10 Tips to Help Kids Find After-School Clubs They Love
From book clubs and Lego to anime, art and gardening, today’s after-school activities look very different from the traditional football-or-nothing model many parents grew up with. And increasingly, families aren’t just looking for ways to fill the 3-6pm gap, they’re searching for clubs that help children build confidence, friendships and real-world skills, while still feeling fun.
Over the past month, there have been an average of 151,000 online searches for ‘school club’ – a 5% increase on the month prior, and a 5000% increase in searches for ‘after school activities for kids.’ And new research from Wycliffe College suggests parents are prioritising purpose-led, interest-based activities that reflect children’s personalities and passions, rather than pushing them into one-size-fits-all options. In fact, music, reading and anime are now among the most in-demand school clubs nationwide, with hobby-led and creative pursuits often ranking ahead of traditional sports.
While sports clubs still see strong participation, there’s growing enthusiasm for quieter, skill-based or interest-driven options, from fashion and dance to Lego and gardening, as parents look for screen-free, confidence-boosting ways for children to explore who they are.
Matt Routledge, Deputy Head Academic at Wycliffe College said: “Extracurricular activities play a vital role in a child’s development. They’re not just a way to fill time after school, they’re where young people build confidence, discover their interests and develop the social and life skills that stay with them far beyond the classroom.
“Parents are increasingly looking for clubs that feel purposeful and engaging, whether that’s music, reading, creative arts or shared hobbies. When children find something they genuinely enjoy, they’re far more likely to thrive.”
Search trends show clear appetite for creative and interest-led activities, with music and book clubs seeing particularly high demand, followed by anime, games and art. Practical, hands-on options like Lego and gardening are also climbing in popularity, suggesting families are seeking more tactile, offline experiences.
The shift reflects a wider change in how parents view enrichment, less about achievement and more about wellbeing, confidence and social connection.
Matt added: “Families are moving away from a one-size-fits-all approach to enrichment and instead seeking more personalised activities that reflect children’s individual passions and personalities.
“After-school activities are one of the most powerful ways schools can help develop well-rounded young people. Each type of club builds different strengths, from teamwork and resilience in sport to creativity in the arts and problem-solving through STEM.
“The most successful experiences happen when children have choice and genuinely enjoy what they’re doing. When activities feel fun and purposeful rather than pressured, confidence grows naturally. For parents who aren’t sure where to start, there are lots of small, simple ways to encourage children to get involved in extracurricular activities.”
For parents unsure where to start, Matt shared some simple, low-pressure ways with YCB to help children explore after-school clubs and find what feels right for them:
10 Tips to encourage children to join after-school clubs:
- Let them choose what excites them – Children are far more likely to stick with an activity they’ve chosen themselves. Offer options and let them explore their interests rather than steering them toward what you think looks best.
- Focus on enjoyment, not performance – Clubs should build confidence and friendships first. When the emphasis is on fun rather than achievement, children feel less pressure and are more willing to try something new.
- Start small – One club a week is often enough to begin with. Overloading schedules can lead to burnout and make after-school time feel like a chore.
- Try before committing – Many schools and providers offer taster sessions. Testing a few activities helps children discover what suits their personality and strengths.
- Think beyond sport – While sports are popular, activities such as coding, drama, art, debating, eco clubs or volunteering can be just as valuable for building confidence, creativity and real-world skills.
- Make it social – Joining with a friend can ease nerves, especially for younger children or those trying something for the first time.
- Build it into the routine – Treat clubs as a normal part of the week, like homework or family time. Consistency helps children settle in and feel committed.
- Celebrate effort, not outcomes – Praise showing up, trying hard and learning something new. This reinforces resilience and a growth mindset rather than fear of failure.
- Keep communication open – Check in regularly about how they’re finding it. If something isn’t working, it’s okay to adjust as the goal is positive engagement, not sticking it out unhappily.
- Lead by example – When children see parents pursuing hobbies or activities themselves, they’re more likely to value participation and personal development.