Opening a kids club might sound overwhelming, but once you break it down, you’ll realize it’s totally doable—even if you’ve never run anything like this before. First thing you want to nail? What makes a kids club awesome in the first place. Kids have short attention spans, so the club has to be fun, safe, and packed with things that actually interest them. But there’s more to it than just games and crafts.
If you run something after school, parents are going to care way more about safety than your choice of board games. You’ll need clear rules, background checks for staff, and a mapped-out emergency plan. Honestly, the best clubs are the ones that mix fun with structure. Imagine the energy of a playground, just with more supervision and less chaos. Sound good? Great, because it’s totally possible—with the right prep.
- What Makes a Great Kids Club?
- Legal Steps and Safety Musts
- Choosing the Right Space and Equipment
- Building Your Dream Activity List
- Getting Kids and Parents on Board
What Makes a Great Kids Club?
Let’s get real: if your kids club is just a bland room with a few plastic toys, kids aren’t going to want to hang out after school. You want buzz—the kind of club where kids drag their parents in, not the other way around. A open kids club should be the perfect mix of fun, safety, and flexibility so kids actually enjoy coming and parents feel good about it.
Research from the Afterschool Alliance found that kids in engaging clubs were more likely to build strong social skills, stay active, and even do better in school. Parents care about those outcomes, almost as much as their child's daily safety. Here’s a quote that sums it up:
"A successful after-school club is one where safety and creativity go hand-in-hand—kids stay engaged because they feel included, valued, and supported." — National AfterSchool Association
So, what goes into a club that kids actually love?
- Variety is key. Rotate activities—think sports, crafts, STEM, cooking, and drama. Kids get bored fast, so keep things fresh.
- Staff make a huge difference. Friendly faces who actually like being around kids are a must, not just people looking to clock out.
- Easy rules and clear safety routines. No one wants chaos or mystery when it comes to their kid's safety.
- Space that works for everyone. Bright, open, with places to move and corners for quiet time. The space shapes the energy of your club.
- Opportunity to make friends. Clubs are the social sandbox where kids feel they belong.
If you're trying to win over both parents and kids, check out these data points on what families care about in an after-school club:
| Feature | Percent of Parents Who Rated It as "Very Important" |
|---|---|
| Safety Policies | 91% |
| Staff Qualifications | 86% |
| Variety of Activities | 78% |
| Location Convenience | 65% |
| Cost | 54% |
Bottom line: a great kids club doesn’t just keep children busy after school—it gives them a place to grow, create, and feel at home. Make it safe, make it fun, keep listening to what kids want, and you’ll have a club that’s always buzzing.
Legal Steps and Safety Musts
If you’re thinking about how to open kids club, the legal stuff comes first, always. Don’t even think about handing out snacks until you’re legal and covered. Most places require you to register the club as a small business or nonprofit. You’ll need a business license from your city or county. Some spots also call for a zoning permit if you’re using a building not already approved for childcare.
Next up: liability insurance. You need this. Stuff happens—kids fall, a kickball hits a window, someone has a nut allergy. Insurance protects you from lawsuits and scary bills. As of early 2025, the average liability insurance for a small kids activity club in the U.S. costs between $50 and $100 per month, but prices can vary by state.
- Run background checks on every adult in your club. This builds trust—and in most states, it’s the law.
- Get written permission for each child to join. That form should cover allergy info, emergency contacts, and pick-up details.
- Find out your state’s staff-to-child ratio. Most require at least 1 adult for every 10 kids for after-school programs, but check your local laws. Some states are stricter for ages 5 and under.
Let’s talk safety gear—make sure you have first aid kits (plural, not just one), fire extinguishers, and clear emergency exits. You should also post rules for parents and kids where everyone can see. If you plan to serve food, look up local food handling rules—sometimes you’ll need someone on staff with a food handler’s card.
| Safety Must-Do | Why It Matters |
|---|---|
| Background checks | Keeps kids safe, builds parent trust |
| Liability insurance | Protects finances in accidents |
| Emergency contacts on file | Quick response in emergencies |
| First aid certified staff | Proper help if kids get hurt |
| Documented rules/policies | Avoid misunderstandings, keep things clear |
Get this part right, and you’ll win parents’ confidence before you even hang the first poster on your wall. Safety isn’t just paperwork—it’s the backbone of every cool, chaos-free club.
Choosing the Right Space and Equipment
The space you pick can make or break your kids club experience. Not every spot works, so be picky. The room or building should be big enough to handle noise, movement, and different activities happening at once. Think about it: you need a spot for art, one for games, another for reading or chilling out, and maybe even an outdoor area if possible. A minimum of 35 square feet per child is recommended by the National AfterSchool Association, so loading 30 kids into a single classroom-sized room just isn’t going to cut it.
Safety isn’t just about adults watching the kids. Check for slippery floors, exposed outlets, and sharp corners. You’ll want bathrooms close by (especially for the little ones), and make sure everything is wheelchair accessible. Fire exits should be clear and easy to find—actually walk through a fire drill before you open.
Location matters for parents, too. A club in a school, community center, or even a church basement is usually easiest for pick-up and drop-off. Plus, these spots often already have insurance and emergency protocols.
When it’s time to pick equipment, buy for durability, not trendiness. Good-quality tables, sturdy chairs, bins for storage, and easy-to-clean floors will seriously save you time (and money). If you’ve got a tight budget, check out local auctions, school closings, or parent groups for secondhand finds—just sanitize everything before the first day.
- Craft supplies: Washable markers, glue sticks, safety scissors, and non-toxic paints are a must. Never skip the smocks or aprons—kids are messy.
- Sports gear: Soft balls, bean bags, cones, and jump ropes are super versatile and don’t take up much space.
- Technology: A single good tablet or computer for group activities (like interactive games) is enough. Don’t turn your club into screen central.
- Board games and puzzles: Skip anything with a million tiny pieces—those go missing so fast.
- Organizational bins: Trust me, labeled bins for hats, shoes, or supplies will keep you sane.
Here’s a quick rundown of average costs for outfitting a club for about 20 kids:
| Item | Estimated Cost (USD) |
|---|---|
| Tables & Chairs | $400 |
| Craft Supplies Starter Set | $150 |
| Board Games | $100 |
| Sports Equipment | $120 |
| Organizational Bins | $60 |
| First Aid Kit | $30 |
Keep in mind, storage is big. You might not realize how much stuff piles up in just a week. Built-in storage or sturdy shelving can keep your open kids club from looking like a tornado hit. Lastly, ask kids what they want to do before splurging on fancy gadgets. Sometimes a few hula hoops are all you need for hours of fun.
Building Your Dream Activity List
This is where the magic happens. Your activity list is what makes or breaks the vibe of your kids club. You can’t just toss in a few coloring books and call it a day. Kids crave variety, and parents want to know there’s thought behind every minute their child is there. A killer activity plan needs to include not just fun stuff but things that help kids learn, work together, and burn off all that wild after-school energy.
First, figure out the age range of your group. For early primary ages (5-7), hands-on crafts and simple group games (think duck-duck-goose) are gold. For tweens (say, 8-12), up the ante with STEM challenges, cooking basics, and even mini entrepreneurship projects.
- Mix up daily routines so each day feels a bit different. For example, Mondays: DIY crafts, Tuesdays: STEM projects, Wednesdays: outdoor games, and so on.
- Try rotating stations. One corner can have LEGO, another a reading nook, another zone for painting, and one for tabletop games. This cuts down on chaos and keeps everyone busy.
- At least once a week, involve the kids by letting them vote on next week’s activity. Kids are way more excited when they help pick!
- If you’ve got a tight budget, local libraries and community centers often lend board games and craft kits for free. You don’t need to buy every shiny new thing.
Some clubs bring in specialists once a month. Magicians, sports coaches, or visiting storytellers can massively boost engagement. Don’t forget life skills too—learning about gardening, money basics, or quick snacks can be surprisingly popular. Mix active stuff (like capture the flag) with chill time (like simple yoga for kids or group story sessions).
Check out this table for ideas on age-appropriate activities and best group sizes:
| Activity | Best For Ages | Recommended Group Size |
|---|---|---|
| Scavenger Hunt | 6-12 | 8-20 |
| Paper Plane Contest | 5-10 | Any |
| Simple Science Experiments | 7-12 | 4-10 |
| Storybook Theater | 5-9 | 3-8 |
| Baking Basics | 8-12 | 4-8 |
| LEGO Building | 5-11 | Any |
| Yoga for Kids | 6-12 | Any |
One more big tip—keep safety and inclusivity in mind. Check if materials could cause allergies (like latex or nuts). Make room for kids with different abilities and backgrounds. And finally, your open kids club can always ask families for ideas about what their kids love. Sometimes the best inspiration comes straight from the people you’re serving.
Getting Kids and Parents on Board
If you build an awesome club but nobody comes, you’re just stuck with a bunch of art supplies and way too many juice boxes. So, how do you actually get kids excited and parents willing to sign up?
The best place to start is by talking to people—the folks who already know the kids. Send out short surveys to local schools or community groups to find out what families need. You’d be surprised how honest both parents and kids will be about what they wish for in after-school options. Once you know their pain points (like needing late pick-up or wanting a STEM club with real hands-on projects), it’s easier to shape your offer.
Parents are looking for after-school clubs that are safe, affordable, and fit their schedules. According to a 2023 Afterschool Alliance survey, 72% of parents said “safety” was the most important factor when picking a club, and 57% looked for options that line up with work hours. Check out this quick breakdown:
| Key Factor | % of Parents Who Chose It |
|---|---|
| Safety | 72% |
| Convenient Hours | 57% |
| Diverse Activities | 41% |
| Affordable Fees | 36% |
If you’re wondering how to get the word out, don’t just put up a flyer and hope for the best. Try these quick wins:
- Set up an open house where families can see the club space, meet staff, and try a sample activity.
- Offer a free trial week or day to let kids see if they actually like it—if they have fun, word will spread fast.
- Ask local teachers or daycare centers to hand parents your info sheets or mention your open kids club in their newsletters.
- Use social media, but keep it simple: post photos, share stories from current club members, and answer questions fast.
Keeps things real—parents trust clubs that are upfront about schedules, prices, and policies. Post these details clearly on your website or in your welcome pack. And never forget, regular feedback matters. Set up a monthly check-in (even a text group or quick email survey works) to see what’s working and what needs to change. That way, your club can keep evolving, and parents will know you listen.