Traditional After-School Programs
The City of Lodi runs an After School Program at Hutchins Street Square for kids TK through 6th grade. Runs Monday through Friday, 12pm to 6pm. Curriculum includes homework help, themed arts and crafts, and outdoor games. This is the most straightforward option if you need consistent daily care. Pricing varies based on enrollment.
If you're using one of the City's half-day specialty camps (LEGO Robotics, Clay Creations, etc.), you can add After Camp Care at Hutchins Street Square for $104 per session (ages 5-14). Covers the gap between when camp ends and when you can pick up.
Sports and Activity Programs with Afternoon Schedules
Many after-school hours get filled by regularly scheduled sports and enrichment programs. If your kid is in an activity 2-3 days per week, you're already halfway to a schedule.
Impact Homeschool P.E. is designed for homeschoolers but works for any family needing a structured weekly movement class. Ages 5-14, September through May, 55 minutes once per week. $130 per month. Covers basic gymnastics, ninja skills, and seasonal sports.
Piano Lessons through Lodi Parks & Rec run weekdays 3pm to 7pm for ages 6 and up. $282 resident, $307 non-resident. One-on-one instruction, so you book a time that works.
Martial arts programs like Kids Martial Arts at Infinity Martial Arts run Monday through Friday, 3pm to 8:30pm for ages 5-12. Contact for pricing and schedule. Same with Preschool Martial Arts at Infinity for ages 3-5.
Next Level Dance & Cheer Academy covers ages 3-18 with classes Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, and Sunday. $95 per month standard. Times vary by class, but most are late afternoon or evening.
Drop-In and Flexible Options
Some weeks you need something less structured.
The Craft Room offers drop-in craft classes for ages 6 and up. $45 per day or $175 for a 5-day camp. Check their calendar for available sessions. Hands-on projects like resin art and seasonal crafts.
The Mud Mill Paint-Your-Own Pottery in downtown Lodi is a walk-in studio. Ages 3-17 welcome. $8 studio fee per person, plus the cost of your pottery piece. See studio hours.
The San Joaquin County Historical Museum at Micke Grove Park is open Thursday through Sunday, 10am to 4pm. $5-$7 admission, free for members. Not supervision, but a place to go with your kid on an afternoon off.
Lodi Public Library runs a Chess Club on Mondays, 2:30pm to 5pm. Free, all ages, drop-in. Another free option: Paws to Read on Wednesdays, 3pm to 5pm. Kids read aloud to therapy dogs.
What to Do Next
Start with your actual schedule gaps. If you need five days covered, the City's After School Program is the baseline. If you need two or three days filled, look at weekly sports or lessons. Compare costs and pickup logistics before committing.
FAQ
What is the cheapest full-time after-school care in Lodi?
The City of Lodi's After School Program at Hutchins Street Square is the baseline for consistent Monday-through-Friday care, TK through 6th grade; pricing is listed with each session on the Parks & Rec registration page.
Can I combine different programs instead of using one provider?
Yes. Many Lodi families patch together a schedule using sports leagues, music lessons, and drop-in activities. The trade-off is more driving and coordination, but you get variety.
Are there after-school options for kids with special needs?
The City of Lodi Aquatics runs Adaptive Swim Lessons on Mondays and Wednesdays, 5:30pm to 5:55pm at Enze Pool for ages 5-12. Parks & Rec also offers Moves Made 4 Me, an adaptive movement class for ages 5-11.
When do most after-school programs start accepting registration?
Each City of Lodi program page lists its session dates; register as soon as the session you want appears. Private studios like Impact Sports Center and Next Level Dance enroll monthly.
What if I only need care one or two days per week?
Look at recurring classes with fixed schedules. Martial arts, dance, music lessons, and sports leagues all run on the same day each week, which makes planning easier than drop-in programs.