Our comprehensive guide to after-school activities in the arts, athletic and education fields, and more!
Studies show that kids benefit academically, emotionally and socially from just five hours of extracurricular enrichment programs each week — including weekends. So take a look at our list and sign up your artists, athletes and scholars for an activity or two. We’ve got lots here to choose from that will meet any and all interests!
ARTS
City Park Movement and Art
4300 Dumaine St., New Orleans
504.390.7482
Offers a variety of classes for kids and adults, including Saturday Night Fun.
Contemporary Arts Center
900 Camp St., New Orleans
504.528.3805
Offering opportunities to become involved with performing and visual arts. FREE to children and students through 12th grade at all times; FREE to all Louisiana Residents on Sundays.
New Orleans Museum of Art
One Collins C. Diboll Circle, New Orleans City Park
504.658.4100
The Education Division at NOMA is dedicated to awakening the imaginations of children and adults through the visual arts.
Ogden After Hours, Ogden Museum of Southern Art
925 Camp St., New Orleans
504.539.9650
The Ogden Museum is the place to go to hear great Southern music — from blues and jazz to bluegrass and rockabilly Cajun, plus a kids’ art activity table. Thursday nights from 6-8 pm.
Southern Arts Society
2619 S. Carrollton Ave., New Orleans
504.909.4278
Fine art instruction studio for ages 9 and older.
Young Aspirations Young Artists, Inc. (YAYA)
3322 Lasalle St., New Orleans
504.529.3306
Hosts free, weekly, after-school, art-making workshops for Central City youth between the ages of 5-12, plus glassblowing workshops for a fee.
Young Rembrandts of Southeast Louisiana
855.968.3729
Drawing lessons for children ages 3 ½ -12 as an afterschool program, visiting field trips, or weekly lessons at your school, community center, summer camp or other kid-friendly business. Week-long workshops also available. A teacher comes to your location with all materials needed.
BASEBALL & SOFTBALL
Carrollton Boosters
Various locations throughout New Orleans
A volunteer youth sports organization offering recreational, intramural programs for boys and girls: baseball, basketball, soccer, softball and lacrosse.
Louisiana Baseball & Softball Academy
5620 Crawford St., Harahan
504.733.8660
Featuring an indoor, 23,000-square-foot baseball and softball training facility for players of all skill levels and abilities.
DANCE
Articulate Motions Dance Academy
337 W. Harrison Ave., New Orleans
504.410.6009 or 504.410.4999
Offers a variety of dance classes and styles, including ballet, acro, jazz, tap, contemporary, hip hop, creative movement, cheer and choreography.
Creative Dance & Music Studio
2645 Manhattan Blvd., Harvey
504.390.2552
Dance classes and music lessons for all ages. Tap, ballet, jazz, hip-hop, voice, piano and guitar.
Dancer’s Pointe
5101 W. Esplanade Ave., Metairie
504.455.5975
6268 Vicksburg St., New Orleans
504.265.8350
Spacious studios, marley dance floors and enrollment at an all-time high. Call to schedule a visit.
Dancing Grounds
3705 St. Claude Ave., New Orleans
504.535.5791
Brings high-quality, inclusive and accessible dance education programs to New Orleans residents of all ages and backgrounds.
Debby Dillehay Dance Studio
3745 Florida Ave., Kenner
504.468.3368
Classes taught include tap, ballet, jazz, hip hop, lyrical, floor gymnastics/tumbling, and mom & tot.
Helena Hosch School of Dance
4631 West Napoleon Ave., Suite 1A, Metairie
504.455.3544
Offers classes in ballet, gymnastics, hip-hop, style and more for ages 2 to adult.
Jefferson Performing Arts Society
1118 Clearview Parkway., Metairie
504.885.2000
Featuring a Children’s Chorus & Youth Chorale, a Youth Summer Musical Theater, Theatre for Young Audiences, Theater Kids, and more.
Louisiana Academy of Performing Arts
River Ridge School of Music and Dance, 2020 Dickory Ave., Suite 200, Harahan
504.738.3050
Mandeville School of Music, 316 Girod St., Mandeville
985.674.2992
Covington School of Music, 1111 Village Walk, Covington
985.590.4545
MiniMozart, Preschool Music and Dance, Creative Movement, piano, voice, tumbling, violin, guitar, drum. Ages 6 months to adult.
Loyola Preparatory Ballet Program
6363 St. Charles Ave., New Orleans
504.865.3627
Offering classical ballet training for ages 5 and older. Vaganova-style featuring live piano accompaniment.
Mari Milnar Dance Academy
900 Terry Parkway, Suite 320, Gretna
504.362.3503
Offers Ballet, Jazz, Musical Theatre, Tap, Hip Hop, and Contemporary classes ages 2 to adult.
New Orleans Ballet Association
935 Gravier St., Suite 800, New Orleans
504.522.0996
Tuition-free, year-round, comprehensive dance programs in 10 locations throughout Jefferson, Orleans and St. Bernard parishes for ages 6-18.
New Orleans Dance Academy
5956 Magazine St., New Orleans
504.899.3780
Dance training in ballet, flamenco, jazz, tap and hip hop from ages 1 ½ (Tiny Steps) to adult.
Off-Broadway Dance Studio
8125 St. Charles Ave., New Orleans
504-861-1749
Degreed and professionally trained instructors offer classes to children ages 2 to adult in ballet, jazz, contemporary, tap, hip hop and more.
The Ryan School of Irish Dance
4413 N. Interstate 10 Service Road (Rhonda’s Dance Studio), Metairie
4413 N. Interstate 10 Service Road (Rhonda’s Dance Studio), Metairie
Offers weekly classes for boys and girls in the traditional art of Irish step dance, from beginner to championship level.
Schramel Conservatory of Dance
920 Terpsichore St., New Orleans
504.210.0222
Ballet classes for children ages 3-18.
Upturn Arts
1719 Toledano St., New Orleans
504.390.8399
A fun and creative program that teaches children in the community to explore and build confidence in themselves as artists through visual arts, dance and theatre.
DRAMA & THEATER
Crescent City Lights Youth Theater
504.598.3800
info@crescentcitylights.org
Performing arts training in drama, voice and dance for youth.
Southern Rep Theatre
504.522.6545
Kids ages 4-12 learn acting through performances. After-school workshops with a twice a week musical theatre program, in partnership with the Jewish Community Center.
EDUCATION: LANGUAGE CLASSES
Alliance Française de La Nouvelle-Orleans
1519 Jackson Ave., New Orleans
504.568.0770
Little ones enter a world of speaking French. Before you know it, you’ll be hearing, “Bonjour, Maman et Papa!” Classes offered for ages 18 months and older.
¡Vamonos NOLA!
5818 Perrier St., New Orleans
504.495.2345
Spanish immersion program including mommy & me, preschool classes, after-school classes, and home schooling groups.
EDUCATION: TUTORING & EDUCATIONAL SERVICES
Kumon Math & Reading Centers
3440 Division St., Metairie
504.780.0010
1800 Carol Sue Ave., Gretna
504.368.0102;
2324 Barataria Blvd., Marrero
504.252.9130
4041 Williams Blvd., Space B6, Kenner
504.465.9952
The Kumon Math and Reading Programs are designed to advance your child’s comprehension and appreciation for learning – providing an edge throughout school.
SpiderSmart Learning Center of New Orleans
4437 Jefferson Highway, Jefferson
504.881.1788
An established tutoring service with nearly 30 years of experience helping kids in reading, writing, math, science and various testings.
GYMNASTICS & CHEERLEADING
All Star Gymnastics
2073 Bonn St., Harvey
504.328.3838
Classes for ages 2 and older, with a no-obligation first class. Tiny tots, beginner gymnastics for boys and girls, and tumbling classes are offered.
Elmwood Gymnastics Academy
700 Elmwood Park Blvd., Suite C, Harahan
504.733.4496
Comprehensive instructional and competitive programs for all ages and abilities with certified coaches and instructors.
Empire Gymnastics Academy
4925 G Jefferson Highway, Jefferson
504.734.0644
8,000-square-foot facility with gymnastics equipment for ages 18 months to 18+ years. Offering free trial classes for the first timers.
Gym Rompers New Orleans and Metairie
4000 W. Esplanade Ave., New Orleans
5212 S. Claiborne Ave., New Orleans
504.481.0835
Weekly classes for children ages 6 months to 4 years and their caregivers. Classes use music and play to develop motor, verbal and social skills. Gym Rompers also specializes in birthdays for 1 to 5 year olds.
Ivanov’s Gymnastics Academy — new home at Big Easy Sportsplex
800 Webb St., Jefferson
504.889.9800
Comprehensive instructional and competitive programs: gymnastics and tumbling classes for ages 18 months to 15 years. Best birthday parties and holiday camps, too!
NOLA Gymnastics
1725 Dufossat St., New Orleans
504.782.6462
Beginner and Team Gymnastics for girls ages 6 and older. After-school gymnastics offered at McGehee, Sacred Heart, Ursuline and Newman.
HORSEBACK RIDING
Cascade Stables
700 East Drive, Audubon Park, New Orleans
504.891.2246
Lessons in a welcoming environment for horse enthusiasts of all ages.
Equest Farm
1001 Filmore Ave., New Orleans City Park
504.483.9398
Provides a safe and wholesome environment for beginning through advanced riders. Regular lessons are offered for ages 6 and older.
Good Horse LLC
10639 Willow Dr., New Orleans
504.931.3166
Provider of private, beginner riding lessons at their farm in lower coast Algiers. For ages 6 and older.
Pony Tales
156 Bertucci Lane, St. Rose
504.469.0148
Specializes in beginners and as well as those looking to move past a fear of horses. Ages 3 and older, and by appointment only.
MARTIAL ARTS
Church’s Karate Academy
4716 Paris Ave., New Orleans
504.309.6138
Offers classes to help build confidence and self-esteem in children, so that kids can reach their full potential.
Hayashi Sports Clinic
5435 Laurel St., New Orleans
504.450.2353
nolajudo.com
Whether you wish to be an elite competitor, learn self-defense, or improve your fitness level, Hayashi can help you achieve your goals.
Louisiana Karate Association
706 Phosphor Ave., Suite C, Metairie
504.835.6825
Youth classes for 4-13 year olds, offers free uniform for beginners.
New Orleans Shotokan Academy
Various locations throughout New Orleans
504.432.8667
Traditional Shotokan karate for both children and adults.
New Orleans Karate Club
8611 Highway 23, Suite 2C, Belle Chasse
504.391.7200
Programs for children, teens and adults.
NOLA Aikido
3909 Bienville St., Suite 103, New Orleans
504.208.4861
Offers training in the Japanese martial art of Aikido and committed to helping every student, from beginner to advanced, learn and grow at their own pace. Children 4 and older, and adults.
Tiger Rock Martial Arts International
605 Metairie Road, Suite D, Metairie
504.831.1110
Offers youth and adult classes in Taekwondo, Xtreme Martial Arts, Traditional Weapons Training, Grappling, Hanmudo, Kisado Interval Fitness and YogaFit.
MUSIC
Beckwith Guitar Systems
2515 Williams Blvd., Kenner
504.559.5229
Providing private instruction at the studio; ages 8 and older.
Carla’s Musikgarten New Orleans
4600 St. Charles Ave., New Orleans
938 Calhoun St., New Orleans
504.717.5044
Music and movement for babies and toddlers, music education for the young child, and piano classes.
Creative Dance & Music Studio
2645 Manhattan Blvd., Harvey
504.390.2552
Dance classes and music lessons for all ages. Tap, ballet, jazz, hip-hop, voice, piano and guitar.
The French Library
3811 Magazine St., New Orleans
504.267.3707
Offers weekly ukulele lessons for children ages 6-10.
Greater New Orleans Youth Orchestra
7100 St. Charles Ave., Suite 207, New Orleans
504.861.1801
Provides young musicians the opportunity to participate in a high-quality, full orchestra program.
Kindermusik with Madeline
Play & Grow Studios, 3900 General Taylor St., New Orleans
504.717.1076
Kindermusik is a music and movement program for ages 0-6. Musical games and activities facilitate whole-child development in a fun, engaging parent-attended class.
Louisiana Academy of Performing Arts
River Ridge School of Music and Dance, 2020 Dickory Ave., Suite 200, Harahan
504.738.3050
Mandeville School of Music, 316 Girod St., Mandeville
985.674.2992
Covington School of Music, 1111 Village Walk, Covington
985.590.4545
MiniMozart, Preschool Music and Dance, Creative Movement, piano, voice, tumbling, violin, guitar, and drum. Ages 6 months to adult.
Loyola Preparatory Arts Program
6363 St. Charles Ave., New Orleans
504.865.3627
Offering professional instruction in piano, violin, voice, guitar, ballet and Musikgarten.
New Orleans Children’s Chorus
504.482.2883
Through the singing of high quality music, young singers develop self-confidence, discipline and social skills, as well as musical knowledge. No child who truly wants to sing is ever turned away.
NATURE
Audubon Nature Institute
6500 Magazine St., New Orleans
504.861.2537
Offers a variety of youth programs at the Audubon Zoo and the Audubon Aquarium of the Americas for junior high and high school students.
RUNNING
Girls on the Run New Orleans
7100 St. Charles Ave., 2nd floor, New Orleans
504.272.7786
Trained coaches lead small teams in dynamic discussions, activities and running games in this 10-week program for girls in grades 3-8. The program is held at schools throughout the metro area, as well as at community sites, for those children whose schools do not participate in the program.
SCIENCE/STEAM ENRICHMENT
Bricks 4 Kidz
Covington/Mandeville/New Orleans/Metairie
985.373.2114
985.705.0805
Learn, build and play with LEGO bricks. STEM lessons for ages 3-13. After-school classes, camps, field trips, parties and more.
Electric Girls
6363 St. Charles Ave., New Orleans
505.850.7578
Offering opportunities for girls to explore their curiosity in technology by learning skills and concepts in electronics and programming. Participants will learn from other women and Electric Girls mentors, making workshops leadership and learning experiences for all.
Thinkerella
260 Hickory Ave., Suite D, Harahan
504.232.1394
A hands-on, educational program for elementary and middle school girls and boys that focuses on STEAM (science, technology, engineering, art, math) experiments and activities.
SOCCER
Carrollton Boosters
Various locations throughout New Orleans
A volunteer youth sports organization offering recreational, intramural programs for boys and girls: baseball, basketball, soccer, softball and lacrosse.
FC New Orleans
5107 Venus St., New Orleans
504.288.6672
Offering soccer programs, teams and training for ages 4 and older.
Louisiana Fire Juniors
1918 18th St., Kenner
504.465.8224
A soccer program that provides players the opportunity to move from introductory play through professional development programs.
SPORTS FACILITIES
Ochsner Fitness Center KIDSPORTS
1200 S. Clearview Parkway, Suite 1200, Harahan
504.733.1200
Offers an array of exciting programs that combine fun and fitness in a safe and friendly atmosphere for ages 6 weeks-13 years.
Jewish Community Center
5342 St. Charles Ave., New Orleans
504.897.0143
3747 W. Esplanade Ave., Metairie
504.887.5158
Offers a wide variety of children’s activities, including sports leagues, ballet, martial arts, theater workshops and more.
Reily Center at Tulane University
31 McAlister Drive, New Orleans
504.865.5242
Swim lessons, Taekwondo and tennis lessons for members and non-members.
Belle Chasse YMCA
8101 Highway 23, Belle Chasse
504.392.9622
Classes include preschool sports, martial arts, kids exercise classes and art club.
East Jefferson YMCA
6691 Riverside Drive, Metairie
504.888.9622
Offers soccer, football, martial arts, cheerleading and a youth fitness challenge.
SWIMMING
Harry’s Dive Shop
4709 Airline Drive, Metairie
504.909.2220
Offering Swim-Smart, Baby & Me, and Aquababy classes. Ages 6 months and older.
Jewish Community Center
5342 St. Charles Ave., New Orleans
504.897.0143
3747 W. Esplanade Ave., Metairie
504.887.5158
Stay cool in the JCC pools this summer! Adult lap swimming and lessons for all ages and abilities are available at both JCC locations.
Love Swimming
5221 S. Front St., New Orleans
504.891.4662
Year-round, Uptown swim school offering lessons from 6 months to adult in warm, saltwater pools.
Mr. Fish Swimming School
2215 Cleary Ave., Metairie
504.430.4201
Swimming lessons for ages 10 months to adult at the Elks Lodge Pool. Educating the Greater New Orleans area for 53 years.
NU WAVE Swim Club
Year-round, competitive swim club with locations Uptown at Newman School and the Tulane Reily Center. More advanced groups practice at the UNO Lakefront Arena. Caters to swimmers at every level, from toddlers to adults.
Ochsner Fitness Center Aquatics
1200 S. Clearview Parkway, Suite 1200, Harahan
504.733.1600
First-class aquatics facilities allow a wide variety of aquatics programs for all ages and abilities.
Reily Center at Tulane University
31 McAlister Drive, New Orleans
504.865.5242
Swim lessons, Taekwondo and tennis lessons for members and non-members.
South Louisiana Swim Team
Locations in Metairie, Hammond, Laplace and New Orleans
504.256.6554
Year-round swim lessons, competitive swimming and technique classes.
TENNIS
Audubon Tennis
6320 Tchoupitoulas St., Audubon Park, New Orleans
504.895.1042
Offering group, semi-private and private lessons for players ages 5 and older.
New Orleans City Park Tennis Center
1 Palm Drive, New Orleans
504.483.9383
Private and group lessons for ages 5 and older.
Reily Center at Tulane University
31 McAlister Drive, New Orleans
504.865.5242
Tennis lessons for members and non-members.
YOGA
Kidding Around
504.909.8881
Classes are geared toward kids ages 4-12. But they’re flexible — like yoga; if you want to bring a 2-year-old or your grandmother, just ask.
Wild Lotus Yoga
4842 Perrier St., New Orleans
504.899.0047
Classes include Mommy & Baby through age 16, plus periodic family yoga workshops.
Yoga Power Play
5811 Kensington Blvd., New Orleans
504.982.4778
Providing yoga to youth ages 4-17, their mission is for children to feel less stress, increase confidence and have fun.