Parents in Chicago of all income levels can keep their children active in all types of after school activities. From arts programs to sports teams, Chicago is teeming with free and paid activities for kids of all ages. Professional sports teams, public libraries and nonprofit organizations feature programs to keep kids active all week long.
Dance
Chicago is home to well-known dance companies that offer community education programs throughout the year. Classes for children of all ages are held on weekday late afternoons and early evenings during the school year. The world-renowned Joffrey Ballet has classes for youth aged 9 to 16. Hubbard Street Dance has eight school dance programs. It implements its "Dance After-School" program in partnership with area schools for children aged 4 to 12. Children can take ballet, modern jazz and hip-hop and participate in student performances under the guidance of Hubbard Street staff.
Boys and Girls Clubs of Chicago
There are 18 Boys and Girls Clubs (BGC) in the Chicago area. In keeping with the national organization's mission, the clubs provide a wide range of after school activities for youth. School-based and neighborhood clubs provide sports teams, leadership and character building activities, arts and crafts classes, tutoring, career counseling and many other initiatives for school-aged children. The clubs provide annual awards and scholarships to outstanding youth members. Local professional sports teams like the NBA Chicago Bulls and the MLS Chicago Fire are active in BGC projects.
Chicago Public Schools After School and Community School Programs
Chicago Public Schools (CPS) runs four major after school initiatives. There are over 675 schools in the CPS system. Over 187 schools participate in the learning enrichment activities of the "After-School All-Stars" program for K to 8th-grade students. The CPS "Community Schools Initiative" partners with over 400 nonprofit organizations to give children access to music and art activities. The "Tuition-Based After-School" program provides after school daycare. Children who participate enjoy music, dance and foreign language instruction.
High School Athletics
Competitive sports programs are available in high schools during the fall, winter and spring. Varsity high school sports are managed by the Chicago Public High Schools Athletic Association. Students practice and participate in games during the afternoons and early evenings. Several famous professional athletes are products of the Chicago public high school athletic competition. The NFL Chicago Bears has a multi-program Youth Football League for boys and girls. The professional team sponsors after school tackle and flag football programs and donates equipment to kids in underserved communities.
Public Libraries
The over 70 branches of the Chicago Public Library offer after school programs for children in every corner of the city. There are book clubs that meet on weekday afternoons for kids of all ages. Neighborhood libraries have accredited teachers on staff for free drop-in homework and tutoring for elementary schools students.
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