* Playing outside: This was a dominant activity for most children. Games like hopscotch, tag, jump rope, kickball, stickball, and building forts were prevalent. Neighborhoods often provided ample space for unstructured play.
* Chores: Many children contributed to household chores after school, helping with cooking, cleaning, yard work, or caring for younger siblings.
* Helping out in family businesses: In families who owned small businesses (e.g., a store or farm), children often assisted with work after school.
* Organized sports: While not as widespread as today, some children participated in organized sports leagues, often baseball, basketball, or football.
* Religious activities: Participation in church youth groups or religious education classes was common for many.
* Homework: While generally less demanding than today, some homework was assigned, particularly in the upper elementary and middle school grades.
* Reading: Many children spent time reading books, comics (like the very popular comic books of the era), or magazines.
* Radio/TV: Listening to the radio or watching television were increasingly popular pastimes, though television ownership wasn't as widespread as it would become in later decades.
It's important to remember that this was before widespread access to organized after-school programs and extracurricular activities as we know them today. A significant portion of a child's after-school time was spent in relatively unstructured play and contributing to their family's life.