Explore After-School Programs in Acton
Our programs help young people build belonging, confidence, and real-world skills so they can discover who they are and grow into who they want to become.
Explore age-friendly options below, then dive into details on our programs!
Fall Registration
All Programs are open for registration. 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.
If you have any questions, please feel free to reach out: info@dannys-place.org.
Instructions to register:
Step one: Download the App)
Step two: Create your account
Step three: Join the free membership
Step four: Keep shopping and add your programs to register!
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Why did we switch systems?
We moved from Sawyer to Amilia this year as part of our new strategic plan. The new platform gives us better tools to serve your family — including a cleaner registration experience, more flexible payment options, and (for you) one account that works across every program your kids join.
Do I need to create a new account, even if I registered with us before?
Yes. Because this is a brand-new system, every family — new or returning — needs to create a fresh account and re-register. Your registration history from our old system doesn't carry over automatically. We know that's an extra step, and we appreciate your patience.
What are the three membership types, and do I need all of them?
Danny's Place uses a few different memberships depending on what you're signing up for:
Danny's Place Membership (Free) Every family needs this one. It's free, renews each season, and is required before you can register for any of our scheduled programs. Think of it as your family's home base in the system — it's also what unlocks early registration access for some programs.
Wednesday Full Day Membership Covers both Wednesday blocks for your child's grade band — for example, Grades 3–4 attend Sparks Create at 1:30 PM and Sparks Play at 3:30 PM; Grades 5–6 do the reverse. This is a one-time payment per season — not a recurring or monthly charge — and it guarantees your child's spot across the full Wednesday afternoon rather than registering for each block separately.
Days Off Membership Covers all six School Days Off this year — Sept 21, Oct 12, Nov 11, Mar 10, Mar 26, and May 17, 9:00 AM–12:00 PM each day. You can choose full-year bundle pricing if you know you'll use most or all of the days, or pay per date if you only need one or two.
What if I only want one or two Days Off dates, not all six?
That's exactly what the à la carte option is for — you're not required to buy the full bundle. Pick just the dates you need, or choose the bundle if you'd rather lock in the whole year at once.
What programs are we offering this fall?
Programs run Pre-K through 12th grade, weekly, right after school:
Monday
U-Project — High School, 1:45–3:00 PM
DP Ambassadors — Grades 5–10, 4:00–5:00 PM (invite only)
Earth & Beyond — Grades 3–5, 4:00–4:45 PM (6-week session)
Tuesday
Slumber Stories — Ages 3–5, 10:00–10:30 AM
Storybook Club — Grades K–2, 4:00–5:00 PM
Sparks Open Studio — Grades 7–8, 3:30–5:00 PM
Wednesday(this is what "Wednesday Full Day" bundles together)
Sparks Create — Grades 3–4, 1:30–3:00 PM, then Sparks Play — same group, 3:30–5:00 PM
Sparks Play — Grades 5–6, 1:30–3:00 PM, then Sparks Create — same group, 3:30–5:00 PM
Thursday
After the Bell: Study Stars — Grades 7–10, 3:15–5:00 PM
Sparks Open Studio — Grades 9–12, 3:30–5:00 PM
Common Threads — Grades 7–10, time TBD
Story Lab — Grades 3–5, 4:30–6:00 PM
Financial Literacy — Grades 9–12, 5:30–6:30 PM
Friday
After the Bell: HS Edition — Grades 9–12, 3:15–5:00 PM
Fellowship Friday — Grades 7–12, 3:30–5:00 PM (invite only)
I'm having trouble registering, who do I contact?
Reach out to us directly at info@dannys-place.org or call 978-264-9754 and we'll walk you through it. If something in the system looks broken rather than confusing, screenshots help us fix it faster.
Is there a scholarship or financial aid option?
Yes. We offer scholarship support and never want cost to be the reason a family says no. Contact us directly at info@dannys-place.org to talk through what's available this is handled individually, not through the online store.
After-School Programs for Little Ones (Ages 3-5)
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Slumber Stories is a cozy, story-based social-emotional learning program where children build emotional awareness, confidence, and connection through guided experiences with Slumberkins(TM) characters. Each session centers around a themed story featuring characters like Sloth, Otter, or Bigfoot paired with gentle reflection, discussion, and calming activities. In a nurturing, low-stimulation environment, children explore feelings, relationships, and self-expression while developing practical tools for emotional regulation and everyday challenges.
Skills Learned
• Emotional Awareness and Self-Regulation
• Empathy and Listening & Comprehension
• Mindfulness & Presence
Schedule: 10-10:30 AM
After-School Programs for Elementary-Aged Youth (Grades K-6)
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Storybook Club is an immersive literacy and imagination program where stories come to life through read-alouds, creative activities, and interactive play. Each session is thoughtfully designed and led by youth leaders, creating a dynamic environment where younger participants build early literacy skills, confidence, and connection. Through shared storytelling experiences, children explore themes like friendship, courage, and kindness in ways that feel engaging, meaningful, and fun.
Skills Learned
• Early Literacy and Comprehension
• Communication and Empathy
• Creativity and Imagination
Schedule: Tuesdays 4:00–5:00 PM
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Sparks Create is a joyful, youth-centered creative exploration program designed to help children discover and express their unique inner “spark.” Through open-ended arts experiences and guided play, participants build confidence, self-awareness, and a sense of belonging in a supportive, judgment-free environment. The program emphasizes creativity as a pathway to personal growth, emotional wellness, and purpose.
Skills Learned
• Creative Thinking
• Perspective Taking
• Emotional Expression
• Self-Awareness
• Collaboration
• Cognitive Flexibility
Schedule: Wednesdays
1:30-3:00 PM Grades 3-4
3:30-5:00 PM Grades 5-6
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Sparks Play is a play-based program where children explore, connect, and grow through experiences shaped by their interests and guided by skilled facilitators. Rooted in the understanding that play is a child’s natural language, the program creates space for imagination, collaboration, and self-directed discovery. Within this environment, participants build meaningful relationships and develop the confidence to navigate both social and personal challenges.
Skills Learned
• Communication and Cooperation
• Emotional Regulation and Perspective Taking
• Self-Advocacy and Problem-Solving
Schedule: Wednesdays
1:30-3:00 PM Grades 5-6
3:30-5:00 PM Grades 3-4
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Story Lab is a 14-week creative writing workshop for students in grades 3–5 who have stories they are excited to tell. Through small-group instruction, guided writing time, peer feedback, and encouragement from an instructor, participants learn the building blocks of storytelling and develop their own original short story or chapter book. Participants choose the topics, characters, and worlds they want to explore while learning how to turn an idea into a complete story. By the end of the workshop, every participant will have created a finished piece of writing from scratch and gained greater confidence in their voice as a writer.
Skills Learned
• Creative Writing & Storytelling
• Character & Setting Development
• Plot & Story Structure
• Creative Problem-Solving
• Descriptive Writing
• Giving & Receiving Feedback
• Revision & Editing
• Communication & Self-Expression
Schedule: Thursdays 4:30-6:00 PM
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Earth & Beyond is a six-session, hands-on science program that invites students in grades 3–5 to explore one big question: What makes a planet capable of supporting life, and how do we protect life on the one we call home? Through interactive lessons and activities, students investigate the sun, water, planetary systems, and the ways scientists search for and monitor signs of life. The program makes space and Earth science tangible and engaging, giving young learners opportunities to explore scientific questions, make observations, and think like scientists. Sessions are NGSS-aligned and led by trained teen instructors through a partnership with Earth & Beyond, creating an opportunity for students to learn from role models who are only a few years ahead of them.
Skills Learned
• Scientific Observation & Inquiry
• Questioning & Critical Thinking
• Hands-On Investigation
• Evidence-Based Reasoning
• Problem-Solving
• STEM Communication
• Environmental Awareness
Schedule: Mondays 4:00-4:45 PM (*six weeks only)
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DP Ambassadors are a cohort of elementary, middle, and early high school youth who support Danny’s Place programs through positive presence, peer connection, and youth voice. Serving as near-peer role models, DP Ambassadors help create welcoming, inclusive, and engaging environments for younger participants by modeling kindness, curiosity, and playfulness in action.
In addition to supporting programs, DP Ambassadors serve as a youth advisory council, offering insight, feedback, and perspective on the needs, interests, and experiences of young people in the community. Through this dual role, Ambassadors develop confidence, responsibility, and a strong sense of belonging as contributors to the Danny’s Place culture.
Skills Learned
• Peer Leadership
• Communication
• Active Listening
• Emotional Awareness
• Responsibility & Initiative
• Collaboration
• Youth Advocacy & Voice
Schedule: Mondays 4-5 PM
After-School Programs for Junior High Aged Teens (Grades 7-8)
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Sparks Open Studio is a flexible, open-ended creative experience where participants in junior high come together to imagine, build, and play. Designed as a shared exploration space, participants are invited to experiment with materials, tools, and creative prompts that encourage curiosity, collaboration, and hands-on discovery. Rooted in the belief that creativity thrives through freedom and exploration, this space is intentionally unstructured, allowing participants to follow their ideas, try new approaches, and engage in meaningful creative play at their own pace.
Skills Learned
• Creativity & Imagination
• Collaboration
• Problem-Solving
• Fine Motor Skills
• Communication
• Flexible Thinking
• Curiosity & Exploration
Schedule: Tuesday - 3:30-5:00PM
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After the Bell is a supportive homework and study program for students in grades 7–10. In partnership with Open Door Education, students have access to a calm, welcoming space where they can complete homework, ask questions, and build productive study habits. The program combines structured study time with peer accountability and educator support, helping students develop confidence, consistency, and independence in their academic work.
Skills Learned:
• Organization & Time Management
• Study Skills & Academic Habits
• Self-Advocacy & Help-Seeking
• Focus & Accountability
• Communication & Collaboration
• Confidence & Independence
Schedule: Thursdays 3:15–5:00 PM
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Common Threads is an affirming after-school program where LGBTQ+ youth and allies explore identity, connection, and self-care in a supportive community. Through creative expression, guided conversation, and shared activities, participants build a stronger sense of self while developing meaningful relationships with peers. The program creates space for young people to feel seen, supported, and empowered to express who they are.
Partnership with Prism Collective
Skills Learned
• Self-Awareness and Self-Advocacy
• Emotional Expression and Perspective Taking
• Communication and Relationship-Building
Schedule: Thursday 3:30-4:30 PM
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DP Ambassadors are a cohort of elementary, middle, and early high school youth who support Danny’s Place programs through positive presence, peer connection, and youth voice. Serving as near-peer role models, DP Ambassadors help create welcoming, inclusive, and engaging environments for younger participants by modeling kindness, curiosity, and playfulness in action.
In addition to supporting programs, DP Ambassadors serve as a youth advisory council, offering insight, feedback, and perspective on the needs, interests, and experiences of young people in the community. Through this dual role, Ambassadors develop confidence, responsibility, and a strong sense of belonging as contributors to the Danny’s Place culture.
Skills Learned
• Peer Leadership
• Communication
• Active Listening
• Emotional Awareness
• Responsibility & Initiative
• Collaboration
• Youth Advocacy & Voice
Schedule: Mondays 4-5 PM
After-School Programs for High School Aged Teens (Grades 9-12)
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After the Bell: High School Edition is a supportive academic space designed to help teens manage the increasing demands of high school with greater confidence, independence, and intention. In partnership with Open Door Education, participants begin each session with 15 minutes of intentional skill-building focused on practical strategies for planning, organization, time management, task initiation, study habits, and self-monitoring. Participants then transition into focused work blocks where they can apply these strategies to their own schoolwork with educator support and peer accountability. The program also creates space for participants to reflect on their weekly progress, recognize what is working, and make adjustments that help school feel more manageable.
Skills Learned
• Planning & Prioritization
• Organization & Time Management
• Task Initiation & Follow-Through
• Study Habits & Work Routines
• Self-Monitoring & Reflection
• Problem-Solving & Strategy Selection
• Self-Advocacy & Help-Seeking
• Independence & Confidence
Schedule: Fridays 3:15–5:00 PM
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Financial Literacy is a practical, youth-focused program designed to help high school students build the knowledge and confidence they need to make informed financial decisions. Presented in partnership with Northern Bank, the program uses real-world examples, scenarios, and guest insights to introduce students to budgeting, saving, banking, credit, borrowing, and paycheck management. By developing healthy money habits early, participants gain tools that can support their education, careers, personal goals, and long-term financial well-being.
Skills Learned
• Budgeting & Money Management
• Saving & Financial Planning
• Banking & Credit Literacy
• Decision-Making & Problem-Solving
• Paycheck & Expense Management
• Future Financial Planning
Schedule: Thursday - 5:30 - 6:30 -
Sparks Open Studio is a flexible, open-ended creative experience where participants in junior high come together to imagine, build, and play. Designed as a shared exploration space, participants are invited to experiment with materials, tools, and creative prompts that encourage curiosity, collaboration, and hands-on discovery. Rooted in the belief that creativity thrives through freedom and exploration, this space is intentionally unstructured, allowing participants to follow their ideas, try new approaches, and engage in meaningful creative play at their own pace.
Skills Learned
• Creativity & Imagination
• Collaboration
• Problem-Solving
• Fine Motor Skills
• Communication
• Flexible Thinking
• Curiosity & Exploration
Schedule: Thursdays 3:30-5:00 PM
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Common Threads is an affirming after-school program where LGBTQ+ youth and allies explore identity, connection, and self-care in a supportive community. Through creative expression, guided conversation, and shared activities, participants build a stronger sense of self while developing meaningful relationships with peers. The program creates space for young people to feel seen, supported, and empowered to express who they are.
Partnership with Prism Collective
Schedule: Thursdays TBD Time
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U-Project is a youth-driven initiative where high school students design and launch passion projects that create meaningful impact in their communities. With access to funding, mentorship, and dedicated support, participants turn their ideas into tangible, real-world outcomes, from creative installations to innovative solutions. The program empowers teens to take ownership of their vision, develop leadership skills, and leave a lasting mark that extends beyond their time in the program.
Skills Learned
• Leadership & Initiative
• Project Planning & Management
• Creative Problem-Solving
• Communication & Pitching
• Adaptability & Resilience
• Purpose Development
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The Danny’s Place Leadership Fellowship is an immersive summer experience designed to help teens grow as authentic, community-centered leaders. Through interactive training, hands-on field experience, and mentorship, participants develop the skills and confidence to lead with empathy, purpose, and intention. Rooted in the belief that leadership begins with self-awareness and connection, the fellowship empowers youth to use their voice, support others, and make meaningful contributions to their community.
Skills Learned
• Leadership & Facilitation
• Communication & Active Listening
• Self-Awareness & Reflection
• Collaboration & Team Dynamics
• Initiative & Responsibility
• Mentorship & Peer Support
Schedule: 3:30-5:00 PM
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After the Bell is a supportive homework and study program for students in grades 7–10. In partnership with Open Door Education, students have access to a calm, welcoming space where they can complete homework, ask questions, and build productive study habits. The program combines structured study time with peer accountability and educator support, helping students develop confidence, consistency, and independence in their academic work.
Skills Learned
• Organization & Time Management
• Study Skills & Academic Habits
• Self-Advocacy & Help-Seeking
• Focus & Accountability
• Communication & Collaboration
• Confidence & Independence
Schedule: Thursdays 3:15–5:00 PM
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DP Ambassadors are a cohort of elementary, middle, and early high school youth who support Danny’s Place programs through positive presence, peer connection, and youth voice. Serving as near-peer role models, DP Ambassadors help create welcoming, inclusive, and engaging environments for younger participants by modeling kindness, curiosity, and playfulness in action.
In addition to supporting programs, DP Ambassadors serve as a youth advisory council, offering insight, feedback, and perspective on the needs, interests, and experiences of young people in the community. Through this dual role, Ambassadors develop confidence, responsibility, and a strong sense of belonging as contributors to the Danny’s Place culture.
Skills Learned
• Peer Leadership
• Communication
• Active Listening
• Emotional Awareness
• Responsibility & Initiative
• Collaboration
• Youth Advocacy & Voice
Schedule: Mondays 4-5 PM
Days Off at Danny’s Place!
Reliable, enriching coverage when school’s out.
6 Days-Off spots
Safe, joyful supervision from 9am-12pm