June 2025
At the risk of raining on your pool day, we have news: It’s time to sign up for after school care. Yes, we know that the school year just ended. Yes, we know that summer is supposed to be all popsicles and vacations. But you can do this! And we’re here to help.
Camp time is a great time to think about what to look for in an after school program. Does your kid need to burn off energy with nonstop games and sports? Love the charm of life on a farm? Or thrive with indoor time exploring STEM or the arts?
Since after school is often a longer commitment than a week of summer camp, it’s a good idea to shop around and see what best suits your child’s personality.
To get you started, we’ve rounded up 10 camps that also offer after school programming. Check ‘em out, find a fit, and get back to your poolside summer read!
1. YMCA of the Triangle
After School Programs | Organization
| Locations: | 164 schools and locations throughout the Triangle Filter and search on their After School Programs page. |
| Ages: | 5 – 14 (K – 8th grade) |
| Hours: | School dismissal – 6:00 PM |
No matter where in the Triangle you are, there is a good chance that YMCA of the Triangle has you covered. Our regional YMCA network serves an impressive 164 schools and locations with after school care! And 58 of those sites also have a before school option, generally starting at 7:00 AM. The best way to scope out which options work for you is to filter and search their comprehensive After School Programs webpage. All programs are already open for registration, with an early-bird discount if you sign up by September 6.
2. Raleigh After School X-Press
After School Program | Organization
| Locations: | 7 elementary schools and community centers in Raleigh See locations on their program page. |
| Ages: | 5 – 12 (K – 5th grade) |
| Hours: | School dismissal – 6:00 PM |
Raleigh Parks operates after school programs at 7 Raleigh locations throughout the school year, in addition to before school and track out camp offerings. These recreation-based programs give children a place to explore arts and crafts, sports and fitness, nature, music, food experiences and more under the supervision of staff trained to create a safe environment to play and learn. The program brochure offers all the details and registration is open now.
3. Local schools and parks & rec programs
Many Triangle-area elementary schools offer their own quality after school care onsite for reasonable prices. Now is a great time to investigate offerings with your school or school district website or information hotlines, because spots can fill up fast for these convenient options.
In addition to the Raleigh Parks & Recreation offerings above, several other local parks & rec organizations offer after school care. Sometimes these are announced in the summer, but these municipalities have already published their after school options: Durham, Orange County, Garner, and Raleigh’s other afterschool program, Community Afterschool Program.
4. The ArtsCenter
After School Program | Organization
| Location: | Carrboro 400 Roberson St., Carrboro, NC |
| Ages: | 5 – 12 (K – 5th grade) |
| Hours: | School dismissal – 6:00 PM |
The ArtsCenter offers an enriching summer camp and after school program for elementary schools in Chapel Hill-Carrboro City Schools. The program covers a whole smorgasbord of the arts that includes improv, drawing, embroidery, mixed media, makerspaces, craft and STEAM projects, acting, African drumming, printmaking, ceramics—you name it! Each day after school, students experience two separate arts classes led by expert instructors. There is also outdoor time and flexibility to choose a 3-day or 5-day per week option. Registration is open at their registration portal and spaces tend to fill up.
5. United Tae Kwon Do Academy
After School Program | Organization
| Locations: | Carrboro 102 Brewer Ln., Carrboro, NC Chapel Hill, south of Carrboro 69 Knox Wy #100, Chapel Hill, NC |
| Ages: | 5 – 12 (K – 5th grade) |
| Hours: | School dismissal – 6:00 PM |
United Tae Kwon Do Academy has two locations offering summer and teacher workday camps along with well-rounded after school programs. The daily after school program includes time to complete homework, enjoy social time, and participate in Tae Kwon Do fitness classes. Transportation is provided from Chapel Hill Carrboro City Schools and northern Chatham County elementary schools. Registration is now open; see their After School Care webpage for details.
6. Learning Outside
After School Program | Organization
| Location: | West of Carrboro 2912B Jones Ferry Rd., Chapel Hill, NC |
| Ages: | 5 – 14 |
| Hours: | 3:30 PM – 5:30 PM for 5 – 12 years old 3:45 PM – 5:45 PM for 10 – 14 years old |
Learning Outside’s After School Nature Clubs program is a great way to get kids outside for some nature time after school. Four different age cohorts (5-7, 6-9, 8-12, 10-14) each explore the Learning Outside naturescape for one afternoon per week. Activities include hiking and discovering different ecosystems, nature games, nature art, working in the Learning Garden, farm animal care, fire building, tracking, plant identification, shelter building, and more. Registration is now open for the 2025-2026 school year.
7. The Organized Mind
After School Program | Organization
| Location: | South Cary 1867 Lake Pine Dr., Cary, NC |
| Ages: | 9 – 15 (4th – 9th grade) |
| Hours: | School dismissal – 6:30 PM |
The Organized Mind offers an after school program focused on providing academic support for students in 4th to 9th grade, in addition to full-day summer and track out camp offerings. Students build healthy study habits with plenty of time to focus on homework and projects, supported by coaches who help students learn to stay organized, check assignments, and self-advocate through teacher communication. Each day also includes time for outdoor activities and games. Direct transportation is provided from five Apex-area schools. Registration is now open for the 2025-2026 school year.
8. Lee Brothers Martial Arts
After School Program | Organization
| Location: | North Raleigh 8604 Falls of Neuse Rd., Raleigh, NC |
| Ages: | 5 – 12 (K – 5th grade) |
| Hours: | School dismissal – 6:00 PM |
The after school program at Lee Brothers Martial Arts is designed to build kids’ confidence, focus, and fitness. This flexible program offers direct transportation daily from any nearby North Raleigh or Wake Forest school. Program head Master Lee has over 30 years of competitive recognition as well as serious educational bona fides with teaching certifications and experience as PE faculty at Duke. After school, summer camp, and classes are open for registration now.
9. Changing Tomorrow Farm
After School Program | Organization
| Location: | Holly Springs 6312 Cass Holt Rd., Holly Springs, NC |
| Ages: | 6 – 13 |
| Hours: | School dismissal – 5:00 PM |
Changing Tomorrow Farm aims to help children grow up to be good stewards of the Earth by giving kids a chance to immerse themselves in the joys of the outdoors. Students get hands-on experience with gardening, animal care, survival skills, horseback riding, archery, and more. Direct transportation on their dedicated bus is available from Buckhorn Elementary and Holly Grove Elementary in Holly Springs for after school care. They are not yet ready to register for September 2025 and beyond, but check their Camp Registration page for updates.
10. Progressive Taekwondo Academy
After School Program | Organization
| Location: | Apex 702 Laura Duncan Rd., Apex, NC |
| Ages: | 5 – 12 (K – 5th grade) |
| Hours: | School dismissal – 6:00 PM |
Progressive Taekwondo Academy offers an after school program for elementary school-age kids with direct transportation from 7 schools in Apex, in addition to camps and classes throughout the year. Kids learn about martial arts, including the core tenets of respect, discipline, and perseverance, in a fun and social setting. In addition to energetic mat games, the program includes healthy snacks and homework help. Registration is open now and families can schedule a tour to learn more about the program.
Have a favorite after school program that deserves a shout-out? Share it in the comments to help others out!
Camp photo credits: 1. Lee Brothers Martial Arts.