Free and Cheap After-School Programs in Westchester and the Hudson Valley

After-school programs are a great way for Westchester and Hudson Valley kids to learn new skills, get help with their homework, and have fun with their friends. These programs are also essential for working and commuting parents. 

To help, we’ve rounded up a handful of after-school programs in Westchester and the Hudson Valley that can be a great starting point. Even better—all the programs listed here are either FREE or on the less-expensive side.

For even more after-school programs, check out our full Classes Guide for Westchester Kids and our Back to School Guide. 

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RELATED: Awesome Dance Classes for Kids in Westchester

The Boys and Girls Club of New Rochelle offers after-school programs for schools in New Rochelle, Mamaroneck, and Ossining. 

Free and Cheap After-School Programs in Westchester

1. Boys & Girls Club of New Rochelle – New Rochelle

The Remington Clubhouse Afterschool Program is offered by the Boys and Girls Club of New Rochelle grades K-12. Kids can try their hand at everything from STEM, arts & crafts, and sports to Boys and Girls Club–specific programs like Smart Girls. The program is $2,475 for the entire school year for 5 days a week from 3-6pm. 

2. Healthy Kids Program – Mount Vernon, Yonkers, Ossining, Peekskill

This state-wide program offers both before- and after-school care for kids starting in pre-k up through 12 years old in specific schools in districts throughout the county. Parents can choose to send their child any number of days of the school week, with care provided until 6pm. The cost is $125/week ($135/week in Yonkers) for the full week, with a discount for siblings, as well as for families who meet specific criteria.

3. Rye YMCA – Rye

In the After School Adventures program at the Rye Y, elementary schoolers can take part in a variety of activities—from arts and crafts to help with homework—from 3-5 days a week after school. For Rye families, there is bussing directly from the elementary schools. The cost for 5 days a week is $629 per month for members, and there is financial aid offered, if applicable. Rye isn’t the only Y in the area to offer an after-school program: The White Plains YWCA, the Community YMCA in North Salem, and the New Rochelle YMCA all have programs, too. 

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The Goal Program offers fun and engaging after-school programs for Westchester kids.

4. The Goal Program – Yonkers 

While many after-school programs are just for elementary schoolers, this Yonkers-based program offers care for kids through 7th grade. The hours run until 6pm, and you can do as few as 2 days a week to as many as 5, at a cost of $105 per week for the full week. There is free bussing from Yonkers elementary schools, and activities include painting, poetry, reading and, of course, help with homework.

5. Municipal After-School Programs – Westchester

A number of cities, towns, and villages throughout Westchester offer programs either through the town itself or the school district. For example, the White Plains Youth Bureau offers The After School Connection every day until 6pm (there’s a 6:30pm pick-up option as well) for $394 per month, with aid available. Dobbs Ferry has a program through its recreation department. And in Mount Vernon, there are various programs offered, including the Safe Haven After School Program. and the Y-COP Afterschool Program.

Free and Cheap After-School Programs in the Hudson Valley

6. Rockland YMCA – Nyack

The Rockland County YMCA provides after-school programs for kids in six school districts in Rockland County. The programs run every day from school dismissal until 6pm to accommodate working and commuting parents. Children are empowered through indoor/outdoor activities, creative arts, homework help, and cooperative games. A healthy snack is also served. Tuition varies, but tuition assistance grants are available based on need. 

7. Kite's Nest – Hudson

Kite's Nest offers FREE youth after-school programs with priority given to students in the Hudson City School District. The Youth Afterschool Program (ages 7-14) includes Tuesday Roots & Rebels Garden Club and Wednesday Arts Under the Sun workshop. An SJLA Arts Lab is offered each semester for teenagers 13+.

8. The Town of Wallkill Boys & Girls Club – Wallkill

The Town of Wallkill Boy & Girls Club offers after-school programs at nine locations throughout Northern Orange and Sullivan Counties, with activities including sports, arts, health & life skills, and more. The program is $250 per month for 4-5 days a week.  

9. The YMCA of Kingston and Ulster County – Kingston

The YMCA offers before- and after-school programs in multiple towns throughout Ulster County. Daily activities include homework help, gym games, outdoor play, arts & crafts, puzzles & games, and STEAM. The after-school program is $415 per month for 5 days a week. Subsidies are also available based on financial need.  

10. City of Kingston Parks & Rec – Kingston

The City of Kingston Parks and Recreation Department supports two FREE drop-in afterschool programs at the Everette Hodge Community Center and the Rondout Neighborhood Center. Children do group activities, receive homework help, read books, hang out with friends, and have an afterschool meal.  

Originally published in 2019. Photos courtesy of the programs