Participating in extracurricular activities can change the trajectory of your child鈥檚 life — in school and beyond. This importance — combined with the seemingly endless options and commitment of time and money — can make navigating the world of extracurriculars a bit daunting. But we鈥檙e here to help because it鈥檚 worth it.
Understanding the benefits of extracurricular activities and knowing the range of options available for your child can help you make informed decisions — and hopefully help you both find joy in the process.
The numbers are telling: according to about 80 percent of 6- to 17-year-olds participate in some type of extracurricular, with 42 percent doing a sport, 30 percent taking lessons, and 28 percent participating in a club. Active participation in extracurricular activities is crucial for a child’s growth and learning as it provides opportunities to develop essential life skills beyond the academic realm while also boosting engagement at school, grades, and self-esteem. In addition, the emotional intelligence gained outside the classroom helps in building resilience, self-awareness, and the ability to cope with life’s challenges.
Understanding the value of extracurricular activities
Extracurricular activities play a pivotal role in a child’s development, contributing to their physical, emotional, social, and cognitive well-being. They offer a dynamic platform for children to explore beyond the confines of traditional classrooms. that participation in extracurricular activities is associated with higher rates of self-esteem and resilience, and lower rates of risky behavior. The growth isn鈥檛 just social-emotional: a found that participation in extracurricular activities even benefited kids academically: students who participated in co-curricular activities were up to three times more likely to have a GPA of 3.0 or higher. While you don鈥檛 want your child鈥檚 choice of activities to be all about grades, it鈥檚 certainly nice to know about this added benefit.
Types of extracurricular activities
Your child will probably gravitate toward one or two types of extracurricular activities. It can be helpful to make sure they are exposed to and given a chance to try out many types, so they can ultimately find what brings them the most benefit and enjoyment.
Sports and physical activities
Athletics and school sports are the first things that come to mind for many parents when we think of extracurricular activities. Sports are a big focus in our society. Many of us played a sport or participated in our schools鈥� athletic competitions in some way growing up. Sports promote the development of both fine and gross motor skills and lay the foundation for an active lifestyle that will help keep your child healthy and strong through adulthood. In addition to team and school sports, there鈥檚 dance, martial arts, gymnastics, hiking, rock climbing, and other physical activities, which are equally challenging — and equally healthy. Team sports have the added benefit of giving children the opportunity to develop skills associated with teamwork, such as learning to play fair, learning to be a gracious loser, learning how to provide mutual support, and learning group strategy. Research shows that . But individual sports, such as rock climbing and gymnastics, help children develop coping skills, perseverance, and a try-try again mindset.
When helping your child choose a sport or athletic activity, consider their existing interests, personality, physical aptitude, and level of experience in order to get the right balance between challenge and satisfaction. If it鈥檚 a team sport, try to ensure that your child isn鈥檛 the least experienced on the team, or at least that there are other kids close to their level. Do some research to find out the full range of activities offered in your area and the types of resources available. Some of the most popular team sports in the U.S. are basketball, baseball/softball, football, soccer, volleyball, and swimming. Some kids prefer sports and athletic activities that focus on individual performance, like track or tennis, while others gravitate to those that are extremely competitive and team-oriented, like ice hockey and soccer. Here are some of the options to consider:
Examples of sports and physical activities
Cheerleading: Cheerleading combines elements of dance, gymnastics, and teamwork, fostering physical fitness, flexibility, and coordination. It can also promote camaraderie and a strong sense of community.
Dance: Dance nurtures physical fitness, flexibility, and coordination while also nurturing creativity, self-expression, emotional intelligence, and a love for music.
Golf: Golf provides kids practice with patience, focus, and strategic thinking as they navigate the course. It fosters sportsmanship, social skills, and a lifelong appreciation for physical activity in an outdoor setting.
Gymnastics: Gymnastics cultivates strength, flexibility, balance, and coordination, fostering discipline and perseverance while promoting a strong foundation in body awareness and fine and gross motor skills.
Ice hockey: Ice hockey combines agility and teamwork, while providing an exciting and fast-paced environment that enhances motor skills and strategic thinking on and off the ice.
Lacrosse: Lacrosse uniquely enhances athleticism through a mix of running, passing, catching, and shooting, promoting both physical development and cognitive agility.
Martial arts: Martial arts, such as karate and jiu jitsu, offer a holistic approach to physical and mental development by promoting strength and self-defense skills, while instilling valuable life lessons in discipline, respect, and perseverance. The structured and traditional nature of most martial arts classes provides a supportive environment for children to build confidence and resilience as they progress through the ranks.
Rugby: Rugby offers a unique combination of physicality, strategic thinking, and teamwork, making it a holistic sport that develops both physical and mental skills.
Skiing and snowboarding: Skiing and snowboarding combine the thrill of outdoor adventure with the development of balance, coordination, endurance, and motor skills. Additionally, these winter sports foster resilience and perseverance as children and teens navigate varying terrains, contributing to a sense of accomplishment and the development of a hobby they can take far into adulthood.
Swimming: Swimming offers a full-body workout that improves cardiovascular health, strength, and flexibility. It鈥檚 also a skill your child will use throughout their life and their confidence in the water and knowledge of water safety can lead to other interests, such as rowing, sailing, surfing, paddle boarding, and diving.
Tennis and pickleball: Tennis and pickleball instill a strong sense of sportsmanship through individual and doubles gameplay. Simultaneously, these sports promote physical fitness, agility, and hand-eye coordination.
Track and field: Track and field offers kids a comprehensive athletic experience, enhancing cardiovascular fitness, speed, endurance, and coordination. Kids gain skills in discipline, teamwork, and individual achievement through a diverse range of events.
Water polo: Water polo provides a full-body, agility-focused workout in a challenging aquatic environment. The dynamic nature of the sport encourages quick decision-making and strategic thinking.
Wrestling: Along with physical strength and agility, the individual nature of wrestling encourages personal responsibility and accountability. This contributes to the development of self-confidence and problem-solving skills in a challenging setting.
Non-athletic activities
There are many extracurricular activities outside the world of sports. Activities like music, art, gardening, community service, and academic pursuits outside of the classroom provide valuable opportunities for students to express themselves while growing and developing unique expertise. If your child likes to draw or gravitates toward arts and crafts projects, you can build on that interest with groups or classes in painting, ceramics, or even graphic design.
Learning to play an instrument, joining an orchestra or choir, or acting in a play are also excellent options for self-expression and add the component of performance, too.
Online and in-person interest based-groups, like those for students who like certain books, legos, video games, or hobbies, help kids connect with like-minded peers. Of course, there are always academic activities like a math club, chess club, or debate team. Help your child research options both inside and outside of school that match up with new or existing interests.
The role of arts and creativity
Self-expression is important. You want your child to develop self-awareness and the ability to express their own unique nature and view of the world. Yet today鈥檚 emphasis on academic achievement leaves little room for the playful, creative side of your child to come out. You can right this imbalance by suggesting art, music, drama, and other creative extracurricular activities that encourage your child to explore their unique talents and perspectives, while also seeing the world through others鈥� eyes. Eric Eng, a College Admission Expert and the Founder and CEO of , notes that the benefits of artistic activities vary. 鈥淧articipation in drama or theater improves communication skills and self-confidence as children learn to express themselves assertively in front of an audience. Music classes, be it instrumental or vocal, enhance auditory skills and increase focus and concentration. Team activities like band or orchestra inculcate a sense of responsibility and teamwork among students,鈥� Eng says.
Consider your child’s interests, needs, goals, and passions when weighing the options. Here are some examples to consider:
Examples of arts and creative extracurricular activities
Ceramics: Ceramics provides a hands-on and therapeutic outlet for creativity while fostering patience, attention to detail, and a unique connection with the tactile arts.
Choir: Choir is a great entry point to the arts. It helps children hone their musical skills, fostering pitch, rhythm, and vocal technique but also promoting a sense of belonging and teamwork. Participating in a choir provides children with an avenue to express emotions and enhance self-confidence.
Fashion design: Fashion design is a unique activity that can help kids grow by nurturing their creativity and problem-solving skills. It involves a unique blend of artistic expression and practical craftsmanship, instilling a sense of personal style and confidence.
Graphic design: Graphic design stands out as an activity that can be directly transferred into a valuable career skill. It offers a practical blend of artistic creativity and technological skills, empowering children to express ideas visually and develop valuable proficiency in digital media.
Marching band: Marching band combines musical excellence with teamwork, discipline, and physical fitness.
Music lessons: Learning to play an instrument or sing takes discipline and provides another medium for self-expression. Playing in recitals or joining musical groups introduces performance skills and builds confidence while giving kids the chance to meet others who also play or sing. Playing an instrument is correlated with stronger math skills, too. (Read 7 ways music benefits your child鈥檚 brain.)
Photography: In addition to being another form of artistic expression, photography helps kids develop observational skills and gain a deeper appreciation for the beauty in their surroundings.
Poetry: Writing poetry or joining a poetry club encourages a love for literature and provides a creative outlet for personal exploration and communication.
Videography: Videography helps kids develop a dynamic blend of technical skills, storytelling prowess, and visual creativity, fostering both technological literacy and the ability to convey narratives through a powerful visual medium.
Volunteering as an extracurricular activity
Volunteering can be a particularly enriching extracurricular activity for kids, fostering a sense of empathy and compassion from an early age. Volunteering is often a hands-on experience, allowing children to contribute to positive change in their communities. Volunteer activities allow kids to discover new interests and nurture existing passions while exploring future career interests and aspirations. Look for areas of need in your community; most towns and cities have lists of great volunteer opportunities for kids. You can also try contacting your local food bank, animal shelter, park, museum, or assisted living facility for volunteer opportunities. Volunteering helps instill a sense of responsibility and accountability in children as they take on roles that contribute to the well-being of others.
Where to look for volunteer opportunities for kids
Volunteer Match: is a website that allows you to search for volunteer opportunities in your area. You can filter by a plethora of criteria, including age of volunteer (perfect for kids), remote / in person options, and specific areas of interest.
Local churches and community organizations: Food banks, residential homes, and church-sponsored efforts are all good sources of information about volunteering.
Idealist: Although it is traditionally thought of as a job search engine, has an option to search for volunteer opportunities. You can filter by keyword and location to find the perfect fit.
United Way: Contact your local to be connected with volunteer opportunities that align with their areas of focus: Health, Education, and Economic Mobility.
Extracurricular activities in school
As your child grows up, schools add new extracurricular activities to accommodate a greater range of interests and talents, and these offerings are a great place to start since they鈥檙e among the easiest to access. School-based extracurriculars also help students expand their circle of friends and feel a stronger sense of community at school. In-school activities can include sports teams, academic clubs, performing arts groups, art and computer classes, and community service initiatives.
School-based clubs and teams
Academic decathlon: Academic decathlon promotes intellectual rigor, interdisciplinary knowledge, teamwork, and time management skills. The stimulating environment enhances academic excellence and cultivates a passion for learning and critical thinking.
Coding: There’s no question that learning to code will give your child valuable skills for future employment prospects, but beyond that coding hones problem-solving skills and boosts technological literacy in a rapidly evolving digital landscape.
Language clubs: Not only do language clubs give your child a chance to practice speaking, they help expand kids鈥� worlds, bringing greater cultural awareness and a stronger sense of global citizenship.
Literature and book clubs: Literature clubs foster a love for reading, critical thinking, and intellectual discussion. The group setting also creates a space for talking about diverse narratives, promoting empathy and cultural awareness.
Model United Nations: Model U.N. is a unique activity that gives students a peek into the world of international politics, instilling a profound understanding of international relations and cooperation. Participating in diplomatic simulations helps students build better research skills, practice public speaking, and learn the art of negotiation, all while gaining greater global awareness.
Robotics: Robotics integrates STEM principles, teamwork, and problem-solving skills and presents a hands-on experience that sparks interest in engineering and technology.
School newspaper: If your child likes to write, or just enjoys talking to people and finding out what鈥檚 going on, they鈥檒l probably enjoy working on the school newspaper and learning basic journalistic skills like reporting and writing. Even better, they get to be part of a project with a mission to inform the whole community, which promotes critical thinking and fosters a sense of civic responsibility.
Sports teams: Participation in sports teams is often the first thing that comes to mind when you think of participation in a school-based extracurricular activity. Not only do sports foster physical fitness, teamwork, and discipline, they can create a strong sense of camaraderie and school spirit.
Balancing extracurricular activities with academics
Participating in any kind of extracurricular activity requires a time commitment of time. Between school and homework, family, friends, work, and other life commitments, extracurriculars can be difficult to fit into a child鈥檚 busy schedule. And of course you don鈥檛 want a heavy focus on extracurricular activities to negatively impact your child鈥檚 academic achievement or mental health.
The secret to achieving this balance is effective time management. This will look different for every child, family, and type of activity, but these general tips can help your child manage their time and energy.
1. Create a schedule: As a family, sit down each week to determine where and when activities are taking place and address any conflicts. This is also a good time to talk about time limits for certain activities, and how to prioritize their time so that kids get enough sleep and get their schoolwork done.
2. Make space for downtime: Resist the urge to fill up every second of each day with activity. that 鈥渦nstructured鈥� time is an important part of child development. You may have to schedule this time in, just as you would other activities.
3. Choose activities wisely: Assess your child or teen鈥檚 interests, goals, and developmental requirements and help them select those that match both what they want and what they need.
4. Stay informed: Stay in touch with other parents, teachers, coaches, or club leaders about upcoming events, and create a system for this communication.
Although the options for extracurricular activities can seem endless and the decision making involved can seem a little intimidating, the key is getting started. Encourage your child to choose an activity or two to try out, and see where they go next!
