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Afternoon activities for schoolchildren

In Finland, school days often end quite early compared to many other countries – typically around noon for younger pupils. To support families and provide children with a safe and engaging environment after school, municipalities organize afternoon activities for primary school children.

Starting from the 2025–2026 school year, afternoon activities in Lahti will primarily be offered to first-grade pupils. However, children in grades 1–2 and pupils from other grades who have a special support decision can also apply.
Key details:

  • Afternoon activities take place on school days only.
  • Sessions last 4 hours per day, usually from 12:00 to 16:00.
  • Activities are organized at schools or nearby facilities.
  • There is no afternoon program during school holidays or on Saturday school days.

The aim of afternoon activities is to provide children with safe, healthy, and developmentally supportive leisure time. The program complements the educational work of home and school and promotes the child’s overall well-being.

Applying for Afternoon Activities

The main application period for afternoon activities was from April 1 to April 17, 2025. However, applications can be submitted throughout the school year. After the application period, applications are considered in the order they are received, and children can join the activities if there is space in the group. After the application period, you can apply for afternoon activities with a paper application which should be returned to the address of the service provider from whom you are seeking a place for afternoon activities. More information about afternoon activities (in Finnish) can be found on the City of Lahti’s website Iltapäivätoiminta.