Sometimes finding activities for your homeschooler can be overwhelming. Here are five places to check for activities and/or classes for your homeschooler!
1. The library
This may seem like an extremely obvious answer to some but check your local library! I understand that not all libraries are blessed with amazing children’s programs; however, often, there are at least a few programs for children and teens. If you don’t see one that meets your needs, talk to your librarian! Tell them what you’re looking for and see if that is something they could start up. Also, if you have other families with similar needs, talk to them collectively. The reason they may not have something simply may be due to lack of participation. Speaking of lack of participation, activities are only fun if people show up. Make sure you take advantage of the programs that are available at your local library and invite your friends!
2. Parks & Rec programs
This is one of the first places I ask everyone if they've checked when they’re looking for activities for their homeschoolers. The classes and activities available vary by county, but some standards are dance, cooking, swim, t ball, etc. I would say it’s a similar concept to the library. If they don’t have what you need, call and ask if it’s something they could do in the future. Have other homeschoolers who are looking for the same type of program reach out with the same request to prove interest. County funded programs are for the community, so there should be absolutely no shame in the community requesting what they want. But again, these programs only work if there is a need. The more the need, the more programs they’ll need to put in place. *Please note that while not everybody knows to look here, a lot do!! I always call my county parks and recreation office to find out when they next season of classes/activities are being released so that I can sign up before all the spots are taken.
3. Sports Leagues
This one can be tricky because it takes a little bit of work and googling to find what is out there in your area. There are many different types of leagues: Christian, public, public associated with parks & rec, and private clubs. Typically googling “soccer leagues city, state” or whichever type of sports league you’re looking for will get you to the right place. If you’re struggling to find what you’re looking for and would like some help, reach out to me via Instagram, Facebook, or email and I’d be more than happy to help you find something in your area.
4. Farms
I cannot stress this enough, check your local farms!! Often farms have “u-pick” seasons with different fruits and vegetables. These can be great field trips and learning activities. Additionally, I’ve even seen a few farms where I live offer “farm classes” for children where they teach about agriculture and have hands on experiences with farm animals.
5. Local “hot spots”
Places like ice skating rinks, roller rinks, trampoline parks, dance studios, gymnastics gyms are great to check for homeschooling specific classes or homeschool time slots. I’ve known a couple different dance studios where near me to have “homeschool” dance classes. The only thing that makes it homeschool is that it is in a time slot that’s during a typical school day. The same concept goes for the other places. Some places even have discounted time slots during school hours, that are perfect for homeschoolers and their homeschooled friends!
When in doubt, google it out! There are very many different activities and classes homeschoolers can take part in. With the homeschool world growing, the list of things to do and classes available grow as well. Perhaps the most important place to look that I didn’t list above is OTHER HOMESCHOOLERS! The homeschool community tends to be well connected and chances are that another homeschooler in your area has a similar interest as your child and they themselves or their parent can enlighten you on where and how to sign up.
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