No matter your child鈥檚 age, you鈥檝e probably spent a good amount of time thinking about how your child spends their time outside of school. Extracurricular activities provide students with opportunities to grow outside of the classroom. You’re also likely to see academic benefits: a concluded that participation in extracurricular activities is associated with positive academic, health, and behavioral outcomes for kids ages 12 to 15. , showing a positive correlation between extracurricular participation — and — and GPA.
That doesn鈥檛 mean it鈥檚 always easy to get kids to participate, though. While some kids are eager to try new things and thrive in group settings, other kids aren鈥檛 natural joiners and may hesitate or even balk when you suggest a new extracurricular activity. If you hear 鈥渢hat doesn鈥檛 sound fun,鈥� 鈥淚 won鈥檛 know anyone,鈥� or 鈥淚 don鈥檛 think I鈥檒l like it,鈥� don鈥檛 push that activity. Instead, try to find one that does sound fun because the benefits of extracurricular activities make it worthwhile to keep trying until you find the right fit.
When choosing extracurricular activities, it is essential to take into consideration the developmental needs of your child based on their age. If an activity is too simple or easy, you鈥檙e likely to hear the dreaded 鈥�I鈥檓 bored.鈥� If a topic or environment is too advanced, your child may get frustrated or intimidated, which could turn them off the activity altogether. If you鈥檙e not sure about the level of a group or activity, talk to the leader and check out the ages of the other kids involved. Selecting age-specific activities builds confidence and helps ensure your child is learning the skills they need at that stage of learning and development. The goal is to create a solid foundation for future endeavors. Here are a few key things to take into account when choosing an age-appropriate extracurricular activity for your child.
How to find age-appropriate extracurricular activities for your child
Interests
Start by talking to your child and observing their interests. Is your child excited about music, nature, science, foreign language, art, gardening, sports? Your child has likely already indicated interest or curiosity about certain activities or subjects. Research possible options by talking to other parents, asking around at school, and checking out local listings. Keep an eye out at school and local parks for flyers advertising new or lesser-known sports and activities. Whenever possible, talk about available options with your child and let your child choose. When children have a say in the activities they participate in, they鈥檙e far more likely to enjoy and stick with them.
Time
While the benefits of extracurricular activities are widely known, so are the benefits of unstructured exploration or downtime. No matter their age, you don鈥檛 want your child鈥檚 schedule so packed that they don鈥檛 have time to relax or play.
that unstructured play helps children — and not just young children, this study was of children ages 6 to 12 — develop problem-solving and decision-making skills, form friendships, express emotions, and discover new interests.
True, the need for unstructured time tends to be higher at younger ages, but individual needs vary from child to child. Some 4-year-olds will be happy with a schedule packed to the brim with group activities, while others may want hours and hours to tinker and explore the world of their own backyard. And if an older child seems stressed or overwhelmed by their schedule, or if extracurriculars seem to be interfering with schoolwork, it鈥檚 time to scale back. found that too many extracurricular activities can put a strain on families and can actually hinder a child鈥檚 development.
Developmental skills
Activities that are fun and exciting for a 10-year-old are usually not beneficial or appropriate for a 4-year-old. Although many activities offered for your child鈥檚 age range will be targeted to the appropriate level, you鈥檒l want to vet them for your child鈥檚 individual needs and skills.
Extracurricular activities for toddlers and preschoolers
You may think of activities for your young child as socialization and/or enrichment classes rather than extracurriculars, but whatever you call it, small children get a lot out of group activities. Many communities have skill-building activities, sports, and classes for little ones, such as Gymboree classes and pee-wee soccer.
These groups tend to build skills in a light, no-pressure way where the goal is simply to introduce your child to an area of interest like music, tumbling, or art so that it鈥檚 fun. These activities give your child a place and time to interact with other kids, practice motor skills, and make friends. This is especially important if your child is not in daycare and most of their daily interactions are with caregivers or siblings.
Most activities for 2- and 3-year-olds require parent or caregiver participation, even if that鈥檚 just sitting around the edge of the room watching. It can be a great opportunity to bond with your child, explore interests, and support developmental milestones. It鈥檚 also a great way to meet other parents. (Play date after music class, anyone?) You鈥檒l find that by attending these activities, you learn more about your child, their developmental needs, and their interests.
Activities for 2-year-olds
For 2-year-olds, age-appropriate extracurricular activities should revolve around the vital principles of play and exploration to foster their early development. According to child development expert Marley Peters, parents should look for three key elements in extracurriculars for this age group: verbal development, practice with motor skills, and basic socialization.
Interactive playgroups
Peters suggests that extracurriculars for toddlers 鈥渆ncourage simple group activities for sharing, taking turns, and basic social interactions.鈥� In interactive play groups, toddlers engage in activities such as building with soft blocks, playing with age-appropriate toys, and exploring different textures. These activities not only foster creativity and fine motor skills, but allow vital opportunities to begin to develop social skills.
Music and movement class
Classes designed for this age group introduce rhythm and coordination in a playful manner. Music classes can also help with language development, giving children a chance to explore new words and practice rhyming.
Outdoor meetups
Things like supervised nature walks or simple gardening experiences provide opportunities for sensory exploration and gross motor skill development. Check with your local park, museum, community center, library, or farm for opportunities in your community.
Art class
Chances are, your child loves arts and crafts, and no wonder — they鈥檙e opportunities for self-expression and allow your child to explore through color and touch. They鈥檙e also one of the best ways for your child to practice fine motor skills, which are an important area of development at this age. You can usually be sure that arts and crafts classes and groups aimed at toddlers and preschoolers will involve only safe, non-toxic materials, but if you鈥檙e concerned, ask the teacher.
Extracurricular activities for 2-year-olds also cater to the boundless energy of this age group, so hopefully your child comes home tired, happy, and ready for a nap or bedtime.
Activities for 3-year-olds
You鈥檝e probably noticed that your 3-year-old is becoming more social. Group activities for this age group typically revolve around exploration and connection with others. They often also prioritize the development of both fine and gross motor skills, crucial to preschoolers鈥� physical and cognitive growth. This is an important time to 鈥渇oster independence with activities that allow them to make choices and solve simple problems,鈥� Peters says.
Art class
Engaging 3-year-olds in activities such as drawing with crayons, molding with play dough, or using safety scissors in art classes enhances fine motor coordination, creativity, and hand-eye dexterity. These artistic activities prepare them for more complex art and handwriting in preschool and kindergarten.
Group story time
Check out literacy activities for 3-year-olds at a library, park, or community center. These story times often involve adults reading stories aloud in a way that encourages active participation and includes songs, games, dancing, gestures, and socialization.
Play groups
Play groups allow 3-year-olds to get to know other children and play cooperatively, learning to share, take turns, and express likes and dislikes. Simple puzzles and building blocks help refine their hand-eye coordination and spatial awareness while promoting problem-solving skills.
Sports
Although 3-year-olds generally are not ready for team sports, they can begin to practice and develop athletic skills. Activities like running, jumping, and playing with balls contribute to the development of gross motor skills, balance, and overall physical fitness. Games that involve catching or kicking soft balls aren鈥檛 just fun, they aid the development of hand-eye coordination and basic athletic skills.
Age-appropriate activities should strike a balance between fun and skill-building so your child wants to continue learning and growing.
Activities for 4-year-olds
Motor skills, socialization, and creativity continue to be important for 4-year-olds, but pre-kindergartners are also ready for more academic activities and an introduction to the concept of teamwork.
Art class or music class
These classes allow 4-year-olds to express creativity alongside other kids, encouraging socialization and shared inspiration. At this age, you may see a lot of 鈥渃opying,鈥� as your child begins to notice what other children are doing. This is good, as it shows your child is looking for new ideas. As your child gains new skills, Peters says, these classes offer a key chance to 鈥渂oost creativity with more complex art projects and imaginative activities.鈥�
Team sports
Sports like soccer and T-ball are a great way to introduce your 4-year old to the concepts of cooperation and fair play. Children at this age are ready to learn about teamwork, and it is an important skill that will help them both on and off the field.
Group story time
These sessions at libraries or community centers not only nurture a love for books but also encourage listening skills and group participation. This is a great pre-academic activity that prepares children for reading activities they will experience in school.
These age-appropriate extracurricular activities not only provide a structured environment for learning but also emphasize the joy of shared experiences, helping 4-year-olds develop socially, emotionally, and cognitively.
Activities for 5-year-olds
As your 5-year-old approaches or starts kindergarten, it’s essential to offer age-appropriate extracurricular activities that blend education with enjoyment, setting the stage for a positive transition to school. Peters suggests that parents focus on three facets of extracurriculars at this age: problem solving, increased focus, and academic skills (e.g. reading, writing, math).
Sports teams
Joining a beginners鈥� sports team like soccer or T-ball helps children develop motor skills and teamwork. At this age, you still want to keep the focus on exploration and fun — not competition. But you may notice your child starting to care more about 鈥済etting better.鈥� You might also notice your child beginning to gravitate more toward one or two sports.
Art classes
At 5, kids may be ready for art that involves a bit more than just exploration. Art classes for 5-year-olds combine exploration with an emphasis on creating art side by side or in groups, capitalizing on their developing focus and ability to work in teams.
Performing arts
This is an age where children start to show more interest in performing arts, such as dance, choir, or theater. By giving your child the chance to perform, these activities help your child become more comfortable and confident in front of a crowd.
Online educational games
Online extracurricular activities, when chosen and used carefully, can be excellent options for kids this age, who are becoming more comfortable using tablets and other technology. Look for games or apps that focus on letter and number recognition. Playing board games is also an excellent way to boost early literacy and math skills.
Cooking
A goal for 5-year-olds is to 鈥渋mprove focus by engaging in activities that require sustained attention,鈥� Peters says, and cooking is an excellent option. You can do this either through a children’s cooking class, or by getting them involved in the kitchen at home. Cooking allows kids to practice problem solving, develop mathematical thinking, share time with your or other children, and most importantly, have fun developing a new life skill.
Fun, interesting, and challenging activities can help prepare your 5-year-old for the structured environment of school while also nurturing a love for learning.
Extracurricular activities for school-aged children
While extracurricular activities for toddlers and children in preschool typically focus more on play-based, exploratory experiences, activities for school-aged children (ages 5-11) often involve more focus and structure. Kids at this age are still encouraged to explore, but are given the chance to hone skills and develop deeper interest in various activities.
Extracurricular activities for elementary school children
Elementary school children thrive when presented with a diverse range of age-appropriate extracurricular activities that encourage exploration and the development of new interests.
School-based clubs and teams
Within the school setting, joining clubs such as science, art, coding, or robotics clubs gives children an opportunity to delve into specific subjects and foster a passion for learning.
Music or art lessons
Music and art lessons for elementary-aged students offer numerous benefits, enhancing their cognitive development by fostering creativity and critical thinking skills. Research has even shown that . At this age, self-expression becomes more important as kids develop their sense of identity and build confidence in their individuality. Additionally, music and art lessons contribute to improved fine motor skills and enhance social interaction as students communicate their ideas, collaborate in group settings, and support each others鈥� achievements.
Sports teams
Participating in extracurricular sports activities at the elementary level not only promotes physical health but also instills crucial life skills. Team sports, in particular, encourage teamwork, cooperation, and sportsmanship, fostering strong social skills and a sense of fairness. Moreover, engaging in sports helps children develop discipline, resilience, and a positive attitude towards challenges, contributing to their overall physical and emotional well-being.
Community-based activities
Community-based activities, such as scouting or gardening, provide elementary-aged students with invaluable opportunities for hands-on learning and skill development. In scouting, children learn teamwork, leadership, and problem-solving skills while engaging in outdoor adventures. Gardening activities not only instill a sense of responsibility and environmental awareness but also enhance their understanding of science and the natural world, fostering a lifelong appreciation for sustainable practices.
Many community-based activities take a multifaceted approach that both enhance kids鈥� social skills and allow them to explore and develop a well-rounded set of individual interests, laying the foundation for a lifetime of curiosity and personal growth.
Volunteering
Volunteering in the community offers elementary-aged students a chance to develop empathy and compassion as they actively contribute to making a positive impact. Clean-up efforts in community space like local parks or beaches, helping out at animal shelters or food banks, or participating in your local public school鈥檚 volunteer days are a great place to start. If you and your child would rather help out from home, consider writing letters to seniors at a local nursing home or to troops overseas through a program like .
Through community service, children learn the importance of civic responsibility and social awareness, building a foundation for active citizenship. Volunteering also provides practical experiences that enhance teamwork, communication, and problem-solving skills, shaping well-rounded individuals who understand the significance of giving back to society. Read more about how to find family volunteer opportunities.
Extracurricular activities for tweens and teens
For high school students, extracurricular activities play a pivotal role in holistic development. Many of these options will look like the tried and true extracurricular activities you may have seen or participated in as a high school student, but there are a myriad of new options as well. The significance of extracurriculars extends way beyond the classroom, particularly in the context of college preparation and career planning. Joining clubs, participating in community service, or taking on leadership roles in student government not only contribute to personal growth, they give teens the chance to showcase qualities like leadership, teamwork, passion, and commitment — attributes highly valued on college applications.
The key to selecting extracurricular activities in high school is getting started early (as a freshman or sophomore, if possible), and choosing activities your child is passionate about and wants to get involved in. That said, your teen will likely discover new interests as time goes on and as their social circle expands. Something like participation in a play or musical might sound like fun to a 16-year-old even if it was intimidating a year or two before. Depth of involvement is much more important than having a long list of extracurriculars. Research shows that participation in the same extracurricular activity for two years (or more) is correlated with success in college — a fact college admissions officers know and value when reviewing applications.
Best extracurricular activities for high school students
There is no 鈥減erfect鈥� extracurricular activity. The best extracurricular activity is the one that matches up with your teenager鈥檚 passions and goals. When choosing an extracurricular activity to participate in, how your child engages in the activity is much more important than what they choose.
鈥淐olleges want to see sustained involvement in activities.鈥� says Kate Sonnenburg, college consultant and founder of . 鈥淭hey care about a student’s personal growth and impact in the community. That said, they do not value certain activities over others — students should authentically engage in activities that matter to them.鈥� Read more about the role of extracurricular activities in college admissions.
Some of the most popular extracurricular activities for high school students
Arts-based extracurricular activities:
- Choir
- Fashion design
- Graphic design
- Ceramics
- Dance
- Photography
- Poetry
- Music lessons
- Marching band
- Videography
Athletic extracurricular activities:
- Basketball
- Cheerleading
- Dance
- Lacrosse
- Swimming
- Gymnastics
- Golf
- Hockey
- Ice Hockey
- Karate
- Mountain biking
- Rugby
- Skiing
- Snowboarding
- Soccer
- Tennis
- Track & Field
- Volleyball
- Water Polo
- Wrestling
Clubs, hobbies, and community-based activities:
- Academic Decathlon
- Coding
- Crafting
- Debate club
- Drawing
- Gay-Straight Alliance (GSA) or LGBTQ+ club
- Mock trial
- Music
- School newspaper
- Social justice work
- Social service work
- Tutoring
- Video games
- Volunteering
During high school, students begin to develop an interest in the wider world, becoming concerned about environmental, social, and political issues. Teens may express interest in working at an animal shelter, participating in an environmental studies project, or becoming involved with a community or social justice organization. As a parent, your support for these activities can be critical to the direction your child takes in life, since they may feed into your teen鈥檚 sense of purpose, future career, or course of study.
Conclusion
Extracurricular activities are an undeniably important part of your child鈥檚 life, no matter their age, grade, abilities, or interests. Thinking strategically about which activities are developmentally appropriate will add to the enjoyment and benefits for your child. Take advantage of the seemingly endless opportunities, and don鈥檛 be afraid to explore and let your child lead the way.
