Looking for kids’ classes and lessons that will introduce your child to music, sports, languages, or just keep them safe and happily busy after school? This guide to East Bay extracurricular activities is for you. Read on to find classes for makers, dancers, acrobats, and kids who need academic support.
Thank you to our sponsors for underwriting this guide to after-school activities: Head Over Heels Athletic Arts, FireCracker Math, East Bay Music Together, Destiny Arts Center, Musically Minded Academy, Patti’s Swim School, LIV & CHIU art studio, FAD PAD after-school enrichment, Cal Youth Programs, Junior Center of Art and Science, Bay Area Children’s Theatre, One Generation Camp, Gaia Passages, Way to Glow Kids Yoga, KidztoPros, and Mr. D’s Music Club. Sponsors are indicated with logos. All other entries are based on publicly available information and may be evolving.
These listings represent PreK-12th East Bay on-site, in-person classes, for after school and weekends.
Bay Area Children's Theatre
Bay Area Children’s Theatre’s award-winning musical theatre studio offers performance and workshop classes for children K+. Each class invites students to experience the joy of performance in children while exploring creativity and storytelling.
Grades: Kindergarten, 1st Grade, 2nd Grade, 3rd Grade, 4th Grade, 5th Grade, Middle School, High School
Cal Youth Programs UC Berkeley
Cal Youth Programs offers a diverse array of year-round classes for all ages: martial arts (ages 6-16), gymnastics (14 mos.-18 yrs.), swimming (infants-18), skateboarding (5-18), archery (8-17), and outdoor activities. Locations on the iconic UC Berkeley campus and the Berkeley Marina.
Grades: TK or bridge kindergarten, Kindergarten, 1st Grade, 2nd Grade, 3rd Grade, 4th Grade, 5th Grade, Middle School, High School
Destiny Arts Center
Movement arts classes for youth 3-18. Destiny Arts Center is offering in-person class options in hip hop dance, martial arts, and African Dance. All classes are pay what you can and COVID safety protocols are observed. Classes begin on 9/6.
Grades: TK or bridge kindergarten, Kindergarten, 1st Grade, 2nd Grade, 3rd Grade, 4th Grade, 5th Grade, Middle School, High School
East Bay Music Together: Rhythm Kids & Mixed Age
Rhythm Kids is a music, movement, and drumming class designed to teach kids rhythm through singing, dancing, and playing songs and beats from around the world. Classes offered for kids aged 3-7 and 4-8. Mixed age is the classic Music Together class for birth through age 5.
Grades: TK or bridge kindergarten, Kindergarten, 1st Grade, 2nd Grade, 3rd Grade
FAD PAD After-School Enrichment Creative Classes
The FAD PAD is a wonderful, creative, magical outdoor space! 3-6 MON: drama/puppets/costumes; 3-6 TUES: gardening/games/hand sewing/crafts; 2-5 WED: Starwitz (Harry Potter) magical fun. 4-8 students, following all safety guidelines. Hammock, swings, a tree to climb, & gardens to explore.
Grades: Kindergarten, 1st Grade, 2nd Grade, 3rd Grade, 4th Grade, 5th Grade
FireCracker Math
FireCracker Math offers in-person and online group classes to kids in grades K-11 on extracurricular math topics including test and competition preparation and private instruction. They spark children’s interest in math, deepen their knowledge, and further develop their aptitude and talent in math.
Grades: Kindergarten, 1st Grade, 2nd Grade, 3rd Grade, 4th Grade, 5th Grade, Middle School, High School
Save 5% off enrollment with code 510FamiliesFall22. Expires 9/18.
Gaia Passages
Gaia Passages draws from a variety of evidence-based best practices for youth and adult learning, with a particular emphasis on growing a deeply personal relationship with nature as teacher, guide, and lifelong friend. Year-round offerings for ages 7-18, including a new teen program.
Grades: 2nd Grade, 3rd Grade, 4th Grade, 5th Grade, Middle School, High School
Head Over Heels Athletic Arts
HOH Afterschool Club runs from 3 pm to 6 pm Mondays through Fridays. Children have the opportunity to work on homework, do gymnastics, enjoy playtime in and outside of the gym, make crafts, and have fun! Only $30/day with monthly enrollment and $35/day for drop-ins.
Grades: TK or bridge kindergarten, Kindergarten, 1st Grade, 2nd Grade, 3rd Grade, 4th Grade, 5th Grade, Middle School
Junior Center of Art and Science
Create and explore with Junior Center after school. Classes are engaging hands-on fun for young artists, makers, and inventors aged 6-15. Classes are small, student-centered experiences where youth can build skills, experiment, and connect with their creative selves.
Grades: 1st Grade, 2nd Grade, 3rd Grade, 4th Grade, 5th Grade, Middle School, High School
Liv & Chiu Art Studio
Liv & Chiu Art Studio offers an array of exciting art classes for ages 7+ including graphic novel design, manga drawing, digital illustration, clothed figure drawing and animation!
Grades: 1st Grade, 2nd Grade, 3rd Grade, 4th Grade, 5th Grade, Middle School, High School
Mr. D's Music Club - The Creative Spaces
The Creative Spaces is an arts enrichment program where kids (8-12) explore singing, acting, dancing, and art; learn creative techniques; foster a love for creativity; and build an artistic foundation in the areas they find inspiration. No experience or formal training required.
Grades: 3rd Grade, 4th Grade, 5th Grade, Middle School
$100 off Fall Session. Code: 510CreativeSpaces. Expires 8/21/22
Musically Minded Academy
Live music ensemble classes for beginners to intermediate players, ages 6-18, at Musically Minded Academy. Classical and Jazz techniques taught by local Luminaries: Dr. Ondine Young, Mr. Ben Green, & Mr. Rich Armstrong. Saturdays 8/27-12/3, 2 hours each class.
Grades: Kindergarten, 1st Grade, 2nd Grade, 3rd Grade, 4th Grade, 5th Grade, Middle School, High School
One Generation Camp - Monthly!
Fall and Spring Sessions are one Saturday a month in Tilden Park. An outdoor music and dance program for children ages 5-11, featuring some of the best teachers in the Bay Area in West African Handdrumming, West African Dance, Cuban Dance, Body Percussion, and Brazilian Capoeira!
Grades: Kindergarten, 1st Grade, 2nd Grade, 3rd Grade, 4th Grade, 5th Grade
Patti's Swim School
Located in Castro Valley, Patti's Swim School offers swim lessons for all ages, from toddlers to adults.
Grades: TK or bridge kindergarten, Kindergarten, 1st Grade, 2nd Grade, 3rd Grade, 4th Grade, 5th Grade, Middle School, High School
Way to Glow Kids Yoga
Way to Glow Kids Yoga playfully explores yoga poses, breathing exercises, mindfulness, cooperative games, and relaxation techniques. Classes for kids and families are held outdoors. They work together to build strong bodies, open minds, peaceful hearts, and compassionate kids!
Grades: TK or bridge kindergarten, Kindergarten, 1st Grade, 2nd Grade, 3rd Grade, 4th Grade, 5th Grade, Middle School
Aikido of Berkeley
Aikido gives children a way to learn about themselves, their bodies, and their environment. Aikido is about movement in harmony with oneself, others and the world. Currently offering classes for 8+
Grades: 3rd Grade, 4th Grade, 5th Grade, Middle School, High School
Alameda Ballet Academy
Children's Ballet classes beginning at age 4 up through pointe-level classes meet after school and on weekends.
Grades: TK or bridge kindergarten, Kindergarten, 1st Grade, 2nd Grade, 3rd Grade, 4th Grade, 5th Grade, Middle School, High School
Amabile School of Music
Amabile School of Music in Moraga offers a "Little Mozart Group Class" for beginner students aged 4 & private music lessons to students age 5+ including adults. Offering piano, cello, guitar, ukulele, drum, clarinet, voice, and violin lessons.
Grades: Kindergarten, 1st Grade, 2nd Grade, 3rd Grade, 4th Grade, 5th Grade, Middle School, High School
ANTS Sports
ANTS Sports leads fun after-school classes for small groups of K-5th graders in tennis, basketball, flag football, soccer, yoga, and martial arts.
Grades: Kindergarten, 1st Grade, 2nd Grade, 3rd Grade, 4th Grade, 5th Grade
Aquatech Swim
AquaTech Swim School specializes in small group swim lessons for children aged 6 months through 12 years.
Grades: TK or bridge kindergarten, Kindergarten, 1st Grade, 2nd Grade, 3rd Grade, 4th Grade, 5th Grade
Art with Amy
Super fun art classes that are all about the process of making art. Classes suitable for all ages, starting with Messy Makers (ages walking-4 years), Drawing Class (K-5), and art workshops (5-adult).
Grades: TK or bridge kindergarten, Kindergarten, 1st Grade, 2nd Grade, 3rd Grade, 4th Grade, 5th Grade
Axé Oakland
Sign your children up for after school cultural enrichment at Axé! Open to ages 4 and up. Children will learn capoeira, gardening, art, music, language and scheduled quiet time for HW and reading. A snack and access to drinking water is provided to children.
Grades: TK or bridge kindergarten, Kindergarten, 1st Grade, 2nd Grade, 3rd Grade, 4th Grade, 5th Grade
BandWorks
BandWorks offers year-round workshops for kids and teens as well as intensive musical summer camps. Children form a band for the duration of their 8-week session, work with a mentor, learn together, and perform in a gig.
Grades: 3rd Grade, 4th Grade, 5th Grade, Middle School, High School
Register before 8/20/21 to save $55 on fees.
Bay Aerials Gymnastics
Gymnastics classes for all ages and all skill levels, starting with sweetpeas (6 months+). Girls gym is ages 6-18, Fremont Ninjas is ages 6-12, and aerial classes are ages 7-adults.
Grades: TK or bridge kindergarten, Kindergarten, 1st Grade, 2nd Grade, 3rd Grade, 4th Grade, 5th Grade, Middle School, High School
Bay Island Gymnastics
Gymnastics for Beginners, Intermediate & Advanced. After-school classes guide students aged 6-17 in the basic fundamentals of fitness and gymnastics in a fun and goal-oriented manner. Also offer toddler classes up to age 5.
Grades: TK or bridge kindergarten, Kindergarten, 1st Grade, 2nd Grade, 3rd Grade, 4th Grade, 5th Grade, Middle School, High School
Bay Language Academy
Bay Language Academy in Alameda offers an array of classes in many languages including English as a second language (ESL), Spanish, French, Mandarin, Japanese, Arabic, and Korean. Elementary level students are welcome 2, 4, or 5 times a week.
Grades: TK or bridge kindergarten, Kindergarten, 1st Grade, 2nd Grade, 3rd Grade, 4th Grade, 5th Grade, Middle School, High School
Berkeley Ballet Theater
BBT's Youth Division classes provide dancers age 7+ with the opportunity to study classical ballet in a disciplined, professional atmosphere that is also supportive of each student's unique talents, passions, and creative voice. Pre-ballet classes begin at age 2.
Grades: TK or bridge kindergarten, Kindergarten, 1st Grade, 2nd Grade, 3rd Grade, 4th Grade, 5th Grade, Middle School, High School
Berkeley City Ballet
Ballet classes for all ages and experiences, ranging from pre-ballet to pre-professional.
Grades: TK or bridge kindergarten, Kindergarten, 1st Grade, 2nd Grade, 3rd Grade, 4th Grade, 5th Grade, Middle School, High School
Berkeley Playhouse
Dive into the world of theatre arts with Berkeley Playhouse’s award-winning program. After-school youth musical theater classes are available for grades pre-K through 12thth grade.
Grades: TK or bridge kindergarten, Kindergarten, 1st Grade, 2nd Grade, 3rd Grade, 4th Grade, 5th Grade, Middle School, High School
Cal Golden Bears Gymnastics
Gymnastics for all ages and skill levels, starting with Bear Cubs (14 months+ with parent) all the way to advanced classes.
Grades: TK or bridge kindergarten, Kindergarten, 1st Grade, 2nd Grade, 3rd Grade, 4th Grade, 5th Grade, Middle School, High School
California Tamil Association / International Tamil Academy
Tamil language is an ancient South Indian Language with a long history and rich literature and comprehensive grammar. Sunday morning classes include music, dance, drama, and any art form based on Tamil language and Tamil culture.
Grades: TK or bridge kindergarten, Kindergarten, 1st Grade, 2nd Grade, 3rd Grade, 4th Grade, 5th Grade, Middle School, High School
Cooking Round the World
Cooking Round the World after-school classes have lots of hands-on learning and kitchen experimentation within a theme. Kids love them. Young chefs as young as 3+
Grades: TK or bridge kindergarten, Kindergarten, 1st Grade, 2nd Grade, 3rd Grade, 4th Grade, 5th Grade
East Bay Center for the Performing Arts
East Bay Center for the Performing Arts offers a wide variety of world performing arts courses divided into three main branches: theater, dance and music beginning at age 5. Group classes are free.
Grades: TK or bridge kindergarten, Kindergarten, 1st Grade, 2nd Grade, 3rd Grade, 4th Grade, 5th Grade, Middle School, High School
East Bay Dance Center
Ballet and pre-ballet for children ages 5 to 12.
Grades: Kindergarten, 1st Grade, 2nd Grade, 3rd Grade, 4th Grade, 5th Grade
East Bay German International School (EBGIS)
Extracurricular classes open to all students who would like to strengthen their German language skills in grades 5 to 11. Focus on literature and drama in German.
Grades: 5th Grade, Middle School, High School
Éducation Française Bay Area (EFBA)
60-minute after-school French lessons at several school sites throughout the East Bay which welcome children from non-attending schools.
Grades: Kindergarten, 1st Grade, 2nd Grade
El Cerrito Martial Arts
El Cerrito Martial Arts has an after-school martial arts program from 1-6 pm daily (rolling drop off and pick up).
Grades: TK or bridge kindergarten, Kindergarten, 1st Grade, 2nd Grade, 3rd Grade, 4th Grade, 5th Grade, Middle School, High School
El Cerrito Rec: Clay for Kids
In this mixed media arts class hosted by the City of El Cerrito, children ages 6-10 get creative with clay and make ceramics projects, experiment with art materials, and enjoy the hands-on process of art-making.
Grades: 1st Grade, 2nd Grade, 3rd Grade, 4th Grade, 5th Grade
El Cerrito Rec: Karate
This class teaches a traditional form of Japanese Karate called Wado. Students aged 7-17 work on basic martial arts techniques including guarding, punching, and kicking, as well as utilize stretching and strengthening work to improve balance, focus, confidence, and self-discipline.
Grades: 2nd Grade, 3rd Grade, 4th Grade, 5th Grade, Middle School, High School
Emeryville Martial Arts
For ages 6 to 12. Students learn basic blocking, kicking, punching, and rolling skills which culminate in self-defense sets. Balance, quick reflexes, and friendly competition in a fun environment. Little Samurai program starts at age 4.
Grades: TK or bridge kindergarten, Kindergarten, 1st Grade, 2nd Grade, 3rd Grade, 4th Grade, 5th Grade, Middle School
Emeryville Swim Center
Summertime only. Group lessons are offered for kids of all ages, including baby classes and teen lessons.
Grades: TK or bridge kindergarten, Kindergarten, 1st Grade, 2nd Grade, 3rd Grade, 4th Grade, 5th Grade, Middle School, High School
Girls on the Run Bay Area
Get outside, run, socialize and learn safely! Girls on the Run has chapters around the Bay Area that gets children in 3rd-8th grade to be joyful, healthy and confident using a fun, experience-based curriculum which creatively integrates running.
Grades: 3rd Grade, 4th Grade, 5th Grade, Middle School
Gurus Of Dance (Bollywood Style)
Gurus of Dance is Bay Area's Biggest and Best Bollywood Dance School. Classes are offered at 5 locations across the Bay Area starting as young as age 3.
Grades: TK or bridge kindergarten, Kindergarten, 1st Grade, 2nd Grade, 3rd Grade, 4th Grade, 5th Grade, Middle School, High School
Han Martial Arts
Children learn self-defense and fitness while having fun in a positive environment starting at age 4-7 (Tiny Tigers) in Montclair Village. Martial arts instruction in Judo, Taekwondo, and Yongmudo.
Grades: TK or bridge kindergarten, Kindergarten, 1st Grade, 2nd Grade, 3rd Grade, 4th Grade, 5th Grade, Middle School, High School
Hanwen School 瀚文學堂
Hanwen offers after-school Mandarin Chinese program, weekend enrichment, and immersion summer camps. They offer abacus, Chinese art, and other cultural activities.
Grades: Kindergarten, 1st Grade, 2nd Grade, 3rd Grade, 4th Grade, 5th Grade, Middle School, High School
Inspire Behavioral Learning Tutoring and Classes
Student-centered tutoring for Pre-K, TK, K-12, and older students in English Language Arts. Additional subjects, too
Grades: TK or bridge kindergarten, Kindergarten, 1st Grade, 2nd Grade, 3rd Grade, 4th Grade, 5th Grade, Middle School, High School
JCC East Bay Afterschool & Club J
K-5 Afterschool program is all about supporting and mentoring youth as they grow to become impactful, engaging citizens. Lots of playtime, enriching classes, homework support. Offers 3, 4, and 5 days/week options. Some transportation. Pick up at 6 pm.
Grades: Kindergarten, 1st Grade, 2nd Grade, 3rd Grade, 4th Grade, 5th Grade
Jon's School of Music
Children, ages 1 to 6, join a rock band, learn to play keyboard, drum set, and guitar, and compose and perform original tunes and covers together. Join anytie.
Grades: TK or bridge kindergarten, Kindergarten, 1st Grade, 2nd Grade, 3rd Grade, 4th Grade
Julia Husch Fashion Sewing
Design and sew your own clothes . Learn to safely operate a professional sewing machine and iron, read a sewing pattern, and illustrate designs. Meet once/week. Sessions 5-7 weeks long.
Grades: 3rd Grade, 4th Grade, 5th Grade, Middle School
Kairos Music Academy - Youth Choir
Youth Choir serves children aged 6 to 15 years old with a superb musical education and the exhilarating experience of performing choral music and musical theater.
Grades: Kindergarten, 1st Grade, 2nd Grade, 3rd Grade, 4th Grade, 5th Grade, Middle School, High School
After-school activities for Pre-K-12 kids by type
Looking for younger kids? Here’s our (slightly outdated but still hecka useful) guide to toddler and baby classes >
Best Art Classes for Kids in the East Bay
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Dance Classes for Kids in the East Bay
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Music Classes for East Bay Kids
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Academic Support & Enrichment for East Bay Kids
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Guide to Kids’ Cooking Classes
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Theater & Performing Arts Classes for Kids in the East Bay
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K-12 World Language classes for East Bay kids
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Martial Arts Classes for East Bay Kids
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Maker Classes, Camps, and Workshops for Kids
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Parkour and Ninja Warrior Classes for East Bay Kids
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Places Where Kids Can Rock Out: Music Camps and Classes in Oakland and Berkeley
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Coding Classes and Camps for East Bay Kids
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Thank you to our sponsors for underwriting this guide to after-school activities: Head Over Heels Athletic Arts, Cal Youth Programs, FireCracker Math, One Generation Camp, Junior Center of Art and Science, Bay Area Children’s Theatre, East Bay Music Together, Destiny Arts Center, Way to Glow Kids Yoga, Gaia Passages, Patti’s Swim School, LIV & CHIU art studio, KidztoPros, FAD PAD after-school enrichment, Mr. D’s Music Club, and Musically Minded Academy.
1 thought on “After-School Classes for Kids in Oakland, Berkeley and Beyond”
Could there be another list for “after school programs” ? Our school’s program is full and its incredibly tricky to find the community resources that offer FT or PT programs. IE, Head over Heels offers M-F 3-6pm care. Bingo! But who else? Thank you!