As parents, we all know the importance of getting our kids up on their feet and moving. Being fit and active is crucial to our physical and mental well-being, which is something we aim to embrace and champion at our private school in Devon.
While traditional sports like hockey, football, rugby, netball and running offer great forms of exercise, they are really just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to options to keep your children active. No matter how anti-sport your child appears to be, it’s possible to find a hidden passion somewhere in these entertaining alternatives.
Why a Child Might Not Like Sports
As parents, we can sometimes have a limited view of what sport entails, especially for those of us who only played a few of the most typical ones at school.
There are many different reasons why people – both children and adults – don’t enjoy playing sports. These include:
- Competitive Environments – Some people feel less comfortable and confident when having to compete against others.
- Skills Barrier – If there are complicated rules and techniques to learn, children can feel disheartened if they experience failure at the beginning.
- Negative First Experiences – If children are thrown into the deep end and don’t enjoy their first time, that might create bad memories of that sport.
- Team Sports – All the above can feel heightened in a team environment where extra pressures might be applied by friends and parents.
Joining a traditional sports team and playing competitively can be hugely beneficial, but it’s not the only way to get the full benefits of playing sport.
Alternative Sports for Kids to Try
The sports below won’t necessarily suit everyone but they all provide solutions to one or more of the issues mentioned above, making them interesting choices to explore for kids who seem to be against traditional sports.
Swimming
Swimming is a wonderful activity that many people don’t even consider when it comes to sports.
Some children who don’t like running will happily swim lengths for hours as it has an extra novelty and excitement. It’s also a sport, like many in this list, that allows children to practise in a non-competitive space and then move into competition, such as swim club meets, if they start to develop an interest.
If you find your child gets a buzz from being in the water, you can then explore a whole host of other exciting watersports they could try, such as surfing or paddleboarding.
Dancing and Gymnastics
Dancing and gymnastics are intense physical activities that offer a level of individuality and creativity you can’t find in many other sports, making them a wonderful form of expression.
Many leisure centres will offer some kind of dance or gymnastics classes for those who want to try different things. Not only are these great full-body workouts, but there’s also the option to progress into competition or continue doing it as a creative hobby.
Skateboarding
Skateboarding is a classic pastime and a great way to get kids out of the house and into social situations.
Just because a child doesn’t like competitive sports doesn’t mean they’re not interested in taking risks. Skateboarding can be great for getting the adrenaline pumping, and if you get hooked, it’s easy to spend hours at the park without even realising.
Hiking and Orienteering
If you’re looking for an activity with a low barrier to entry, there are few better than hiking. You don’t need to be exceptionally fit, just lace up some walking boots and head out on an adventure!
Hiking is a great way to get kids out of the house and exploring the natural world. You can also take it a step further and work some orienteering into the mix. If it’s something your child enjoys, you can then look at joining local rambling clubs that offer a wonderful space for socialising.
Rock Climbing
Many people underestimate how physically tough rock climbing can be. It takes a lot of strength, stamina and know-how, which presents an exciting challenge for little ones.
Rock climbing classes, particularly on indoor climbing walls, provide a high-adrenaline challenge for children but in a notoriously welcoming environment where they’ll be encouraged and helped by people around them. This presents a great opportunity for socialising while also keeping them fit and active.
There are many other great alternative sports out there to discover, but we hope this list gives you some inspiration. By understanding the interests of your child, you’ll be able to find the perfect activity for them.
