Fun & Educational After-School Programs around the Valley to Keep Kids Engaged
Finding the right after-school activities for your child in the Treasure Valley can make a big difference in their growth and happiness. Luckily, our community is full of amazing programs that blend fun and learning, keeping kids engaged long after the school bell rings. From hands-on STEM clubs in Boise to creative arts workshops in Meridian and outdoor adventure programs in Eagle, there’s something for every interest. Whether your child loves building robots, painting murals, or playing soccer with friends, these programs provide a safe and enriching space to learn, grow, and connect. The Treasure Valley is full of opportunities to spark curiosity, build confidence, and make lasting memories—all while giving parents peace of mind.
Kid City
Program Overview:
Kid City is a free after-school program designed for students in 1st through 6th grades.
The program offers a variety of activities, including:
Homework assistance
Youth sports
Recreational programming
STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) activities
Art projects
Games
Healthy snacks
Locations:
The program operates at several elementary schools within the Boise and West Ada School Districts, including:
Grace Jordan Elementary School
Hillcrest Elementary School
Jefferson Elementary School
McMillan Elementary School
Morley Nelson Elementary School
Taft Elementary School
Whittier Elementary School
Whitney Elementary School
Each site provides a safe and engaging environment for children after school hours.
Registration Details:
While the program itself is free, a one-time pre-registration fee of $20 is required per student.
Due to limited space, it's essential to register in advance.
Registration can be completed through the City of Boise's Parks and Recreation Department.
Additional Information:
The program is a collaborative effort between Boise Parks and Recreation and the Boise and West Ada School Districts, ensuring that students have access to enriching activities in a familiar setting.
Scholarships are available for qualifying youth to assist with the registration fee.
All sites are closed on holidays and weekends.
Teen Activity Center at Fort Boise Community Center
Location:
Fort Boise Community Center, Address: 700 Robbins Rd. Boise, ID 83702 Phone: (208) 608-7680
Operating Hours:
Monday to Friday: 3:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m.*
*Note: The center will close at 5:30 p.m. if no teens are present.
Eligibility:
Ages 12-17 (7th to 12th grades)
Free admission
Sign-In Requirements:
Teens must sign in upon arrival.
Emergency contact phone information is required.
Age verification or school ID may be requested.
Facility Features:
Size: 1,500-square-foot space
Game Room: Equipped with billiards tables, table tennis, air hockey, foosball, console-based gaming, and a music console.
Social Area: A comfortable space for teens to meet and hang out with friends.
Computer Lab: Features equipment designated for PC gaming.
Gym Access: Teens are welcome to use the gymnasium until 5:00 p.m.
Bodies in Motion
Description:
Provides empowering before and after-school care focusing on adventure, education, and movement.
Features:
Offers a variety of clubs and programs, including:
Ninja Warrior
Comic Book Artist
Drama Club
Sports Agility Training
High Ropes Adventure Team
Homework Club
Art Club
Provides homework assistance through the Homework Club.
Engages children in various games, activities, and projects.
Offers transportation services to and from several local schools.
Hours:
Before and after-school care available from 7:00 AM to 6:00 PM.
Location:
729 W. Diamond St., Boise, ID 83705.
Contact Information:
Phone: (208) 381-0587, ext 3.
Website: bodiesinmotionidaho.com
Tuition Rates:
After School Care & Transportation (K-6th grade):
2 days a week: $283 monthly
3 days a week: $397 monthly
4 days a week: $464 monthly
5 days a week: $543 monthly (best deal)
Before School Care & Transportation (1st-6th grade):
2 days a week: $221 monthly
3 days a week: $283 monthly
4 days a week: $354 monthly
5 days a week: $388 monthly (best deal)
Before & After School Care & Transportation (1st-6th grade):
2 days a week: $348 monthly
3 days a week: $498 monthly
4 days a week: $554 monthly
5 days a week: $657 monthly (best deal)
STEM Programs
STEM programs for kids focus on Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics, providing hands-on learning experiences that encourage problem-solving, creativity, and critical thinking. These programs introduce children to coding, robotics, engineering challenges, environmental science, and math-based activities in a fun and engaging way. By participating in STEM programs, kids develop important skills for the future, gain confidence in tackling real-world problems, and explore potential career interests in STEM-related fields.
Snapology of West Boise
Program Overview:
Snapology offers hands-on STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics) classes designed to build confidence through interactive learning.
Programs include fun activities in robotics, animation, and computer learning.
Utilizes educational tools such as LEGO® bricks, K'Nex, and other interactive materials to facilitate learning through play.
Program Offerings:
Classes: Regularly scheduled STEAM classes covering various topics.
Camps & Workshops: Specialized sessions during school breaks and holidays.
Birthday Parties: Themed parties with engaging activities for children.
Field Trips: Educational outings for schools and groups.
Homeschool Programs: Tailored sessions to complement home education curricula.
Special Events: Customized programs for various occasions and groups.
Location & Contact Information:
Serving Areas: West Boise, ID, and surrounding regions.
Phone: (208) 510-6522
Email: westboise@snapology.com
Website: Snapology of West Boise, ID
Additional Details:
Programs are offered in various community locations, including schools, community centers, and other public spaces.
All necessary instructional materials and educational tools are provided during sessions.
The local team consists of experienced educators passionate about STEAM education.
Customized programs are available to meet the specific needs of different groups.
iCode School Boise
Description:
iCode School Boise provides engaging, instructor-led STEM classes and camps that use gamified learning techniques to make education fun and interactive. Students explore key STEM concepts while developing skills in coding, robotics, and more, all in a hands-on environment designed to keep them excited and motivated.
Focus Areas:
Coding
Robotics
Digital Arts
Game Development
Programming Languages (e.g., Python, Java, JavaScript)
Drone Programming
Programs Offered:
The Belt Program (After School): A comprehensive course providing experience with a variety of STEM topics.
STEM Camps: Camps available during summer, spring break, and other school holidays, with full-day and half-day options.
School Holiday Camps: Fun STEM camps offered whenever school is out.
Girl Scouts Partnership: Curriculum designed to help Girl Scouts earn STEM badges in areas like robotics, coding basics, cybersecurity, app development, and engineering.
Homeschool Programs: Fully-equipped hubs available for homeschool group classes, with options to bring your own instructor or utilize iCode's team members.
Curriculum Highlights:
Proprietary STEM curriculum continuously evolving with technology.
Incorporates gamified learning to engage students and teach advanced concepts.
Emphasizes soft skill development, including critical thinking, problem-solving, collaboration, public speaking, and project management.
Facilities and Equipment:
State-of-the-art classrooms equipped with the latest hardware, such as gaming computers, 3D printers, robotics kits, and drones.
Location:
4940 E Mill Station Dr, Ste 103, Boise, ID 83716
Contact Information:
Phone: (208) 537-7735
Website: icodeschool.com
Summit Innovation Lab
Description:
High-quality STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) education focused on developing critical thinking, problem-solving, and evidence-based reasoning skills.
Offers engaging, hands-on learning experiences designed to inspire curiosity and foster innovation in children.
Programs:
Hands-On STEM Classes for Kids:
Teaches coding, science, engineering, and robotics using the engineering design process.
Encourages critical thinking and problem-solving through interactive learning.
Summer Camps:
Offers themed camps like "Introduction to Minecraft: Create an Epic Campground" and "Engineering Camp: Planes."
Provides hands-on learning opportunities in various STEM fields.
After-School Programs:
Engages students in science, engineering, coding, and creative arts.
Promotes curiosity and innovation in a structured environment.
Preschool Programming:
Promotes curiosity and exploration in young children.
Encourages the development of critical thinking, problem-solving, and evidence-based reasoning.
Tutoring Services:
Provides reading support for struggling readers and students with reading disabilities.
Utilizes the Wilson Reading System® for a multi-sensory and individualized approach to reading instruction.
Location:
1509 S Tyrell Ln, Suite 180, Boise, ID 83706
Contact Information:
Phone: (208) 901-2275
Website: summitinnovationlab.com
Idaho STEM Action Center
Description:
The Idaho STEM Action Center is committed to advancing STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) education throughout Idaho. It acts as a central resource hub, providing valuable support and guidance to educators, students, and communities to promote STEM learning, creativity, and innovation.
Offerings:
Professional Development Opportunities:
Provides training and workshops to enhance STEM and Computer Science teaching methods.
Offers Idaho's premier STEM Education Professional Development opportunities.
STEM School Designation:
Recognizes schools that demonstrate excellence in STEM education.
i-STEM Programs:
Collaborates with colleges and universities to offer i-STEM programs, providing resources and support for STEM education.
Idaho Science & Engineering Fairs (IDSEF):
Organizes fairs to encourage student participation in scientific research and engineering projects.
Statewide Funding Opportunities:
Provides financial support for STEM-related projects and programs.
STEM-ID Scholarships:
Provides scholarships to students pursuing STEM education.
Computer Science Initiatives:
Offers programs like Computer Science Week and Hour of Code to engage students in computer science education.
Provides grants for computer science curricular resources and teacher endorsements.
Contact Information:
Address: 802 W. Bannock Street, Suite 900, Boise, Idaho 83702
Phone: (208) 332-1723
Email: [email protected]
Website: stem.idaho.gov
STEM on the Move (Boise State)
STEM on the Move is an engaging summer camp designed to inspire students entering grades 6 and 7 to explore STEM education and spark interest in science and technology careers. Sponsored by the Idaho Transportation Department, the camp is offered at an affordable cost to students and features two four-day, all-day sessions, accommodating a total of 50 participants. The camp focuses on providing hands-on learning experiences and interactive activities related to transportation.
The program brings together experts from fields like mathematics, chemistry, and human-computer interaction, offering a unique educational experience. Students will work on projects like simulating traffic to design optimal intersection solutions, exploring smart device applications for creating connected cities, and studying how ants and birds organize their traffic. In addition to STEM-based content, participants will have the opportunity to explore Boise State’s campus, attend daily lunch & learn sessions with researchers, and enjoy outdoor enrichment activities, making this camp both educational and fun.
Stay tuned on more camp news for Summer 2025.
