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Free and Cheap After-School Programs in NYC

1. The Children's Aid Society – Locations in the Bronx, Manhattan, and Staten Island

This nonprofit offers after-school classes at centers and public schools throughout the city, primarily in Staten Island, Harlem, Washington Heights, and the South Bronx. Monday through Friday, participants ages 6 through 18 do art projects, play sports, use technology, and learn leadership values. The programs are designed to prepare youth for academic success and careers. A Go!Chefs program teaches kids how to cook nutritious, delicious meals using fresh fruits and vegetables. Tuition varies by location: Some locations are 100% free while others charge reasonable rates and offer financial aid. Space is limited.

2. NYPL After School – Locations in the Bronx, Manhattan, and Staten Island

Kids ages 6-12 can hit select NYPL locations after school on Mondays through Thursdays when school is in session. Students can receive free homework help from tutors, work with teen reading ambassadors, and enjoy activities and workshops in writing, STEAM, and other fields. Snacks are available, too. No registration is required for these free programs—just drop in!

3. HEAF – Harlem

The Harlem Educational Activities Fund (HEAF) provides a host of after-school classes in NYC, including enrichment opportunities for middle and high school students. The program features test-prep help, aid with high school and college admissions, general college prep, and more. An impressive 100 percent of HEAF students graduate from high school and are accepted into four-year colleges. Candidates must maintain a 70% or better average in major subjects and have good school attendance records. Students can enter the program in sixth or ninth grade and receive support throughout the rest of their educational journey.

4. American Museum of Natural History – Upper West Side

Each school year, AMNH hosts several after-school classes for middle school and high school students. Students from anywhere in NYC can attend science enrichment classes on topics, including mineralogy, anthropology, and biology. Some programming is free and financial aid is available for paid programs. The museum also offers paid internships that introduce teenagers to scientific research.

5. Hit the Books – Harlem

The Harlem-based youth program offers a full-service after-school program, including MMA lessons, tutoring, mentorship, and meals. Founded in 2019, HTB offers additional educational resources to underserved communities through a sports-based development approach. Kids can engage in stimulating ventures daily, including outdoor activities, and are taught through technical instruction, self-control, and physical activity, rather than sparring or fighting.

6. The Boys' Club of New York – Harlem and Flushing, Queens

The Boys' Club welcomes all boys and young men in grades 2 through 12 to participate in its inclusive programs. Members can hang out in one of the three clubhouses and get homework assistance, eat snacks, learn to swim, take music and art lessons, play sports, and more. There are more than 40 after-school programs to choose from, all designed to build character, competence, community, and confidence. Classes are held after school on weekdays and Saturdays and are completely free.

7. Good Shepherd Services – Locations in Brooklyn and the Bronx

This nonprofit has been around since 1991, providing kids with free after-school programs at community centers and public schools. Programs are developed with kids' academic, leadership, and social skills in mind, and designed to help students succeed in school and in their communities. Each after-school program is specially curated for the location to create the best learning environments for students. You can browse available programs on the website, then contact a nearby location for more information, including registration deadlines and how to apply.

8. Lower East Side Girls Club – Lower East Side

Housed in a state-of-the-art, 35,000-square-foot facility in the heart of Alphabet City, the Lower East Side Girls Club caters to middle and high school girls who live or attend school in the area. Membership and programs are free, but family involvement is a must. On-site amenities include a maker shop, biology lab, sound studio, rooftop garden, culinary kitchen, and more. Girls participate in various programs meant to build "a just and equitable future filled with 'Joy. Power. Possibility' and where we 'Transform Self-Care into Community Care.'"

9. Whitney's Open Studio for Teens – Chelsea

The Whitney offers open studio time for teens on select Friday afternoons, which connects teens with contemporary artists. Students and artists work together to learn techniques and make art inspired by the work on display at The Whitney. The museum also offers free after-school and summer classes through the Youth Insights program, which allows high schoolers to collaborate on projects with artists.

10. NIA After School – Brooklyn and Staten Island

NIA offers free after-school programming in select schools across Brooklyn and in Staten Island's PS 52R. The program introduces kids to STEM topics, offers homework help, and fosters kids' creative sides with art and fitness. Programs are entirely funded by NYC's Department of Youth and Community Development (DYCD). You can search for and enroll in a program near you on the DYCD website. If you miss out on the free after school, NIA also has an affordable fee-based after-school option.

11. New York Junior Tennis League – Citywide

The NYJTL offers no-cost tennis lessons throughout the year in all five boroughs. After-school classes are available at 33 locations city-wide, from 3-6pm on school days. In addition to teaching kids to play tennis, the program also provides kids with academic assistance, additional enrichment activities, and instruction on healthy living. Children may join at any location at any time during the season.

12. Police Athletic League – Locations Citywide

PAL offers after-school programs for students in kindergarten through eighth grades. The program gives kids a holistic education focusing on STEAM, literacy, and physical education, with a strong emphasis on self-growth and teamwork. The program has also teamed up with Cornell University Cooperative Extension (CUCE) to teach students about growing and preparing their own fresh food. Tuition varies by location, contact the location you're interested in for more information.

13. New York City Department of Parks & Recreation – Locations Citywide

These free after-school programs take place Monday through Friday 3-6pm at recreation centers all over the city. Activities follow monthly themes and teach kids topics in STEAM, fitness, arts, and culture. While dates for 2024-25 have yet to be released, programs typically run from mid-September through early June. Visit the website in late August for updated availability.

14. NYC Department of Youth & Community Development – Citywide

The NYC Department of Youth & Community Development connects students with programs to attend during non-school hours. The DYCD lets families browse a collection of programs in one central place, including COMPASS NYC, SONYC, the Learn and Earn Program, and more. There are after-school classes in NYC for all school-age children in various locations.

15. CAT Youth Theatre – Midtown West

The Creative Arts Team Youth Theatre runs a free after-school program for middle and high school students. Participants do theater games and exercises, improvisation, scene work, and ultimately put on a show or two. No audition is required; students are admitted on a first-come, first-served basis.

Originally published in August 2011. Photos courtesy of the respective organizations