I like my son's after school program. He gets to know quite a few older kids. Of course, all the time he spends on playing, which is fine for me as he is in K. There are "classes" in the after school program, e.g., "fun with food", "game A-Z" -- more play ;-)) (My friend's kids' after school program is not as good though. So, really depends what is provided and what you care most.)