Many kids enjoy playing outside and participating in sports in each season of the year. It makes for a great way to have fun and spend time with other children who are the same age. To keep your kids busy and physically fit, here are a few unique extracurricular activities to introduce them to.
Skateboarding
Help your child learn how to ollie or perform a hard-flip on a skateboard! Many local skate parks have a regular group of people to watch and learn from and plenty of room to practice. Even if there are no real parks nearby, skateboarding can be done anywhere the wheels have room to roll. Skating is a great way to get exercise, learn to socialize, and learn to fall down. Make sure you invest in some proper safety gear at the beginning when falls happen most often!
Surfing
Hit the waves with your kid as you show them how to surf! Surfing will help them to stay physically fit and improve their balance in the water. Purchase a board made for kids that will help your child have an easier time learning how to paddle and catch a few waves at the beach. They can unplug from technology and have a greater appreciation for the ocean by practicing a unique sport that gets them in contact with nature.
Snowboarding
Hit the slopes with your kids and snowboard on fresh powder at nearby ski resorts and mountains. Snowboarding will increase your kids' balance and physical strength that will allow them to be surrounded by natural beauty in a serene environment. Many resorts offer discounted lift passes to locals, and some resorts offer lessons for kids. Snowboarding is a great winter activity that really makes you appreciate winter and the snow.
Bowling
Bowling is a great sport that you and your kids can enjoy year round! It may not get you outside so much, but it will definitely get you out of the house. Teach your child how to aim down the lane and bowl for a strike. Bowling can be done solo, on a team, or even on a competitive level. Many bowling alleys have night bowling, or “cosmic” bowling, which lets them bowl in the dark with cool lighting and music for extra fun.
When you want to help your child become well rounded, a unique sport is a great way to go. Even if you don’t know how to do it yourself, there are plenty of videos on the internet to guide you along. You'll not only help your children stay physically active, you’ll help them to increase their strength and coordination while spending time out of the house.
Brooke Chaplan is a freelance writer and blogger. She lives and works out of her home in Los Lunas, New Mexico. She loves the outdoors and spends most her time hiking, biking and gardening. For information about Find Sports and surfing equipment, contact Brooke via Twitter @BrookeChaplan.
