Finding reliable childcare during the school year can feel like a constant puzzle, especially when your work schedule doesn’t align with school hours. While the start of school may bring some relief after the summer scramble, many parents are left wondering how to keep their kids occupied and engaged after the 3 p.m. bell. Thankfully, there are numerous extracurricular programs that offer school pickups and a wide range of activities, making it easier for kids to get from point A to point B while you manage the rest of your day. We’ve gathered some top-notch options, so no matter your child’s interests, there’s something perfect for them!

Luckily, this is not a unique problem, and many programs pick up from local schools. We’ve compiled some great options, and you’re sure to find something great, no matter your kids’ interests!

Butcher’s Sew Shop

800 S. 8th St., Philadelphia

Pickup from: Meredith, McCall, Nebinger, Southwark (Mondays and Thursdays only) Coppin

Care until: 5:45 pm

Grades: K-6

Creativity abounds as students learn the basics of hand sewing and machine sewing in order to create their own stuffed animals, bags and so much more! All students are taught how to thread a sewing machine on their own, as well as advanced skills like embroidery, button application and appliqué.

Zhang Sah

Queen Village: 530 Bainbridge St., Philadelphia

Mt. Airy: 6110 Wissahickon Ave., Philadelphia

Wynnefield: 3901 Conshohocken Ave., Philadelphia

Pickup from: Meredith, Fanny Jackson Coppin, McCall, Nebinger, St. Mary Interparochial, St. Peter’s, Vare-Washington, J.S Jenks, C.W Henry, Anna L. Lingelbach, Henry H. Houston, SCH Academy, Samuel Gompers, Overbrook, Inquiry Charter, JYK Discovery Charter, Laboratory Charter, SLA at Beeber, French International, Global Leadership Academy, James Rhoads  

Care until: 6 pm

Grades: K-8

Committed to the development of the mind, body, and character, Zhang Sah offers a daily program consisting of martial arts classes, indoor/outdoor free play, homework help, arts and crafts, as well as providing a nutritious snack.

Queen & Rook

125 South St., Philadelphia

Pickup from: Meredith, McCall, Nebinger, St. Peter’s, Vare-Washington

Care until: 6 pm

Grades: Ages 6-16

Located at one of Philly’s premier board game cafes, this unique after care program focuses on playing and learning about different board games, card games and role-playing games. Additional activities include homework time, arts and crafts, game design, and outdoor play. 

CoCo Academy

1001 Christian St., Philadelphia

Pickup from: Meredith, McCall, Nebinger, Coppin, Independence Charter, Vare-Washington, Christoper Columbus Charter

Care until: 6 pm

Grades: K-5

A STEAM-centered maker space, CoCo Academy’s after care program gives students hands-on experience with 3D printing, laster cutting, robotics, and more.

Philly Art Center

Queen Village: 514 Bainbridge Street, Philadelphia

Fairmount: 2501 Olive Street, Philadelphia

Mt Airy: 530 Carpenter Lane, Philadelphia

Pickup from: McCall, Meredith, Nebinger, Coppin, Independence Charter, Southwark, Vare-Washington, Christopher Columbus Charter, Bache-Martin, Greenfield, St. Francis Xavier, Russell Byers Charter, C.W. Henry, Houston, Lingelbach, Germantown Friends, Greene Street Friends, Germantown Jewish Centre

Care until: 6 pm

Grades: Pre-K-6 (ages 4-12)

Philly Art Center’s After School Art program, with free school pick-up, is one of the most popular around. With three locations—Queen Village, Fairmount, and Mt. Airy —they pick up at a wide range of schools, and provide skill-building and age-appropriate studio classes in various media, plus a snack. Organized into two seasons, you preregister online for one day, or up to all five, for the season.

Philly InMovement

Queen Village: 500 Kenilworth St., Philadelphia

Pickup from: Meredith, McCall, Nebinger,

Care until: 6 pm

Grades: K-4

InMovement’s “MOVE After School” program gives your kids energy filled movement classes as well as homework help! You can register for one day, or up to all five.

Old Pine Community Center

401 Lombard St., Philadelphia

Pickup from: Meredith, McCall, Nebinger,

Care until: 6 pm

Grades: K-5

Kids will get daily homework help and a snack, as well as kid-created clubs, arts and crafts, trips to the park, and occasional service projects to get involved with the community.

Settlement Music School

Mary Louise Curtis (MLC) branch
416 Queen St., Philadelphia

Pickup from: Meredith, McCall, Nebinger, Christopher Columbus Charter School

Care until: 5:45 pm

Grades: Pre-K-3 (ages 3-9)

In Kaleidoscope (KAL) Plus, students are immersed in the world of music, theater, and visual arts, while receiving homework support and a snack. Students explore music, puppetry, storytelling, and creative acting. Enroll one day per week, up to five days per week.

Kids on 12th

204 South 12th St., Philadelphia

Pickup from: McCall, Greenfield, Independence Charter School, Folk Arts Cultural Treasures, Fanny Jackson Coppin, Russell Byers

Care until: 6 pm

Grades: K-5

Kids can get homework help and snack options along with countless choices of activities every day like sports activities, art projects, quiet reading time, and swimming.  Kids also have the option of joining the Junior Teacher Program, where they take on responsibilities like fundraising and community cleanup—and get rewarded with the “JT lock-in” sleepover party at the end of the year.

Makom

2401 Washington Ave., Philadelphia

Pickup from: Greenfield, Marian Anderson Neighborhood Academy, Stanton, The Philadelphia School, Independence Charter School, Fanny Jackson Coppin School, Childs Elementary, Meredith, McCall, Nebinger

Care until: 6 pm

Grades: Pre-K-7

Jewish afterschool enrichment and community learning. Each Friday, the students take the time to welcome in Shabbat, with special Family Shabbat Celebrations throughout the year.

Beacon Center

2125 Chestnut St., Philadelphia

Pickup from: Greenfield

Care until: 6 pm

Grades: K-1 (ages 5-6)

This popular Philly preschool also has an after school program for younger kids, with storytimes, art, homework help, trips to local parks and libraries, and more.

Christian Street YMCA

1724 Christian St., Philadelphia

Pickup from: Arthur Elementary School, E.M. Stanton Elementary School, Abigail Vare, Independence Charter, Smith Elementary School, Universal Charter School, Christopher Columbus Charter School, George Washington, Philadelphia Free School (Transportation is subject to change based on enrollment and availability. The Y will consider providing transportation where there are 5 or more students enrolled in the program.)

Care until: 6 pm

Grades: K-6 (ages 5-12)

Children receive homework assistance, as well as recreational and enrichment activities.

Parent Infant Center

4205 Spruce St., Philadelphia

Pickup from: by van from Samuel Powel School. Teachers meet and walk with children from Lea School and Penn Alexander School. Children attending other area schools may attend with their own transportation.

Grades: K-4

Care until: 6 pm

PIC’s after school program offers time for homework assistance, outdoor free play, and a variety of special-interest clubs such as cooking, writing projects, carpentry, sports, arts and crafts, science, and community service.

PlayArts

1241 N. Front St., Philadelphia

Located at: Adaire, Hackett, Moffett

Care until: 6 pm

Grades: varies at each location

With play and creativity as central components to this program, PlayArts offers daily opportunities for outdoor play and weekly classes in theater, dance, visual arts, poetry, and music, as well as homework help. They embrace the “No bad weather, only bad clothing” philosophy–please ensure your child has appropriate attire for daily outdoor play!

The Schuylkill Center for Environmental Education

8480 Hagy’s Mill Road, Philadelphia

Pickup from: Van transportation from local schools in Northwest Philadelphia. Call for info on which school they have transportation for

Care until: 6 pm

Grades: K-5

The Schuylkill Center’s Wild Wanderers program includes nature exploration, outdoor and indoor play, group activities, and snacks. The centerpiece of this program is really free play and connecting with nature. Daily outdoor activities may include hiking in their 365 acre forest, exploring streams and ponds, searching for signs of wildlife, and even canoeing!

City of Philadelphia Parks and Recreation Rec Centers

In addition to all these great places, many city rec centers run their own affordable after school programs, which also provide pickup from the neighborhood. These programs begin to enroll in the summer, and fill up quickly, so check as soon as possible if you are interested.

Updated 9/16/24 by Bridget Kolarik.