Top after-school activities in Santa Clarita Valley (Updated for 2023)

The long lazy days of summer are drawing to an end, and it is time to start thinking ahead to the school year. 

Transitioning to a new schedule can be difficult for kids and parents alike. It takes a while to get used to the full days of school, but having a plan makes all the difference in the world.

This is the time to research your options and sign your child up for their favorite extracurriculars or sports. But who has the time for that?

Luckily, we do. 

In this article, we have compiled all the artistic and athletic after-school activities and childcare options available in the Santa Clarita Valley. We list the options by category. All the companies are linked to make registration easy for you.

Art Classes

Drawn 2 Art

Drawn 2 Art in Valencia offers fine art classes to children ages four and older. They teach drawing with pencils, charcoal, and pastels, and painting using various mediums. Their focus is showing students how to draw from parts of an image to the whole.

• Ages 4-6: 1-hour class once a week for four weeks is $108/month 
• Ages 7-Adult: 1.5-hour class once a week for four weeks is $160/month
  

This tuition includes all materials, which they provide at their studio. There is also a one-time $30 registration fee.

Lidya’s Art

Lidya’s Art teaches children and teens drawing, sketching, and painting. They focus on learning perspective, proportion, and composition. Lidya has over 20 years of experience. 

Two class options cover figure drawing, landscaping, and still life.

• Sketching class is once a week, for four classes and costs $125 for the month
• Painting class is once a week, for four classes and costs $250 for the month
  
  

Picasso’s Playmates

Picasso’s Playmates teaches fine art classes to kids, teens, and adults in Newhall. They offer classes on Wednesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays and offer a free introductory art class for people interested in their programs.

• Children: $145.00 monthly

Wednesday 4:00-5:30 pm, Thursday 4-5:30 pm or 6-7:30 pm, Saturday 10-11:30 am

• Teens: $165.00 monthly

Wednesday 6-8 pm 

Childcare 

Boys and Girls Club of Santa Clarita Valley

The Boys and Girls Club of Santa Clarita Valley has four locations — two in Newhall, one in Canyon Country, and one in Castaic. Membership begins at the age of seven and costs only $60 per year. The club is committed to “supporting academic success, providing a second home, and building leaders.” 

The club provides care Monday-Friday from 2–7 pm during the school year and from 7 am to 7 pm during vacations. Early care and summer programs are also available. Transportation from your child’s school to the club is available for a fee. 

City of Santa Clarita

The city of Santa Clarita's child and teen after-school programs are at two locations — the Newhall Community Center and Canyon Country Community Center.

The kids program is for ages 5-12 and runs from 3-6:30 pm. They provide enrichment activities, games, and homework help. It costs $30 per semester.

The teen program is for people ages 13-17, and it is free. This program focuses on personal and professional development, arts and culture, and sports.

Ekata Training Center

Ekata Training Center is the only state-licensed childcare program in Santa Clarita that offers behavioral and physical training. They emphasize respect, discipline, and fitness. This program was developed by UCLA Professor Edward Monaghan, who specializes in kinesthetic learning. 

The instructor's guide the children in social and emotional learning and mindfulness. They teach art, music, dance, theater, public speaking, and martial arts. They provide transportation from school to their center.

The cost is $750 per month. There are no additional activities or transportation fees. 

La Petit Academy and Tutor Time

La Petit Academy and Tutor Time provide before and after-school childcare. They provide indoor and outdoor activities, STEM-inspired projects, and homework support. They have centers at Saugus, Stevenson Ranch, Santa Clarita, Castaic, and Canyon Country.

Information about tuition is shared once parents meet with a director for a tour.

RISE

RISE After-School Programs offers homework assistance, physical fitness, and enrichment activities such as Lego robotics, dance, computer coding, drama, and theater. 

They have multiple centers in Castaic, Newhall, and Canyon Country. They are open three categories of programs:

• Parent-paid programs: Licensed child care programs
• After-School Education and Safety (ASES) programs: State-funded programs, which are free for families
• Expanded Learning Opportunities Programs (ELOP): State-funded programs, which are free for families
  
  

You can learn about their program’s fees by contacting their program director. 

Sunshine Day Camp Before and After School Care

Sunshine Day Camp provides childcare for kindergarteners through sixth graders. They strive to provide a summer camp ambiance throughout the year with singing, playing, and crafting. 

They provide morning care from 6:30-8:30 am and after-school care from noon for kinders and older children from 3-6 pm.   

The centers are located in Stevenson Ranch and Valencia. Information about tuition costs is available only through inquiry.

The One TaeKwonDo

The One TaeKwonDo provides games, sports, homework assistance, STEAM, and other enrichment activities at their childcare center. Kids also have access to TaeKwonDo classes. 

They service Plum Canyon Elementary, Highlands Elementary, Emblem Academy, and Bridgeport Elementary. Tuition depends on how many days your child attends care. 

• 5-days per week $558.50/month
• 4-days per week $534.00/month
• 3-days per week $475.00/month
• 10% discount for sibling
• $150 registration fee (includes uniform, t-shirt, and patches)
  
  

Equestrian

Gilchrist Farm 

Gilchrist Farm instructors teach their students a holistic approach to horsemanship where the relationship with the horses is the priority. 

They offer English, Western, and Driving lessons. They work with beginners through competitive students. Classes are $40-$55, with discounts for paying for a series of classes. Contact the farm to learn about availability.

Jump for Joy Equestrian

Jump for Joy Equestrian specializes in hunters, jumpers, and dressage and teaches people at all skill levels. Their location is near Magic Mountain in Valencia. The owner has over 25 years of experience and is committed to helping her students learn about horses. 

She works with students ages five and older. The cost is $45 for a 30-minute lesson and $60 for a 1-hour lesson.

Santa Clarita Valley Equestrian 

Santa Clarita Valley Equestrian in Saugus offers lessons daily to people of all abilities. They offer a wide range of choices — English, Western, jumping, Gymkhana (including barrel racing), and even roping.

Lessons for youth are generally 45 minutes long and cost $40-45 per lesson. Private lessons are $60 for 30 minutes. 

Gymnastics and Tumbling

Cal Elite

Cal Elite is a 6,200-square-foot training and activity center for kids in Santa Clarita. They offer programs for babies as young as 4 months all the way through to teenagers. They teach level 1, 2, and 3 gymnastics for school-age children. It costs $116 per month. 

Hugo’s Gym Fitness

Hugo’s Gym Fitness in Santa Clarita has provided classes for 37 years! They offer classes in gymnastics, parkour, aerial silks, and tumbling. Classes start at the age of 6 and go through teens. 

Each membership has an annual fee of $40. Classes cost as follows:

• 1-class per week: $120 per month 
• 2-classes per week: $220 per month 
• 3-classes per week: $310 per month
  
  

My Gym

My Gym provides classes for babies and youth up to age 11 in Ninja Play and gymnastics. Classes cost $139-169 per month, depending on the class.

Martial Arts

Dream Martial Arts and Fitness

Dream Martial Arts and Fitness teaches Mixed Martial Arts to children ages 3-15. There are three different classes according to age. MMA Classes are taught by certified instructor Jeff Martin who has fought competitively. 

Membership is month-to-month. 

• $80/month for 1 class per week 
• $129/month for 2 classes per week 
• $159/month unlimited classes
  
  

Ekata

The Ekata Training Center offers classes for children ages 3-15. Teens 16 and older can attend adult classes. Professor Edward Monaghan leads the center and emphasizes developing your child’s “confidence, discipline, character, focus and respect.”

Classes are progressive, beginning with Jeet Kune Do, Savate, Jiu Jitsu, Judo, and lastly, Mixed Martial Arts.

The cost is $200 per month for unlimited classes and $99 for any extra family members. You pay month to month, there are no contracts.

Iron Fist Martial Arts

Iron Fist Martial Arts teaches knowledge, discipline, and the practice of martial arts. They primarily teach Tae Kwon Do but do bring in aspects of other martial arts disciplines. They also offer a Light Force academy class for learning how to fight with sabers. 

They provide classes for children 4 through teens. 

• $84 per month 1-class/week
• $124 per month 2-classes/week
• $144 per month 3-classes/week
• $164 per month for unlimited classes
  
  

The One TaeKwonDo

The One TaeKwonDo in Santa Clarita and Castaic offers structured classes for children seven years old through teens. They teach through the five topics of Forms, Self Defense, Breaking, Sparring, and Knowledge.

• Month-to-Month $189/month, two classes per week ($150 registration fee)
• 6-Month Program $169/month, two classes per week ($120 registration fee)
• 12-Month program $159/month, two classes per week ($100 registration fee)
  
  

Victory Martial Arts

Victory Martial Arts in Stevenson Ranch give classes to preschoolers through teens. Victory instructors help their students make friends and build confidence. They offer one free trial class. 

They are also offering a martial arts program at the Paseo Club for 5-12-year-olds. Class meets on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 5:15 pm-6:00 pm. It costs $100 per month for two classes each week. 

Performing Arts and Dance

Dance Studio 84

Dance Studio 84 is a performance-oriented dance program for youth in Santa Clarita Valley. They teach ballet, jazz, tap, hip-hop, and more. Programs start at per-K and go through the teen years. 

Classes cost $45-90 per month for one class per week. The price per class goes down the more classes your child attends. The competitive classes are the most expensive.

Elite Dance Studios

Elite Dance Studios has been open for over 15 years. They teach jazz, tap, ballet, lyrical, contemporary, hip-hop, and more.

Classes cost $35-75 per month for one class per week depending on the length. Prices drop if you attend more than one class per week. A one-time registration fee is $30.

Star Dance Center

Star Dance offers dance classes for toddlers, youth, and teens. They teach combo classes, hip hop, tumbling, ballet, musical theater, and more. 

• 1 Class per week:  $79.00 per month
• 2 Classes per week:  $153.00 per month
• 3 Classes per week:  $222.00 per month
• 4 Classes per week:  $286.00 per month
• 5 Classes per week:  $345.00 per month
  
  

Vibes Performing Arts

Vibes Performing Arts is a performing art center that offers dozens of classes. Classes are generally 50 minutes long and once per week. The cost is $240 per 12-week session.

• Music - singing and instrumental 
• Magic - Master class
• Dance - hip hop, ballet, and country line dancing 
• Theater - acting, voice over, musical theater, and movie making 
  
  

Sports and Fitness

AYSO

AYSO provides soccer training to children in Saugus, Canyon Country, Newhall-Valencia, and Castaic. They have teams for inter-regional play for U-10, U-12, U-14, U-16, and U-19. There are also competitive leagues. Learn about fees by contacting AYSO.

Castaic Regional Sports Complex

The Castaic Regional Sports Complex offers two free programs:

• Everybody Plays Afterschool Adventures 2:30-5:30 Monday-Friday rec activities. This is a drop-in program and there is no need to sign up in advance. There are arts, crafts, sports, and games. FREE.
• Basketball Clinic - Your child can learn the fundamentals of basketball. This is a good intro program. It is for 6-12 year olds.
  
  

There are also additional classes that are $25, and kids receive a participation trophy, uniform, and an 8-week series of classes.

• Girls Lacrosse: 10-12-year-olds
• Flag Football: 5-16-year-olds
• Youth Cheerleading: 4-17-year olds
• Girls Flag Football: 9-12-year-olds
  
  

Legacy Volleyball

Legacy Volleyball offers 8-12 week-long volleyball clinics for boys and girls in third-sixth grade. The two-day/week clinic costs $395.00 for 11 weeks, and 1-day/week clinic costs $195. 

Paseo Club

Paseo Club has the premiere tennis program for youth in the Santa Clarita Valley.

• Preschool Performance: This 30-min class is offered Saturdays at 10:30 am. Learn agility, balance, coordination, and grip and swing control. Kids use red NetGen balls, and the class takes place on the pickleball courts. Ages 3-5.  

Costs: Day Rate $40 or 7-pack $175 member/ $235 non-member.

• Future Stars: This 60-minute class is offered Tuesday and Thursday from 4 - 5 pm and Saturdays at 11 am. Instructors use the orange NetGen balls, and class takes place on the pickleball courts. Players continue to learn the ABCs — agility, balance, and control while adapting to grip changes. Kids also start to learn how to move toward the ball to hit groundstrokes, volleys, overheads, proper stance, and spacing for serves. Ages 5-8.

Costs: Day Rate $50, 7-pack $224 member/$252 non-member, 14-pack $364 member/ $448 non-member, 21-pack $462 member/ $588 non-member

• Challenger: This 2-hour class is offered Tuesdays and Thursdays from 4-6 pm. This is our introductory-level class for junior players. Students use the full court and the green dot and yellow balls. Players learn the foundations of the sport, including all groundstrokes, volleys, overheads, and serves, along with point-play components to prepare for tournament play. Ages 9-18. 

Costs: Day Rate $90, 7-pack $385 member/$455 non-member, 14-pack $672 member/ $840 non-member, 21-pack $882 member/$1,155 non-member

• Tournament Training: This 2-hour class is offered Monday, Wednesday, and Friday from 4-6 pm. This class helps to develop players for high school teams and tournament play. More advanced concepts and skills are maintained, working on point-play scenarios and strategy. 

Costs: Day Rate $90, 7-pack $385 member/$455 non-member, 14-pack $672 member/ $840 non-member, 21-pack $882 member/$1,155 non-member

• High Performance: This 2-hour class is offered Monday, Wednesday, and Thursday from 4-6 pm. It is geared towards high-level players looking to compete and move into a collegiate competitive range of play. This class is for youth ages 9-18, and approval is required from the tennis director and coaches. 

Costs: Day Rate $90, 7-pack $385 member/$455 non-member, 14-pack $672 member/ $840 non-member, 21-pack $882 member/$1,155 non-member

Santa Clarita Sports Center

Santa Clarita Sports Center teaches the Lil’ Kickers soccer program for younger children ages 18 months to 9 years old. Their goal is to “inspire kids to be active, strong, confident, and well-balanced.”

Classes are 50 minutes long and are taught by skilled coaches. Classes cost $200 per 10-class series. They offer one free trial class. 

Santa Clarita Youth Baseball

Santa Clarita Youth Baseball welcomes players ages 4-13, boys and girls. Kids learn about teamwork, focus, and skills. This program is a non-profit and strives to make classes affordable to the community.

• Baseball 101 (Tee-Ball): $175, Ages 4-5
• Rookie League: $200, Ages 5-7
• Minor League: $225, Ages 7-9
• Major League: $250, Ages 10-13
• Plus Volunteer Fee: $50 
  
  

The fall season is September 16th through November 18th. Registration is open through August 18th.

Starting 5 Training Facility

Starting 5 Training Facility has basketball programs for your son or daughter in Valencia. 

• Shootout league begins on August 4 and runs for seven weeks. There are Friday practices with Saturday games. The cost is $175. 
• Junior Shootout is for kindergarten-third-grade children. They use lowered baskets. This program begins September 29. There are Friday practices with Saturday games. The cost is $175. 
• Developmental training and Club leagues are available for older kids. This program costs $180 per month. 
  
  

The Cube Ice and Entertainment Center

The Cube teaches kids as young as three to ice skate. Their programs are for all ages and are progressive. Kids can get involved in competitive figure skating or hockey too. The cost of classes is $180 for 8 30-minute classes. 

Swimming

Paseo Club

Paseo Club teams up with El Dorado to offer swim classes and a swim team for kids of all ages. Classes are taught as private, semi-private, or group lessons. The price of the class varies depending on size, but is between $240-400 per eight classes. 

Santa Clarita Aquatic Center

Santa Clarita Aquatic Center will be offering swim lessons for beginner through intermediate swimmers (Level 1-4) beginning September 11. Registration is on their website on August 15 at 10 am.

Lessons will be taught on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday in two-week increments for children ages 3-11. It costs $50 for the series (six classes).

Academy Swim Club

Academy Swim Club has a warm 92° pool to teach private, semi-private, or group lessons. They also offer swim lessons at your home pool. 

• Private lessons are $178-198 per month for four classes
• Semi-private lessons (two students) are $122-134 per month for four classes
• Group lessons (4-6 students) are $100 per month for four classes
• Advanced group swim clinics (eight students) are $140 per month for four classes
  
  

Final steps to choosing after-school activities in Santa Clarita Valley

Now that you have read this article, you have read the most comprehensive guide to childcare, classes, and activities for children in the Santa Clarita Valley. We hope it will be a wonderful resource for your family!

The Paseo Club is a social club in Santa Clarita that has been serving kids, teens, adults, and seniors for almost 20 years. 

More and more kids are getting interested in playing tennis for fun or competition. Discover more about the Paseo Club’s junior tennis program. You may be surprised to learn that fitness programs help your child’s physical and mental health. 

We offer over 60 fitness classes each week, tennis and pickleball courts, and a junior Olympic pool. Childcare is also available for babies three months old through 12-year-old kids.

If you are interested in learning more about the Paseo Club, then schedule a tour today. Check out our eight-acre facility and meet members and staff.

To learn more about health and fitness, read these three articles.

• The pros and cons of strength training
• 7 steps to help you be sun safe in the Santa Clarita Valley
• Why 6-week fitness programs make a difference in your health