Clubs and after school activities were enormously important to students. Some of the things that they could participate in included 4H, Band, Glee Club or Chorus, New Farmers of America, New Homemakers of America, Drama Club, Debate Club, the Crown and Scepter Club, and Daughters of Isis, among other organizations.

The Crown and Scepter Club was a Honors Society established for Black students in segregated high schools, and required high academic achievement for membership. The Imperial Court Daughters of Isis was a women's charitable organization associated with the Black Freemasonry movement that stressed the development of powerful leaders and provided mentorship and community support for youth and young adults in the Black community. 

One of the first clubs that was offered at Little River School was 4H. In keeping with the school's early focus on home economics and agriculture, students developed award-winning displays and exhibits for the Durham County Fair. While some of the displays were product exhibitions, some students put on educational exhibits. One exhibit showcased tools and furniture that was made in the shop at Little River High School at a time when manufactured goods were out of reach for many people. Another highlighted the importance of crop rotation in replenishing soil health and reducing the risk of erosion. These educational exhibits showcased vital skills young farmers were developing, espectially as they were living through the effects of the Great Depression and the Dust Bowl in the American Midwest. 

Little River School established its basketball program in 1938 with no gymnasium or training area. The program was put on hold due to World War II, and reopened in 1946, with the upcoming promise of proper facilities to be constructed in 1948. A gymnasium was finally constructed in 1954, and bleachers and a modern, electronic scoreboard were installed in 1955. The Little River basketball program was a clear success under the leadership of their coach, Mr. Erwin Johnson. The Little River "Busy Beavers" basketball team was named the Division 1A State Champions for the first time in 1963, followed by three more state championships in 1964, 1965, and 1967. 

In the late 1950s and early 1960s, Little River High School added a girl's and boy's track team. The team was quickly competitive, aided by the construction of a track field at the school in 1958. The 1964-1965 Little River High School's Beavers track team placed at the state track meet in May 1965. Lucious Daye, who was undefeated in the one mile race, won with a time of 4:45 according to the school newspaper, the Little River Hi-Tide. 

By 1961, the Little River High School had established a school newspaper called the Little River Hi-Tide. It was a member of the Southeastern Scholastic Press Association and was both regionally and nationally recognized. The newspaper was staffed by students with staff advisors, and reported on student, alumni, and regional and national news items that affected the school. Their reporting included items such as the establishment of an in-school dentist as part of the School Dental Program, a monthly Classroom News page with columns for each class, an Alumni column, sports news and schedules, a guidance column, and a principal's column. They also hosted editorials, student accomplishments, and information about the activities of different clubs and classes, such as when the Social Science classes had the opportunity to hear President John F. Kennedy speak at the University of North Carolina Chapel Hill on October 12, 1961. In the December 1961 edition of the paper, it was reported that they won the award for Front Page Make-Up at the Southeastern Scholastic Press Conference. 

Little River High School's New Farmers of America program was hugely successful. At the Sixth Annual Durham Junior Tobacco Sale in 1961 they were honored with awards and letters of commendation from both the District Supervisor of Vocational Agriculture and the Superintendent of County Schools. Students from the NFA program at Little River won first, second, third, and fourth places. The first place winner received $87.00 per hundred pounds for his tobacco. Adjusted for inflation, that prize is worth $913.85 in 2024. 

The New Homemakers of America was a home economics club for girls that focused on working together in community to solve local problems related to care work. The club was active in the community, attending annual events such as the New Homemakers of America ball and regional rallies. 

Little River High School had many additional activities that students could participate in. These included a dance group under the direction of the school's Special Physical Education teacher, Mrs. W. T. Bailey, an Agriculture Reading Group, music classes under a special music teacher, Mrs. Florita Russell, and home economics classes and clubs. There were also Junior and Senior Library Clubs, a cheerleading squad, and other activities offered to enrich students' education.