Kids are working hard at school and acclimating to their new teachers and classmates, it’s been smooth sailing so far but now they’re ready to start bringing in some afternoon activities. Many schools offer amazing enrichment programs where your child can stay an extra hour at school and have fun without even being pickup.
For many of us, this option works great! It’s less driving, makes transitions easy on the parent and child, and LBH it allows you – the parent to get a few more things wrapped up before heading to pickup.
However…. Not all of us have this opportunity, which leads us to the questions, “How am I going to entertain my child for the next 3 hours?”
Luckily , there are many options for after school enrichments in Miami – I cant say I’ve tried them all, but I can share some the classes my kids have enjoyed and some of the tips & tricks that have helped my family when transitioning from pickup to after school activities.
Timing– This one is Priority #1 for my kids, You want to be sure you have the perfect amount of time between pick up and class start time. I find that 30- 40 minutes works well. This gives you time to greet your child, connect and discuss any happenings about their day, feed them a quick snack/ change clothes if needed, and then they jump right into class with a smile on their face.
Being Present- I have found that when I’m watching my kids participate in their activity ( I smile when they make a goal, or wave to show them I am watching their cartwheels) – they are much happier to show up and try their best. If a child looks over and sees eyes glued to a cell phone , or back turned chatting it up with a fellow mom / dad friend they immediately have a desire to step away from the activity.
The Miami Moms Top Picks for AfterSchool
Art at Artbox in Coconut Grove
Diamond Backs Baseballat Miami Beach JCCwith Coach Danny
Ballet at Miami City Ballet– Be careful with timing here , parking is a nightmare
Golf with Jim Mcclean Golf Academyat Miami Beach Golf Course
Gymnastics with Gym Kidzoffered at Scott Rakow in Miami Beach , North Miami Beach, Coral Gables or Pembroke Pines
Horseback Riding at Davie Ranch
Jazz with Ms. Vickyat State of Kid
Karate Darren Buckners Academyto help with discipline and respect
The Performer (Dance, Pianco, Music) IMIart Studio in Aventura
Soccer with Super Soccer Starsat Stadio Soccer
STEM Classes I know Sciencein Coral Gables offers
4-5:30 pm ages 5-11 yrs Tu/We/Th
Tennis at Flamingo Park Tennis Center
Tennis Fit Brickell at the Conrad – Tuesday Kids Clinic
Warrior Kids at Focused Movement Academy
3:30-5:30 Ages 5 and up Tues- Friday