Great Spring Sports for Kids – A Parent’s Guide to Getting Active This Season

Spring is on its way in most of the continental United States and with it, comes a renewed interest in getting out, playing games, and engaging in some much-needed exercise. The spring is a fantastic time for kids to get outside and shake off the winter blues, but it’s important that parents offer up activities that will keep them active and engaged throughout the warmer months. In most cases, children will be all-too-eager to suit up and get ready to play some ball, shoot some hoops, or just plain run around; but what do you do when your child isn’t all that interested in playing sports?

If you are at all concerned about what this type of question says about your parenting style, worry not, for this is a question that many parents ask themselves from time to time. The point being, you are not alone. Your child may not be the type who gravitates automatically towards sports and that’s ok, because there are dozens of surefire ways to get them involved and keep them interested in the game.

In this article, we will go over a veritable who’s who of great spring sports for kids. We will discuss the benefits, some parental tips, and explain why these sports are both kid and parent-approved! So, whether your child is a team player, a solo star, just loves being outdoors, or might be on the fence about sports altogether, we guarantee you’ll find something on this list.

Soccer

Longtime readers and lifetime soccer fans alike, will already know that soccer is one, if not the most popular sport in the entire world. There are good reasons for this; from it’s fast-paced nature to its inherent simplicity when it comes to rules, but the point is, the reasons don’t really matter. Soccer is something you and your child will likely have some cursory knowledge of going in, so it should be a fairly easy sell; even to the most unsporting child.

Playing soccer is great for building endurance, introducing coordination to younger athletes, and teaching the longterm benefits of teamwork in a fun, low-pressure environment. As they get older, those same skills will progress with them, becoming especially useful if they decide to continue to more competitive levels of youth soccer.

Why it’s great for spring: It’s no surprise that woefully underused soccer fields come alive in springtime, as the mild weather makes long practices and games that much more enjoyable. The constant movement that soccer requires also helps kids release all that pent-up energy they stored while they were cooped up all winter long.

Parent tip: Parents should look for recreational leagues that focus on skill-building over competition, especially if their child is new to sports, in general. This is particularly important for children under 10 years of age.

Baseball / Tee-ball

Baseball is often referred to as “America’s Favorite Pastime” but it is only really played best when the weather is nicest. This is why the spring is a great season for budding baseball buggers. Tee-ball, baseball’s beginner-friendly cousin, is easier for younger children and not at all a competitive type of sport. This makes it ideal for children who are jut learning how organized sports work, as well as those who might be lacking in some of the fundamental physical skills and coordination needed to play. Learning the basic elements of hand-eye coordination, balance, and following rules are all positive traits that children as young as 4 can glean from playing tee-ball.

Why it’s great for spring: Tee-ball and baseball too are mostly played under sunny skies. In both cases, practices tend to be more relaxed, though they do get more intense at higher levels of competition. Nevertheless, this one-two sports combo represents a great way to introduce kids to organized sports with a slower pace than some other team activities.

Parent tip: Parents need to be patient with their kids, especially in the early stages. We’ve all been there, some of us never got past the tee itself, in fact. The point being, we all understand that learning to hit the ball, catch a fly ball, and run the bases with aplomb, takes time. Parents should also be patient for another reason…games tend to be on the longer side, so get ready to plant yourself for the duration. Also, bring snacks and chairs — they make the time pass a little easier. Long or no, however, don’t have your nose stuck in your phone the whole time! Make sure you cheer your little players on!

Softball

Softball is similar to both baseball and tee-ball, but is a better option for children who may prefer a slightly different pace or setup. As with baseball, softball emphasizes teamwork, communication, and precision; making it a great sport for any child who needs to get the fundamental skills down-pat.

Why it’s great for spring: Like most springtime sports, softball fields are closed during the winter months and only open in spring. Another solid benefit is that most leagues will welcome players of all skill levels, so even the most inexperienced players can get in on the action. Additionally, many co-ed options are available.

Parent tip: Parents whose children are engaged in softball should encourage their kids to try different positions — each one will teach them different skills and responsibilities, so they can learn an awful lot during a season.

Track and Field

If your kids are anything like ours, they like to run and jump more than just about anything else. This is one of the many reasons why track and field is a fantastic sport for children of all kinds. So, whether your rugrats are sprinters, long-distance runners, or are more interested in jumping or throwing, track and field will likely have something to offer them. As an added bonus, it’s great for particularly hyperactive kids, those who lack the ability to focus, or those who just need to get that energy out in a constructive, meaningful way.

Why it’s great for spring: Spring weather is the ideal weather for running events. As a result, nearly all school districts and local clubs start their programs in March or April.

Parent tip: If your child isn’t sure which event they want to try, parents should seek out a general program; one that offers a bit of exposure to multiple disciplines.

Lacrosse

Unless you’re from, say, Long Island, New York, you may not be as intimately familiar with lacrosse as some of us. That is not an aspersion against you, dear reader, merely an admission that we “lax bros” are sort of a breed all our own. That all being said, even we cannot deny that lacrosse has been growing in popularity in recent years in places all over the world. This Native American inspired game and combines elements of soccer, hockey, and basketball. Like it, love it, or loathe it, you can’t deny lacrosse is a fast-paced, team-oriented, and exciting sport that can be the perfect outlet for even the most energetic of kids.

Why it’s great for spring: Lacrosse season kicks off in early spring. One of the best things about it is that the inherently dynamic nature of the game keeps players moving around the field, with their senses on a swivel, the entire time.

Parent tip: Parents who are unfamiliar with the sports should note that protective gear is exceptionally important. Lacrosse is rougher than it appears at first glance, so just make sure your child is properly fitted, especially when it comes to helmets and gloves.

Tennis

Tennis, though often challenging for many kids to master, can end up becoming a lifelong sport. That said, it can be excellent for young kids to experience as it’s great for improving a child’s coordination, agility, and strategic thinking. Many people don’t know this but kids can start learning how to play as early as age 4, though they use smaller racquets and lower nets at these “pee wee” levels.

Why it’s great for spring: Though there are indoor courts available for the colder seasons, outdoor courts become accessible again come springtime. This is also when most private or group lessons start up, as well.

Parent tip: Bear in mind that many parks offer low-cost tennis clinics for kids; these represent an excellent low-commitment way to test a child’s interest in the sport without indoctrinating them into it completely.

Golf

Yes, kids can absolutely play golf, and yes, they might truly enjoy the experience! Believe it or not, many children actually enjoy the quiet, focused nature of the game. It’s also fairly low-impact, which means it can be helpful for children who might want to do something physical but don’t want a face-paced, competitive experience. Either way, golf is an excellent way to build patience, discipline, and fine motor control in young children.

Why it’s great for spring: Most golf courses reopen in the spring, and the calm, green setting is a peaceful environment for children to learn and grow.

Parent tip: If you aren’t up to the green or don’t have access to a full golf course in your area, you could always try miniature golf or par-3 courses for beginners. These low-key versions tend to be more fun and less intimidating for some kids.

Swimming (Outdoor)

Though swimming is often seen as a summer sport, spring swim clubs (especially outdoor ones) are often available for parents that want to give their kids some early exposure to the sport. This will be good for improving their basic swim skills before the summer hits.

Why it’s great for spring: Most outdoor pools start to open in late spring, and early training sets a solid foundation for summer swim teams.

Parent tip: Parents will want to ensure that their child is confident in the water and with the most basic water safety procedures before letting them join a swim team.

Cycling (Recreational or Racing)

Riding bikes may not feel like a formal sport, but it’s still physical activity! Frankly, anything that gets these kids outside and moving is okay in our book! That said, organized cycling clubs and youth racing leagues are becoming more common in many areas. Also, cycling helps kids build endurance, balance, and confidence in their own ability.

Why it’s great for spring: Spring is perfect biking weather; not too hot, not too cold. At the same time, kids can ride their bikes in parks, on trails, or participate in family events and races.

Parent tip: Parents should always check helmets and bike safety gear before the season starts, and encourage their children to do the same! Also, you might want to consider joining a local family-friendly biking group so that everyone can get in on the fun.

Field Hockey

Ice hockey is a great wintertime sport, but when the weather opens up, the fun don’t have to stop! We’re talking about field hockey, my friends, yet another team-based, stick-and-ball sport that can be played in the warmer weather. This sport can be co-ed or girls-only and promotes endurance, coordination, and strategic teamwork. It’s closest to lacrosse without going over!

Why it’s great for spring: As we already mentioned, most youth field hockey leagues start in spring, giving young athletes a solid start before summer tournaments begin in earnest.

Parent tip: Parents should encourage their kids to wear shin guards and a mouthguard — even in recreational leagues; no one wants to lose teeth when they’re supposed to be having fun!

Cultured Athlete Says…

As you can see, spring is more than just a season — it’s a fresh start for many kids who want to join the world of youth sports. Spring represents a chance for children to grow, learn, and play in the great outdoors. If your child wants to join a team, they can! If they want to challenge themselves individually, the opportunity is there! Heck, even if they just want to stay active, there’s a spring sport that’s the perfect fit for them. As parents, we are well-placed to help kids support their interests, celebrate their efforts, and help them enjoy their time playing outdoors!