The school year is now in high gear, and with it, an all-new season of extracurricular sports and activities is underway.

Like most communities, northern Michigan has lots of options, both school-affiliated and independent, to keep kids involved, active, and challenged. To get a better sense of what’s available — and how several popular activities vary in terms of cost, time commitment, challenges, and benefits — the Northern Express, sister publication of The Ticker, reached out to coaches and mentors running six different extracurricular programs this week to get an inside look at their programs.

To keep the comparisons consistent and as objective as possible, writer Craig Manning focused on a fairly narrow area of the region and the high school age range. (Keep in mind: Most of these activities are available, in some form, to younger participants as well.) Debating between hockey and soccer? Curious what costs are involved for dance lessons? What's the time commitment for a theater production? How about the benefits and drawbacks for tennis versus rowing? In this week's Northern Express story "Kid's Extracurricular Activities," you'll find a handy guide to multiple popular after-school programs for students.

The Northern Express is available to read online, or pick up a free copy at one of nearly 700 spots in 14 counties across northern Michigan.