No-Prep OSHC Activities
Print-and-Go Resources That Actually Work
Some afternoons don’t go to plan.
Staff are stretched, kids are tired, the weather turns, or the group size changes without warning. This page exists for those moments — when you need something that works now, without cutting, laminating, or explaining five steps.
Every activity linked here is:
- print and go
- low explanation
- flexible for mixed ages
- suitable for real OSHC rooms, not idealised classrooms
These are the kinds of resources educators keep bookmarked because they remove decision fatigue at the end of a long day.
What “No-Prep” Really Means in OSHC
In this context, no-prep means:
- no special materials
- no pre-teaching required
- no setup time beyond printing
- kids can start independently or with minimal guidance
Most of these activities also work when:
- kids arrive at different times
- attention levels are uneven
- staffing ratios are tight
Quick Start Icebreakers & Low-Energy Activities
These are useful when kids need something to ease into the afternoon or reset after a busy session.
- Ice breaker chatterbox (easy paper craft):
https://afterschoolcareprintables.com/printables/ice-breaker-chatterbox-easy-paper-craft-low-prep-activity/ - Free hide and seek worksheet (maze, word search, drawing):
https://afterschoolcareprintables.com/printables/free-hide-seek-printable-worksheet-maze-word-search-drawing/ - Help me get down (drawing prompt):
https://afterschoolcareprintables.com/printables/help-me-get-down-drawing-activity-for-kids/
https://afterschoolcareprintables.com/printables/help-me-get-down-drawing-worksheets-for-kids/
These are particularly useful during staggered arrivals or when children need something calm and self-directed.
Games, Puzzles & Thinking Activities (No Explaining Required)
These activities work well when kids want something structured but you don’t want to run a full game.
- Free HTML crossword puzzle (web-based option):
https://afterschoolcareprintables.com/printables/free-html-crossword-puzzle-for-kids-fun-web-coding-worksheet/ - Dragon crossword puzzle:
https://afterschoolcareprintables.com/printables/dragon-crossword-puzzle-worksheet/ - Monster crossword puzzle:
https://afterschoolcareprintables.com/printables/monster-crossword-puzzle-worksheet-for-kids-myth-folklore-vocabulary/ - April word search:
https://afterschoolcareprintables.com/printables/free-april-word-search-printable-for-kids/ - Animals word search:
https://afterschoolcareprintables.com/printables/free-animals-word-search-printable-for-kids/
These are ideal for indoor days or when kids want something familiar and predictable.
Creative Worksheets That Run Themselves
These activities are popular because children can start immediately, but still stay engaged for a long time.
- Design the worst drink ever:
https://afterschoolcareprintables.com/printables/make-the-worst-drink-ever-printable-worksheet-creative-activity/ - Free meal time worksheet:
https://afterschoolcareprintables.com/printables/free-meal-time-worksheet-food-time-activities-for-kids/ - Free smoothie worksheet:
https://afterschoolcareprintables.com/printables/free-smoothie-worksheet-for-kids-juice-smoothie-activity/ - Build your own burger:
https://afterschoolcareprintables.com/printables/build-your-own-burger-imagination-drawing-activity/ - Make your own pizza:
https://afterschoolcareprintables.com/printables/make-your-own-pizza-printable-kids-drawing-activity/
These work well across ages because there’s no “right” result.
Literacy & Learning Support (Low Pressure)
Sometimes kids want to do something that feels like school — just without the pressure.
- Free A–Z write, find, trace worksheets:
https://afterschoolcareprintables.com/printables/free-a-z-write-find-trace-worksheets-print-go/ - Draw the alphabet (lowercase practice):
https://afterschoolcareprintables.com/printables/draw-the-alphabet-printable-worksheet-lowercase-letter-practice/ - Clock time craft (learn to tell time):
https://afterschoolcareprintables.com/printables/clock-time-craft-printable-learn-to-tell-time-worksheet/
These are useful for children who prefer structured tasks or quieter learning-style activities.
Cultural, Community & Special-Day Resources
These resources are often used when services need something respectful, appropriate, and easy to implement.


- NAIDOC Week Australian animal colouring page:
https://afterschoolcareprintables.com/printables/naidoc-week-australian-animal-colouring-page/ - Harmony Day badge design worksheet:
https://afterschoolcareprintables.com/printables/harmony-day-badge-design-printable-worksheet/
These activities work well in group discussions or as independent reflection tasks.
Incursion & Special Session Printables
Some days are different, and you need something themed and ready.

- Minecraft incursion printable pack:
https://afterschoolcareprintables.com/printables/minecraft-incursion-printables-pack-for-oshc-free-download/
This type of resource is useful when you want activities that feel special without increasing workload.
How OSHC Teams Commonly Use These
Educators often use these activities:
- when staff are covering multiple areas
- during wet weather
- before pickup time
- as calm alternatives to high-energy play
- to support mixed-age groups without splitting them up
The goal isn’t to run a lesson — it’s to give children something meaningful to do without adding stress to the team.
Download and Use What You Need
Each link above goes directly to the printable or activity page.
You can print one, print a few, or come back to this page when you need ideas quickly.
No sign-ups. No preparation steps. Just usable resources.
Why This Page Exists
OSHC work is unpredictable.
This page exists so that when things get busy, you don’t have to search, plan, or improvise.
You just print — and let the activity do the work.
