guides

2024-25 Afterschool & Extracurricular Activities in Brooklyn

Macaroni Kid Brooklyn NW's Guide to kids programs – check back for additions & updates!

By Meredith Kurnov, Publisher & Editor for Macaroni Kid Brooklyn NW August 18, 2024

With some of the greatest variety of kids' programs on the planet, Brooklyn kids' programs cover just about every activity under the sun to nurture your child's interests and skills beyond school. Get in on the fun before programs fill up and let them know you found them on Macaroni KID!

With so many considerations and options, we know choosing an activity can be a tough choice. We hope our guide helps make the decision a little easier. Check out our wonderful featured programs, then scroll below for a comprehensive list of ALL programs organized alphabetically by neighborhood with key details: category, accepted ages, plus dates, times, and cost when they have been submitted.

Check back often as we add even more kids' programs to this list! If you would like to feature your program in this guide, please email us

Featured Programs

Jump to:

Bouldering Project
Bouldering, Climbing, STEAM, Adventure
Gowanus



Bouldering Project afterschool and weekend programs offer plenty of climbing and social time for youth ages 3-15! Kids learn basic climbing techniques, terminology, and play games on and off the wall. Register here.
Ages 3-15: Monday-Sunday, 4-6pm on weekdays, between 9:30-12:30 on weekends, $315-350 for 10 weeks of programming, depending on the class
Open House: July 28, 12:30 - 5:00 pm


Brooklyn Magic School
Magic
Cobble Hill/Carroll Gardens




Brooklyn Magic Shop's magic discovery program is designed to inspire and grow young magicians' magic interests in a safe and inclusive space. Magic students will have the opportunity to learn magic and build a greater understanding for the art of magic. Students will learn magic using every day objects, prop-making, card magic, and so much more. Register here.
Ages 7-14: Mondays and Tuesdays 5-6pm, $65-$180


Brooklyn Music School
Music/Theatre/Dance
Fort Greene




Arts Reaching Youth (ARY) is an after-school program offering a range of classes in music, theater, and dance for students ages 5 - 10 years. The goal of ARY is to introduce children to the arts while building fundamental skills such as rhythm, ear training, body awareness, and basic music theory. We encourage students to try a variety of different classes - almost like a tasting menu! Register here.
Grades K-5: Monday - Friday 4:40 - 6:15pm, Pickup times vary by school, early classes available on Wednesdays!
School pickup available from PS 9, PS 11,  PS 20, PS 38, PS 56, PS 133, Community Roots, Compass Charter, Brooklyn 

Open House: Tuesday September 3rd, 3PM - 6:30PM – RSVP HERE


Brooklyn Nature Days
Prospect Park nature immersion classes
Windsor Terrace / South Slope / Kensington / Park Slope




Our after school classes allow children the freedom to actively learn while regularly immersing themselves with nature in the heart of Brooklyn. Using the seasons, plants, and animals as inspiration, and provided with simple tools and found and recycled materials, children are invited to lead the way: hiking, climbing, creating, singing, digging, painting, playing, and working together while connecting with nature. Register here.
Grades PreK-4th Grade: Tuesdays for grades PreK-1st grade; Thursdays for grades 2-4
School pickup possible pending demand

DISCOUNT: Families receive $50 off enrollment through July with discount code "FeeFree"



Brooklyn Ninja Academy
Brooklyn Ninja Academy After School and Weekend Classes
Park Slope/Gowanus




Does your kid want to be a ninja warrior? Besides it being the most fun you can have exercising, ninja training at Brooklyn Ninja Academy provides discipline, focus, and behavioral development. The sport of ninja warrior training is for any skill level, and fosters kids’ growth and improvement, while they’re having the time of their lives. 10-week progressive program teaches future ninjas how to overcome ninja warrior obstacles with technique and safety. Weekly classes after school and weekends for ages 6-12. Register here.
Ages 6+: classes are divided by age groups; every day after school and weekends; 10 week semester for $575
DISCOUNT: 10% sibling or multiple class discount
Try a drop in class offered on weekends


Champions Martial Arts
Martial Arts
Brooklyn Heights and Carroll Gardens




Our students learn a lot during our tae kwon do class, such as physical fitness, self-defense, self-control, discipline, respect, courtesy, making friends, and so much more! No experience necessary, we believe in each kid's development rhythm! Join us for a free trial! Register here for CG location or here for BH location.
Ages 3+ to adults: Ongoing dates: 7-month membership pay-in-full option or monthly option, 30-40 minutes classes after school 3:00-8:00pm and on Saturdays and Sundays 
Free trial available for new customers


Child's Play NY
Theater and Dramatic Play
Brooklyn Heights




Child’s Play NY theater classes are right for both the child who passionately dreams of being on stage and the one who is simply looking for a joy-filled after school class! These award-winning theater classes empower young people to develop themselves and their skills. With a 12-student cap on each production class, students have ample stage-time and maximum growth. Their rehearsal process involves improv and research-backed theater games to stoke creativity and develop imaginations. Register here.
Grades 1-3: Finding Nemo Kids, Tuesdays OR Thursdays, 3:30p-5p, $1,020-$1,156
Grades 3-5: As You Like It, Sundays, 3p-4:30p, $900
Grades 4-6: High School Musical Jr, Mondays OR Wednesdays 4p-5:30p, $1,020-$1,156
Grades 6-8: Romeo & Juliet, Tuesdays 5:10p-6:40p OR Sundays 4:45p-6:15p, $900-$1,080


Creatively Wild Art Studio
Art Classes and Camps
DUMBO



Develop your creativity with Creatively Wild Art Studio! Take your toddler’s talent to the top, allow kids to delve into art classes to draw out their abilities, turn teens into creative explorers, and save some time for yourself for an adult class! The infectious energy at Creatively Wild allows everyone to engage in their artistic pursuits in a supportive and positive way. Pick up a new hobby under the eye of our teaching artists and let's go Creatively WILD! Register here.
Ages 2+: Open 7 days a week for classes. 
School pickup available from PS8, Dock Street School, Explore School, PS 307, St. Ann's School, PS20 


Jalopy Theatre and School of Music
Folk Music School: String Band/Dance Classes
Carroll Gardens/Red Hook


Jalopy Theatre's folk music school is focused on building community and teaching folk and traditional music and dancing. They have a place for every level of learner and every financial situation. They encourage musical exploration through singing and playing instruments like fiddle, banjo, guitar, mandolin, ukulele, percussion, and more. Rental instruments and financial aid are available! Please reach out to our Jalopy Jr. director with any questions: kyle@jalopytheatre.org. Register here.
Ages Newborn–High School: Monday thru Thursday


Last Place On Earth
Adventure, Gaming, Theater, Creative Arts
Greenpoint



Calling all Earth Guardians! Exploring social interaction and creative learning through games is what we do best here at Last Place On Earth. We have Filmmaking, Dungeons and Dragons, Creative Writing, Improv and so much more! The options are endless. We aim to connect with kids and their families in a way that is truly special. Beyond learning, we cultivate care and camaraderie, creating meaningful experiences for all. Register here.
Ages 5–14: Monday - Friday, 2:30pm or 3:30pm - 5:30pm
School pick up available from PS 110, PS 34, PS 31, PS 132 and any close to that area


New York Society of Play
Games and Fantasy
Greenpoint



NYSoP is a program which uses games like Pokémon and Dungeons & Dragons to foster social skills. They offer after school, holiday programs, and birthday parties at the FRONTIER GAMES store at 724 Manhattan Ave. The games are social, have educational value, and are very popular with children. They teach social skills using their social contract composed of Safety, Trust, Respect, Cooperation, and Consent; they learn where these things are important both in Play and in life! Register here.
Ages 6-14: Sun-Mon; 12-3 weekends; 3-6 weekdays; prices range from $760-$1260/semester. Drop ins available for weekends.
School pickup available from PS31 M-F, PS34 M-F, PS84 Th, PS110 W, F, PS132 T, Th, F, Arbor M, T, F


NY Kids Club and Preschool
"Afternoon Club", Gymnastics, Sports/Fitness, STEAM, Dance
Brooklyn Heights, DUMBO, Cobble Hill, and Park Slope




Our Afternoon Club students are taught by dynamic instructors who come from a variety of professional backgrounds ranging from early education to STEAM, gymnastics, and/or dance. Our experienced team adds a theatrical element to our lessons bringing them to life. Students experience the best of what NY Kids Club has to offer with students participating in 2 enrichment classes each afternoon including: gymnastics, dance, STEAM, and more! Register here.
Ages 2.5-5 years old: M-F 2:30-5:30 – registration for 1-5 days/week – Yearly tuition: 1 day/week: $6,180, 2 days/week: $7,580, 3 days/week: $11,250, 4 days/week: $13,920, 5 days/week: $17,400


The Craft Studio
Creative, Visual Arts, Crafting, Art
Boerum Hill/Cobble Hill/Downtown Brooklyn




Our classes go beyond the typical art class and focus on "everyone is an artist" and "perfect is boring". On trend projects that kids and parents love, a format that is conducive for no stress and creative fun for all, and inspiration runs wild in our gorgeous studio! Register here.
Ages 18 months - 10 years old: Rolling, drop-in class, semester monthly memberships available, See website for numerous weekday class time options for all ages, $39-$44/class for a semester commitment and $44-$49 for drop ins.
School pickup available: If requested, can be arranged from any school.
DISCOUNTS: Huge savings with semester classes and class packs.


The Geek Forest
Game Development,  Gaming, Animation + Arts
Williamsburg



At Geek Forest, our curriculum centers on game development, enhanced by animation, art, and cooperative gaming. With nearly a decade of experience, we are the trusted choice for an enriching educational experience. Whether you’re designing your version of Legend of Zelda, creating comics, animating your very own film, or simply creating an art masterpiece through collage, we have a spot for you. Join us this fall! Register here.
Ages 6+: Monday-Friday, 3pm-6pm, Pricing varies depending on pickup - please see website for further details
School pickup available: PS31, PS84, PS110, PS132, Brooklyn Arbor - Please contact them if your school isn't listed


Treasure Trunk Theatre 
Theatre, Imaginative Play
Brooklyn Heights, Park Slope



Act, move, create, and play – where will your imagination take you today? At Treasure Trunk, students incorporate movement, music, theatre games, and visual arts to express themselves and connect with the world around them. We focus on the journey – it's not about the final product, but what your child learns through the process as they connect, create and collaborate. We provide a nurturing environment for children to expand their self-confidence, social-emotional learning skills, and more! Register here.
Ages 0-9: Classes offered Mondays-Fridays between 9am-5:30pm. Classes range from $35-45 depending on the length and drop-in vs semester pricing.
School pickup available: Yes! Any school within walking distance of their studios


Williamsburg Soccer Club
Soccer, Outdoor, Sports
Williamsburg and Greenpoint




Williamsburg Soccer Club provides fun and friendly weekly soccer classes for kids in Brooklyn ages 18 months - 10 years old. With locations throughout Williamsburg and Greenpoint like The Post BK and outdoors at McCarren Park, Bushwick Inlet Park, Newtown Barge Playground, we've got you covered for after school and weekend classes 6 days a week. Choose from beginner classes, scrimmage sessions, rec programming, afterschool pick-up, or our travel team here.
Ages 18 months - 10 years old: Monday 8:40am-12pm & 3pm-5pm / Tuesday 2:45pm-6pm / Wednesday 3pm-6pm / Thursday 8:40am-12pm & 2:45pm-6pm / Saturday 9am-12:30pm / Sunday 8am-1pm, $475 season 14 weeks, $37.50/drop-in class
School pickup available from PS31 (Tuesdays)
Free Trial Classes: Sunday, July 14th at The Post BK (ages 2-3 at 10:30am, ages 3-4 at 11:15am)
Open house: Sunday, July 28 8am-12pm in Bushwick Inlet Park for National Soccer Day. RSVP here

All Programs

Click on a neighborhood to jump to programs in that area:
📍 Brooklyn Heights • DUMBO • Vinegar Hill
📍 Boerum Hill • Cobble Hill • Carroll Gardens • Gowanus • Red Hook
📍 Downtown Brooklyn • Fort Greene • Clinton Hill • Bed-Stuy
📍 Williamsburg • Greenpoint
📍 Park Slope • Prospect Park • Prospect Heights
📍 Beyond Brooklyn NW
📍 At-Home Programs (all neighborhoods)

Readers: Know of an awesome Brooklyn kids' program which isn't listed here? 

Brooklyn Programs: Want to feature your activity in this guide?

Contact us at mackidbrooklynnw@macaronikid.com.






Want to advertise your locally-owned business? Email me at MacKidBrooklynNW@macaronikid.com