Best Sports For Kids And How To Get Them Active This Summer

Schools breaking up for the summer is imminent, with most terms ending Wednesday 24th July giving 6 weeks of holidays to entertain the children. While there is plenty of attractions and activities to keep them entertained, getting them active can be a challenge with the lure of the TV and games console strong.

In general, sports are well known for helping children grow their physical, mental, and social development. Fine tuning those motor skills is an important stage of development to leave those toddler years well behind them. And exercise goes hand in hand with stronger mental health.

In particular, kids with high energy levels, anger issues would highly benefit them channel their emotions constructively or energy positively and productively. Kids naturally respect people in authority like coaches, who are often key figures in their life thanks to their leadership skills.

Here’s a comprehensive guide for parents to some of the best sports for kids in Oxfordshire, including age appropriateness, equipment needed, approximate costs if you get involved at club level, skill development, and other useful information. I personally consider all of these sports to be unisex and for everyone, although you will find boys and girls separating by gender as they get older.

For the record, my kids have done all of this list, and weekly do:

• Daughter (9) – Gymnastics, Dance, Swimming, Running, and Athletics. And a lot of creative clubs like sewing, music and art too.
• Son (6) – Football, Swimming, Running, and Athletics.

My lad in particular has massively benefited from football, which has helped him academically with an interest to learn maths (scores, goal counting, time left) and English (spelling players names, writing them out). It’s also helped him with people skills, as he was previously quite timid and shy thanks to lockdown at a key development stage.

Benefits of Sports for children

Engaging children in sports provides numerous benefits that contribute significantly to their overall development.

Physically, sports improve cardiovascular health by enhancing heart function and circulation, reducing future heart disease risks. Regular activity builds muscular strength and endurance, promoting better physical fitness and preventing obesity by encouraging an active lifestyle. Crucially for younger children, sports improve coordination, balance, and flexibility, which are essential for motor development and agility.

Mentally, sports reduce stress and anxiety by releasing endorphins, the body’s natural mood lifters. This helps children manage stress and improve their mood. Regular participation also enhances cognitive functions like concentration, memory, and problem-solving abilities, leading to better academic performance and greater focus.

Socially, team sports teach teamwork, healthy competition, sportsmanship and cooperation, enhancing children’s ability to work together and communicate effectively. Sports also builds discipline, responsibility, and social skills teaching the value of commitment and following rules. Being part of a team or club provides opportunities to make new friends and gain self-confidence in group situations.

Emotionally, participating in sports boosts self-esteem and confidence through goal achievement and skill improvement. Children feel valued and accepted within their group, providing support during challenging times, which is crucial for emotional well-being.

Academically, sports participants often perform better in school. The discipline and focus required in sports activities translate to improved concentration and classroom behaviour. Balancing sports with academics teaches essential time management skills, helping children prioritize tasks and manage their time effectively. Plus growing up with routine helps when it comes to studying for exams.

Best Sports For Kids

Archery

Archery involves shooting arrows at a target using a bow. It is excellent for kids of all ages who aren’t particularly physical fit, and enjoy improving through repetition. It’s not a common sport, and can only be played in an organised environment on a range.

• Age Appropriateness: 8+
• Equipment Needed: Bow, arrows, target
• Mental Skill Development: Focus, precision, patience
• Physical Skill Development: Hand-eye coordination, strength
• Local Resources: Oxfordshire Archery Society
• Average Annual Cost: £200-£400 (Equipment: £150, Club fees: £50-£100)

Athletics/Track and Field

Athletics is a broad term for the running, jumping, and throwing events which are varied as they are long. Literally. The 100m’s is for sprinters, the 10000m one of many long distance races. Throw in the discus, shot put, javelin and hammer. Then add the pole vault, long jump, high jump and triple jump, and you’ve pretty much nailed the ancient Olympic events.

You need to do these at proper athletic tracks, and some have drop in sessions. Although of course going out for a jog is free.

• Age Appropriateness: 5+
• Equipment Needed: Running shoes, athletic wear
• Mental Skill Development: Discipline, focus, goal-setting
• Physical Skill Development: Speed, strength, endurance
• Local Resources: Oxfordshire Athletics
• Average Annual Cost: £200-£400 (Club fees: £50-£150, Equipment: £50-£100)

Badminton

Badminton is a racquet sport played with a shuttlecock across a net and can be quite fast paced and requires dexterity. Usually this is played in sports halls, so can be played all year round.

• Age Appropriateness: 6+
• Equipment Needed: Racket, shuttlecocks, net
• Mental Skill Development: Strategic thinking, focus
• Physical Skill Development: Agility, reflexes, hand-eye coordination
• Local Resources: Badminton England
• Average Annual Cost: £200-£400 (Club fees: £50-£100, Equipment: £50-£100)

Baseball/Softball/Rounders

These bat-and-ball games involve hitting a ball and running bases, and can be played in any open space, making it an outdoors summer sport.

• Age Appropriateness: 6+
• Equipment Needed: Glove, bat, ball, helmet
• Mental Skill Development: Strategic thinking, teamwork
• Physical Skill Development: Hand-eye coordination, strength
• Local Resources: Local community leagues and school teams
• Average Annual Cost: £500-£700 (Registration: £50-£150, Equipment: £150, Travel: £200-£400)

Basketball/Netball

Both sports involve shooting a ball into a hoop on a court, usually in parks or sports centres.

• Age Appropriateness: 5+
• Equipment Needed: Basketball, hoop, netball
• Mental Skill Development: Teamwork, strategic thinking
• Physical Skill Development: Agility, coordination
• Local Resources: Oxfordshire Basketball
• Average Annual Cost: £500-£800 (Club fees: £50-£150, Equipment: £100, Training and travel: £200-£400)

Boxing

Boxing involves fighting with fists in a regulated environment, and can be excellent for children with anger issues. This should only be undertaken under supervision as part of a boxing club, although my generation were thrown some gloves to sort out sibling differences.

• Age Appropriateness: 8+
• Equipment Needed: Gloves, headgear, mouthguard
• Mental Skill Development: Discipline, focus, resilience
• Physical Skill Development: Strength, speed, agility
• Local Resources: England Boxing
• Average Annual Cost: £300-£500 (Class fees: £50-£150, Equipment: £100)

Climbing

Climbing can be done indoors on climbing walls or outdoors on natural rock formations. It’s an Olympic sport, and adventurous kids love it. Indoor climbing is available in sports centres.

• Age Appropriateness: 6+
• Equipment Needed: Climbing shoes, harness, helmet
• Mental Skill Development: Problem-solving, focus
• Physical Skill Development: Strength, balance
• Local Resources: The Oxfordshire Climbing Centre
• Average Annual Cost: £300-£600 (Gym fees: £100-£200, Equipment: £100)

Cricket

Cricket is a bat-and-ball game played in summer on a large field. Typically British, in theory you don’t need a pitch and an open space also works.

• Age Appropriateness: 6+
• Equipment Needed: Bat, ball, gloves, pads, helmet
• Mental Skill Development: Strategic thinking, patience
• Physical Skill Development: Hand-eye coordination, endurance
• Local Resources: Oxfordshire Cricket
• Average Annual Cost: £400-£600 (Registration: £50-£150, Equipment: £150, Travel: £100-£200)

Cycling

Cycling is riding a bicycle for sport or leisure that encourages outdoor exploration and independence. Often you need to brave the elements, and impatient car drivers.

• Age Appropriateness: 3+ with training wheels, 5+ without
• Equipment Needed: Bicycle, helmet
• Mental Skill Development: Confidence, focus
• Physical Skill Development: Balance, leg strength, endurance
• Local Resources: Cycling UK
• Average Annual Cost: £300-£500 (Bike: £100-£300, Safety gear: £50, Maintenance: £50)

Dance

Dancing involves rhythmic movement to music, and this is here more for organised lessons on street dance, tap or ballet. To some, not your average sporting activity, but you can’t deny it’s a great way to get you fit.

• Age Appropriateness: 3+
• Equipment Needed: Dance shoes, appropriate attire
• Mental Skill Development: Confidence, focus, creative expression
• Physical Skill Development: Flexibility, coordination
• Local Resources: Dance UK
• Average Annual Cost: £300-£600 (Class fees: £100-£200 per term, Equipment: £50)

Darts

Darts is a game where small missiles are thrown at a circular dart board target. It’s a fun, low-impact activity suitable for kids that’s aren’t that physical. For younger children you can get magnet versions, but if you have the next Louis Littler on your hands, youth centres often have the facilities.

• Age Appropriateness: 8+
• Equipment Needed: Darts, dartboard
• Mental Skill Development: Focus, precision
• Physical Skill Development: Hand-eye coordination
• Local Resources: Local community centres and clubs
• Average Annual Cost: £50-£100 (Equipment: £50-£100)

Field Hockey

Field hockey is played with a ball and curved sticks on a field. It’s usually a summer outdoor sport, and shin pads are needed to limit injury.

• Age Appropriateness: 8+
• Equipment Needed: Stick, ball, shin guards, mouthguard
• Mental Skill Development: Strategic thinking, teamwork
• Physical Skill Development: Speed, agility, endurance
• Local Resources: England Hockey
• Average Annual Cost: £300-£600 (Club fees: £50-£150, Equipment: £150)

Give some kids a football, and you will see a game instantly develop

Football (Soccer)

For me, nothing brings kids together than someone pulling out a football, and it’s the most popular sport for a reason. Even alone, my son is entertained all summer with a ball and pop up goal in the garden regardless of weather, which I can’t say for any other sport on this list.

If you plan to join a club, they start at Under 7 level, and at U8 they start competitive games and weekend tournaments than might involve some mileage. Either way, you are looking at weekly midweek training over winter.

The football season is Autumn to Spring, which compliments cricket (see Ian Botham for an example of someone who played both).

• Age Appropriateness: 4+
• Equipment Needed: Soccer ball, football boots (astro studs are fine unless very muddy), shin pads.
• Mental Skill Development: Teamwork, strategic thinking, communication
• Physical Skill Development: Agility, balance, coordination, cardiovascular endurance
• Local Resources: Oxfordshire Youth Football League
• Average Annual Cost: £600-£1,000 (Registration: £100-£300, Equipment: £150-£200, Travel: £250-£500)

Golf

Golf involves hitting a ball into a series of holes, so is an outdoor sport played on a golf course. You don’t have to be particularly fit for golfing, and it can be a great sport for kids to try if you are a golfer yourself.

• Age Appropriateness: 6+
• Equipment Needed: Clubs, balls, tees
• Mental Skill Development: Strategic thinking, patience, concentration
• Physical Skill Development: Hand-eye coordination, precision, balance
• Local Resources: British Golf
• Average Annual Cost: £500-£1,000 (Membership: £200-£500, Equipment: £200-£300)

Gymnastics

Gymnastics includes activities like tumbling, vaulting, and balancing on beams. It improves flexibility, strength, and coordination, and teaches discipline and perseverance and is for both boys and girls, lending it’s self as good development for future sports.

• Age Appropriateness: 3+
• Equipment Needed: Leotards, mats
• Mental Skill Development: Discipline, focus, confidence
• Physical Skill Development: Balance, flexibility, strength, body control
• Local Resources: British Gymnastics
• Average Annual Cost: £700-£1,200 (Class fees: £100-£200 per term, Equipment: £100)

Handball

Handball is a team sport where players pass a ball using their hands to score goals, usually played indoors.

• Age Appropriateness: 8+
• Equipment Needed: Handball, appropriate footwear
• Mental Skill Development: Teamwork, strategic thinking
• Physical Skill Development: Agility, coordination
• Local Resources: England Handball
• Average Annual Cost: £300-£500 (Club fees: £30-£100, Equipment: £50)

Hiking

Hiking involves walking in natural environments, often on trails. It’s a great family activity, and a great starting point as there are many levels of difficulty. In theory, trainers on a smoother surface are fine, but proper walking boots offer better support.

• Age Appropriateness: 6+
• Equipment Needed: Hiking boots, backpack
• Mental Skill Development: Appreciation of nature, focus, goal-setting
• Physical Skill Development: Endurance, balance
• Local Resources: Local trails and parks in Oxfordshire
• Average Annual Cost: £100-£200 (Equipment: £50-£100)

Horseback Riding

For the animal lovers, there is no doubting horses are majestic and beautiful beasts. My local riding stables will take children as young as four on the smaller ponies, but this is inexpensive hobby.

• Age Appropriateness: 6+
• Equipment Needed: Riding helmet, boots
• Mental Skill Development: Confidence, responsibility, empathy
• Physical Skill Development: Balance, coordination
• Local Resources: British Horse Society
• Average Annual Cost: £1,000-£2,000 (Lessons: £20-£50 per lesson, Equipment: £100)

Martial Arts/Wrestling

Martial arts and wrestling involve combat and self-defence techniques. It feels wrong putting it under one banner, as they are so varied. Karate, Taekwondo, Muay Thai and Savate are all striking using punches, kicks, knee strikes, or elbow strikes. Judo, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, wrestling, sambo, and Aikido and grappling and throws. Kendo, Kenjutsu and Eskrima use swords or sticks. and Tai Chi is more about breathing and meditation.

There are so many benefits for children that may not be as physically strong as others.

• Age Appropriateness: 5+
• Equipment Needed: Uniform (gi), belt, protective gear
• Mental Skill Development: Discipline, focus, confidence, resilience
• Physical Skill Development: Strength, flexibility, coordination, self-defence
• Local Resources: Martial Arts England
• Average Annual Cost: £400-£700 (Class fees: £100-£200 per term, Equipment: £50, Competition fees)

Roller Skating

Roller skating involves moving on shoes fitted with wheels, and is a fun way to stay active outdoors. The smoother surface the better.

• Age Appropriateness: 5+
• Equipment Needed: Skates, helmet, knee and elbow pads
• Mental Skill Development: Confidence, focus, resilience
• Physical Skill Development: Balance, coordination, leg strength
• Local Resources: Local roller rinks and parks
• Average Annual Cost: £100-£200 (Equipment: £100)

Rowing

With the Thames and boat race so important to Oxon life, this has to be included. Rowing involves propelling a boat using oars obviously, so is more about upper body strength. Of course the winning method is about being in sync and timing.

• Age Appropriateness: 10+
• Equipment Needed: Rowing machine or access to a boat, safety gear
• Mental Skill Development: Teamwork, focus, discipline
• Physical Skill Development: Strength, endurance, coordination
• Local Resources: British Rowing
• Average Annual Cost: £500-£1,000 (Club fees: £200-£500, Equipment: £200)

Rugby

Rugby is a high-energy team sport that is the most physically demanding on this list. For kids though, contact is not allowed for under 9’s. This means it’s either touch or tag rugby up to that point and staggered levelling up.

• Age Appropriateness: 6+
• Equipment Needed: Rugby ball, mouthguard, boots
• Mental Skill Development: Teamwork, strategic thinking, resilience
• Physical Skill Development: Strength, endurance, agility
• Local Resources: Oxfordshire Rugby Football Union, local rugby clubs in Oxford, Banbury, and Henley
• Average Annual Cost: £100-£300 (Club membership: £50-£100, Equipment: £50-£150)

Running

I could say you need to walk first, but running is a basic physical activity that involves moving rapidly on foot. All kids do it, but perhaps not applied in races. Best of it all, it’s free unless you go to a proper running club.

Junior park run is a great 2km starting point for all kids, and any child over the age of 4 can get an official result. You can run with them and start further back too.

• Age Appropriateness: 4+
• Equipment Needed: Running shoes, athletic wear
• Mental Skill Development: Discipline, focus, stress relief
• Physical Skill Development: Cardiovascular health, endurance, speed
• Local Resources: Local running clubs and parks
• Average Annual Cost: £100-£200 (Equipment: £50-£100, Race entry fees)

Skateboarding

Skateboarding involves riding and performing tricks on a skateboard, a popular activity among kids and teens. It’s free to do once you have the skateboard.

• Age Appropriateness: 5+
• Equipment Needed: Skateboard, helmet, knee and elbow pads
• Mental Skill Development: Confidence, focus, resilience
• Physical Skill Development: Balance, coordination, agility
• Local Resources: Local skate parks
• Average Annual Cost: £100-£200 (Equipment: £100)

Snowboarding/Skiing

Snowboarding involves descending a snow-covered slope on a snowboard or skis, although there are also indoor dry slopes. But we don’t have any in Oxfordshire, so it means a drive to Snozone in Milton Keynes, a 90 minute drive from Oxford.

• Age Appropriateness: 6+
• Equipment Needed: Snowboard/skis, boots, helmet, snow gear
• Mental Skill Development: Focus, resilience, confidence
• Physical Skill Development: Balance, coordination, strength
• Local Resources: Snozone
• Average Annual Cost: £500-£1,000 (Equipment: £300, Lift passes and lessons: £200-£700)

Squash

Squash is a racquet sport played in an enclosed court at limited sports centres.

• Age Appropriateness: 8+
• Equipment Needed: Squash racket, ball, proper footwear
• Mental Skill Development: Strategic thinking, focus, patience
• Physical Skill Development: Hand-eye coordination, agility, reflexes
• Local Resources: England Squash
• Average Annual Cost: £200-£400 (Club fees: £50-£100, Equipment: £50-£100)

Swimming

Swimming involves moving through water using various strokes. Confidence in the water is a life skill that can be enjoyed year-round, although my kids are not fond of a cold pool.

Both my children started with lessons at 6 months old, which continue 8 years later. Costs do mount up, but it’s worth it on holidays.

• Age Appropriateness: 4+
• Equipment Needed: Swimsuit, goggles, swim cap
• Mental Skill Development: Confidence, focus, stress relief
• Physical Skill Development: Full-body fitness, coordination, endurance
• Local Resources: Swim England
• Average Annual Cost: £200-£400 (Class fees: £50-£150 per term, Equipment: £30-£50)

Table Tennis

Table tennis, or ping pong, is a racquet sport played with a small ball on a table. It’s easy to set up and play at home, although unless you are Forrest Gump you ideally want a second to return the ball.

• Age Appropriateness: 6+
• Equipment Needed: Table tennis racket, balls, table
• Mental Skill Development: Strategic thinking, focus, patience
• Physical Skill Development: Hand-eye coordination, reflexes
• Local Resources: Table Tennis England
• Average Annual Cost: £100-£200 (Equipment: £50, Club fees: £50-£100)

Tennis

Tennis is played with racquets and a ball on a court. It can be played individually or in pairs, making it versatile and engaging, but the tennis courts tend to get busier when Wimbledon is on.

• Age Appropriateness: 6+
• Equipment Needed: Tennis racket, balls, proper footwear
• Mental Skill Development: Strategic thinking, focus, patience
• Physical Skill Development: Hand-eye coordination, agility, endurance
• Local Resources: Tennis Oxfordshire
• Average Annual Cost: £300-£600 (Club fees: £50-£150, Equipment: £100)

Volleyball

Volleyball is a fast-paced team sport where two teams of players try to score points by hitting a ball over a net into the opposing team’s court. The game requires agility, coordination, and teamwork, making it an excellent sport for kids.

• Age Appropriateness: 8+
• Equipment Needed: Volleyball, knee pads, proper footwear
• Mental Skill Development: Focus, strategic thinking, teamwork
• Physical Skill Development: Hand-eye coordination, agility, strength, cardiovascular fitness
• Local Resources: Oxford Volleyball Club, Didcot Volleyball
• Average Annual Cost: £150-£300 (Club Membership: £50-£100, Equipment: £50-£100, Travel and Match Fees: £50-£100)

Tips For Parent To Get Kids Active

Lets not kid ourselves that getting an inactive child moving is easy. It takes time and perseverance, but the rewards are plentiful and it can improve behaviour. Trying your children with different sports is a great way to get kids active while discovering which ones they like. Just don’t let them give up too soon.

Parents should lead by example by staying active and participating in physical activities as a family. Making activities enjoyable and varied helps maintain children’s interest, while limiting screen time reduces sedentary behaviour.

Providing opportunities for movement through access to toys and games like bikes, jump ropes, and balls encourages physical activity. Supporting your child’s involvement in local sports clubs, teams, or classes can further promote an active lifestyle.

Ensuring safety by using proper protective gear and following safety guidelines is crucial. For less active children, gradually increasing the amount and intensity of physical activity is recommended.

Role-modelling positive behaviour, providing structure with consistent practice schedules and clear rules, encouraging emotional expression through activities like art or writing, and using humour to defuse tense situations can help children manage their emotions and learn constructive ways to handle anger.