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  • Writer's pictureBobbie Brown

5 Fun (Non-Homework) Activities Kids Can Do After School

Updated: May 2, 2019

While kids in the background are complaining, most parents, myself included, would probably agree that homework does kids well. Sure, homework can be tedious and boring but let’s face it: it teaches kids responsibility and helps them review what they learned on that day. More so, it’s one of the things that keep kids from lagging behind their peers.


Now not to debunk homework and it’s aforementioned benefits, but there are more learning opportunities for kids outside the schedule we adults set for them. Here are some fun non-homework activities kids can also do after school.


Read for fun.


Reading is one of the basic skills kids need to learn to succeed in this world. However, some kids are reluctant to pick up books during their free time given poring over books is what they mostly do at school.



One way to encourage good reading habits is by introducing your kids to different genres. Set a trip to the bookstore or to the public library. Go over the selection and help them find age-appropriate books on things that interest them.


Start with something fun like comics before moving on to more challenging content. It’s okay if they pick up the same book over and over again. They might notice new details and understand the story better through repetition.


Help prepare dinner.


It’s good to gradually ease your child into handling responsibilities. Start equipping your kids with basic skills by involving them in house chores. They may not be grateful for it now, but they’ll surely find learning basic skills helpful later in life.



One of the many chores kids can participate in is dinner preparation. Raise your mini Masterchef by asking them to fetch ingredients or help stir the soup before moving on to more challenging tasks.


Then again, don’t just invite them to the kitchen so you’d have less thing to do. During the time it takes to prepare your meal, you can talk about anything and everything. What did they learn at school today? How did he find the last book he read? What was his favourite part of the story? Hone their communication skills by encouraging them to share what’s on their mind.

Walk around a museum.


A trip to the museum is one indoor activity that fosters kids’ curiosity. It’s a learning experience both for adults and kids as well. Going around halls and centres filled with depictions of people and things that make up our world (or the universe) help broaden one’s knowledge of the world outside home or school.



To make sure your kids get fully engaged and enjoy the experience, check for museums or centres that have exhibits or workshop that are family-friendly. You’ll surely find one that holds free and interactive events, workshops, and other activities for your curious little adventurers.

Go to your local playground.


Playing outside is one outdoor activity kids will benefit from. Not only will they get to build stronger hearts, muscles, and bones, they’ll also be able to develop critical social skills. With friends, they could play in the sandbox or take turns going on the swings. They can also practice riding a bike or climbing a tree in the open spaces.



Nowadays, many parks have playgrounds, as well as picnic areas and walking trails, that are accessible for the whole family. Search the internet or ask your fellow parents for recommendations.


Be Idle.


You’re probably wondering why being idle is on this list considering idle time could only end up being more screen time. Our kids already have a lot of time to spare, or so we think. This is despite all the schoolwork and extracurriculars-sports practice, music lessons, and tutorial sessions. Yet we still believe their productivity is too low so we beat ourselves up trying to find some new commitment for them.



It took me some time to realise that it’s possible for kids to be too busy. Now I understand that it’s important for our little ones to have downtime too. It’s okay to let them zone out, to do nothing but sit around, or stare at the ceiling. It’s during these moments that they can reflect as well as reset not just their minds but also their bodies.


Just to keep up with changing times, kids’ calendars have become busier than ever. They have to do this and that just to make sure they get ahead of the game. Yet there’s more to this world than the four corners of a classroom. Kids deserve to have a break from their overbooked and overscheduled days.

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