Activities For The Non-Sport Inclined Kid

Spring has almost sprung, which means that a myriad of sports are starting up for our kids. It won’t be long before the playing fields of Framingham are alive and buzzing with activity.

Almost every family I know has at least one child who plays a team sport like hockey, basketball, soccer, football or softball and some play more than one sport at a time.

Our next door neighbors have three boys just like us, all of whom are gifted in the arena of sports. I joked with the mom that they all came out of the womb holding tennis racquets. Granted their father is a tennis pro but it has caused me to ask, "What about kids who aren’t necessarily interested or able to participate in the wide world of organized team sports? Then what? When your whole class plays soccer, what options can you give to your child as an alternative?"

Below are six extracurricular areas to consider: 

ART CLASSES:  For kids who love to create there are a plethora options that fall under this heading. Whether its painting and drawing or clay and crafts, there is something that appeals to almost every child. The Danforth Museum of Art and Whimsy are good places to investigate classes. Also ask your child’s school art teacher for class recommendations.

SCOUTING:  Whether your child likes the outdoors or indoors there is something for everyone in Scouting. Here kids will learn important life skills such as survival tips, orienteering, fire awareness and prevention. There's also fun stuff like camping, cookie or popcorn selling, making a pinewood derby car, field trips and more. Scouting also fosters team-building which is important for kids to learn.

Framingham Boy Scout  site

Framingham Girl Scout site

DANCE OR YOGA: What’s great about these pursuits is that they are individualized so you aren't pitted against someone else and no one wins or loses because you move at your own pace. It provides great exercise and develops balance, body awareness and more.

Yoga Leaf

Framingham Dance Studio

DRAMA: Some kids are keenly interested in acting and pursuits surrounding drama. Even if your child hasn’t expressed an interest some children really flourish in this arena, given the opportunity. You just may have a future actor in the family! The  offers many options for kids. 

MUSIC: Whether its piano or guitar lessons here’s another activity that can bring a sense of accomplishment and joy to a child’s life. Ask your child’s school music teacher for references and contacts. Also word of mouth via friends and neighbors is often an effective way to find the right instructor for your child.

INDIVIDUAL ATHLETIC PURSUITS: Your child may still crave an athletic activity, but something more individualized. Some suggestions include swimming, skiing, martial arts, ice skating and gymnastics. These all provide discipline and a physical outlet but are designed so the child is not competing against anyone but themselves. The and Framingham Recreation Department are good places to scout out the right class for your child.