10 Simple After School Ideas to Try Today

Looking for easy, low-prep after school ideas that actually work when everyone’s a bit tired? The hours after school can feel long - but they’re also such a lovely chance to reconnect.

Here are 10 simple ideas you can try straight away.

Create a Snack Masterpiece

Give them a plate of options and let them build something fun. Can they make a face? A train? A rainbow? Put out fruit, crackers, cheese, cucumber, raisins - whatever you have. Child-friendly knives are brilliant for building independence too. It’s amazing how long this can hold their attention and it helps with the constant after school snack requests!

Go for a Walk (But Make It Interesting)

A slow walk. A treasure hunt walk. A we’re ending at the park walk. Fresh air works wonders after a full school day - and sometimes a simple change of scenery resets everyone.

Create Their Own Film

They could:

• Make a documentary about life at home

• Create an action movie with toys

• Interview family members

All you need is a phone or tablet - and a big imagination.

Go on a House Hunt 

This one is my favourite! Hide Lego figures or cuddly toys around the house and let them search independently. Add a torch for extra excitement - even in daylight. It works for younger children too and it buys you five minutes to drink a hot cup of tea. Win-win.

Create an Obstacle Course

Inside or outside (depending on how much you value your sofa cushions!).

Chairs to crawl under. Cushions to jump across. You could even add a timer to beat. Great for burning off that last bit of energy.

Read Together

Their school reading book or a favourite from home. Teachers love seeing notes in reading diaries - even if you’re reading something different. It doesn’t have to be long. Ten calm minutes can change the tone of the whole evening.

Get Painting

Painting can easily be adapted for any age.

Try:

• Apple printing

• Potato stamping (cut into numbers, symbols or shapes)

• Pattern making

Messy? Sometimes. Worth it? Always.

Do Puzzles (With a difference)

After a busy day, winding down matters. Puzzles help children reset. To stretch it out, you could wrap or hide the pieces first to turn it into a mini challenge.

Try Yoga

Relaxation is so important after school. Even a few simple stretches or lying still while listening to music helps them learn to slow down. You might find you need it too.

Play Games Together

After a day apart, this is such a lovely way to reconnect. Board games, spelling games, homework games - anything that gets you laughing or working as a team.

These after school ideas don’t need to be elaborate or expensive. Often, the simplest activities are the ones children remember most. Number 4 is always my favourite - there’s something magical about a torch and a treasure hunt. Which one would your child choose first?