List of Kids Sports

Whether you’re a kid who is interested in joining a sport, or a parent trying to figure out the best activity for your child, there is definitely a lot to learn. Many different sports offer great benefits and excitement for kids, helping them learn important life skills such as teamwork, communication, and responsibility. Additionally, sports are great for keeping kids athletic and healthy. Read on for a list of great sports for kids to play and watch!

Kids Sports List

Here is a list of the sports that are great for kids and what your kid can expect to learn from them:

American Gridiron Football

Football is a sport that children start at a young age. It enhances your ability to throw, catch, kick and run. Since there are so many different positions on a football team, there is definitely a position for every child. Children start out playing flag or touch football to keep the game safe, though it can be a dangerous sport as the competition level increases.

Archery

Archery is a lesser-known sport but a very interesting activity for kids. Archery clubs are very popular in middle schools and high schools, where you get taught the proper way to shoot a bow and arrow. Even if there isn’t a team available near you, joining an archery club will help you steady your hand, improve your aim, and improve your hand-eye coordination. This is a fun skill to master and is quite the conversation starter.

Baseball

It’s not unexpected for every kid to try baseball or softball at least once when they’re young, and it’s for a good reason. Baseball is a team sport and helps build a sense of community, team spirit, coordination, and endurance. It is one of the most popular sports for kids to start out with, and there are Little League programs in towns all around the country. Baseball is a great way to build friendships and confidence at a young age.

Basketball

Basketball is a team sport that challenges one’s competitiveness and cardiovascular strength. If you’re looking for your child to be involved in a team sport, this is definitely one to consider. Playing basketball requires little equipment to start, needing only a basketball, shoes, and a hoop to play. Basketball courts are easily found at public parks and schools, making it one of the most accessible sports for kids to try.

Cheerleading

Cheerleading is the best way to show your school spirit or team spirit! Starting up cheerleading as a child can open many opportunities for performing and gymnastics in the future. Cheering is a positive, upbeat sport that teaches support and encouragement.

Dance

Are your kids constantly dancing around your house? If so, why not have them dance with other kids who love to dance? Dancing is a great way for kids to fall in love with performing, increase their flexibility, and challenge themselves to memorize a routine. Joining a dance class or dance troupe is a great way to build confidence and work toward an end goal, like a recital.

Equine Sports (Equestrian)

Are you interested in getting on horseback and learning how to ride? Signing up for equestrian sports is often overlooked but very rewarding. This is the perfect sport for young animal lovers. Caring for and maintaining a horse is a great learning experience for a child, but it also teaches caution, compassion, and care.

Field Hockey

Field hockey is a challenging sport and isn’t always thought of when it comes to kids’ sports. However, field hockey strengthens hand-eye coordination, teamwork, agility, and balance. It is the perfect sport for hockey lovers who don’t want to be on the ice.

Golf

If your kids love miniature golf, consider taking them out to the full-size course and introducing them to golf. Golf teaches patience and consistency and takes a lot of mental strength when actually playing. This sport requires a lot of practice and is a great way for kids to master a steady hand.

Gymnastics

Gymnastics includes tumbling, strength training, balance, and self-discipline. This sport requires a lot of dedication and is perfect for kids who always seem to be jumping and flipping around. This way, they can learn how to be gymnasts safely while burning off that energy.

Ice Hockey

If your child is interested in skating, ice hockey might be the perfect reason to try it. There are always beginners on the ice, and joining an ice hockey team will get you more comfortable with skating! Hockey games are always fast-paced, so joining a team would be a great team sport and perfect for building endurance, toughness, and coordination.

Karate

Karate is a very popular sport for children to begin at a young age. It teaches self-defense, discipline, and respect. This particular sport allows children to be constantly striving for their best in terms of earning more belts, so if you’re interested in having your kids adopt a great habit of dedication and persistence, signing up for karate is an excellent idea.

Lacrosse

Lacrosse is one of the most interesting sports to watch and play! This sport is becoming extremely popular in the United States and Canada, and it is perfect for young children. Lacrosse builds excellent hand-eye coordination by using a stick that is entirely unique to the sport. Lacrosse is perfect for kids who love to run, and it increases endurance, agility, and teamwork.

Rowing

Rowing requires a lot of training and dedication, so if you’re interested in finding something to dedicate and commit yourself to, rowing may be the sport. Rowing can transform your body and also teach a young child about hard work and commitment. Rowing is a team sport, so you’d naturally meet and get close with a number of teammates.

Snowboarding

If your kids love the snow, try exposing them to snowboarding. Some places offer lessons to kids who want to learn the proper form of snowboarding (or even skiing). This is the perfect sport for kids who are determined to master a skill and improve their balance. Snowboarding also allows you to meet fellow snowboarders who share the same passion, so your child will always have someone to practice with!

Soccer (Association Football)

Similar to basketball, soccer is a team sport that gets your kids outside kicking the ball with friends. If your kids love to be outside and love running, this is definitely a sport to consider. Soccer not only builds endurance, but it can be played year-round. It requires little equipment besides a ball and cleats. Soccer is always exciting to watch and is great for all ages and levels.

Surfing

If your kids practically live in the water, consider signing them up to learn surfing. Similar to swimming and diving, surfing takes physical strength, balance, and dedication. Teaching a child to surf allows them to become more comfortable in the water and build enough confidence to start chasing after waves.

Swimming

If your kids love to swim, try signing them up for a swim team. Swimming is an essential skill for kids to learn. It is one of the best exercises around and, at times, feels more like a leisure activity than a sport. If you’re ready to start racing against others or just want to become a better swimmer, consider joining a swim or dive team.

Table Tennis

Table tennis is a great sport for kids of all ages because it is very safe and fun. It can be played indoors and outdoors wherever there is a table. It is also a sport that kids can grow into and play more competitively as they get older. If you’re looking for a simple sport to keep your kid occupied, table tennis is perfect!

Tennis

There’s nothing like watching Wimbledon on your TV, but what about joining a team yourself? What’s great about tennis is you will always be playing with a friend. Grab a friend and go practice on the court before joining a team. Tennis improves hand-eye coordination, enhances your agility, and is a great stress-reliever.

Track and Field

Is your child a fast runner? Try having them join the track team. Track teams are very popular at the middle school and high school levels. You’ll find a love for running and learn how to build up your stamina. Running track takes discipline as well as mental and physical strength. It’s also just a great way to burn off excess energy in a positive way.

Volleyball

Volleyball is a fun summer activity, so why not turn it into your new favorite sport? You can start playing volleyball at any age, and it is played year round, inside or outside. Volleyball teaches teamwork, anticipation, and great communication skills.

FAQ

What sports are best for kids?

The best sports for kids are those that are less complicated, have a low risk of injury, and require little to no equipment. Baseball and soccer are two of the most popular sports for kids of any age to play because there is little physical contact, kids need few skills to start playing either sport, and they only require a simple uniform and 1-2 pieces of equipment.

What are popular sports for middle schoolers?

In America, the most popular sport for middle schoolers is basketball. On average, almost 4 million kids in the US between the ages of 13-17 play basketball every year. The second closest sports in popularity are baseball, football, and soccer, each with an average of nearly 2 million kids a year.

At what age can a kid start playing sports?

The earliest age to start a kid playing organized sports is usually 6 or 7 years old. This is because most sports require the ability to move quickly, the physical coordination necessary to use sports equipment, and the mental capability to understand and follow the rules. You can start teaching your kids basic skills like running and kicking or catching a ball at an earlier age to prepare them for starting sports. Once they are ready, sports are a great way for kids to have fun, get some exercise, and learn how to be part of a team.

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