Sports Then and Now

Summer has arrived, and now that your kids are out of school for the summer, it’s time to keep them busy with some outdoor sports. Their summer vacation gives them a well-earned break from books, tests, and grades, and the opportunity to enjoy nature and exercise will fill their time. Use the summer to get them interested in a new sport or hobby. Here are some of the best ways to occupy their time.

Swimming for Fun and Safety
Swimming is a favorite summer sport that can include the whole family. To build on your children’s comfort and skills in the water, consider signing them up for swimming lessons through your local parks and recreation district. Swimming is a fun sport for developing athletic skills and endurance, but it is also a practical skill that every child should learn for safety around bodies of water.

Enjoying Nature: Hiking
Hiking is a family-friendly summer sport that offers kids the opportunity to develop an interest in our natural world. Trees, wildflowers, and wildlife provide a hands-on educational experience about the environment, and the peace of the beautiful outdoors will build a passion for exploring nature. Structured hiking opportunities can include children’s camps and group nature hikes that will develop athletic endurance and outdoor skills. 

Learning Golf Skills
Golf is a seasonal sport that requires patience and finely-tuned skills that can take many years to develop. Introducing children to the joys of golf at a young age will help them to learn and improve while spending time on the fairway. Although small children will not have the strength or skills required to golf a full-sized course, a small nine-hole golf course offers the opportunity for practice time and continuous improvement.

Tennis Fundamentals
Tennis is another summer sport that builds strength and promotes good hand-eye coordination. As an individual or team sport, a group class, or private lessons, this is a good way to get started with the basic fundamentals and game rules. For safety from flying balls, consider purchasing sports glasses. If your kids require prescription lenses, an eye clinic like All About Eyes can provide customized glasses.

With a foundation in summer sports and outdoor activities, your kids will learn to appreciate the warmer season, the outdoors, and all that nature has to offer. By remaining active and gaining an interest in sports in their youth, your children will carry healthy habits into adulthood for a lifelong enjoyment of many different summer activities.