If you have a child that is unathletic it is important to find activities that will keep both their mind and body active. While some children are naturally interested in playing sports, others just don’t like sports. It is a good idea to expose your child to lots activities, both athletic and non-athletic so they can find their niche and pursue their passion. Here are five suggestions of activities for a non-athletic child to keep them learning and growing physically and mentally. I hope you enjoy these non sport extracurricular activities.
Extracurricular Activities For Kids (Besides Sports)
Get a Museum Membership
Many people don’t realize how much walking you do when you visit a museum. Some museums even offer the opportunity to spend the night and get an in depth look at all the exhibits. A visit to an art, science, or history museum will definitely keep a child’s mind and body active all day long.
Go On a Nature Hike
By taking your child on a nature hike they can explore the world around them in many different ways. From examining things with a magnifying glass to spotting different species of birds. They will also enjoy a chance to take unique photographs. A nature hike helps a child ask questions, be creative, and keep active for an entire day.
Grow a Garden
When growing a garden, seedlings can be started indoors and later transferred to an outdoor garden in late spring. Garden work is fun and can also help a child work up a sweat. There are many components to help with from planning the garden, to preparing the garden beds, to planting, to weeding, watering, and harvesting. Gardening with kids will provide them with a life long skill.
As the flowers or vegetables grow, kids may enjoy examining the leaves under a microscope. Children can compare cheek skin cells to plant cells as well as make their own models of plant and animal cells using clay or other mediums.
Learn to Play an Instrument
If you are looking for a long term activity for your non-athletic child, consider getting them involved with instrument lessons. As your child practices their instrument and gets better they may want to join a band or orchestra as a way to bond with other kids that are possibly non-athletic.
Find a Way to Volunteer
Many organizations let families volunteer and if you find the right cause, your child could make a difference and feel a sense of accomplishment. Environmental organizations, animal shelters, and churches are a great place to start when looking for a volunteer activity for your non-athletic child. The volunteer activities may also lead them to meet new people and become interested in other new activities.
Having a child that doesn’t enjoy sports doesn’t mean that your child can’t be involved in activities or be active. Even if you child is athletic, they need to be physically active to grow strong bones and muscles for life. By joining volunteer organizations, starting a new hobby, or visiting a museum, your child can be active and healthy. What are your favorite activities for kids who don’t like to play sports?
Related posts:
10 Active Play Ideas For Toddlers
5 Boredom Buster Sidewalk Chalk Ideas Kids Will Love
Christina says
I love this article! I think people sometimes forget that not all children are athletic and not all children start sports at 3. It’s nice to see activities that can appeal to those who aren’t into sports.
Mary Beth Elderton says
My son was never into team/ball sports. He did earn a second degree black belt and “master” the guitar.