Five City of Sacramento community centers run a free after-school program for elementary kids (Rec Express) and a free one for teens (Teen Scene), every weekday after school. Both need a registration before the first visit, and both close on school and city holidays. Here is each one, plus the free leadership program and open gyms.
Rec Express, ages 6 to 12
Homework help, arts and crafts, games and STEAM activities, led by city staff. Free.
- George Sim Community Center: weekdays from 2:15 pm to 6:00 pm (times vary by session).
- Mims/Hagginwood Community Center: weekdays, 3:00 to 6:00 pm.
- Oak Park Community Center: weekdays from 2:00 pm to 6:00 pm (times vary by session).
- Pannell Meadowview Community Center: weekdays, 3:00 to 6:00 pm.
- South Natomas Community Center: ages 6 to 11, weekdays 3:00 to 6:00 pm, following the Natomas Unified calendar. A photo ID is required at pickup.
Teen Scene, ages 12 or 13 to 17
A free drop-in space for teens with homework help, games, sports and workshops, weekdays from 3:00 to 6:00 pm.
- George Sim and Mims/Hagginwood: ages 13 to 17.
- Oak Park and South Natomas: ages 12 to 17.
- Pannell Meadowview: ages 13 to 17, through December 18.
Leadership, workshops and open gyms
- Young Leaders of Tomorrow at George Sim (Mondays and Wednesdays) or at Mims/Hagginwood (Tuesdays and Thursdays), 4:00 to 6:00 pm, for ages 10 to 12. Free, with a $150 stipend for finishing. Kids must live inside Sacramento city limits.
- Teen Career Workshops in North Natomas: free Friday workshops, 5:00 to 6:00 pm, for ages 13 to 18.
- Teen Volleyball Open Gym at Pannell Meadowview: Thursdays, 3:00 to 6:00 pm, ages 13 to 17, free.
- Youth Basketball Open Gym from North Highlands Recreation and Park District: Tuesdays, 6:30 to 8:30 pm, at Ridgepoint Park, ages 9 to 15, free.
A paid option in Carmichael
- Kids' Hangout After School Program at La Sierra Community Center: kindergarten through 8th grade, weekdays 2:00 to 6:00 pm, $95 to $110 a week, with all-day add-on days on San Juan Unified days off.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are there free after-school programs in Sacramento?
Yes. Rec Express (ages 6 to 12) and Teen Scene (teens) are free at five City of Sacramento community centers: George Sim, Mims/Hagginwood, Oak Park, Pannell Meadowview and South Natomas.
Do I have to register for Rec Express or Teen Scene?
Yes. Each center asks families to register before a kid attends. The programs are free, but space can be first come, first served.
What time does Rec Express end?
6:00 pm at every center. Start times run from 2:00 to 3:00 pm depending on the center.
Is there a paid after-school program with longer days off coverage?
Carmichael Recreation and Park District's Kids' Hangout runs weekdays 2:00 to 6:00 pm for $95 to $110 a week and adds 7:30 am to 2:00 pm days when San Juan Unified schools are closed.