Do you think you might have a little Leonardo DaVinci on your hands? Or perhaps a budding Mozart? Well, it’s a good idea then to encourage their creative talent or talent at a particular sport. After school programs and activities can help your child’s creative instincts soar, improve their social spirit or help improve their fitness level. Regardless of whether your child is interested in solo sports activities such as horse-riding or swimming, creative classes like art or music, dance lessons from ballet to Irish dancing or training as part as a team, many extra-curricular activities can be found near your home in our things to do section.

Some ideas include:
  • Dancing
  • Drama
  • Art and craft classes
  • Martial arts
  • Team sports, like football
  • Scouts
  • Swimming
  • Athletics
  • Gymnastics
  • Language classes
  • Horse-riding
  • Music lessons
There is a wide range of programs and activities available at a variety of costs. You should consider the big picture of the activity, is it just something to pass the time after school, or will i enhance their artistic nature or sporting ability? You should speak to other parents; call a number of different programs to get information and check online to find the class that suits you and your child best. 
 
Ask your child
It’s a good idea to simply ask your child what activity they would like to be involved in. Do they want to learn an instrument or is there something they would like to do with a friend? Make a list of possible activities together with your child, considering what their strengths are. Do they have a boundless amount of energy? If so maybe athletics would be a good fit. Is she a total princess? Maybe ballet would be ideal for her. You should make it clear to her that taking on an extra-curricular activity requires commitment and dedication as the last thing you want to do is pay for a program that they will be bored of within a week or two. 
 
Age appropriate
Carefully consider your child's age and check that the program you have chosen has classes that are divided into age appropriate groups. Activities grouped with older children can make your child feel self conscious and quickly ruin the experience. 
 
The cost of your chosen class
The cost of a particular extra-curricular activity does need to play a role in your decision.Certain sports, music and dance classes require a lot of equipment of supplies and all most all choices will require a joining fee at the very least. Some programs will let children have a trial lesson or two before paying so always ask can your child sit in on a session before forking over any cash! 
 
Pick your venue – before they start
Whatever after school activity you decide on, you should make sure that the facilities are up to scratch. Pay a visit while the class is in session. Make sure it’s clean, well lit, has clean toilets, is safe and secure, has a qualified instructor and has a low children to adult ration (e.g. one trainer per ten children). Ask plenty of detailed questions of the teacher and consider would it suit your child. Visit the prospective venue before going with your child as you don’t want them to fall in love with the class only to be disappointed when you decide it isn’t suitable. 
 
The travel factor
Whichever activity you choose to bring your little one to, whether it’s a team sport or dance lessons, location is so important. The occasional out-of-town event for a match or performance is one thing but neither you nor your child want to be travelling for hours every week. Decide on an activity that is close to home.

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