Do you have little ones who build forts for pets out of craft materials and cardboard boxes? Or kids who enjoy fixing electronic gadgets when they break? Are you raising entrepreneurial-minded tween . . .

Browse through San Diego’s Afterschool Activities Guide to find a variety of engaging classes and programs from comic-book creation to theater arts. Contact advertisers directly to register, and b . . .

The benefits of music education are extensive, life-long and surprisingly diverse. Studying music can improve memory and concentration, create superior critical thinking skills and help individuals . . .

San Diego’s wonderful weather and plentiful indoor pools make it possible for kids to take swim lessons year-round. Many instructors recommend year-round swim lessons to maintain and improve skills . . .

Martial arts training can promote all-around wellness in children. On a physical level, these disciplines build strength, balance, flexibility and stamina—because they utilize the full body. But m . . .

Discover STEM in Youth Robotics Many parents encourage kids to pursue STEM-related careers (Science, Technology, Engineering, Math) and youth robotics programs offer one such option. Along with . . .

Recent scientific studies have shown that, unlike other activities, playing a musical instrument engages almost every area of the brain simultaneously—including the visual, auditory and motor cortic . . .

The Benefits of 4-H, from A to Z Kids in 4-H clubs explore a wealth of fun and educational experiences. They raise animals, plant gardens, learn about archery, cook healthy foods and more. As the l . . .

Not every child is a born leader, but every child can learn (and benefit from) leadership skills, even if there is no desire to lead anyone or anything.  Kids who have well developed leaders . . .

Competitive Swimming 101 What you need to know Your child recently joined a swim team and wants to start competing – but where to begin? A good start might be an internal meet against fellow teamm . . .

Swimming is often one of childhood’s greatest joys, but can be tricky to navigate. Reluctant swimmers, group activities and potential dangers make it essential to have a plan that keeps everyone s . . .

Youth sports offer a host of emotional and physical benefits, from helping kids stay active to building self-esteem and learning to work with others. But knowing which sport to play depends on your ch . . .

When it comes to students taking part in a youth military program at school, it turns out there is a lot more to it than just instilling a sense of patriotism in a kid. Programs like NJROTC, Sea Cadet . . .

The performing arts are intrinsically valuable for the beauty and fulfillment they bring, but researchers have observed that theater training and education are also valuable. Here are five benefits . . .

Excited to Compete? 6 tips for a stress-free first swim meetPrepare in AdvanceBecause many swim meets involve early mornings, pack the car the night before. To keep things simple, your child can wear . . .

Coding has changed the way people live and interact with each other and plays a major role in the development of the world today. Whether you want directions to a nearby burger spot or want to watch . . .

How to Choose Afterschool Activities Although parents worry about overloading kids’ schedules with extracurricular activities, their academic, social and physical benefits are hard to ignore. The . . .

Three local teens who are dedicated musicians with the San Diego Youth Symphony. There’s nothing like a great melody to engage the mind and inspire the soul. Listening to music is wonderful; making . . .

Grant Greenbaum is a typical teenage kid. He enjoys going to the beach, playing video games and hanging out with friends. Sure, sometimes he’ll grumble that he has too much homework, but generally . . .

The All-American Soap Box Derby is a national youth racing program that teaches kids the thrill of competition and spirit of sportsmanship. In the San Diego region, outreach for the Derby has recently . . .