After-school activities can provide children the needed stability and a foundation for success in school. Studies have shown that extracurricular activities help children thrive socially and academically. Benefits include:
- Creates a sense of belonging.
- Improves social skills.
- Children are healthier and more active.
- Emotional stability and overall happiness.
- Increases academics and test scores.
- Creates friendships and builds confidence
If you’re on the hunt for an afterschool activity for your children we've got all the details on a wide variety of programs in the area.
Art Instruction
Kroc Center MS Gulf Coast - An increasingly popular program with area residents of all ages. These unique programs provide an opportunity to grow and develop in the arts, in a safe and fun-filled environment and with a strong Christian foundation. As they enhance their skills in drama, art, music, and dance, participants learn responsibility, by learning extensive lines; enhance integrity, by learning the value of constructive criticism; build confidence, by speaking and performing for audiences; and learn the value of teamwork, by working with others throughout rehearsals and productions.
The Mary C. O'Keefe Cultural Arts Center - Where community and creatives are connected through arts-based education and experiences. Come explore our historic building that houses two local art galleries, the History of Ocean Springs Museum, and the impressive Senator Trent Lott Performing Arts Theatre.
Cooking
Lynn Meadows Discovery Center - Kids Cooking Classes provide an entertaining outing for parents or caregivers and their children. Introduce your kids to new foods while having fun! Click on the following classes to find out more and to purchase tickets.
Chef Danie Cooks - Gourmet Cooking Classes and Demos - Chef Danie Cooks and teaches classes in her new culinary classroom in Biloxi. She also travels and does demo classes for various conventions teaching the importance of fresh food.
The Mary C. O'Keefe Cultural Arts Center - Chef Clay will be teaching kids the basics of cooking their favorite dishes such as mac-n-cheese, chicken nuggets, and more!
Dance & Theater
Kelli's Steps School of Dance - A coast dance tradition. Kelli's Steps is celebrating 43 years of teaching the art of dance.
Lynn Meadows Discovery Center - The award-winning WINGS program puts on several entertaining productions throughout the year. Come see our talented youth take the stage.
Studio E Dance Co. - Located in Long Beach, MS. Offering quality dance training and instruction that contributes to a child’s life in a positive way by encouraging confidence, poise and a passion for dance.
The Dance Company - Diamondhead and Long Beach- Tap, Ballet, Jazz, Lyrical, Hip Hop, Contemporary & Pointe and Tumbling. Home to the Regional and National award winning IMPACT team. Our superior, professional staff includes Miss Kim Mahony, Miss Kelly McKeough and Miss Jodi Mazurek. Each class also has assistant teachers.
Sports
i9 Sports - i9 Sports® is the nation’s largest multi-sport provider focused solely on high-quality, community-based kids sports leagues. Offering recreational sports leagues, camps and clinics for kids in today’s most popular sports such as flag football, soccer, basketball, baseball, lacrosse and volleyball. Coaches and instructors provide age-appropriate instruction that’s both fun for kids and convenient for busy families. i9 Sports is committed to their mission of Helping Kids Succeed in Life Through Sports.® That’s why they teach sportsmanship values alongside skills and drills every week.
Kroc Center MS Gulf Coast - Offering affordable athletic programs and an experienced staff, state of the art facility that boasts a gymnasium and stadium which converts into multiple courts and fields. We also have a 6 lane running track; we are sure we have the program that best fits you.
Soccer Shots MS Gulf Coast - Soccer Shots Mississippi Gulf Coast is an engaging children’s soccer program with a focus on character development. Our caring team positively impacts children’s lives on and off the field through best-in-class coaching, communication and curriculum. Our coaches are the best-trained in the business. Our expert-approved curriculum is age-appropriate and aligns with childhood education standards. In addition we provide an exceptional customer experience and ongoing communication with parents.
Gymnastics
Cheer Zone Athletics - All-star cheerleading, rec cheerleading, & tumbling. Come join the fun!! 3 locations-Saucier, Long Beach, and D’Iberville!!
Lanier's Gymnastics - Offering instruction in recreational, preschool, parent tot and competitive gymnastics as well as tumbling.
Martial Arts
Pruitt's Martial Arts - Professional Martial Arts & Fitness Club. Over 20 years of quality instruction on the MS Gulf Coast!
American Top Team Diberville - There's no greater skill for your child to learn than self-confidence. And at the American Top Team in D'Iberville, we instill that trait and so much more with the help of our exciting, high-energy Kids Martial Arts Classes.
Students of all ages and experience levels can have a blast learning the basics of self-defense while they improve their social skillsand establish lifelong habits of physical activity.
Music
Rock U 2 School of Performing Arts - Music lessons, Bands, Quarterly Concerts & Recitals, Recording Studio. Dance & Acting Classes.
Riches Music Studio - Music Classes for All Ages!
Special Needs
Mississippi Coast Special Needs Soccer Association, Inc. - MCSNSA's goal is to promote a fun, safe, and enjoyable environment for all individuals, including individuals who use wheelchairs and walkers.
Swimming
Mississippi Gulf Coast YMCA - Swim Basics is the first stage of swim lessons and focuses on skills for beginners. In this class, students are introduced to the pool and develop safe water habits in a fun and encouraging environment. Students become comfortable with underwater exploration and learn to safely exit a body of water in the event they fall in. This introductory stage builds the foundation for the child’s future progress in swimming. This class is specifically designed for children ages 3 years old.
Kroc Center MS Gulf Coast - At The Salvation Army Kroc Center, we take special care to make sure our swim lessons are comforting, welcoming and inviting for children as young as six months. We offer classes for infants, toddlers, children, and adults. With never more than six people per class, this intimate swim instruction provides a great environment for children learning to swim.
If you have a local business that offers classes or sports instruction and would like to be listed in our guide, please email mackidgulfport@macaronikid.com.
