There is no shortage of weekend and after-school activities for children in the city of Toronto. This section is designed to point you in the direction of just a few after school services Toronto has to offer.
Weekend & After-school Activities
For starters, most Toronto schools offer a multitude of extra-curricular activities and programs including (but not limited to) sports, drama, music, audio/visual programs, student government, and volunteer programs. For more information on what extracurricular activities your school has to offer, consult the Toronto District School Board Website.
The Toronto Parks, Forestry, and Recreation Department hosts a program known as the After-school Recreation Centre (ARC) for students aged 6 to 12. The program runs from Mondays to Fridays, starting in September, and ending on the final day of June. The focus of the program is to involve kids in a variety of activities like outdoor play, drama, sports, games, and arts & crafts. One leader is responsible for every 10 children, and kids are encouraged to bring snacks from home that they will be given time to eat during the program. Click the link for more information.
The PLASP program offers after school activities for children 6 to 12 in over 200 elementary school and early learning locations. Click the link to learn more.
The Toronto branch of the YMCA also offers an after school drop off program for kids of all ages. The focus of the program is to teach children through learning, and building both character and team skills.
The Toronto Community Garden Network offers a unique after school program for students who would like to learn the finer points of growing. For more info on this hands-on class, click the link.
Frontier College provides a unique series of after school literacy programs for students at various reading levels.
Music is the universal language, and enrolling kids in an after school music program can help foster a love of music for years to come. The Royal Conservatory of Music offers excellent lessons on various instruments, for children of all ages.
Finally, there are a large number of tutors available in the greater Toronto area to help kids brush up on their studies after school.
Summer Camps
Day camps are a very popular choice for parents looking for kids’ activities during the summer months. They generally run from 9 to 5, Mondays to Fridays, and usually start in the first week of July, holding their final session the last week of August. There are hundreds to choose from, but here are a few to get you started.
- Harbourfront Centre holds several excellent day camps on various artistic themes ranging from glass work to drama.
- Magicana Magic Camp teaches your kids the finer points of illusion and slight of hand.
- Jamaal Magloire Youth Basketball Camp is a great place for kids who want to hone their skills on the court. This camp is held in 2 sessions. Click the link for dates & times.
- Shakespeare for Kidz Camp is all about the Bard & his works.
- Creature Quest Camp is for kids who love frogs, bugs, and all things creepy crawly.
