What is the Most Popular After-School Activity?

After-school hours are a golden opportunity for kids to engage in activities beyond traditional classroom learning. Whether it’s a sport, a creative pursuit, or a STEM-related activity, after-school programs offer a wide range of benefits, from physical fitness to cognitive development and socialization. But with so many options available, it raises the question: what is the most popular after-school activity today?

From traditional sports and arts to tech-driven activities like coding, children are exploring various ways to spend their time after school. However, one emerging trend is taking center stage—coding classes. This article dives into the most popular after-school activities, with a special focus on why coding is increasingly capturing the interest of students and parents alike.

1. Sports and Physical Activities: A Long-Standing Favorite

Sports have consistently been among the most popular after-school activities, offering a range of physical, social, and mental benefits. According to the Afterschool Alliance’s report “America After 3PM” (2020), sports and physical activities are the most widely offered type of after-school program, with 33% of children participating in a variety of sports, including basketball, soccer, swimming, and gymnastics.

In fact, sports participation in after-school programs contributes to a host of benefits:

• Physical fitness: Physical activities help children maintain a healthy lifestyle, combat obesity and promote cardiovascular health.

• Teamwork: Playing team sports fosters collaboration and teaches important life skills like communication and empathy.

• Discipline and resilience: Engaging in competitive sports helps children learn discipline, how to handle success and failure, and how to stay motivated.

Some of the most popular sports in after-school programs include:

• Soccer: According to Statista, over 14 million kids aged 6-12 in the U.S. played soccer in 2022, making it one of the most popular youth sports.

• Basketball: Another major player, basketball enjoys widespread participation across both recreational leagues and school-based after-school programs.

Additionally, individual activities like dance, martial arts, and tennis are growing in popularity, offering kids both physical and creative outlets.

2. Arts and Crafts: Fueling Creativity and Emotional Expression

After-school arts programs continue to be a major draw for children. From painting and sculpture to drama and music, creative activities provide children with an emotional outlet and encourage self-expression. According to the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA), arts education in after-school programs can improve academic performance and foster critical thinking skills.

Some key stats on after-school arts programs:

• Music and Drama: The NEA notes that arts participation is linked to higher academic achievement. Students involved in the arts are four times more likely to be recognized for academic achievement and more likely to take leadership roles.

• Drawing and Painting: According to a survey by Americans for the Arts, nearly 30% of children participate in some form of arts and crafts after school, reflecting the significant popularity of these programs.

The importance of arts programs is not just limited to academic outcomes. Research shows that creative activities like music and drama help with:

• Building confidence: Performing arts, especially theater, provide children with opportunities to overcome shyness and develop public speaking skills.

• Emotional intelligence: Arts programs help children navigate their emotions and develop empathy for others.

3. STEM Activities: Coding Takes Center Stage

The increasing importance of technology in our world has led to a boom in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math) programs, with coding classes standing out as one of the most popular choices. Coding is no longer just for tech enthusiasts—it's quickly becoming an essential skill for all students, regardless of their future career paths.

Why Are Coding Classes So Popular?

Recent studies indicate that coding classes are becoming a must-have component of after-school programs. According to a 2019 study by Code.org, 67% of U.S. schools now offer computer science programs, and there is a growing demand for after-school coding opportunities to fill the gap for students not yet exposed to computer science in the classroom.

In fact, the demand for coding programs has been driven by several factors:

• Job market readiness: With technology permeating all industries, children are eager to develop skills that can lead to high-demand jobs. The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that software development jobs are expected to grow by 22% from 2019 to 2029, much faster than average.

• Educational platforms: Platforms like Scratch, Tynker, and CodeCombat are making coding fun and accessible for kids, offering interactive lessons that teach everything from basic programming to game design and robotics.

Benefits of Coding for Kids

• Problem-solving: Coding is all about breaking problems down into smaller, solvable steps. This skill is valuable not only for future tech careers but for navigating everyday life.

• Creativity and innovation: Kids who learn to code can create their own websites, games, apps, and even robots. This encourages creativity and helps children see the direct impact of their ideas.

• Future skills: As technology continues to evolve, proficiency in coding will be essential in virtually every field. A 2023 report by the World Economic Forum emphasizes that digital literacy is a critical component of future-ready workers.

Coding Camps and Clubs: The Next Big Thing

Coding is increasingly becoming a focus of specialized after-school programs. In addition to traditional after-school coding classes, many kids are now attending coding camps or joining after-school robotics clubs. Pinecone Coding Academy offers kids the opportunity to deepen their programming knowledge through hands-on projects.

According to the Afterschool Alliance, 18% of students are currently involved in some type of tech-focused after-school activity, a number that is expected to grow as coding becomes increasingly integral to the curriculum.

4. Academic Enrichment: Tutoring and Homework Help

For students who may need extra academic support, after-school tutoring programs are invaluable. Whether it’s math, science, reading, or test preparation, academic enrichment after school offers an additional layer of support that helps children succeed academically.

A report by The Wallace Foundation found that after-school programs offering academic support can improve test scores, grades, and general academic performance. This is especially true in programs that offer personalized tutoring or mentorship, where students receive one-on-one attention and can ask questions in a less pressured environment.

In addition to traditional subjects, after-school programs are also expanding to include specialized enrichment, such as advanced math or foreign languages, further helping students excel and explore new academic areas.

5. Video Games and eSports: A Modern Social and Competitive Outlet

While video games have often been seen as a solitary hobby, their role in after-school programs is changing. Video gaming, particularly in the form of eSports, is growing in popularity as an after-school activity, with students forming teams and competing in tournaments. According to Newzoo, the global eSports industry is projected to exceed $1.9 billion in 2024, showcasing the growing importance of gaming in youth culture.

Moreover, video games can teach valuable skills, such as:

• Strategy: Many video games require players to think critically, plan ahead, and make decisions in real-time.

• Teamwork: Multiplayer games encourage collaboration and communication, key skills for future work environments.

• Coding and Game Design: Through platforms like Unity and Roblox Studio, kids can create their own games and learn coding as they design their virtual worlds.

Conclusion: The Shift Toward Tech and Holistic Development

The most popular after-school activities are those that provide both fun and developmental benefits. While sports, arts, and academic enrichment remain staples of after-school programs, coding classes have emerged as a major trend. As the demand for tech skills grows, coding programs are helping children develop not only technical abilities but also critical thinking, creativity, and problem-solving skills.

By incorporating activities that balance physical, creative, and intellectual growth, after-school programs are helping children prepare for a world that is increasingly shaped by technology and collaboration.

As parents and educators seek the best opportunities for children to thrive, the combination of traditional activities and modern innovations—such as coding—are shaping the future of after-school engagement.

For further reading and to explore more about the rise of coding and after-school programs, check out the following resources: