School’s Out. Now What? San Marcos Rec Club Has an Answer

Fortunately, San Marcos has an option designed to fill that awkward stretch between dismissal and dinner.

The City of San Marcos is enrolling families in its Rec Club After School Care program for the 2026–27 school year, offering supervised afternoon care for full-day TK and elementary students in the San Marcos Unified School District.

More Than a Place to Wait for Pickup

Rec Club runs Monday through Friday from school dismissal until 6 p.m. and follows the SMUSD school schedule.

Kids aren't simply parked in a room until Mom or Dad arrives. The program includes games and activities, a daily snack, dedicated homework time and supervision from trained City of San Marcos Parks & Recreation staff.

The program is offered at two locations:

San Marcos Community Center
3 Civic Center Drive

San Elijo Recreation Center
1105 Elfin Forest Road

And there's one feature that could make Rec Club considerably more useful for working families: transportation.

SMUSD bus service is available from participating district schools to the Rec Club locations. Families do need to purchase a separate bus pass through SMUSD Transportation Services, and students cannot ride until that pass has been approved. Parents can also drop children off directly at the program.

What Does It Cost?

The City currently lists Rec Club at $400 per month, with the school bus pass costing extra. The City's Summer 2026 Recreation Guide lists the program as running from August 2026 through June 2027.

Registration opened in April, and the City recently announced that spots are still available.

That may be worth a look for parents still piecing together their after-school plans as the new school year gets underway.

One important detail: Rec Club is for full-day TK and elementary students. Half-day TK students are not eligible.

Families can learn more or register through the City of San Marcos Rec Club page.

Questions You May Have About The San Marcos Rec Club

Who can attend San Marcos Rec Club?
The program is available to full-day TK and elementary students. Half-day TK students are not eligible.

What are the hours?
Rec Club operates Monday through Friday from school dismissal until 6 p.m. and follows the SMUSD school schedule.

How much does Rec Club cost?
The City currently lists the program at $400 per month. An SMUSD bus pass, if needed, must be purchased separately.

Where is Rec Club offered?
Families can choose the San Marcos Community Center at 3 Civic Center Drive or the San Elijo Recreation Center at 1105 Elfin Forest Road.

Can my child take a bus there after school?
Yes. SMUSD bus transportation is available from participating schools, but families must separately purchase a bus pass and receive approval before the student can ride.