Ridgefield Parks and Recreation
All Ridgefield residents who are middle school or high school students can drop-in for open gym at Yanity Gymnasium and Ridgefield Rec Center Gymnasium.  Yanity has afterschool hours Mon-Fri, 3-5pm (shortened hours Tuesday).   The Rec Center has afterschool hours Mon-Wed, and evening hours (5-10pm) on Thursday and Friday.

195 Danbury Rd.
Ridgefield Ct 06877
203-431-2755

Darien Library
On Fridays from 5-6:30pm, the Children's Library is open for gaming for children ages 7-12.

The Darien Library also offers a selection of drop in programs for all ages: On Fridays the TEA (Technology, Engineering and Arts) Room is open (select dates) where children in grades 3-6 can explore, create and discover. There are also author visits, Sensory Saturdays and Art Workshops.

1441 Post Rd
Darien, CT 06820
203-655-1234

The Depot (Darien Teen Center)
This supervised, drug-free community center is free to teenage residents and open after school for the sole purpose of hanging out.  Teens can pay $60 for a 'commuter pass' which gets them into the annual roster of events hosted by the Depot, without paying any cover charges. Great programs include Cops and Kids Adventure Program and Stanley Time.

25 Heights Rd.
Darien, CT
203-655-0812

Darien Youth Commission
Their Teen Options Program (TOPS) offers organized activities for middle schoolers throughout the school year, some after school, some not (dances, bowling, movies).  The events are specific to 6th, 7th, and 8th graders, and there are fees to cover the cost of each excursion.  You also have the option to save a little by paying up front now for all of the events of the year.

Westport Community Service Corps
This one turns the after school program on its head, having your middle schooler giving instead of receiving.  The program runs for the entire fall semester.  It used to be that kids could get the local bus to their service destination, but now, parents are responsible for getting their children to and fro.

Stratford Library
Programs include Music Time, Read to Therapy Dogs, Knitting, Crafts, Math & Science, Aspiring Authors, Nutmeg Book Group, Technology Classes, and Library Tours. See their Calendar and Events page for details.

2203 Main St.
Stratford, CT
203-385-4164

Easton Community Center
Ok, this one costs money, but hear me out.  For $250/year, families in Weston, Redding, Fairfield, Trumbull, Monroe and Easton can join the ECC, a fitness and community center.  Parents of middle schoolers can take advantage of a DAILY drop-in after school recreation program for 6-8th graders, that costs nothing in addition to the membership fee.  Even if you or your spouse never went to the gym, the option to drop off your student every day (or even just once a week) in a safe environment FOR THE ENTIRE SCHOOL YEAR would be worth the cost!  The program runs from 2:45-6pm, and kids spend the time snacking, socializing and doing organized activities like dodge ball, tie dying, soap making, and rock climbing.

Also the ECC oversees the Easton Teen Center.  Membership is free, but it's restricted to Easton students in middle or high school.  It's only open Friday and Saturday nights.

364 Sport Hill Rd.
Easton CT 06612
203-459-9700

Outback (New Canaan Teen Center)
This one charges a $60 membership fee, BUT, it's open 2-6pm Tue-Thur and 2-7pm on Fridays and features a dance floor, snack bar, games (digital and low-tech), TVs and a state-of-the-art recording studio.  High schoolers can also hang out two Saturdays a month from 5-10pm.  Membership is available to all New Canaan students in middle or high school.  Parents will like the fact they also emphasize and encourage community service projects here, too. Kickboxing, Studio Time and Cooking Classes are just a few of the programs they offer.

71 Main St.
New Canaan, CT 06840
203-594-3074

Finally, we'd be remiss in not mentioning the work of the Boys & Girls Clubs of America.  They offer a myriad of after school programs, and charge nominal fees for year-long membership.  The Boys & Girls Clubs have branches in the following locations: Stamford, Southport, Greenwich, Bridgeport, Ridgefield, Milford, Redding-Easton, Shelton.

Originally posted on August 22, 2012.