The 2022-2023 school year has begun today for tens of thousands of Philadelphia children and youth with the School District of Philadelphia welcoming students back into school buildings. For parents and guardians seeking free or low-cost afterschool or recreational activities for their kids, check out these two programs below.

LEAP at the Free Library of Philadelphia

The Free Library’s Literacy Enrichment Afterschool Program (LEAP) returns for a new school year at all libraries throughout the city with a playful learning focus for younger students and a focus on literacy and 21st century skills for all ages. LEAP is currently scheduled to be offered Monday through Friday at every library as staffing and operating hours allow.

The Library’s LEAP Out-of-School-Time Programming will offer Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Math (STEAM) activities, literacy activities, slime making, and more. LEAP will offer homework assistance in-person during Library hours and live tutoring through Homework Help Online from 10:00 a.m. to midnight, 7 days a week.

LEAP will also provide employment opportunities for more than 65 teens as Teen Leadership Assistants. Those interested can find out more at their nearest neighborhood library.

Family resources and literacy tips are available through Read by 4th, a citywide campaign working towards a shared vision that all children will be reading on grade level by the time they enter the 4th grade. Students can also access a wealth of digital resources through the Free Library, including homework help online, research and study aids, practice tests, and more.

To find out more about these initiatives and more Back to School resources from the Free Library, visit the Free Library website.

Healthy Kids Running Series

Healthy Kids Running Series (HKRS) is a 5-week running program for kids ages 2-14. For five Saturdays in the fall and spring the program holds age appropriate races (one race per age group) and encourage kids to be active and healthy while also making friends and encouraging one another. HKRS is a national program, with many races taking place across the Philadelphia area, but “West Philly is special in that it’s supported and sponsored by CHOP,” according to Community Coordinator Lindsey Flanagan.

“CHOP has subsidized the cost of registration for $5 a runner to reduce the cost barrier for families in the community and increase the accessibility to affordable youth athletic programs,” Lindsey wrote to West Philly Local.

The West Philly Healthy Kids Running Series (HKRS) will take place at Lee Cultural Center (4328 Haverford Ave.). Races will be held on Sept. 24, Oct. 1, Oct. 8, Oct. 15, and Oct. 22 at 10 a.m. For more information and to register, go to: https://runsignup.com/hkrswestphilly or download the flyer below.