Best After School Programs for Kids and Teens in Brooklyn This Fall

APS
Aug 18
3 min read

As New York City schools head back into session on Thursday, September 4, 2025, parents across Brooklyn are busy signing their children up for after school activities. From sports and arts to enrichment and martial arts, fall is the season when routines take shape.

If you are a parent in Park Slope, Gowanus, Prospect Heights, Carroll Gardens, Boerum Hill, or Downtown Brooklyn, here are some of the best after school programs available this fall, including our very own Aikido of Park Slope kids and teens program, which begins its fall semester on Saturday, September 6, 2025.

Aikido of Park Slope Children's, Kid's, Teen's, and Young Adult's Martial Arts (Ages 6 to 17)

Unlike other martial arts that emphasize sparring or competition, Aikido is non competitive and centers on cooperation, focus, and self awareness. At Aikido of Park Slope, we meet every child where they are, whether they are shy and looking to build confidence, or active and eager for new challenges.

Our program is open to kids ages 6 to 17. In some cases, younger children (ages 4 to 5) who show strong focus and a willingness to learn may also join.

Top Benefits Parents Notice:

Improved focus and listening at school
Confidence and self respect
Coordination, balance, and safe body movement
Tools for peaceful conflict resolution
A supportive community where older kids mentor younger ones

Learn more about Why Aikido Is One of the Best Martial Arts for Kids in Brooklyn

Fall classes begin Saturday, September 6, 2025. Spots are limited, so reach out now to reserve a trial class.

Brooklyn Music Factory Kids Music Lessons

Known for its creative, student driven approach, Brooklyn Music Factory offers after school programs in piano, guitar, drums, and voice. Small group classes encourage collaboration and fun, making it a great fit for kids who thrive in a musical community.

Brooklyn Game Lab After School Strategy and Social Play

For kids who love creativity and strategy, Brooklyn Game Lab’s after school programs focus on board game design, role playing, and team based problem solving. These programs build critical thinking and collaboration skills in a fun, screen free environment.

Mark Morris Dance Center Kids Dance Classes

Offering ballet, hip hop, modern, and tap, Mark Morris Dance Center has a wide variety of after school dance programs. Kids learn movement and musicality while building discipline and confidence on stage.

Trail Blazers School Based Outdoor After School Programs

Trail Blazers runs after school programs at select NYC public schools. Their programs combine free play, environmental exploration, creative problem solving, and reflection. Each day is structured around elements like sunrise circle and sunset circle, giving kids space to connect with nature, each other, and themselves. It is a unique, screen free option for families seeking something beyond traditional after school classes.

Why Parents Choose Aikido of Park Slope

Here is what one parent shared:

“I can’t rave enough about the skilled, able, professional, patient, and kind aikido instructors at the dojo. They are not only skilled aikido masters themselves, but attentive, humorous, intelligent teachers… The atmosphere is friendly and fun, but disciplined. Today my kids are learning the responsibility of being older students, and overall, studying at Aikido of Park Slope made them better people (IMHO).”

At APS, kids not only learn martial arts, they also build character, resilience, and community connection.

How to Join Us This Fall

Ready to set your child up for success this school year?

Try a free class at Aikido of Park Slope.
Bring siblings or even join yourself. We offer family discounts for parents and siblings.