Extracurricular activities play an important role in a child’s development, helping them explore interests, build skills, and make new friends. In Canada, schools, community centres, and local organizations offer a wide range of programs, from sports and arts to academic clubs and volunteer opportunities. These activities support a well-rounded education, allowing children to adapt more easily to their new environment.
At Remitly, we understand that navigating these opportunities can be daunting for immigrant families, especially if extracurriculars weren’t a major part of education in their home country. That’s why we provide helpful resources to guide parents through these programs and support their child’s transition to life in Canada.
Types of extracurricular programs available for children in Canada
Extracurricular activities are organized activities and clubs aimed at school-aged children, which are not part of the standard curriculum at schools. This means they are not graded or evaluated—but they still bring a lot of value to a child’s life and are an important part of most kids’ daily routines in Canada.
To help parents make informed decisions, the table below outlines key extracurricular categories, describing their options and availability across Canada.
| Program type | Description | Popular options | Availability |
| Sports programs | Organized athletics for skill-building and teamwork | Hockey Canada, Soccer Canada, Little League Baseball Canada | Nationwide |
| Art and music | Classes in visual arts, dance, theatre, and music | National Ballet School, Royal Conservatory of Music, local arts centres | Most major cities and communities |
| STEM and coding | Activities focused on science, technology, engineering, and math | STEM Canada, Code Ninjas, Actua | Nationwide |
| Language and cultural | Language immersion and cultural heritage programs | Alliance Française, mandarin schools, Indigenous language programs | Major cities |
| Outdoor and adventure | Nature-focused activities like camping, hiking, and scouting | Scouts Canada, Duke of Edinburgh Award | Nationwide |
| Community and volunteering | Leadership and service-oriented activities | 4-H Canada, YMCA Youth Leadership Program | Nationwide |
Extracurricular activities like coding and robotics help children develop problem-solving skills, preparing them for future careers. Math clubs strengthen critical thinking skills and teamwork, while music groups provide a creative outlet and support emotional expression.
Community service clubs foster a sense of social responsibility, helping children feel more connected to their community. Language activities can build literacy in the local language, which in turn helps with social integration and academic achievement.
How to choose the right extracurricular programs for your child
As immigrant parents in Canada, selecting the right activities for your kids requires considering several factors.
Matching activities with your child’s interests and goals
Encouraging your child to choose activities based on their interests helps keep them engaged and motivated. Whether they enjoy sports, arts, or academic clubs, their passion will drive their commitment. Trying out trial classes or short-term programs can be a great way for them to explore different activities before deciding on a long-term option.
It’s important to choose activities that are right for their age so they can participate comfortably without feeling discouraged by older, more experienced kids. At the same time, holding them accountable for their choices helps build responsibility and time management skills.
Evaluating costs and financial constraints
Extracurricular activities often come with hidden costs, such as registration fees, equipment, uniforms, and travel expenses. For immigrant families still establishing financial stability in Canada, these expenses can be a challenge. So before committing to a program, ask for a full breakdown of fees and budget an additional 5-10% for unexpected costs.
Community-based programs also offer more affordable options than professional leagues or private clubs, which may require costly membership fees. Local hockey leagues or soccer clubs, like those run by Canada Soccer or Hockey Canada, offer lower registration fees and access to shared equipment, making them more affordable for families.
If you need financial support for extracurricular activities, consider looking into provincial grants, programs like the Canadian Tire Jumpstart program, or organizations like the YMCA and Boys and Girls Clubs of Canada.
Finding inclusive and welcoming programs
Canada’s multicultural environment offers many programs designed to support newcomer families by providing language assistance and culturally inclusive activities.
Programs like Language Instruction for Newcomers to Canada (LINC) help parents and children improve their English or French skills, while The Newcomer Youth Program offers a safe space for kids to connect with others from similar backgrounds.
Additionally, community initiatives such as those run by local Settlement Agencies provide cultural activities, mentoring, and social events that celebrate diversity, ensuring your child feels comfortable and included.
School-based activities, such as after-school clubs and English-as-a-Second-Language (ESL) programs, are often a great starting point, as they are familiar and easily accessible. Asking teachers or other parents for recommendations can also help you find welcoming extracurricular opportunities.
Balancing schedules and commitments
While it might be tempting to sign your child up for multiple activities, it’s important to make sure they have enough downtime. Overloading their schedule can cause stress and burnout, especially as they adjust to a new country.
Talk to them about their time commitments and help them choose one or two activities they truly enjoy, making sure they can balance school, free time, and extracurriculars. This way, they can stay engaged without feeling overwhelmed.
Encouraging leadership development
Extracurricular activities provide an excellent opportunity to build leadership skills, which are highly valued by universities and employers. Leadership roles such as student council, club executive positions, or sports team captaincies can help kids develop teamwork, communication, and problem-solving skills.
While extracurricular activities offer a variety of benefits, immigrant parents may face some obstacles when navigating these programs in Canada.
Newcomers to Canada can face a unique set of challenges when trying to involve their children in extracurricular activities. Let’s look at some common issues and potential solutions.
Language barriers
Limited English or French proficiency can make it difficult to understand program details, complete registrations, or communicate with instructors. However, many community centres and schools provide services to help bridge the gap. Local community centres may offer translated materials in languages like Punjabi or Arabic, and schools may have bilingual staff available to assist newcomers with completing registrations or understanding program details.
Cultural differences
Some families might prioritize academics over extracurriculars, while others may feel that the available programs don’t align with their cultural or religious values. When there aren’t enough options that reflect their background, parents may be hesitant to join. Looking for community organizations that offer programs tailored to their culture can help children stay connected to their roots while exploring new activities.
Unfamiliarity with the education system
Many newcomer parents are unaware of how extracurricular programs work in Canada or the benefits they offer. This can result in missed opportunities for their children to develop social skills, language abilities, and community connections. Attending school orientation sessions or speaking with teachers can provide valuable insights into available programs and how they complement academic learning.
Transportation issues
Limited access to public transit or conflicting work schedules can make it difficult for parents to transport their children to activities. Luckily, some community centres and schools in bigger cities provide free shuttle services to after-school programs. Municipalities like Montreal and Edmonton also offer transportation subsidies to families for bus or metro passes.
Social exclusion
Some families may face discrimination or feel unwelcome in extracurricular spaces, particularly if programs lack diversity or do not actively promote inclusivity. Finding clubs or teams that prioritize diversity and inclusion can create a more welcoming environment where children feel accepted and supported.
Despite these challenges, families can take steps to overcome barriers and help their children thrive in new environments.
Supporting your child’s involvement in extracurricular activities can help them build confidence, make new friends, and integrate into Canadian society. Here are ways to overcome challenges and create a positive experience.
Find language-friendly resources
Look for programs that offer translated materials or multilingual support. Schools, libraries, and community centres often provide assistance to help parents understand registration processes and program details. Parent groups or online forums for newcomers can also be a source for useful recommendations and peer support.
Explore culturally inclusive programs
Look for activities that celebrate diversity or are designed for newcomer families. Cultural organizations and community groups are great resources for finding programs that align with your values.
Programs like Alliance Française and local Indigenous community initiatives offer opportunities to learn about different cultures, helping children feel a sense of belonging while developing an appreciation for diverse traditions.
Learn about the educational system
Talk to school staff, other parents, or newcomer support organizations to better understand how extracurricular programs work. Many schools offer free or low-cost activities, which can be an accessible starting point. School newsletters or websites can help parents keep track of deadlines and available opportunities.
Coordinate transportation
Join carpool groups like GoKid and Poparide, or check if local community centres offer shuttle services. Some schools and organizations provide transportation assistance for extracurricular activities. Planning ahead and discussing schedules with other families can make transportation more manageable and reliable.
Encourage social connections
Getting involved in school or community events can help both you and your child build a strong network. Encouraging your child to participate in group-based activities can also help them develop friendships and feel more integrated into their new environment.
Building a support network for long-term success
Navigating Canada’s extracurricular activities can be challenging for newcomer families, but building a supportive community network can ease the transition into Canadian society.
Connect with other parents
- Engaging with other parents can help with carpooling, sharing program recommendations, and supporting each other through the transition.
- Online forums, social media groups, and parent-teacher associations (PTAs) can be great places to exchange information.
Engage with school staff and resources
- Schools often have settlement workers or guidance counsellors who can provide insights into extracurricular programs, subsidies, and scholarships.
- Teachers and after-school program coordinators can recommend activities that align with your child’s interests and strengths.
Use public libraries and community centres
- Many public libraries and local recreation centres offer free or low-cost extracurricular programs.
- Libraries also provide resources such as mentorship programs, language support, and youth engagement initiatives.
By establishing strong connections within the community, newcomer families can gain the knowledge and resources needed to help their children thrive in extracurricular activities.
FAQs
What are the three most important challenges related to integrating immigrants in Canada?
Limited language skills can make it harder to access jobs, education, and services. Fortunately, there are language training programs available through community organizations. Immigrants often face challenges finding jobs that match their qualifications due to differences in credential recognition or lack of Canadian work experience.
Adapting to a new culture and building a support network can be tough. Many community organizations are available to help ease this process.
What community services support adolescents and families who are newcomers to Canada?
Newcomer settlement agencies, like YMCA Newcomer Services, help with education, employment, and social integration. After-school programs such as Boys & Girls Clubs of Canada offer mentorship and tutoring. Cultural and language support groups assist families in maintaining connections to their heritage while settling into Canadian society. Mental health services also provide support for emotional well-being.
Can immigrant kids go to school in Canada?
Yes, all immigrant students have the right to attend public school in Canada. Education is free for children under 18, with ESL and FSL programs to help non-native speakers. Some provinces also offer orientation programs to help families understand the Canadian education system.
How can an immigrant be successful in Canada?
Success as an immigrant in Canada involves learning English or French, building a professional network, getting credential recognition, understanding Canadian culture, and making use of settlement resources to ease the transition.