Free and Cheap Afterschool Programs in Connecticut - Hartford Area

Treehouse - Windsor

Treehouse is a before- and afterschool program for Pre-K to fifth-grade children. Treehouse students play together, work on projects individually, and participate in small groups. Bus transportation is available from the child's home. Treehouse opens at 7am and closes at 6pm. 

The Keane on Kids Enrichment Program - Wethersfield

The Keane Program has so many fun classes, offering cooking classes, science experiments, athletics, drama, and art. Classes are open to children attending Wethersfield Elementary Schools this year, as well as non-residents (provided they have their own transportation). Classes are inexpensive and vary throughout the semester. Parents can register at the Parks and Recreation Department. 

 
Check out the Y for great afterschool programs! YW Kidslink photo courtesy of YWCA Hartford

YW Kidslink - Bolton, West Hartford, Rocky Hill

The YMCA offers after school care and morning care. The programs are called called YW Kidslink, and are available for children in Rocky Hill, West Hartford and Bolton. Besides time for homework and free play, the program has structured events with special guests and activities that incorporate leadership, culture, and teamwork. The tuition is not cheap, but the program Care4Kids can help reduce costs for families that qualify. Space is limited and is on a first come, first serve basis.

Oddfellows Playhouse - Middletown

Come join the crew at Oddfellows for the Oddbridge Extended Day Program. Designed for K to 8th grade, students can get a bus directly from their school to the stage. Classes include Puppetry, Sing-A-Long, Circus, Mime, Hip Hop, and much more. Children are offered a snack and given time to socialize as well.

Boys and Girls Club of New Britain - New Britain

Children in grades 1-8 can be bussed from a NB school directly to the BGCNB location for a great STEAM-centered afterschool program. From 3pm to 6pm kids participate in arts and crafts, homework help, computer time, sports, games, STEM, and STEAM. 

SEED Program - Simsbury

Open to all children, the SEED program begins at 2:45pm. The focus of this program is "Respect, Responsiblity and Kindness." Activities include play, arts and crafts, table games, science and math activities, and physical exercise. SEED provides a snack for the children, and staff members will even help children with homework. The rate for this program ranges from $80/mo (1 afternoon a week) to $360/mo (5 afternoons a week).

 
The Hartford area has engaging afterschool programs for girls. Photo courtesy of Girls on the Run Hartford

Girls on the Run Hartford - Simsbury, Avon, West Hartford

GOTR offers girls from 3rd grade to 8th grade the opportunity to learn more about themselves and develop self confidence. Couched in a fun and encouraging program of physical fitness, girls of all backgrounds and abilities will develop friendships and work toward the goal of participating in a 5K run at the end of the season. Financial assistance is available. 

Free and Cheap Afterschool Programs in Connecticut - Fairfield Area

Ridgefield Parks and Recreation Afterschool Enrichment - Ridgefield

Choose from a schedule of offerings for afterschool classes, including STEAM, Watercolors, Chess, Spanish, Lego, and more. Developmentally appropriate classes vary in price and are divided by age group. Most classes are one hour and are located at Branchville Branchville Elementary School.

Darien Library - Darien

The library offers a plethora of afternoon programming for school-age children. Every day it's something new! Watch an afternoon matinee, play with Legos, explore cooking or try your hand at at Children's Theater Workshop. 

The Depot (Darien Teen Center)

This supervised, community center provides teenage residents an afterschool destination. Clubs are offered throughout the school year, like Deep Roots, Girls Circle, Murder Mystery Club, LGBTQ+, and the Volunteer Club—just to list a few. The Depot is available for kids in middle school and high school.

 
Kids will love the activities at CT's afterschool programs! Photo courtesy of the Norfield Children's Center
 

Norfield Children's Center - Weston

Norfield's afterschool program services children from ages 3 through 12. Children are able to play, engage in arts and crafts, explore math and science, and get help with homework too. Norfield is a non-profit and offers a scholarship on a need basis. 

Wakeman Boys and Girls Club - Fairfield and Bridgeport

Safe and affordable, this afterschool program is offered at several different school-based sites. Open to anyone with a BGC membership, the programs provides kids with a Teen Center and a computer lab. Activities include performing arts, STEM and literacy activities, and more. Fees start at $35 and move up on a tiered system.

Woodcock Nature Center - Wilton

Kids spend the afterschool hours in nature. There are three programs offered afterschool for kids in grades K through 8. Programs run for about 6 weeks and are limited to 10 children per group. Scholarships are available.

Free and Cheap Afterschool Programs for Kids in Eastern Connecticut

After Care Program East Lyme Schools - East Lyme

The East Lyme afterschool program is affordable and available from 3:30pm to 6pm on weekdays. During the 2.5 hour program, children enjoy arts and crafts, spend time with peers, participate in enrichment programming, and even receive homework help. This program is for students enrolled in East Lyme Schools.

The Center - New London

A non-profit located in Waterford, "The Center" offers afterschool programs for kids in grades K through 5. The Center offers kids a space to relax with a snack before participating in some of the afternoon programs. The Center offers homework support, enriching activities, and the Reading is Fundamental program. Transportation is available from New London schools.

Neighbors and Nature Program - Mystic

Kids will love spending afternoons at the Denison Pequotsepsos Nature Center. This program is a collaboration with Precious Memories Place next door. Kids can enjoy the nature playground, walk the trails, play games, craft, and have a great time together. This nature-based program is extremely affordable.

Free and Cheap Afterschool Programs in Connecticut - New Haven Area

 
CT kids get to explore their world at these afterschool programs. Nature's Playground photo courtesy of Incarnation Camp and Conference Center

Nature's Playground - Ivoryton

In this program, kids will be able to spend plenty of time outside from 3pm to 6pm. School-age children will learn survival skills, outdoor cooking, farming, fishing, and of course, just playing! This program is affordable and great for kids who need to blow off steam after the school day.

YMCA Afterschool Program - Meriden

The YMCA's all over the state offer afterschool programs. This local Y offers afterschool programming Meriden Schools. The focus is positive child development along with social and emotional growth. Care4Kids is available for assistance.