Gone are the days when t-ball and piano lessons were the only options for after school activities. Now it’s easier than ever to find fun and unique opportunities that will pique your child’s interest and keep them busy after classes let out. Check out these Indianapolis area places for a new after school activities your kids might like to try!
For your budding chef
Looking for a fresh and interesting creative outlet for your child? Try out cooking classes at Healthy Hands Cooking. These two Indianapolis-based instructors specialize in introducing kids to the kitchen and offer a variety of classes for ages 2-13. Classes encourage creativity and freedom and teach kids the importance of nutrition and healthy eating. Start off with a “Just a Taste” class or host a party. If cooking is definitely your child’s thing, consider putting him in an 8 hour core class (2 hour classes once a week) or the advanced class.
For your sports enthusiast
Do you have a kid climbing the walls at home? Take them to a rock climbing gym where they can test their mental and physical skills on a variety of routes. Both Climb Time Indy in Castleton and Hoosier Heights on the west side of Carmel offer kids’ climbing clubs where they will receive coaching from a trained staff member while playing games and attempting challenges with other kids their age. There is no need to register for these clubs. Simply show up 15 minutes prior to each session. Climb Time’s club meets every Wednesday from 5:15 – 6:30 pm, and Hoosier Heights offers club meetings Monday – Thursday from 4:30 – 6:30 pm.
For your talented artist
Some kids just have to create! For those with an artistic flair, check out MyArt in Zionsville, Carmel, Noblesville or Fishers. This art school focuses on realistic drawing and offers instruction for kids ages four and up. Class offerings range from basic drawing and painting instruction to studio time for teens. Check out the website for the location nearest you for more detailed class descriptions.
Perhaps your child has expressed an interest in painting or jewelry making and you are looking to broaden her artistic horizons. Starting in late August, the Indianapolis Art Center offers classes for kids ages 2-18 in a variety of mediums. From sculpting and glass-blowing to woodwork and drawing, the center offers instruction in almost any area you could dream of. Classes range from $60-$300 for 6-week courses, or $15 one time pop-up classes if you’d rather experiment with a medium before diving in headfirst. (Look for Lil’ Pops and Teen Pops on their Pop-Up calendar.)
For your outdoor adventurer
If your kid loves learning about the outdoors, consider stopping at Eagle Creek for one of their many events and programs. Every Saturday the Earth Discovery Center hosts a Nature Discovery Class that is free with park admission and geared towards families. Or you can visit the Ornithology Center for their weekly Feathered Fun session. Eagle Creek also host events for the family like campouts and the Perseid Meteor Shower viewing.
For your energetic musician
Rhythm! Discovery Center downtown is a percussion museum that offers educational exhibits, historical and cultural lessons, and hands-on experiences for kids of all ages. Every Saturday from 11:00-2:00 and 2:00-3:00, the museum provides special programs that help kids find their rhythm. Classes feature demonstrations, special performances and build-your-own-instrument lessons and are free with the cost of admission. $10 for adults, $6 for children and kids 5 and under are free.
For your STEM learner
If your child just can’t get enough during science class, try out some of the after school STEM (science, technology, engineering, math) programs at The Orchard School just west of Broad Ripple. Anyone can sign up for their 1-hour/week, 8-week classes regardless of where they attend school. Classes start August 31 and come in a wide variety of choices like coding, electricity, biology, magnetism and much more. Check out their website for a full list of class offerings.
With so many after school activities in our area, who wouldn’t want to be a kid again? Have fun exploring these and other interesting opportunities with your child this school year
