The best after school activities for children

You've probably spent a lot of time thinking about all the back to school essentials that your child needs for school, but have you thought about after school activities to help keep them entertained when they get home from a school day?

When your child comes bouncing through the door with their school uniform covered in pen or mud from playing outside, you know they're going to be too excited to sit still while you prepare their tea. With after-school activities however, you can keep your child entertained and meet some sensory needs.

Our favourite after school activities shortlist 2023:

• Best balancing board after-school activities: Size M Balance and Motor Skills Board - Buy here at Decathlon.
• Best screen-free after-school activities: Yoto Player: Buy here at Yoto.
• Best tilt and spin: Kids Mini Top: Buy here at The Range.
• Best multisensory: Number BubbleBrix: Buy here at Learning Resource Centre.

You can break up after school hours between watching their favourite show on TV with some educational games, puzzles and sensory input activities. So when you're shopping for all your back-to-school supplies, remember to shop for some of our back-to-school activities.

What are the different kinds of after-school activities?

There are plenty of different after-school activities for your child to do and they all meet different physical and sensory needs.

Physical activities: these are activities that involve using energy. Your child has spent their day learning, following rules and concentrating. They have had a break and lunchtime, but it's not usually enough physical activity to release built-up energy. This can involve testing their balance skills or motor needs and spacial awareness.

Educational activities: these can also be fun, your child can continue to use their brain with games to help concentration and problem-solving.

Mindful and connecting activities: practise mindfulness with your child through reading books, practising yoga or even colouring together.

Does my child really need them?

If your child comes directly home after school, there can be an awkward limbo period between arriving home and having tea and even just waiting for bedtime. While TV or playing games on a tablet can be easy, activities can be a lot more stimulating for their brain and actually help meet different sensory needs after a full day of school.

Samantha Ball is a Product & Lifestyle Writer for Mother&Baby and freelanced for the website for two years before joining the team full time. She's a mum of two and loves browsing for the best products and cute outfits.