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Free and Cheap After-School Programs Near DC

Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Washington's after-school programs sometimes include snacks or a light meal. Photo courtesy of the organization
Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Washington's after-school programs sometimes include snacks or a light meal. Photo courtesy of the organization
8/20/23 - By Jennifer Marino Walters

After a summer of expensive camps, this handy list of free and cheap after-school programs near DC for kids is quite welcome.

Children across the DC area are heading back to school, which means it's already past time to start thinking about after-school programs. If you haven't found one yet, don't worry: Families looking for enriching, reasonably priced, and even free after-school programs near DC have several options from which to choose. These programs include sports, arts, homework help, and other activities. With offerings in DC, Maryland, and Northern Virginia, you're bound to find a great inexpensive or free program for your kids near you.

We've rounded up 12 local organizations offering free or cheap after-school programs near DC for kids, tweens, and teens. If you're looking for more options, be sure to see our Guide to Classes for Kids Near DC.

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Kids learn healthy habits, like smoothie-making, at After-School All-Stars DC. Photo courtesy of the program's Facebook page
Kids learn healthy habits, like smoothie-making, at After-School All-Stars DC. Photo courtesy of the program's Facebook page

Free After-School Programs Near DC

DCPS Out of School Time (OSTP) Afterschool Programs

Washington, DC
DCPS Out of School Time (OSTP)'s free after-school programs engage students in grades PK3 - 8 (depending on the site) in academic support, a free dinner or snack, and a variety of enrichment activities provided by DCPS teachers, paraprofessionals, and partner organizations at 55 DC schools. The program is made possible by funding from DCPS and a 21st Century Community Learning Center grant.  READ MORE

After-School All-Stars DC

Washington, DC
After-School All-Stars provides free after-school programs at six DC sites that help under-resourced students develop the skills, knowledge, and habits needed to succeed in life, school, and their future career. Its five program areas include health and fitness, academic readiness, STEM, career exploration, and visual and performing arts.  READ MORE
Educational activities are part of the after-school fun at the General Heiser Club. Photo courtesy of General Heiser Club After-School Child Care
Educational activities are part of the after-school fun at the General Heiser Club. Photo courtesy of General Heiser Club After-School Child Care

Cheap After-School Programs Near DC

Xtreme After-School

Prince George's County, MD
The M-NCPPC, Prince George's County Department of Parks and Recreation, offers free or affordable after-school activities for kids ages 6-17 at over 40 community centers and other sites.    READ MORE

City of Rockville Recreation and Parks Department After-School Programs

Rockville, MD
Rockville's Recreation and Parks Department has a variety of affordable, high-quality after-school programs for students in grades K-10. Each program has well-trained staff and included a snack, homework help, and more. READ MORE

Old Firehouse After-School Program

McLean, VA
The Old Firehouse Center (OFC) offers members free after-school programs on Mondays through Fridays from 2:30-6pm. OFC membership is open to 5th- through 9th-graders for around $300 per school year. Students can drop in for a snack and drink, crafts, games, a computer lab, sports, and homework assistance. There are even trips to laser tag, paintball, go-karting, and more.  READ MORE

FBR Club @THEARC

Washington, DC
The FBR Clubhouse provides after-school care from 3:30-7:15pm for DC students afes 6-18 living in Ward 8. The membership fee is $50 per year, per child, but no child is turned away for the inability to pay. The membership fee includes after-care, snacks, special activities, and field trips during the school year.  READ MORE

Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Washington (BGCGW) Germantown Club After-School Care

Germantown, MD
Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Washington's Germantown Club after-school program provides kids in grades 1-12 with sports, arts, educational activities, and more for $125 per month per child. BGCGW membership costs $25-$50 per child, depending on the age.  READ MORE

Project BE GREAT

Washington, DC
Project BE GREAT is a free after-school program for all Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Washington members (membership costs a small fee) ages 6-13. Project BE GREAT is offered Mondays through Fridays from 3-7:30pm at George M. Ferris, Jr. Clubhouse 6. READ MORE

City of Alexandria Power-On Out of School Time Program

Alexandria, VA
The City of Alexandria Department of Recreation, Parks, and Cultural Activities offers its Out of School Time Program (OSTP) for kids in kindergarten through sixth grade at six rec centers and three public schools. The program costs less than $800 for the school year, but only around $300 for kids who qualify for free/reduced-price school meals, around $250 for those with SNAP benefits, and about $150 for families with TANF benefits. The program is open only to Alexandria City residents.  READ MORE

General Heiser Club After-School Child Care

Dumfries, VA
The Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Washington (BGCGW) offers after-school child care to school-age children (up to age 12) enrolled in kindergarten and higher at its General Heiser Club. Program activities include a computer learning center, sports, arts and crafts, cooking, indoor and outdoor games, tournaments, contests, field trips, a games room, special-event days, homework assistance, and educational activities. The membership fee is $50 per child per school year.  READ MORE

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About the Author

Jennifer Marino Walters
Jennifer Marino Walters is the DC and travel editor for Mommy Poppins and the author of over 20 beloved children's books. A proud mom of three—plus twins!—she lives in Northern Virginia with her husband and busy brood. When she’s not writing or editing, you’ll find Jennifer cheering from the sidelines of a baseball game, supporting her daughter’s cheerleading squad, diving into a good book, or exploring new destinations. Connect with her on Instagram @jmwalters718.
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