As summer approaches, parents are looking for different ways to engage their children in fun and healthy activities. While traditional sports such as soccer or basketball may be familiar options, there are numerous unique sports your kids can try this summer! We have compiled a list of ten unconventional yet enjoyable sports to help your child explore new interests and develop new skills.
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1. Tennis
Tennis is a classic sport that has been around for centuries. It is an excellent way to improve hand-eye coordination, speed, and agility. While tennis may seem like a sport just for adults, it is also a great sport for kids. Tennis can be played as singles or doubles, making it a great option for socialization and teamwork.
To get started playing tennis, it is important to have the right gear. Tennis HQ is an excellent resource for finding the right tennis equipment, from tennis shoes to rackets.
2. Slacklining
Slacklining is a fun and challenging activity that is safe for kids of all ages. The sport involves walking or balancing on a narrow webbing that is usually 2-3 inches wide, suspended a few feet off the ground between two anchor points. It helps improve focus, balance, coordination, and core strength.
A good way to start is by setting up a slackline low to the ground for children to practice balancing and walking on. As they improve, you can raise the slackline and increase the distance between the anchor points to provide more of a challenge.
3. Footgolf
Footgolf is an emerging sport that combines aspects of soccer and golf. It is a fun and exciting activity for kids, providing a unique experience that promotes physical fitness and social interaction.
In Footgolf, players kick a soccer ball into a series of oversized holes placed along a golf course. The purpose is to finish each hole using minimal kicks, just like in the game of golf.
4. Skateboarding
Skateboarding is a classic sport that has been around for decades. It involves riding a board with wheels and performing tricks and maneuvers. Skateboarding is an excellent way to improve balance, coordination, and agility.
To get started with skateboarding, all you need is a skateboard and a flat surface. Skateboards are available for purchase online or at skate shops. However, tennis shoes from Tennis HQ are a perfect fit for skateboarding as well as any other sport.
5. Quidditch
Inspired by the magical world of J.K. Rowling’s Harry Potter, Quidditch has evolved into an actual sport played by muggles (non-magical folks). Young players can ride imaginary brooms and chase after enchanted balls while working as a team to score points. Just like in the popular book series, kids can assume the roles of Chasers, Beaters, Keepers, and Seekers, each with their unique responsibilities on the field.
With teamwork, strategic thinking, and a little bit of imagination, kids can enjoy the thrills of Quidditch while developing essential physical and social skills.
6. Paddleboarding
Standing on a large surfboard-style board, riders use a paddle to glide through the water. Paddleboarding is perfect for kids to enjoy on lakes, rivers, or ocean bays. It helps improve balance, coordination, and arm strength.
7. Pickleball
Pickleball is an excellent sport for kids who enjoy racket sports like tennis or badminton. Played on a smaller court with a short net and using paddle-like rackets, pickleball offers an exciting workout that’s also easy to learn. Check out Tennis HQ for tennis bags to carry your pickleball equipment.
8. Geocaching
More of an activity than a sport, geocaching introduces kids to the world of outdoor treasure hunting using GPS coordinates. This modern-day game of hide-and-seek challenges participants’ problem-solving skills while exploring nature with family and friends.
9. Spikeball
Spikeball is a blend of volleyball and four square where players hit a small ball off a circular trampoline-like net. It’s a whirlwind of excitement and adventure, tailor-made for young team players who love to be challenged!
10. Bossaball
Popular in Europe and South America, bossaball is an acrobatic blend of volleyball, soccer, and gymnastics played on a giant inflatable court with trampolines integrated into it. The result is an exhilarating jump fest as players attempt to score by hitting the ball over the net without touching the ground.
Whether your child loves team sports or individual activities, there are plenty of options to keep them active and engaged all summer long. So why not encourage your child to try something new this year and see where their passions lead them? Who knows, they might just discover their new favorite sport!
