Explore After-School Programs in Acton
Our after-school programs for little ones, kids & teens provide a safe and playful environment where they can be themselves, build essential skills, and discover who they want to become.
Explore age-friendly options below, then dive into details on our programs!
After-School Programs for Little Ones Pre-K - 2nd grade
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Ready, Set, Reinvent — Slow & Steady
Story + craft time to ease into communityA gentle caregiver-and-child (age 3-5), program that builds comfort with groups through read-alouds and guided crafts. Kids explore feelings, routines, and friendship while caregivers learn simple ways to support at home. Warm, calm, and developmentally right.
Highlights:Caregiver + child together time
Read-alouds + guided crafts
Early SEL: feelings & friendship
Calm, predictable structure
Small, nurturing groups
Schedule: Tuesday 9:00-10:00 AM
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Ready, Set, Reinvent — Now I’m Ready
Stories, skills, and supported play.
Kids listen to a story, practice simple skills, and complete crafts with facilitator support. Light games help children connect and build confidence, creating a joyful first community experience.
Highlights:
Story time + maker moments
Facilitator-supported crafts
Social/play skills practice
Gentle games to connect
Confidence + belonging
Schedule: Thursday - 3:45-4:45 PM
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Kindergarten -Confidence, curiosity, connection
A playful hour for our youngest learners to explore ideas, practice social skills, and move their bodies. Stories, hands-on activities, and movement build empathy, teamwork, and problem-solving—gently, joyfully.
Highlights:Social skills + routines
Stories + movement
Hands-on exploration
Empathy + teamwork
Calm, caring facilitation
Schedule: Tuesdays 12:30–1:30 PM
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When stories come alive, imaginations soar
Weekly read-alouds, crafts, and interactive play help young readers connect lessons from beloved books, friendship, courage, and kindness to everyday life. Confidence grows alongside a love for reading.
Highlights:Read-aloud + discussion
Themed crafts & activities
Early literacy confidence
Friendship & empathy
Joyful, supported group time
Mondays 4:00–5:00 PM
After-School Programs for 3rd-6th grade Kids
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Play, connect, and grow—together
Interactive games, activities, and group conversations build emotional intelligence, empathy, and social skills in a fun, supportive setting. A great on-ramp to our Club Continuum through high school.
Highlights:
Games that teach SEL
Empathy & friendship skills
Confidence + communication
Occasional field trips
Supportive peer community
Schedule:Wednesdays 3:30–5:00 PM
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Creative play to fuel curiosity
Crafts, imaginative play, and small-group projects keep curiosity alive while building empathy and collaboration. Each week invites kids to try something new and make something all their own.
Highlights:Crafts + imaginative play
Collaboration + kindness
Confidence through making
Try-something-new mindset
Caring adult mentors
Schedule: Wednesdays 1:30–3:00 PM
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Is your child ready to twist, turn, and think their way through an awesome new challenge?
This hands-on, beginner-friendly class is all about solving Rubik’s Cubes in fun and creative ways—no experience needed! From mastering the classic 3x3 cube to making cube art and participating in team relays, students will sharpen their problem-solving and teamwork skills in an exciting, screen-free environment.
Perfect for grades 4–6, Cubenation Academy is more than just cubes—it’s confidence, creativity, and community all in one.
🧠✨ Let's get solving!
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Teamwork, strategy, and just plain fun.
From classic board games to Jackbox, students build communication, critical thinking, and teamwork in a low-pressure, high-fun space. Try something new each week and connect with friends.
Highlights:
Strategy + problem-solving
Communication & teamwork
Classic + online games
Low-pressure fun
Inclusive, social vibe
Schedule: Tuesdays 2:00–3:00 PM
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Make, explore, and connect
A flexible, free-form space for older elementary students to craft, play, and build friendships. SEL tools weave through activities that spark resilience, empathy, and creativity.
Highlights:
Hands-on projects + games
Friendship + teamwork skills
SEL tools in action
Confidence + resilience
Warm, welcoming vibe
Schedule: Wednesdays 3:30–5:00 PM
After-School Programs for Junior High
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Find your creative spark
Through art, performance, and hands-on projects, students channel energy into self-expression, storytelling, and connection—building confidence and community along the way.
Highlights:
Multi-medium creative work
Storytelling + expression
Positive peer connection
Identity + confidence
Supportive facilitation
Schedule: Tuesdays 4:00–5:15 PM
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Identity, connection, and self-care—together
A weekly after-school space for LGBTQ+ youth and allies to explore identity, belonging, and self-care through creative activities, games, and thoughtful conversation. Inclusive, supportive, and fun.
Highlights:
Identity exploration
Self-care projects
Pride-themed activities
Vision boarding & journaling
Peer connection + belonging
Trained, caring facilitators
Schedule: Thursday 3:30-4:30 PM
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Use your voice. Shape our programs.
A leadership council where 7th–8th graders plan, serve, and influence Danny’s Place. Meet weekly, support Storybook Club, and work on community projects.
If you're interested, whether you've been part of the council before or not, we'd love for you to apply! We are accepting applications on a rolling basis until all spots are filled.
Once your application is complete, we will connect with you via email. If you have any questions, please reach out to hannah@dannys-place.org.
https://forms.gle/LjxhY1m3QDxCcr5s9
Application opens when the registration page opens
Highlights:
Real youth voice + impact
Planning + facilitation
Community service projects
Optional Storybook support until 5:00 PM
Fall/Winter/Spring seasons
Sample schedule:Mondays 3:15–4:30 PM (option to stay until 5:00 PM)
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Homework support with Open Door Education
A supportive study space where students work alongside peers with an Open Door educator available for questions. Build routine, confidence, and accountability.
Highlights:
Structured study time
Questions answered when needed
Peer accountability
Calm, fun, and supportive space
Consistent weekly routine
Schedule:Thursdays 3:15–5:00 PM
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From Paper to Person
A 10-week journey of creative self-expression.A hands-on creative arts series led by Shoni (show-knee). Students make handmade paper, design personal journals, and build paper-mâché “mini-me” figures, exploring identity, confidence, and the joy of making something real. A supportive space to create, reflect, and grow.
Highlights:
Handmade paper from recycled materials
Design & bind personal journals
Build paper-mâché “mini-me” figures
Optional “homes” or friendship bracelets
Identity exploration & self-expression
Supportive, trauma-informed facilitation
Schedule: Tuesday - 5:30-6:30 PM
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Grades 7–12 | Early Release Mondays, 2:15–5:00 PM
Save your Mondays! 💥🍿 Join us every early release Monday for Marvel Movie Mondays, the perfect mix of movies, snacks, and hangout time.
We’ll screen Marvel movies and shows, share snacks, and give teens a space to relax their way, whether that’s watching superheroes in action, catching up on homework, doodling, or just chilling with friends. Bring your friends - we’ll bring the snacks!
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Teamwork, strategy, and just plain fun
From classic board games to Jackbox, students build communication, critical thinking, and teamwork in a low-pressure, high-fun space. Try something new each week and connect with friends.
Highlights:
Strategy + problem-solving
Communication & teamwork
Classic + online games
Low-pressure fun
Inclusive, social vibe
Tuesdays 3:15–4:30 PM
After-School Programs for High School Teens
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A peer support group where voices matter
A supportive space to unwind and share about school, friendships, and life. Teens build self-awareness, connection, and coping skills—replacing isolation with community.
Highlights:
Peer support & belonging
Honest, guided conversation
Coping + self-awareness
Community + trust
Early-release friendly
Schedule: Mondays 1:45–3:00 PM (Early Release Days)
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Teamwork, strategy, and just plain fun
From classic board games to Jackbox, students build communication, critical thinking, and teamwork in a low-pressure, high-fun space. Try something new each week and connect with friends.
Highlights:
Strategy + problem-solving
Communication & teamwork
Classic + online games
Low-pressure fun
Inclusive, social vibe
Schedule:Tuesdays 3:45–5:00 PM
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Homework support with Open Door Education
A supportive study space where students work alongside peers with an Open Door educator available for questions. Build routine, confidence, and accountability.
Highlights:
Structured study time
Questions answered when needed
Peer accountability
Calm, fun, and supportive space
Consistent weekly routine
Schedule:Thursdays 3:15–5:00 PM
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Personal finance for real life (with Northern Bank)
A practical class for teens to learn budgeting, saving, and smart money habits—with real-world examples and guest insights from Northern Bank.
Highlights:
Budgeting + saving basics
Banking + credit literacy
Real-life scenarios
Guest speakers (partners)
Future-ready money habits
Schedule: Tuesday - 5:30 - 6:30
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Grades 7–12 | Early Release Mondays, 2:15–5:00 PM
Save your Mondays! 💥🍿 Join us every early release Monday for Marvel Movie Mondays, the perfect mix of movies, snacks, and hangout time.
We’ll screen Marvel movies and shows, share snacks, and give teens a space to relax their way, whether that’s watching superheroes in action, catching up on homework, doodling, or just chilling with friends. Bring your friends - we’ll bring the snacks!
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The U-Project is a unique initiative that empowers high school students to design and implement community-passion projects. From art installations to tech innovations, we provide funding, mentorship, and resources to help teens turn their ideas into reality.
Our goal is to foster creativity, leadership, and a sense of responsibility in the next generation of changemakers.
Funding: We provide grants to support project costs.
Mentorship: Students receive guidance from experienced mentors.
Community Impact: Projects are designed to benefit the community and inspire others.
Apply Now (applications are due on 11/15 at 11:59pm
New! Days Off at Danny’s Place!
Reliable, enriching coverage when school’s out.
8 Days-Off spots
Safe, joyful supervision
Spring Registration
All Winter Programs will be open for registration on March 6, 2026. All sign-ups will be on a first-come, first serve basis. Please note that many of our programs sell out within the first day so please mark your calendars accordingly.
If you have any questions, please feel free to reach out: info@dannys-place.org
Danny’s Place is committed to ensuring that all of our programs are accessible to all members of our community. For those needing financial assistance, we offer a sliding scale option and a full scholarship option, which can be selected during the checkout process.
Use the code slidingscale to receive 50% off the full price.
If you have any questions, please feel free to reach out: info@dannys-place.org