4 Tips for Choosing the Best Extracurricular Activities for Kids
I’ve spent the last few weeks flipping through our family calendar and writing in everyone’s schedules. Figuring out the best activities for kids is hard, especially when you have three kids and are already busy parents. The family calendar fills up fast! To help you out, here are my tips on choosing the best extracurricular activities for kids. *Hint hint* there’s no one answer.
Make a Family Plan
There are tons of differing opinions about the best kids activities. Some folks are all about a simple schedule. Others value being busy. Some want their kids competing at high levels while others love rec leagues. Sitting down with your spouse and family members to make a plan can be helpful. You can figure out what your vision is and what’s important to your family, and go from there.
The Cost of Kids Activities
There’s no question, activities for kids can add up and extracurriculars can be a privilege. However, there are ways to make them more affordable. Your local rec centre will often have activities at a lower cost compared to private groups. If your child is set on participating in a sport you can’t afford, contact the association. There are programs like KidSport that work with families to tackle those financial barriers.
Which Activities to Do
I love starting kids in activities that don’t require a lot of gear or huge level of commitment. Soccer and basketball are two great examples. With soccer, all you need are cleats and shin guards, and you’re ready to go! When deciding which kids’ activities to do, try experimenting with team versus solo sports and other non-sport activities like Scouts. Pro-tip: Rec centre extracurriculars often require less overall commitment!
Where to Do Them
I recommend finding your local association for any kids activities you sign up for. This is because most groups create teams with kiddos from the same school. For example, my son started soccer and kindergarten the same year. He was put on a soccer team with boys from his new school and it really helped further social connections.
Remember, nothing is forever! If your current activities for kids aren’t working for your family, change things up next time! And also remember… big smiles on the sidelines keep everyone motivated and having fun!
Alex Turner, mom of 3 living the chaotic, suburban dream near Vancouver, Canada