indian percussion? There's a music teacher for any instrument imaginable courtesy of the Canada Music Academy, in all genres of music, from classical to folk. Where: locations across the GTA Pricing: Prices vary, all ages and levels welcome

They'll love trying out the potter's wheel and experiencing the magical transformation of clay into vases and vessels. But to make their own creations, from magical creatures to functional treasure chests, they'll use their own two hands—and their imaginations. Where: Downtown Toronto Pricing: $300 for 8 class session, ages 7-14

Kids who love spending time in the pool can learn how to perform synchronized swimming in a fun, team-based environment. There will be club water shows, the opportunity to move up to the more competitive, twice weekly program. And, now this is cool: every swimmer gets to don a mermaid tail and learn how to swim like Ariel! Where: various locations across Toronto

Did your kiddos love badminton? Are they wondering where they can play outside of just your backyard? EBC (E Badminton Club) is great at developing junior players in a variety of group lessons and matches. There are beginner and intermediate lessons offered and parents can get in on the action too with a family membership. Where: Markham Pricing: $203 for 10 sessions Find even more after-school activities in Toronto and the GTA on Help! We've Got Kids.