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 3-5 years old

preschool programs Acton; early SEL

  • Ready, Set, Reinvent — Slow & Steady


    Story + craft time to ease into community

    A 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

  • 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

  • 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

After-School Programs for Elementary Kids

elementary kids playing outside Danny's Plce

  • 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

    • Schedule: Mondays 4:00–5:00 PM

  • 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

  • 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

  • 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

  • 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

Teens after school enrichment programs_Danny's Place

  • 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

  • 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

  • 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)

  • 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

  • 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

After-School Programs for High School Teens

teen peer support in Acton

  • 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)

  • 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 3:15–4:30 PM

  • 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

  • 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

Days Off Membership

We got exciting news! Kids get to enjoy 8 half-days of themed activities, games, and creative fun on school days off!

Fall Registration

All Fall Programs will be open for registration on Tuesday, August 21, 2025. 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.

Please note that there are several programs available by application only; those applications will also be available on August 21st, and there is no fee for those programs. 

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.

  • Use the code fullscholarship to enroll for free through our community-supported Scholarship Program.