After school activities are such a great way to introduce your child to something new, encourage social development, nurture talent or interest and let’s face it, it’s the best way to burn off all their excess energy before you face the homework-dinner-bed evening ritual! No matter which way you look at it, activities for after school is top of mind for parents at the moment as we head into the new school term.
Options, options, options. We have loads of them.
Tennis
Tennis is one of those sports that our parents all seemed to say, “you have to play tennis, it is such a great social sport”, and it turns out they were right. We wish we listened to them! We have a couple of great tennis clubs in the Highlands that do weekday and weekend group lessons. Or if you are wanting a bit of extra attention they also offer private lessons.
Swimming
Learning to swim is essential for any Aussie kid. If you dread the thought of spending your precious Saturday mornings at swimming lessons, then consider lessons after school to cover those vital skills and water safety. And, for the kids who love being in the pool and want to develop their swimming skills further, there are stroke correction and squad training sessions available too.
Aquabliss at Frensham, Mittagong
BlueFit Swimming at Moss Vale Aquatic Centre
Gymnastics
There are so many great reasons for kids to give gymnastics a try. They’ll benefit from increased flexibility, strength and balance, plus it works wonders for a child’s confidence and self-esteem. Gymnastics covers lots of different apparatus, providing variety and interest for kids. There are recreational classes, through to competitive options for the more serious gymnasts. Great for boys and girls.
Acrobats and Tumbling at Pointe Dynamic Arts
Southern Highlands Trampoline Club
Southern Highlands Vaulting Team
Dancing
Who doesn’t love to dance? We do! Dancing is fun. It’s great for fitness and is wonderful for children’s stamina and self-esteem. There are plenty of options for you in the area across the various types of dance, including ballet, jazz, contemporary, tap, flamenco, ballroom and more. The Highlands dance schools offer recreational classes, as well as classes for the kids who want to progress into comps and eisteddfods. Again, great for both boys and girls.
The Highlands School of Performing Arts
Physical Culture
We would describe ‘Physie’ as somewhere between dancing, gymnastics, and aerobics. It’s loads of fun and kids absolutely love it. Physie is good for posture, for strength, flexibility and all-round fitness with a focus on building confidence and self-esteem. Physie is a really affordable option as well, but this is one just for the girls.
Southern Highlands Physical Culture
Wollondilly Southern Highlands Physical Culture Club
Girl Guides and Scouts
We reckon the Southern Highlands is a pretty awesome place for the kiddos to get their guide or scout on. With some much natural beauty to explore, a brilliant local community and loads of opportunities to learn and discover.
Music / Singing
Don’t get put off by the recorder or the violin phase in the early years, they actually sound quite beautiful once they get past the single note tunes! BUT if you feel like the kids need to branch out, there are so many awesome musical lessons available to get their groove on. We are talking piano, harp, flute, sax, guitar, drums, and even the banjo! That’s pretty cool! Or if they love singing in the shower or along to the radio in the car, then we have some wonderful voice coaches and singing lessons also available.
Music
Singing
The Highlands School of Performing Arts
Drama
Let your kids unleash their inner thespian with after school acting and drama lessons.
SHYAC Senior or Junior Drama Club
The Highlands School of Performing Arts
Air Cadets
Little Athletics
Learn a Language
Language Connections Language School
Spanish Lessons with Flamenco Solymar
Art Classes
We love to encourage creativity in our kids, and art classes are such a great option for an after school activity. Not only does it give them their craft fix but it is also a wonderfully therapeutic and calming activity that could have some great benefits for them after a busy day at school.
Bowral and District Art Society
Martial Arts
Martial Arts is very popular and for good reason. Not only will your kids improve endurance, flexibility and strength but also it is an incredible activity to increase confidence and self-esteem.
Southern Highlands Martial Arts Academy
