Guide4 min read read· June 2026

After-School Programs for 5–8 Year Olds in Lodi

Sports leagues, martial arts, arts programs, and childcare options for elementary-age kids in Lodi, all in one place.

The short answer

For families who need real childcare, the City of Lodi After School Program covers TK through 6th grade, Monday to Friday noon to 6pm at Hutchins Street Square, with homework help and structured play. It is the only true supervised after-school care run by the city. If you just want an activity a few afternoons a week, Lodi has sports leagues ($75 to $189 a season), martial arts ($99 to $143 a month), gymnastics ($112 to $138 a month), dance ($55 to $200 a month), music lessons, and low-cost arts classes, most running in the 3 to 6pm window.

Full-day care vs. drop-in classes

If you need actual childcare until 6pm, the [After School Program](https://lodikidsactivities.com/programs/after-school-program) through City of Lodi Parks & Rec covers TK through 6th grade, Monday–Friday 12pm to 6pm at Hutchins Street Square. Includes homework help, themed arts, and structured play. It's the only true supervised after-school care option run by the city.

For families who just want an activity a few days a week, most programs below run 4–6pm and you drop off for the hour.

Sports leagues (fall/winter/spring)

Most Lodi youth sports leagues practice or play after school on weekdays, with games on weekends:

  • [Youth Soccer League](https://lodikidsactivities.com/programs/youth-soccer-league): City of Lodi's rec league, ages 5–14, Saturdays 9am–12pm at DeBenedetti Park. $85. All skill levels, co-ed teams.
  • [Junior Basketball Leagues](https://lodikidsactivities.com/programs/junior-basketball-leagues): K–6th grade, practices and games Mon–Thu evenings. ~$75 through Parks & Rec. Three age divisions.
  • [BOBS Youth Baseball & Softball](https://lodikidsactivities.com/programs/bobs-youth-baseball-softball): Ages 4–14, weekdays + Saturdays at Kofu Park. $100–$175. Lodi's longest-running league (60+ years).
  • [SV6 Sports NFL Flag Football](https://lodikidsactivities.com/programs/sv6-sports-nfl-flag-football): Ages 5–14, Sundays at Lodi Grape Bowl. $189/season. NFL-licensed, drafted teams.
  • [Youth Bowling League](https://lodikidsactivities.com/programs/youth-bowling-league): Saturday mornings at Lodi Bowl, ages 5–17. $12/session, all skill levels welcome.

Martial arts (year-round)

Most Lodi martial arts schools run classes 3–5 days a week in late afternoon slots, so kids can attend 1–3 times based on your schedule:

  • [Kids Martial Arts at Infinity Martial Arts](https://lodikidsactivities.com/programs/infinity-martial-arts-kids): Ages 5–12, Mon–Fri 3–8:30pm. Mixed-style curriculum (elements of multiple martial arts).
  • [Tots Jiu Jitsu](https://lodikidsactivities.com/programs/tots-jiu-jitsu): Ages 4–6 at JG Academy, Wed 4pm + Sat 9am. Earliest entry into Brazilian Jiu Jitsu in Lodi. $100/mo.
  • [Kid's Jiu Jitsu - 7-9 years old](https://lodikidsactivities.com/programs/kid-s-jiu-jitsu-7-9-years-old): JG Academy, Tue/Wed/Thu 4:45pm. $143/mo, attend once or all three days.
  • [Cutting Edge Martial Arts](https://lodikidsactivities.com/programs/cutting-edge-martial-arts): Ages 4–17, Taekwondo focus, Mon–Fri varying times. ~$99/mo.
  • [Strive Jiu Jitsu Academy](https://lodikidsactivities.com/programs/strive-jiu-jitsu-academy): Ages 5+, Mon–Sat with age-specific class times. Tiny Grapplers program for ages 3–5 twice a week.

Gymnastics and movement

[Impact Sports Center](https://lodikidsactivities.com/programs/impact-recreational-gymnastics) has the widest range of after-school movement options in Lodi, with weekly classes you schedule around your availability:

  • [Impact Recreational Gymnastics](https://lodikidsactivities.com/programs/impact-recreational-gymnastics): Ages 5+, 45–85 min classes depending on level. $112–$138/mo.
  • [Impact Ninja Zone](https://lodikidsactivities.com/programs/impact-ninja-zone): Ages 5–13, obstacle-course training with belt progression. $112–$121/mo.
  • [Impact Tumbling](https://lodikidsactivities.com/programs/impact-tumbling): Ages 6+, for kids training cheer/dance or who outgrew basic gymnastics. 6 colored belts. $121–$138/mo.

Dance and theater

Most Lodi dance studios run classes Mon–Sat in 4–7pm slots:

  • [Next Level Dance & Cheer Academy](https://lodikidsactivities.com/programs/next-level-dance-cheer-academy): Ages 3–18, rec through competitive. $95/mo + reg fee. Faith-based, voted Best of San Joaquin repeatedly.
  • [Showstoppers Dance Studio](https://lodikidsactivities.com/programs/showstoppers-dance-studio): 40 years in Lodi, ages 3–18. Ballet, jazz, tap, hip hop, tumbling. $65–$200/mo.
  • [Youth Ballet, Tap & Hip Hop](https://lodikidsactivities.com/programs/youth-ballet-tap-hip-hop): City of Lodi Parks & Rec classes, ages 3–17, Tue/Thu 4–6pm at Hutchins Street Square. $55–$90 per session.

Music lessons

[Sayla Music Academy](https://lodikidsactivities.com/programs/sayla-music-academy) downtown covers piano, violin, guitar, drums, voice, and more. Ages 5–18, by appointment Mon–Sat 9am–8pm (so after-school slots available). One of the deepest instruction options in town.

Enrichment and arts

  • [Wildflower Creative-Youth Workshops](https://lodikidsactivities.com/programs/wildflower-creative-youth-workshops): Small-group art for ages 2–14 at the Lodi Art Center downtown. $25/class, Mon–Fri 10am–1pm (also offers themed sessions throughout the year).
  • [Lodi Boys & Girls Club](https://lodikidsactivities.com/programs/lodi-boys-girls-club): Ages 6–18, Mon–Fri 2–6:30pm during school year. Homework help, sports, arts, STEM, leadership. Operating since 1962.
  • [Changing Faces Theater Company](https://lodikidsactivities.com/programs/changing-faces-theater-company): Ages 8–15, Drama Club on Tue (teens) or Thu (kids) 4–5:30pm. $175 for 8 weeks. Improv, acting, scene work.

What to do next

Pick 2–3 options that match your schedule and your kid's interest, then contact the org directly to ask about trial classes or drop-in observation. Most martial arts schools and dance studios let you watch a class before committing.

Frequently asked questions

Is there full-day after-school care in Lodi?

Yes. The City of Lodi After School Program runs Monday to Friday, noon to 6pm at Hutchins Street Square for TK through 6th grade, with homework help, arts, and structured play. It is the only city-run supervised after-school care option.

How much do after-school activities cost in Lodi?

It ranges widely. Sports leagues run about $75 to $189 a season, martial arts about $99 to $143 a month, gymnastics $112 to $138 a month, and dance $55 to $200 a month. Low-cost arts options like Wildflower Creative are about $25 a class.

What after-school sports can a 5 to 8 year old play in Lodi?

City of Lodi Youth Soccer (ages 5-14, $85), Junior Basketball (grades K-6, about $75), BOBS Baseball & Softball (ages 4-14), SV6 NFL Flag Football (ages 5-14), and the Youth Bowling League (ages 5-17) all take kids in this age range.

What is the cheapest after-school option in Lodi?

The Youth Bowling League at $12 a session and Wildflower Creative art workshops at $25 a class are among the lowest-cost. The Lodi Boys & Girls Club (ages 6-18) also runs low-cost after-school programming with homework help, sports, and arts.

Can my kid try an after-school class before signing up?

Usually yes. Most Lodi martial arts schools and dance studios let you watch a class or do a trial before committing, so contact the org directly to ask about a trial or drop-in.

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