Having an activity outside of school can be a great experience for kids. There are so many options to choose from depending on where you live. In rural or very urban areas, activities can be more limited. Sports are not the only option to choose from. Here are 10 kid activities and what they can learn from each of the activities.
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Some of the benefits of these activities are obvious, but some might surprise you. If you have the means and availability, it would be great to let your kids try as many of these options as possible. I am a firm believer that letting your kids try different activities (if you can) is good for them. It lets them discover strengths and weaknesses. Even if they aren’t good at something, they will be challenged and can learn life skills. It’s a great way to make friends also!
The best age to start trying activities is 4-6 years old. At this age, they might be nervous to try something new but will have developed enough coordination for many activities. It is totally fine to start later but the later they start, the more competitive some kids will already be. These kid activities are also great suggestions for kids that are homeschooled.
Variety of Activities
When I was younger, my parents let me try as many different kid activities, outside of school, as I wanted. Some I stayed with for a while and some I just tried once. Here are some activities I remember trying: soccer, ballet, softball, horseback riding, gymnastics, swimming, modeling, Awana, bowling, tennis, performing arts, cooking, pottery, girl scouts, singing, piano and more. It was a great experience because I never felt stuck hating something because my parents were not forcing me to go. Now that I am an adult, I feel like I can relate with others more because even though I don’t have a lot of experience with any of those activities I am at least slightly familiar.
Martial Arts
Karate and Tae Kwon Do are the two most readily available options in this area. Some other possible options are Kung Fu, Judo, Jiu-Jitsu, Aikido, Hapkido, and more. What kids can learn:
- Self-Discipline
- Respect
- Dedication
- Listening skills
- Setting goals
- Strength
- Self-esteem
- Conflict resolution
Related post: 11 Creative Activities for kids on holiday break
Soccer
Soccer is a very popular sport for kids for many reasons. It is one of the most active sports, so is great for creating a healthier lifestyle. Kids will be running a lot in soccer, especially as they get more competitive. Soccer is a kids’ activity that also doesn’t require a lot of equipment so it’s fairly easy to have what you need in the car. AYSO is a very large organization that has been around since 1964 and currently has programs in nearly 900 communities all over the US and some internationally. What kids can learn:
- Teamwork
- Endurance
- Decision making
- Perseverance
- Sportsmanship
- Coordination
Baseball
Baseball is a much slower sport than soccer but has other very important skills to be learned. This is one of the most popular sports among kids in the US. Little League has been around since 1939 and is the world’s largest organized youth sports program. What kids can learn:
- Patience
- Hand-eye coordination
- Dealing with pressure
- Teamwork
- Sportsmanship
- Self-confidence
- Commitment
Basketball
Basketball is another great sport for physical activity like soccer. The NBA and USA Basketball have teamed up to provide guidelines designed to promote a positive and healthy youth basketball experience. What kids can learn:
- Endurance
- Teamwork
- Hand-eye coordination
- Leadership
- Sportsmanship
Gymnastics
Gymnastics is not just an activity for girls. Boys can have just as many benefits from it. This is an activity that might not be available everywhere but is a great option. Besides appropriate clothing, it doesn’t require the parents to purchase added equipment because the facility will have everything. It challenges kids to push themselves past their comfort zone and success does
- Flexibility
- Strength
- Balance
- Coordination
- Discipline
- Work ethic
- Overcoming
fears
Dance
Dance also is not just for girls. There are many different dance styles to choose from such as Ballet, Hip-Hop, Tap, Jazz and more. My 4-year-old son got to try a Hip-Hop class and loved it! Many cities have parks and recreation departments that offer classes and dance is a popular area. Many dance classes will offer opportunities for a recital so kids can perform in front of others and show what they have learned. What kids can learn:
- Flexibility
- Coordination
- Balance
- Strength
- Creativity
Art
Art classes can be offered through Parks and Rec programs, after-school programs and private art studios. Some of the many different types of art classes kids can take are drawing, painting, ceramics, photography, sculpting and more. Art classes are a great way to channel creativity. I loved taking a pottery class when I was in High School. I still have the 3 bowls that I made and even use one on my desk at work. What kids can learn:
- Creativity
- Problem-solving
- Self-confidence
- Develop new perspectives
Music
If your child has an opportunity to try anything related to music at some point, they should try it. This could be learning a musical instrument, singing or more. Some schools have a music program and kids can learn to play the recorder and eventually an instrument. It may not be easy for most but it’s a great skill to have. What kids can learn:
- Dedication and hard work
- Creativity
- Memory skills
- Math
- Coordination
- Responsibility
Swimming
Taking swimming lessons is almost a rite of passage. It’s a safety skill that everyone should learn at some point in their life. You never know when you will need it. Some kids take to it quickly and eventually go on to compete in swim meets. Water safety is very important. What kids can learn:
- Endurance
- Safety
- Perseverance
- Confidence
Related Post: Best books for preteen boys.
Boy/Girl Scouts
The Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts have great programs that teach a multitude of skills. Boy Scouts is not just about making crafts and Girl Scouts is not just about selling cookies. Both of these organizations teach valuable tangible and intangible skills. You can earn various badges while learning practical skills. These programs can require a bigger time commitment, but well worth it. Here is what kids can learn with these kid activities:
- Leadership
- Community service
- Confidence
- Self-reliance
- Teamwork
- Sportsmanship
- Entrepreneurship
- Safety skills
If you are bringing a younger sibling to lessons or practices for an older child some great recommendations for what to pack in your diaper bag.
What kid activities have you let your kids experience? Let me know below so I can see if my kids want to try it too!
I can’t wait for my son to try most of the activities on your list. I know he will love soccer and baseball so much. We explored swimming this summer and he loved it!
Super fun ideas! Thanks for sharing!
I love all these activities! I think it is important to expose our children to a variety. My little girl dances and now she is also interested in martial arts.
I couldn’t love this more! I’m all about putting my kids in activities and sports. They learned so much and absolutely love it. Great post
These are all great ideas! Music is a great one, especially for younger kids. I have a toddler and while organized sports is a little too advanced, we find music classes are a great way to keep him engaged and learn to follow directions and repition.
Yes! Toddlers love music and dancing!
These are awesome activities which build character. I remember the days of shuffling all our kids around soccer, band, baseball, softball, piano, chorus, karate . . . I thought I would never get a break. I was so tired, but it was all worth it. I now have 3 amazing adult children who are all doing amazing things and living living God-honoring lives. Keep it up mamas and daddies. It’s worth it. I miss those days so much.
Nice article! I agree with you. Our older son has tried quite a few activities by now, including gymnastics (didnt like that much, though), soccer, swimming, golf (plays with his daddy) and also ice skating. The last 3 he enjoys the most 🙂
Thanks! It is definitely great to try many and maybe they will find one or two or more that they love!
Your boy’s pictures are so cute!
Thanks!!
Definitely gonna try this with my little one! Thanks for sharing!
Great! Let me know what they try and if they like it!
I agree with all of the above. So important to teach these things with sports, team or individual. So many life lessons. Plus they aren’t holed up in their room on social media perpetuating the gossip of the day. Ugh! Mine play basketball and hang out at the farm after school.
Yes! If my oldest had his choice he would just play video games all day long but when pushed a bit he had really enjoyed trying other activities. We are just starting to try activities with my 4-year-old so we will see what he ends up liking.