67 Top Extracurricular Activities to Build Skills in 2025
Extracurricular activities aren’t just a way to round out a college application. They help kids figure out what they’re good at, what they enjoy and how to stick with something that matters. Robotics club, student council or community theater can all make school feel more meaningful.
Curious what makes an activity stand out on college applications? Or which ones are worth joining now? Some show leadership. Others are all about trying something new, building things, solving problems or putting ideas into action. The right choice can shape a student’s future in ways grades alone never will.
Jump to Section
- What Are Extracurricular Activities?
- Why Extracurriculars Matter (for All Ages)
- Extracurricular Activities in School
- Extracurricular Activities for Kids
- Extracurricular Activities in High School
- Extracurricular Activities for College Prep
- Extracurricular Activities for a Resume
- Extracurricular Activities FAQs
What Are Extracurricular Activities?
1. Extracurricular Activities Outside the Classroom
Extracurricular activities are anything students take part in outside their regular classes. From after-school clubs to weekend projects, they give students a chance to do what they enjoy while building skills and figuring out what really matters on a personal level.
2. Examples of Clubs and Activities
Some kids jump into robotics. Others go for drama, a local sports team or coding projects at home. Anything that encourages growth, curiosity or connection can count.
3. Activities That Show Talent Beyond Grades
Grades and test scores only tell part of the story. Extracurricular activities help show what drives a student, what they care about and how they take initiative. Colleges and employers notice students who care about something and stick with it.
Why Extracurriculars Matter (for All Ages)
4. Building Life Skills
Students pick up habits they’ll actually use, like staying organized, working with others and managing time. Extracurricular activities help students stay focused on their goals for school and create a clear path through the year.
5. Discovering Interests and Passions
Trying something new can uncover a talent or ignite an interest in something unknown. Extracurricular activities let students try new things, explore different interests and find what really clicks. A robotics club might open the door to a future in engineering. A drama program might ignite a lifelong love of storytelling.
6. Creating Community and Connection
Extracurricular activities help students feel part of something and connect with people who care about the same things. Creating a social connection that matters at every age, from early childhood through retirement. According to the National Alliance on Mental Health (NAMI), strong social connections can make a real difference, especially for students dealing with stress or mental health struggles.
7. Enhancing Opportunities
Extracurricular activities can lead to more than just new hobbies. Some activities open doors, whether that’s a scholarship, an internship or just knowing someone who can help down the road. The right experience can lead to something bigger and colleges and employers notice when students go beyond the basics.
Extracurricular Activities in School
8. Student Council
Student council gives students a voice in school decisions and a role in planning events like dances, fundraisers and spirit week ideas. It is one of the most recognized leadership-based extracurricular activities in school, it helps students speak up, plan events and take part in school decisions.
9. School Newspaper
The school newspaper gives students a reason to write with purpose and learn how to ask better questions. They also pick up how to run interviews, write headlines and maybe even try layout or photography.
10. Yearbook Committee
The yearbook committee pulls together photos, design and stories to help wrap up the year in one place. Some students take on advertising or budgeting other school fundraising ideas, learning how to stay creative while keeping things organized.
11. Math Club
Mathematicians and future statisticians are sure to love joining the math club. It turns problem-solving into a team sport. Members tackle logic puzzles, explore concepts beyond the classroom and compete in regional math contests. It is a great choice among extracurricular activities in high school for students who enjoy thinking through problems and solving puzzles with others.
12. Science Olympiad
Science Olympiad combines hands-on projects with academic challenges in biology, physics, engineering and more. Teams compete at regional and national levels, and the event is one of the most competitive extracurricular activities in high school for students interested in STEM who like a mix of hands-on challenges and academic puzzles.
13. Spelling Bee
Spelling bees help students sharpen their vocabulary, memory and public speaking. Whether they’re competing locally or preparing for larger contests, it’s a great way to make language feel more active, while building memory, focus and stage presence.
14. Choir
Choir is one of the most popular music-based extracurricular activities in school. Students learn to read music, harmonize and perform as a group. It’s also an effective way to develop rhythm, improve focus and gain performance experience.
15. Orchestra
While performing classical and modern pieces together, students build musical reading ability, discipline and a strong sense of timing and group awareness. Orchestra also helps students understand the value of teamwork as they contribute to a shared sound.
16. Drama Club
Drama club is all about creativity and expression. Acting, directing or working behind the scenes all build teamwork and help students get more comfortable speaking in front of a crowd. Rehearsals and productions also build commitment and adaptability.
17. School Band
Band builds rhythm, focus and a strong sense of teamwork. Playing an instrument improves memory and coordination and being part of an ensemble teaches students how to listen and collaborate. Band offers structure and a clear rhythm to follow — literally and otherwise.
18. Art Club
Art club provides the opportunity to experiment with new materials and express their ideas visually. Students get to lean into their creative process while exploring techniques like painting, sketching or sculpting. It promotes visual thinking and offers a calming, focused break from the school day.
19. Debate Team
Debaters learn to speak clearly, back up their points and respond under pressure. For students into law, politics or communication, it’s a standout amongst extracurricular activities that teaches how to argue well and listen better.
20. Chess Club
Chess club sharpens focus and patience through strategy and friendly competition. Students work on foresight and planning, along with critical thinking that can boost academic performance.
21. Environmental Club
The environmental club lets students take action on issues that matter. From organizing clean-up events to launching recycling programs, it is a meaningful way to learn about sustainability while building leadership and teamwork. Students also gain a sense of ownership and responsibility toward their community and the planet.
22. Book Club
Being part of the book club gives students a chance to connect over stories. They help students build empathy, improve reading comprehension and share ideas in a low-pressure setting. This kind of extracurricular activity promotes better communication, reflection and a lasting appreciation for reading.
Extracurricular Activities for Kids
23. Girl Scouts or Boy Scouts
Scout programs blend fun, community and skill-building. Badges and service projects aren’t just fun, they help kids learn how to lead, connect with others and stick with something until it’s finished.
24. Youth Soccer League
Soccer teaches more than just physical coordination — it encourages teamwork, discipline and sportsmanship. It’s also a great way for kids to stay active, make friends and learn how to win and lose with grace.
25. Martial Arts Classes
Martial arts help kids build discipline, focus and physical fitness. Kids stay active, learn discipline and pick up a few moves that build both focus and self-respect.
26. Lego Robotics Club
In this hands-on activity, kids build and program robots using Lego kits. Kids get to build and code their own robots and get to mix creativity, tech and teamwork. It’s a great introduction to technology-focused extracurricular activities that inspire innovation.
27. Creative Writing Workshops
Writing clubs provide the opportunity to write stories, poetry and plays. Workshops like these help kids explore ideas, play with language and get more comfortable sharing what’s on their minds.
28. Dance Classes
Dance classes help kids improve coordination and rhythm while letting them express themselves through movement. Dance builds rhythm, body awareness and confidence, all while letting kids move to music and enjoy the moment.
29. Junior Theater Programs
Kids who participate in theater programs learn to work as a team, speak clearly and memorize scripts — all while having a blast on stage. Theater also helps build self-esteem and encourages creative thinking. Kids who need help with self-expression should consider extracurricular activities like this.
30. Coding for Kids
Coding classes introduce kids to computer science through games and interactive challenges. Extracurricular activities like this teach logic, creativity and problem-solving, setting the stage for bigger things down the road — like building games or understanding how apps work.
31. Piano or Guitar Lessons
Music lessons help kids strengthen their patience and discipline as they learn an instrument. Learning to play and perform builds focus, patience and self-expression.
32. Nature Explorers Club
Outdoor-focused extracurricular activities like hikes and scavenger hunts help kids connect with the world around them. They build observation and curiosity while learning about science and the environment.
33. Community Gardening
Gardening teaches children about plant life, sustainability and shared responsibility. It blends science with teamwork and patience, making it one of the more impactful extracurricular activities for younger kids.
34. Art and Craft Classes
Art and craft classes give kids a way to express their creativity with materials like paint, clay or paper.
35. Swimming Lessons
Swimming keeps kids moving while helping them stay safe and confident in the water. They build strength, endurance and coordination while also offering a sense of independence. It's one of those extracurricular activities that sticks — it teaches safety, independence and how to stay calm under pressure.
36. Storytime at the Library
Library group storytime builds early literacy and instills a love for reading. It helps young kids engage with books and language in a way that’s playful and social, laying a strong foundation for school.
37. Kids’ Science Clubs
Science clubs turn curiosity into discovery. With hands-on experiments and probing questions, kids get to learn about the natural world in a way that’s both educational and fun. Science clubs use engaging extracurricular activities to enhance STEM learning in a low-pressure setting.
Extracurricular Activities in High School
38. Model United Nations (MUN)
Model United Nations (MUN) challenges students to simulate UN conferences, research global issues and practice public speaking. It encourages diplomacy, collaboration and an understanding of international affairs. For extracurricular activities that develop communication and global awareness, MUN is definitely worth considering.
39. National Honor Society
The National Honor Society (NHS) recognizes academic excellence and encourages service, leadership and strong character. It brings together students who excel in academics and service and it often leads to scholarship access and real leadership roles.
40. Robotics Team
Students design and build robots from the ground up, learning to problem-solve with code and creativity. Extracurricular activities like these nurture creativity, teamwork and innovation.
41. Varsity Sports Teams
Varsity sports promote dedication, resilience and school spirit. Students train and compete at a high level, learning about time management, leadership and the importance of teamwork. These teams ask a lot — early mornings, tough practices and full seasons — but the payoffs are real.
42. Peer Tutoring
Peer tutoring gives high school students a chance to support classmates in subjects they’ve already mastered. Tutoring helps students strengthen what they know while supporting classmates who need a hand. It also builds leadership and trust.
43. Foreign Language Club
Foreign language clubs allow students to learn about new cultures and languages through games, films and shared meals. Extracurricular activities like this give students a chance to explore other cultures in a way that’s relaxed, social and rooted in curiosity.
44. Theater Productions
Theater productions bring together students who want to act, design sets, run lighting or manage the stage. This collaborative environment builds commitment and creativity and allows students to shine on and off stage.
45. Academic Decathlon
Academic decathlon teams compete in ten subjects, including math, literature and economics. Students prepare for months, learning to study efficiently, manage time and work collaboratively under pressure.
46. Student Ambassadors
Student ambassadors help represent their school at events, guiding visitors and speaking clearly about what makes their community stand out.
47. Volunteer Club
Volunteer clubs give students a chance to support their communities through hands-on service. From organizing food drives to participating in charity events, students improve empathy, leadership and civic responsibility through these meaningful extracurricular activities.
48. Film Club
Movie buffs searching for fun extracurricular activities are sure to love the film club. Members watch and analyze classic and modern films and sometimes produce short student videos. Students can work on storytelling, visual literacy and the cultural impact of film while developing teamwork and creative thinking.
49. E-Sports Club
E-sports clubs offer a competitive environment for students who enjoy gaming. They build strategic thinking, fast decision-making and teamwork — all while promoting healthy competition in a structured extracurricular activity that continues to grow in popularity.
50. Entrepreneurship Club
Entrepreneurship clubs are valuable extracurricular activities that help students turn ideas into business plans. They figure out how to pitch ideas, build a budget and present their work — practical tools for anyone with big ideas.
51. Public Speaking Club
These clubs give students a space to practice speaking clearly, think on their feet and learn how to handle feedback.
52. Photography Club
Photography clubs give students a chance to work with light, angles and storytelling through images they create and edit. Like many extracurricular activities, photography clubs foster collaboration and can even inspire future career interests.
Extracurricular Activities for College Prep
53. SAT/ACT Prep Groups
SAT/ACT prep groups provide students with focused sessions that help them prepare for standardized tests. It's one of those extracurricular activities that is particularly helpful for college applications. They teach strategies for test-taking, review of core content and provide access to practice exams.
54. Internships
Internships expose students to professional environments like hospitals, law firms or tech companies. These extracurricular activities help understand workplace etiquette, enhance problem-solving and communication — all valuable for college applications and future careers.
55. Dual Enrollment College Classes
Dual enrollment college classes are extracurricular activities that let high school students take college-level courses early. They demonstrate academic readiness and give students a head start on earning credits, often easing the transition to college later.
56. Research Projects with Teachers
Students work closely with teachers on real research, collecting data, testing ideas and learning how to ask better questions.
57. Summer Enrichment Programs
These programs dig deeper into things like science, literature or art and give students the chance to explore in a hands-on way. With on-campus programs, students get to find out where their interests lie.
58. Leadership Conferences
Leadership conferences are intensive extracurricular activities where students attend workshops, hear from speakers and build leadership skills. Conferences like these help teens picture what leadership looks like in real life — at school, in a job, or anywhere they want to have an impact.
59. Mentorship Programs
Having a mentor gives students someone to check in with, ask questions and start thinking through what comes next.
Extracurricular Activities for a Resume
60. Public Speaking Workshops
Workshops like these help students get comfortable speaking in front of others and learn how to organize their thoughts under pressure.
61. Online Certification Programs
Earning certifications in subjects like digital marketing, project management or finance demonstrates initiative and skill-building beyond the classroom. These credentials also add substance to a resume.
62. Peer Tutoring
Peer tutoring demonstrates subject mastery, leadership and the ability to explain complex ideas. Explaining ideas to classmates helps reinforce their own understanding and builds trust and leadership along the way.
63. Portfolio Development
Creating a portfolio in fields like art, writing or programming displays a commitment to personal growth and skill application. For college admissions and job applications, a polished portfolio can make a powerful impression.
64. Career Shadowing
Shadowing professionals allows students to observe real-life roles in action. It gives students a look at real-world jobs and a chance to meet people working in fields they’re curious about.
65. Entrepreneurship Club
Students work on real business ideas from brainstorming to pitching and problem-solving, as part of a team. These extracurricular activities teach initiative, creativity and problem-solving.
66. Alumni Networking Events
Attending alumni events builds communication and professional networking skills. Students get used to introducing themselves, asking questions and making real-world connections that could matter later.
67. Technical Writing Projects
Technical writing projects such as user manuals or instructional guides build writing precision, clarity and subject matter expertise — all useful in fields from engineering to business.
Extracurricular Activities FAQs
What Are Considered Extracurricular Activities?
Extracurricular activities are things students do outside of regular classes that relate to interests, skills or passions. These might include joining a sports team, participating in drama club, volunteering, playing an instrument or even starting a blog. If it happens during free time and helps develop a skill or interest, it counts.
What Is the Best Example of Extra Curricular Activities?
Student government is a strong example. It builds leadership, communication and responsibility and shows initiative. As one of the more active extracurricular activities in school, it reflects a willingness to take on challenges, something colleges and employers often look for.
What Is the Most Popular Extracurricular Activity?
Sports remain some of the most popular extracurricular activities. Many students join teams to play football, swim, wrestle or play volleyball. These activities build physical fitness, teach perseverance and encourage teamwork.
What Are Some Extracurricular Activities for a Resume?
Including extracurricular activities in a resume shows a well-rounded personality and highlights skills gained outside the classroom. Strong examples include debate club, language classes, volunteer work and leadership roles — anything that demonstrates transferable skills like communication, teamwork or initiative.
The most valuable lessons often happen outside the classroom. Extracurricular activities give students room to grow, discover what excites them and build skills they will need well beyond school.
For even more ways to stay active, involved and inspired, check out other experiences happening on Classpop!
