Wondering what to do with the kids after school during these dark, rainy days? Once the school day ends, kids have an opportunity to pursue their passions and connect with kids from other schools through engaging lessons and classes. Extracurriculars provide kids with a chance to spend more time doing what they love. Check out these awesome after-school programs being offered around Metro Vancouver.
Arts Umbrella
Art is powerful. An art education in the lives of our children and young people provides foundational skills they need for a meaningful, purposeful life. Arts Umbrella, a distinguished arts education facility in Vancouver, offers programs to children and youth ages 2 – 22. Kids develop confidence, discipline, and creative expression through art, dance, and theatre. Plus, they’ll be inspired to a life of joy as they discover passions and unique skills!
For more details, click here.
The Cinematheque Filmmaking Lessons
The Cinematheque wants to pull back the curtain on filmmaking and show youth ages 14-18 that they can create their own awe-inspiring film with just a smartphone, some editing software, and access to incredible educators and mentors to guide them through the process. If you have an aspiring filmmaker in your home, enroll them in The Cinematheque’s Filmmaking Workshops for Youth starting on February 4th and running until March 19th, with a special screening event on April 26th.
For more details, click here.
Gateway Theatre Academy
If you have a child between the ages of 6-18 years old that is looking for a place to have fun, develop close friendships, and increase confidence, then Gateway Academy has just what you are looking for! Gateway Academy classes are organized into Acting or Musical Theatre, and further grouped by age and ability. Plus, Gateway Academy is offering two exciting NEW programs this year: Acting for Stage and Film (ages 14-18) and Musical Theatre Performance (ages 11-18)
For more details, click here.
Long & McQuade
Music has the power to bring people together, and Long & McQuade has a long history of providing exceptional music instruction to whole families. Whether your family is full of aspiring musicians, or you’re looking to spark a new passion, Long & McQuade’s music lessons provide the perfect opportunity to bond, learn and grow together. Make 2025 the year the whole family takes up a new instrument!
For more details, click here.
Mindset Math
Resiliency, critical thinking skills, and curiosity are the skills students most need to use to be successful in an ever-changing and evolving world, and at Mindset Math, those skills are valued and taught explicitly in a fun and creative atmosphere. With a combination of Singapore Math instruction, Question Formulation Technique, and hands-on exploration, students take control of their learning and are better able to understand and apply new skills that may or may not be taught in a traditional classroom setting.
For more details, click here.
PJ Kids Club Preschool
Register your child for a preschool program where kids are encouraged to play, learn and grow as they experience the world around them. Located on the grounds of Pauline Johnson Elementary, PJ Kids Club has been educating children ages 3-5 since 1981. They offer half-day preschool classes in the morning and afternoon, and full-day classes that align more closely with school hours.
For more details, click here.
Place des Arts
What program will light a fire in your child’s heart this fall? Where do their passions lie? Tap into your child’s inner artist at a place where they care about creativity and self-expression through art. Place des Arts offers quality arts education in Visual Arts, Theatre Arts, Music, Dance and Movement, and Literary Arts. They offer a wide range of classes for all ages and skill levels, making it easy to find the right class for your child.
For more details, click here.
Vancouver Academy of Music
The Vancouver Academy of Music is excited to partner with the Royal Conservatory of Music (RCM) to introduce the Smart Start program for children ages 0-6 to jump-start their music education. Beginning in the 2024-2025 school year, the Smart Start program, developed by Dr. Sean Hutchins and the RCM Neuroscience Research Center, is designed to blend music education and neuroscience in an inclusive and positive atmosphere with many movement-based games.
For more details, click here.
*Sneak Peek* Spring Lessons for Kids🌷
Stagecoach SPRING Lessons
Encourage your child’s passion for performance this Spring with Stagecoach North Shore classes for kids. Whether your child has been taking classes all year or is ready to step on stage for the first time, Stagecoach offers supportive and experienced instructors for all ages and levels. Classes are available for kids as young as 4 all the way up to 14+.
For more details, click here.
Vancouver Chess School
If your child loves playing Chess or has just started to show an interest in learning, then enroll them in Winter camps at Vancouver Chess School. With over a decade of experience and highly qualified coaches and instructors, Vancouver Chess School is a leader in chess education with small class sizes, one-on-one instruction, and competitive tournaments. Through this approach, students progress through levels: Absolute Beginner for those who have never played before, to Master, the highest level.
For more details, click here.
Vancouver Phoenix Gymnastics
Spring is on its way and your kids will be bouncing off the walls with energy to burn as the days get longer. Get them involved in a sport that will challenge them, keep them active, and have a blast while learning new skills. Operating in two facilities –the Millenium Sports Facility and St. James Community Centre – the club consistently produces some of Canada’s top gymnasts who are successful at both the provincial and national levels. Lessons at Vancouver Phoenix Gymnastics are available for kids as young as 1 to adults.
For more details, click here.
