Looking for kids’ classes and lessons that will introduce your child to music, sports, or just keep them safe and busy after school? This guide to East Bay extracurricular activities is for you. Read on to find classes for makers, dancers, ninjas, and kids who need academic support.
Thank you to our sponsors for underwriting this guide to after-school activities: Liv & Chiu Art Studio, FireCracker Math, Destiny Arts Center, and Fad Pad Afterschool Creative Enrichment. 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. Like totally not on a screen. Whoa.
During this Covid-19 Pandemic, many of our favorite East Bay class providers have switched to teaching online classes; the following businesses are offering in-person classes on a regular basis. From ballet in the park to gymnastics in a giant facility, these East Bay activity professionals are creative on top of everything else!
Destiny Arts Center
Movement arts classes for youth 3-18. Destiny Arts Center is offering in-person outdoor and small class options in hip hop dance, martial arts, and dance & music of the African Diaspora. All classes are pay what you can and COVID safety protocols are observed. Classes begin 9/7. Come move with us!
Sponsor
Grades: TK or bridge kindergarten, Kindergarten, 1st Grade, 2nd Grade, 3rd Grade, 4th Grade, 5th Grade, Middle School, High School
FAD PAD After-School Enrichment Creative Classes for K-5th
The FAD PAD is a creative, magical outdoor space for fun, art, drama, cooking, gardening, storytelling, cooperative games, hand sewing, embroidery, and Starwitz (Harry Potter). Outdoor space includes a hammock, swings, & a tree to climb. 4-8 students, K-5th, following all safety guidelines.
Grades: Kindergarten, 1st Grade, 2nd Grade, 3rd Grade, 4th Grade, 5th Grade
FireCracker Math
FireCracker Math enrichment program offers kids a wide variety of age-appropriate, challenging math topics and activities to enhance their natural abilities and understanding of mathematics. They show children that math can be creative, exciting, and fun.
Grades: Kindergarten, 1st Grade, 2nd Grade, 3rd Grade, 4th Grade, 5th Grade, Middle School, High School
Gaia Passages
Nature connection and awareness, crafting and ancestral skills, social-emotional skills including friendship, boundaries, body changes, and self-expression. Circles now enrolling in East Bay, and Marin.
+ Wildflower Circles for grades 2-5
+ Rite of Passage Circles for Grades 6-7
Grades: 2nd Grade, 3rd Grade, 4th Grade, 5th Grade, Middle School
Head Over Heels Athletic Arts
HOH Afterschool Club provides playtime in our 20,000 square foot gymnastics center, time to work on homework, and opportunities to make crafts. This program is offered Monday - Friday from 3 to 6 PM and costs as low as $30/day.
Grades: Kindergarten, 1st Grade, 2nd Grade, 3rd Grade, 4th Grade, 5th Grade, Middle School
Inspire Behavioral Learning Tutoring and Classes
Student-centered tutoring for Pre-K, TK, K-12, and older students in English Language Arts. Inspiring joy in reading, writing, speaking and listening. Executive function tutoring also helps students improve study skills and self-management to attain mastery and independence. Additional subjects, too
Grades: TK or bridge kindergarten, Kindergarten, 1st Grade, 2nd Grade, 3rd Grade, 4th Grade, 5th Grade, Middle School, High School
Junior Center of Art and Science
Junior Center classes engage learners in a variety of STEAM programs, from carpentry to game design. Our classes are small, supportive, environments where children can are inspired to explore and express their creativity. Classes are 9-10 weeks both online and in person. Sliding scale available.
Grades: Kindergarten, 1st Grade, 2nd Grade, 3rd Grade, 4th Grade, 5th Grade
Liv & Chiu Art Studio
Liv & Chiu Art offers an array of in-person and online art classes including graphic novel design, digital illustration, clothed figure drawing, and stop motion animation. For all ages and levels of expertise, expect an ever-changing and exciting variety to expand young artists' minds.
Grades: Kindergarten, 1st Grade, 2nd Grade, 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
ANTS Sports
ANTS Sports leads fun after-school classes for small groups of K-5th graders in tennis, basketball, flag football, martial arts, and more.
Grades: Kindergarten, 1st Grade, 2nd Grade, 3rd Grade, 4th Grade, 5th Grade
Bandaloop Studio Up The Walls Class
Young dancers, ages 9-14, will learn the basics of harness-assisted dancing on the studio dance walls, trampoline wall, and low flying floor space. Six students per class.
Grades: 3rd Grade, 4th Grade, 5th Grade, Middle School
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
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, Italian, 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.
Grades: 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 available for grades K through 12th.
Grades: Kindergarten, 1st Grade, 2nd Grade, 3rd Grade, 4th Grade, 5th Grade, Middle School, High School
California Tamil Association
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
Classroom Matters
Classroom Matters provides a customized program for students in grades K through 12 to help them excel in school, develop executive function skills, and take ownership of their learning. Now online with some in-person offerings in Berkeley.
Grades: Kindergarten, 1st Grade, 2nd Grade, 3rd Grade, 4th Grade, 5th Grade, Middle School, High School
El Cerrito Martial Arts
El Cerrito Martial Arts has a Saturday outdoor class in Kensington and an after-school martial arts sports camp at the facility that runs from 1-6pm daily (rolling drop off and pick up). Sports camp features daily martial arts, outside time, and more!
Grades: TK or bridge kindergarten, Kindergarten, 1st Grade, 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.
Grades: TK or bridge kindergarten, Kindergarten, 1st Grade, 2nd Grade, 3rd Grade, 4th Grade, 5th Grade, Middle School
Han Martial Arts
Children learn self-defense and fitness while having fun in a positive environment starting at age 4-6 (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 Chinese program and Mandarin immersion summer camps for Chinese-as-Second Language and heritage language learners. 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
Jon's School of Music
Children, ages 1 to 8, join a rock band, learn to play keyboard, drum set, and guitar, and compose and perform originals tunes and covers together. Classes currently meet outdoors.
Grades: TK or bridge kindergarten, Kindergarten, 1st Grade, 2nd Grade, 3rd Grade, 4th Grade
Kairos Music Academy - Youth Choir
Youth Choir serves children aged 6 to 14 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
Katie's Dance Studio
Katie's offers dance classes in jazz, tap, hip-hop, acrobatics, and ballet to children, teens, and adults. The class levels range from beginner to professional.
Grades: TK or bridge kindergarten, Kindergarten, 1st Grade, 2nd Grade, 3rd Grade, 4th Grade, 5th Grade, Middle School, High School
Kids ‘N’ Clay
After school & Saturday wet clay programs (wheel throwing and hand-building) for kids 3 through 18. Fall class registration coming soon.
Grades: TK or bridge kindergarten, Kindergarten, 1st Grade, 2nd Grade, 3rd Grade, 4th Grade, 5th Grade, Middle School, High School
Kumon Math & Reading Program
Kumon helps children actively develop critical thinking skills while progressing independently through a carefully crafted curriculum. The Kumon Math and Reading programs cover everything from counting to calculus, and phonemics to Shakespeare for ages 3+. In-person or online.
Grades: TK or bridge kindergarten, Kindergarten, 1st Grade, 2nd Grade, 3rd Grade, 4th Grade, 5th Grade, Middle School, High School
Lindamood-Bell Instruction
Lindamood-Bell serves children with learning challenges or a previous diagnosis such as dyslexia or autism spectrum disorder as well as those seeking to enhance skills. One-on-one diagnosis and instruction available both in-person and online.
Grades: TK or bridge kindergarten, Kindergarten, 1st Grade, 2nd Grade, 3rd Grade, 4th Grade, 5th Grade, Middle School, High School
Lisa Performing Arts
Lisa Performing Arts aims to spread the knowledge of arts and multicultural awareness to the younger generation as well as encouraging a healthy lifestyle through dance. Ages 3 to adult and for both boys and girls. Styles include Ballet, Chinese, jazz, hip-hop, contemporary, folk.
Grades: TK or bridge kindergarten, Kindergarten, 1st Grade, 2nd Grade, 3rd Grade, 4th Grade, 5th Grade, Middle School, High School
Mathnasium
Mathnasium your friendly math-only learning center. They help kids in grades 2-8 understand math by teaching the way that makes sense to them. Mathnasium @home is available online.
Grades: 2nd Grade, 3rd Grade, 4th Grade, 5th Grade, Middle School
Oakland Ballet Company
The Academy at Oakland Ballet Company offers classical ballet training for kids and teens. Classes focus on developing students’ technique, exploring artistic expression through dance, and building self-confidence in a fun and nurturing class environment for ages 5 and up.
Grades: Kindergarten, 1st Grade, 2nd Grade, 3rd Grade, 4th Grade, 5th Grade, Middle School, High School
Piedmont East Bay Children's Choir
For children who love to sing, ages 4-18. This program of vocal training and music education is taught by experienced, caring faculty.
Grades: TK or bridge kindergarten, Kindergarten, 1st Grade, 2nd Grade, 3rd Grade, 4th Grade, 5th Grade, Middle School, High School
Ralph Gracie Kids Jiu-Jitsu
Kids and Youth Jiu-Jitsu program is an excellent program for kids ages 5-17, which teaches techniques of Gracie Jiu-Jitsu, including takedowns, ground skills, and self-defense.
Grades: Kindergarten, 1st Grade, 2nd Grade, 3rd Grade, 4th Grade, 5th Grade, Middle School, High School
Richmond Art Center
Sign up for weekly classes in painting and all-around artistic creativity begin at age 5.
Grades: Kindergarten, 1st Grade, 2nd Grade, 3rd Grade, 4th Grade, 5th Grade, Middle School, High School
San Francisco Girls Chorus & Prep Chorus
The San Francisco Girls Chorus creates outstanding performances featuring the unique and compelling sound of young women’s voices through an exemplary music education program. The Chorus School offers programs in two locations: San Francisco and Emeryville. Begins at age 4.
Grades: TK or bridge kindergarten, Kindergarten, 1st Grade, 2nd Grade, 3rd Grade, 4th Grade, 5th Grade, Middle School, High School
SBG NorCal Mixed Martial Arts
Ninja Warrior class teaches kids in grades K-5th the fundamentals of martial arts through ninja warrior-style drills and obstacle courses. Classes are 1 hour long and take place on Tuesdays after school and Saturday mornings.
Grades: TK or bridge kindergarten, Kindergarten, 1st Grade, 2nd Grade, 3rd Grade, 4th Grade, 5th Grade
Seele Stars Musical Theater Classes
Seele Stars is a children's musical theater company offering in-person singing, dancing, and acting in a show about valuing yourself for who you are inside. 12 weeks long, masked indoors on Thursdays, following safety protocols and local/CDC guidelines.
Grades: Kindergarten, 1st Grade, 2nd Grade, 3rd Grade, 4th Grade, 5th Grade, Middle School
Shawl Anderson Dance Center (SADC)
Many youth classes for kids from toddlers to 18 years old. Absolute beginners through advanced. Classes are held in long semesters and a summer session. Fall is 15 weeks and begins on August 23.
Grades: TK or bridge kindergarten, Kindergarten, 1st Grade, 2nd Grade, 3rd Grade, 4th Grade, 5th Grade, Middle School, High School
Studio Naga Martial Arts
Offering martial arts for adults and kids age 4 and up in Hollis-Doyle, with hopes to return to the studio in the fall. Classes are after-school and on Saturdays.
Grades: Kindergarten, 1st Grade, 2nd Grade, 3rd Grade, 4th Grade, 5th Grade, Middle School, High School
Studio One Art Center
Studio One offers summer camps, after-school artistic enrichment (K through 5), and teen classes in ceramics.
Grades: Kindergarten, 1st Grade, 2nd Grade, 3rd Grade, 4th Grade, 5th Grade, Middle School, High School
Su Yun’s Chinese Learning Center
Su Yun's Chinese Learning Center is an after-school and summer program that provides Mandarin language instruction along with hands-on science, technology, engineering, arts, and math (STEAM) experiences to reinforce the language and culture.
Grades: Kindergarten, 1st Grade, 2nd Grade, 3rd Grade, 4th Grade, 5th Grade
Sylvan Learning Center
Programs include personal tutoring, math intensives, STEM enrichment, and college prep. Watch your child’s skills and confidence soar with help from the certified instructors at Sylvan Learning. Programs are online and in-person.
Grades: Kindergarten, 1st Grade, 2nd Grade, 3rd Grade, 4th Grade, 5th Grade, Middle School, High School
The Crucible
The Crucible offers exciting industrial art programs for older kids and teens. Ceramics, jewelry, and woodworking begin at ages 8 to 11. 12 to 18 year-olds can begin glass flameworking, metal jewelry, welding, and gigantic kinetic sculptures.
Grades: 4th Grade, 5th Grade, Middle School, High School
Tilden Preparatory School
Tilden Prep is a private school that offers UC-approved courses as well as 1-to-1 and small group instruction. They use mastery learning: teaching students to 80% (B) or higher level of mastery before moving forward. Two East Bay locations and remote learning are available.
Grades: Middle School, High School
Trackers Bay Weekend Apprenticeships
Grades K through 12th can develop their connection to nature and each other while mastering outdoor skills and having a big adventure one day per month throughout a 9-month session (fall to spring).
Grades: Kindergarten, 1st Grade, 2nd Grade, 3rd Grade, 4th Grade, 5th Grade, Middle School, High School
Trapeze Arts Aerial Arts & Trapeze classes
Activities including flying trapeze, aerial arts, trampoline, object manipulation, and more for ages 7+. Each class will include a warm-up/stretching/conditioning component.
Grades: 2nd Grade, 3rd Grade, 4th Grade, 5th Grade, Middle School, High School
Tutu School
Tutu School goes up to 8 years old, inspiring kids to twirl to classical Ballet Storytime curriculum including Nutcracker, Coppelia, Swan Lake, and Sleeping Beauty.
Grades: TK or bridge kindergarten, Kindergarten, 1st Grade, 2nd Grade
Twirl Alameda
Twirl offers an after-school art program and kids’ nights out for ages 4 to 9.
Grades: TK or bridge kindergarten, Kindergarten, 1st Grade, 2nd Grade, 3rd Grade
Viva el Español
Spanish Language and Culture Center serving children in the East Bay offering both a before- and after-school program to teach Spanish to young amigos ages toddlers through grade 8.
Grades: TK or bridge kindergarten, Kindergarten, 1st Grade, 2nd Grade, 3rd Grade, 4th Grade, 5th Grade, Middle School
Writopia Lab
Weekly writing workshops on exciting topics meet during three school-year trimesters. These workshops generally meet for ten 90-minute sessions. Offered in-person and online.
Grades: 1st Grade, 2nd Grade, 3rd Grade, 4th Grade, 5th Grade, Middle School, High School
Young Rembrandts
Young Rembrandts’ guided lessons focus on stylized art styles in on-demand online classes beginning at age 5.
Grades: Kindergarten, 1st Grade, 2nd Grade, 3rd Grade, 4th Grade, 5th Grade, Middle School
After school activities for K-12 kids by type
Looking for younger kids? Here’s our (outdated but still hecka useful) guide to toddler and baby classes >
Academic Support & Enrichment for East Bay Kids
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Theater & Performing Arts Classes for Kids in the East Bay
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Best Art 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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Guide to kids’ cooking classes
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Music classes for East Bay kids
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Dance classes for kids in the East Bay
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1 thought on “After School Classes for Kids in Oakland, Berkeley and Beyond”
If your child loves singing and wants to learn great music, meet new friends, and participate in outstanding performances, we would like invite them to audition for our upcoming season!
Kairos provides a superb musical education and the exhilarating experience of performing choral music and musical theater. Girls and boys between the ages of 6 and 14 learn to sing music from the finest traditions of classical, jazz, gospel, and world folk music, in their original languages.
Our choir practices every Tuesday at Thursday and we have numerous concert opportunities, retreats, camps, musical theater shows and local and international tours.
With a 30 years history in Bay Area, Kairos mission is to inspire a deep sense of humanity through the art of choral music at a formative time in children’s development. Music brings us together, not only within the individual, but also in forming community, and finally in responsible and compassionate relationship to our world.