Sports are a great way to not only keep your kids healthy and active, but also broaden their horizons and skill sets. For something beyond the average weekend soccer or basketball game, check out these sports alternatives—steps outside the box that are adventurous but still guaranteed fun.
Rock Climbing
For the kid who doesn’t shy away from heights, rock climbing is a great way to channel all that energy. In addition to improving overall muscle endurance and reducing stress, kids will learn cooperation, how to follow instructions and how to overcome challenges. They can join any number of rock climbing teams in the area or try out the sport in a more casual, individualized setting.
Available at: Earth Treks Climbing Center, Crystal City; Sportrock Climbing Center, Alexandria and Sterling; Vertical Rock Indoor Climbing, Manassas
Cricket
Developed in the 16th century, cricket is a competitive sport that has touched all corners of the world. Its objective is vaguely akin to baseball in that two teams try to compete for the most runs, with one team batting and the other pitching in turns. But the field, rules and vocabulary are all an interesting departure from “America’s pastime.”
Available at: Future Stars School of Cricket, multiple locations; Wicket Club, Sterling
Fencing
Fencing is much more than an ancient art; it is an exercise for both body and mind. It emphasizes agility, alertness and stamina, while also requiring a unique degree of strategy and coordination. The preparation and attention that goes towards fencing rivals that of any other physical activity in which children can partake. Students gain valuable interaction from individual tutelage and the one-on-one nature of the sport.
Available at: Fairfax Fencers, Chantilly; Fencing Sports Academy, Fairfax; McLean Youth Fencing, McLean; Virginia Academy of Fencing, Springfield
Squash
The fast-paced game of squash was dubbed the healthiest sport by Forbes in 2003 for its promotion of cardiorespiratory endurance, muscular strength, flexibility and calorie burning. Like all of the sports on this list, there are squash leagues that reach college level and participate in regular tournaments.
Available at: McLean Squash, McLean; Squash Revolution, Herndon and McLean; The Squash Center, McLean
