Homeschool Extracurricular Activities: 29+ Creative Ideas and Terrific Tips for Fantastic Fun
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Homeschool extracurricular activities are awesome ways to boost learning and more. Your kids will benefit so much from having things to do outside of your homeschooling adventures.
If you're stuck in ideas or need some tips to get started, check out these 29+ creative extracurricular activities for homeschoolers.
Why Homeschool Extracurricular Activities Rock
Homeschooling families can add more excitement to their school year by choosing extracurricular activities. There are many different types of activities to choose that can be tailored to fit each child's interests and strengths. Whether you're interested in the arts, athletics, or academics, there's something for everyone!
The arts, such as music and theater, is a great way to get involved. Try signing your homeschooler up for private lessons for an instrument or voice. It's even possible to find homeschool music groups that give performances.
Classes, such as ballet or tap dancing, also make for fun extracurricular activities.
And don't forget about the visual arts! You can find art classes specifically designed for homeschoolers or choose to take your child to a local museum and set out on an educational project of your own.
Sports and athletics are other great extracurricular activities. Try joining a local team or sports leagues, such as soccer or baseball. You can also find out if your local public school allows homeschoolers to participate.
If your child is more of an individualist, you can set up a schedule for them to do yoga or martial arts.
I'm sharing these ideas to give you inspiration for exploring different kinds of extracurricular activities homeschool students may enjoy. I hope that it helps your student to find an activity that sparks their creativity and inspires them!
29+ Creative Homeschool Extracurricular Activities
As you go through this list of ideas for extra curricular activities for your homeschooler, make note of ones that you think would be a hit. I encourage you to go over all of these ideas with your student and get their feedback. You may be surprised at what sparks their interest!
Oh, and don't forget that field trips, travel, and other such activities are great ways to incorporate extracurricular involvement, as well as provide unique opportunities, in your home education program.
1. Wood Working
One of the more popular homeschool extracurricular activities for older students is wood working. Wood working does not need to be an expensive hobby. Plus, your child will be learning valuable skills that can used throughout life for home repair, gifts, and more.
If your student is interested in this activity, you can visit a local flea market and look for old furniture that he or she could salvage and use as craft material.
2. Debate Team
Another homeschool extracurricular activity is debate. If your student loves to speak his or her mind, debate club could be a fun choice! This activity can also open up doors to college if they're interested in going. Wonderful way to develop leadership skills for home schoolers!
You'll probably need to find a local school district or homeschool co-op that provides this type of opportunity. If that's not option, look for online options.
3. Writing Club for Homeschool Extracurricular Activities
A creative way to include extracurricular activities is through a writing club. This type of club provides a safe space for your student to write on his or her own time while teaching the benefits of peer editing.
Outschool is a fantastic place to find a writing club that's appropriate for your child's age. Browse all online english classes on Outschool. You can find other online options (like Storymakers) and in-person clubs.
4. Community Service
One homeschool extracurricular activity that is becoming more and more popular with parents is community service.
This choice not only teaches your student about helping others, but it can also help him or her build character skills important in adulthood.
5. Bible Study
Another homeschool extracurricular activity that can be fun for the whole family is a church-based bible study. Take a look at your local churches and see what they have to offer. If your student is interested in religious studies, then he or she may enjoy learning about different religions as well.
6. Choir
Homeschool extracurricular activities can also include music. If your child is interested in singing, choir may be a great choice for them. This activity is an especially good fit if your kid is looking to participate in community events, like holiday concerts or singing competitions.
Check out Outschool's online music classes for even more options!
7. Gardening
A popular extracurricular activity for homeschoolers is gardening. Gardening can be a great way to teach your student about fresh food and the environment. Many local community gardens would love for more families to get involved.
8. Homeschool Extracurricular Activities featuring Sports
For some homeschoolers, it’s all about sports activities! Physical education classes (and community opportunities) are wonderful ways to boost your homeschooled student.
If your student loves being active and is interested in a certain sport, try to find a way for him or her to participate in sports programs, especially for high schoolers.
Maybe your home school student could join the local soccer or basketball team (some public schools allow homeschoolers to participate in sports-like our local middle and high school-ask!). You could also look for homeschool-specific sports teams near you.
Also, Outschool has some online health and wellness classes to explore.
There are SO many sports to consider, like:
- Soccer (our favorite!)
- Football
- Volleyball
- Cross country
- Track & field
- Basketball
- Baseball
- Softball
- Wrestling
- Tennis
- Equestrian
- Swimming & diving
- Lacrosse
- Gymnastics
- Cheerleading
- Hockey (ice, roller, street, field)
- Dance
- Archery
9. Reading Club
Another creative way to add extracurricular activities is through a reading club. This choice can be a fun opportunity for your student and family to come together, read some quality literature, and have discussions about it.
Visit a nearby bookstore and ask about their book club selections to get started.
10. Dance or Gymnastics for Homeschool Extracurricular Activities
If your student is interested in dance or gymnastics, then consider signing him or her up for classes nearby. These activities are fun and healthy plus provide structure and social interaction. Many activity centers offer these kinds of extracurricular programs where children are grouped based on age level.
11. Gaming
For some homeschoolers, extracurricular activities might include gaming and/or coding. If your student is interested in video games and computers, there are many online communities where he or she can connect with other gamers and develop friendships.
Again, Outschool has some amazing options for online coding classes and more.
12. Theater
If your student is interested in acting or performing, then consider attending the local community theater’s auditions. There are also many homeschool-specific theater groups where they can learn more about theater and develop their skills!
And there's more to theater than acting! Your child might be interested in set design, costumes, make-up, and other support roles.
13. Baking for Homeschool Extracurricular Activities
An activity that encompasses math, science, and the arts is baking.
If your student is interested in cooking or trying out new things in the kitchen, then consider signing him or her up for classes at a local culinary school!
Need an online option? Make sure to check out Outschool for life skills classes 😉
14. Business Skills
If your student is interested in business, maybe he or she should start their own small business. You may just have a lil' entrepreneur!
Consider hosting a lemonade stand by your house one summer and see what kind of response you get. Your homeschooler can also look for opportunities to host bake sales with the help and guidance of you and his or her siblings.
15. Chess Club for Homeschool Extracurricular Activities
If your child enjoys strategy games like chess at home, why not look for a chess club nearby?
This choice can be a great way to meet other families and develop friendships. Your student may even enjoy it so much that they want to try out competitive chess!
Outschool offers a variety of chess classes and groups for beginners and up.
16. Youth Group
If your student is interested in becoming more involved with the local community, then look into youth groups near you.
Youth groups are often partnered up with churches and can be a great way for your child to learn about Christianity and other religions through interactive activities.
Your kids also may be interested in joining some well-known youth groups such as Girl Scouts, Boy Scouts, 4H, or even going to summer camp!
17. Lego Club
If your child likes building with Legos at home, try to find a Lego club nearby. These are great for developing creative thinking skills and having fun!
You can find a wide variety of Lego clubs and classes on Outschool, too.
18. Karate
Another activity that may be of interest to your student is karate (or other martial art). This option is a great way to learn self-defense skills in an organized environment where he or she can socialize with other students.
19. Foreign Language
If your child is interested in learning a new language, why not look for a foreign language club nearby? Or a foreign language class online? Browse all world language classes on Outschool.
A foreign language can be taught as any other subject at home, but joining an extracurricular group may give students the motivation and opportunity to speak another language with other people.
20. Sign Language
If your student is interested in sign language, they can learn ASL online or find a local class being offered. An ASL class would be a great opportunity to learn more about disabilities and communicate with other students who may know sign language.
21. Drawing Clubs
As another creative outlet, the visual arts can be incorporated into extracurricular activities.
If your student is an aspiring artist, consider looking for a drawing club near you or joining an online drawing community. This choice can give students the opportunity to show off their artistic abilities and learn from other artists around the world.
Browse all online art classes on Outschool now!
22. Art Classes and Crafting
Another great way for your student to express their creativity is with arts and crafts. If your student enjoys creating art at home, he or she might enjoy joining an art studio or craft club near you.
This option can be a great activity for siblings to do together as well.
23. Communications
For some homeschooling families, extracurricular activities may include learning about communication. If your student is interested in journalism or public speaking, he or she may want to look for an online writing community or find opportunities to give speeches or presentations.
24. Music Lessons for Homeschool Extracurricular Activities
If your student is interested in exploring and pursuing music, you can look for classes at club centers and private instructors near you. This activity is a great way to develop creativity and confidence.
You can also expose your child to a variety of different types of music and try something new together.
25. Cooking
If your student loves to eat and experiment with food, then cooking classes may be a great choice. Depending on the age of your student, you can look for kids cooking classes at schools or homeschool groups that meet to learn more about cooking together.
26. Technology
Technology is an important part of many people's lives, so including it in your child's homeschool day may be beneficial for them. Consider looking for online coding classes or technology classes near you to get started.
27. Photography
If your child has a creative eye, you can look near you (or online) for photography classes and clubs. These activities will give students the chance to show off their skills and learn more about photography as an art form.
28. Life Skills Classes for Homeschool Extracurricular Activities
You may want to include life skills classes in your homeschool day.
These types of classes can be any sort, but some examples are cooking classes, first aid courses, and financial literacy. These courses can be taught on their own as part of your student's daily homeschooling schedule or incorporated into extracurricular activities for a more well-rounded learning experience.
29. Swimming
Swimming is an important skill for many people, both young and old. If your student is interested in swimming, look for local swimming classes or clubs near you! Swimming can help students develop strength and confidence while having fun in the water with their peers.
More Ideas & Tips for Homeschool Extracurricular Activities
No matter what your child's interests, there's sure to be an extracurricular activity that can help them explore it further. With such a wide variety of activities available, homeschool parents can find something for everyone! As a homeschool mom, you'll love how your kids can make new friends and more.
There are many different activities to explore and choose. Each activity will expose your student to unique skills and cultures. Oh, and don't forget - these activities look great on your student's college application.
No matter what activities you choose, be sure to take advantage of the time you get to spend with your student and pursue activities that they enjoy! These opportunities for homeschool families can boost morale, academic eligibility, additional requirements, and give students a more balanced education.
If none of the above ideas interest your student, you can also take a look at extracurricular clubs or classes offered through your local community center or college. Many colleges and club centers offer educational classes to the public for a low cost or even free.
With so many extracurricular activities available, homeschoolers are sure to find one that ignites their passions.
Which of these homeschool extracurricular activities do you think your students will like the most? And what ideas (like animal care) would you add to this list?
These are the must have activities for childs