Back-to-School | Parks and Rec will be providing after-school care to more than 1500 kids News General, News Mayor Office, News Parks and Recreation Parks & Rec After-School[...]

After caring for approximately 2,000 children enrolled in summer programming, Tampa Parks and Recreation staff are switching gears and welcoming more than 1,500 students to the After-School Program.

Twenty-four recreation centers across the City of Tampa, as far south as MacDill Air Force Base and as far north as the Pasco County line, provide after school care for local children.

The program is free, participants only need a Rec Card, which costs $15 annually and is free for teens.

"Tampa's kids have a very affordable and fantastic place to go for after-school care, thanks to Parks & Recreation" Mayor Jane Castor said. "For decades, we have provided a safe and supervised space, helped with homework, and kept kids entertained while their parents finished workdays."

Care is also offered during the Thanksgiving break, Christmas break, and Spring break. And when hurricanes forced longer closures in 2024, Parks & Rec opened its doors to take care of kids and support families.

For the 2025-26 school year, 1,561 children attended, representing 987 households. Some vacancies remain for the 2026-27 school year, but the program is expected to reach capacity this week.

Parents can visit tampa.gov/after-school for more information and to register. For questions, please call (813) 274-5132.