Quick answer: Surrey parents have two broad categories of after-school options: licensed care programs (structured supervision from school dismissal to 6pm, roughly $20/day) and enrichment programs (art, STEM, coding, sports — ranging from free to $200+/month). The City of Surrey runs licensed before-and-after school care at elementary schools across the city, and the Affordable Child Care Benefit can reduce costs significantly. For enrichment, top options include Minimakers South Surrey (STEM), Neighbourhood Art Studios (drop-in art), and City of Surrey recreation centre programs.
Last updated: August 2026
After-School Programs in Surrey: Key Numbers (2026)
- City of Surrey licensed after-school care: ~$20/day (after school to 6pm); before-school care ~$9/day (7am to first bell) — eligible for BC’s Affordable Child Care Benefit (City of Surrey)
- Automatic re-enrollment: Children registered in 2025/2026 programs automatically retain their spot for 2026/2027 (City of Surrey)
- Free homework help: Surrey Libraries offers free tutoring for newcomer students in grades 4–7 through Friends of Simon Tutoring (Surrey Libraries)
- Racing Readers: Free after-school program (grades 2–5) combining physical activity with literacy and numeracy, a partnership between Surrey School District and SFU Surrey (Surrey Schools)
- Financial help: Athletics for Kids Surrey funds sports registration for children 5–18 facing financial barriers
Licensed After-School Care Programs
If you need reliable, daily supervision after the school bell rings, these are your main options in Surrey.
City of Surrey Before & After School Care
The City of Surrey operates licensed before-and-after school care programs at elementary schools across the district. Before-school care runs from 7am to first bell (~$9/day); after-school care runs from dismissal to 6pm (~$20/day). Families can choose up to five days per week. Programs include crafts, board games, active play, time to do homework, reading, and snacks. As a licensed program, parents can apply for BC’s Affordable Child Care Benefit (ACCB) to reduce costs — depending on income, this can cover a significant portion of fees. Children currently enrolled automatically retain their spot for the following school year. Register by contacting 604-501-5100 or visiting surrey.ca.
Alex House Children’s Centre — Multiple South Surrey Locations
Alex House offers licensed before-and-after school care for children ages 5–12 at multiple locations across South Surrey. Their programs are inclusive and culturally responsive, and several sites are designated BC $10/day centres. A strong option if you’re in the South Surrey/White Rock area and want care that aligns with the provincial affordability initiative.
Private Providers
Several private child care centres in Surrey offer after-school pickup and care, including Bright Angels Children’s Centers and Curious Kids Children Centre. Private providers may offer more flexible scheduling or specialised programming, but costs are typically higher than the City of Surrey program. Always confirm the provider is licensed through BC’s Community Care and Assisted Living Act — licensed providers qualify for ACCB subsidies; unlicensed ones do not.
Enrichment Programs: Art, STEM, Sports & More
If your child doesn’t need daily care but you want them doing something meaningful after school, Surrey has excellent enrichment options.
Minimakers South Surrey — STEM & Makerspace
Minimakers is a STEM-based Makerspace and Education Centre for kids ages 5–12 in South Surrey. Their after-school programs include hands-on science, technology, engineering, and math workshops where kids build, experiment, and problem-solve. Also offers STEM birthday parties and seasonal camps. Ideal for curious, hands-on learners who’d rather build a robot than fill in a worksheet.
Neighbourhood Art Studios — Drop-In Art
Neighbourhood Art Studios offers drop-in art classes and after-school programs for kids in Surrey. Children explore painting, drawing, sculpture, and crafts in a fun, hands-on environment. The drop-in format is parent-friendly — no long-term commitment required, making it perfect for families with unpredictable schedules or kids who want to try art without committing to a full session.
Kids Coding Online — Live Online Coding
Live, 1-on-1 Scratch programming classes for kids ages 7–14 after school. Taught by real coding teachers with 50+ projects and a free trial lesson. Since it’s online, there’s no commute — your child can start right after getting home. Great for kids interested in gaming and technology.
Sharp Start Academy — Online Life Skills
Live online life skills classes for grades 4–7 on Saturdays via Zoom, covering financial literacy, communication, and critical thinking. $247 CAD/month. Not a typical “after-school” program, but a valuable weekend enrichment option that complements what schools don’t teach.
City of Surrey Recreation Centres — Sports & Activities
Surrey’s recreation centres offer a wide range of after-school programming for kids aged 6–12, including swimming, martial arts, gymnastics, basketball, soccer, art, and drama. Programs run in seasonal sessions (fall, winter, spring) and are among the most affordable options in the city. Register at surrey.ca or by calling 604-501-5100. Key centres for kids’ programming include Guildford Recreation Centre, Surrey Sport and Leisure Complex, and South Surrey Recreation and Arts Centre.
Art Studios in Surrey
Several Surrey art studios offer after-school classes for kids. Young Rembrandts teaches step-by-step drawing for ages 3.5–12. Little Brushes Art Studio offers painting, drawing, and craft classes for ages 3–14 in small groups. Global Art South Surrey follows a levelled international curriculum. R&C Academy of Art and Design adds digital art to traditional foundations — a distinctive option for older kids.
Free & Low-Cost After-School Options
- Racing Readers (grades 2–5) — Free program through Surrey School District and SFU Surrey combining physical activity with literacy and numeracy.
- Surrey Libraries homework help — Free tutoring for newcomer students (grades 4–7) through Friends of Simon Tutoring at the City Centre branch.
- MYzone After School Drop-In — Free or low-cost drop-in programming at select Surrey community centres for youth.
- Athletics for Kids Surrey — A4K covers registration fees and equipment for sports and activities for children 5–18 from families facing financial barriers.
- Surrey Public Library programs — Free after-school reading clubs, coding workshops, and STEM activities at branches across the city.
Licensed Care vs. Enrichment: What’s the Difference?
| Licensed after-school care | Enrichment programs | |
|---|---|---|
| Purpose | Safe, supervised care until parents finish work | Skill-building in a specific area (art, STEM, sports) |
| Hours | School dismissal to 6pm, daily | Usually 1–2 hours, 1–3 days/week |
| Cost | ~$20/day; subsidy-eligible (ACCB) | Varies widely ($0–$200+/month) |
| Commitment | Full school year (daily or set days/week) | Session-based (8–12 weeks) or drop-in |
| Best for | Working parents who need reliable daily coverage | Families with flexible schedules wanting targeted activities |
Many families combine both: licensed care for the days they need coverage, plus one or two enrichment activities per week. City of Surrey care lets you choose specific days, so you can build a schedule that includes, say, care on Monday/Wednesday/Friday and a STEM class on Tuesday.
How to Choose the Right After-School Program
- Start with your actual need — Do you need care (supervision until 6pm) or enrichment (a specific activity)? This immediately narrows your search.
- Check proximity to your child’s school — City of Surrey programs operate at the school itself. For enrichment programs elsewhere, confirm whether transportation is included or if you need to arrange pickup.
- Ask about the ACCB — If cost is a concern, the Affordable Child Care Benefit can substantially reduce licensed care fees. Apply through the BC government’s online portal.
- Let your child weigh in — Kids who choose their enrichment activity are more likely to stick with it. Let them try a drop-in or trial class before committing to a full session.
- Register early — City of Surrey programs fill quickly, especially for popular time slots. Fall registration typically opens in August; set a reminder so you don’t miss the window.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does after-school care cost in Surrey?
The City of Surrey’s licensed after-school care program costs approximately $20 per day (school dismissal to 6pm). Before-school care is approximately $9 per day (7am to first bell). Families may be eligible for BC’s Affordable Child Care Benefit to reduce costs.
How do I register for City of Surrey after-school care?
Register online at surrey.ca, in person at a recreation centre, or by phone at 604-501-5100. Children currently enrolled automatically retain their spot for the following school year. For new registrations, contact the program early as spaces are limited.
Are there free after-school programs for kids in Surrey?
Yes. The Racing Readers program (grades 2–5) is free through the Surrey School District and SFU Surrey. Surrey Libraries offers free homework help for newcomer students in grades 4–7. Public library branches also run free coding workshops, reading clubs, and STEM activities.
What enrichment programs are available after school in Surrey?
Surrey offers STEM programs (Minimakers), art classes (Neighbourhood Art Studios, Young Rembrandts, Little Brushes), online coding (Kids Coding Online), sports programs at City recreation centres, and life skills classes (Sharp Start Academy). Options range from free to $200+/month.
Can I get a subsidy for after-school care in Surrey?
Yes — BC’s Affordable Child Care Benefit (ACCB) applies to licensed child care programs, including the City of Surrey’s before-and-after school care. The amount depends on family income, number of children, and type of care. Apply online through the BC government.
What age groups do after-school programs serve?
The City of Surrey’s licensed care program serves kindergarten through grade 7. Most enrichment programs accept children ages 5–12, though some (like Kids Coding Online) start at age 7 and art studios may accept children as young as 3.
Looking for more? Browse all sports activities, art & creativity classes, and tutoring services for kids on KidsServiceHub. See our guides to kids’ martial arts & gymnastics in Surrey, tutoring & learning centres in Surrey, and fall kids’ activities in Surrey. Run an after-school program? Get listed today.
