Something I recently learned from a friend with a six-year-old and another baby on the way: Good after-school programs for kids are like gold to working moms + dads.

We collaborated with Columbia SC Mom’s Blog to round up a list of 13 after-school care programs for children in the Midlands – from arts + education to sports + exploration. 📝🥋

City of Columbia Parks + Rec’s After-School Program | sports, games, arts, field trips; snacks provided | ages 6-12 | $30/week per child | multiple City park locations

Club EdVenture | education-based programming with age-appropriate activities for creativity and self-expression, problem-solving, academic achievement, fitness + nutrition, and homework help | $50/week per child | 11 elementary school locations + 1 middle school location

YMCA of Columbia: Richland County School District One Y-Club Afterschool | healthy snacks, physical fitness time, homework help (including STEM) + social time/games | elementary ages | $36/week per child + $25 annual registration fee | multiple Richland One elementary school locations

Sunshine House Before + After-School programs | arts, academic, technology and fitness experiences + homework support | fees vary | 8 Columbia centers that work with local schools

Irmo Chapin Recreation Center Afternoon Safari | afternoon snack, homework time, arts & crafts, reading, character building exercises, games | ages 5-14 | $12-50/week per child | five Irmo/Chapin elementary school locations

Boys and Girls Club of the Midlands Be Great Academy | homework help + nutritious snack, 25 programs in Character & Leadership Development, Education & Career Development, Sports/Fitness & Recreation, Health & Life Skills, and Arts | fees vary | multiple local school campuses

Chesterbrook Academy Before & After School | sports, games, arts + crafts, homework | ages 5-12 | 1050 Wildewood Centre Dr.

Big Blue Marble Academy Passport to Adventure Club | learn foreign languages + cultures, leadership skills, arts + more | elementary ages | four Lexington One schools

Empire Gymnastics After School | homework help or reading, games, open gym time, outside play, snacks + crafts | $60/week | pickup from six Lexington schools | 116 S. Lake Ct., Lexington

All Star Gymnastics Irmo After School Program | healthy snacks, homework help, gymnastics exercise + games | $60/week or $15/day | serves Lexington/Richland School District Five | 4046-D Fernandina Rd.

Kicking Kids After-School Program | karate classes + self-esteem building | $79/week per child + $99 one-time enrollment fee + $39 one-time supply fee | picks up from 11 schools | 2263 Sunset Blvd., West Columbia

Lexington After School Karate Program with Columbia Martial Arts & Fitness | karate classes, goal setting + self-esteem building | 293 Two Notch Rd., Lexington