Out of School Activities

Something I see getting asked a lot on Mum groups on Facebook and other places is 'what activities are available for my age xx child'  Or people are looking for new suggestions for activities in the area. 

A little while ago I conducted a little Facebook survey to find out what children in the Somerset are are participating in when it comes to out of school activities and I was really surprised to see just how much is available to children.  Especially if you don't mind travelling to the bigger towns such as Taunton and Yeovil.

I thought that this would make a really useful blog topic for parents looking to get their children in to clubs and doing activities.

Swimming

This was by far the most popular activity the children were participating in.  Swimming is a great and fun way to get your child active and water confident.  Most pools offer swimming lessons and classes for babies who are just a few yeas old right up to adulthood.  There are many benefits to swimming such as improving physical fitness, co-ordination and of course learning to swim is a skill that could end up saving somebodies life.  I found this handy website which lists all of the swimming pools close to you and quickly links you to the pools website so you can see what they offer.  If swimming is something you're looking for then take a look at the website HERE.

Dancing

Another popular activity was Dance Classes.  With so many different options available such as ballet, tap, jazz musical theatre and more this is a great option for both girls and boys.  There are several dance schools offering classes in the somerset area so you don't necessarily need to travel to the bigger towns such as yeovil and Taunton to find a class.  Smaller towns including Crewkerne Chard and Ilminster all have dance classes on offer.

Rainbows, Brownies and Guides

Rainbows - Rainbows is a great first club for your little girl to join.  It is suitable for girls between the age of 5 and 7 years and they offer usually weekly meetings during term time.  Activities such as cooking, art and craft and day trips are just some of the things Rainbows have to offer.

Brownies - Brownies is the next stage up from Rainbows and is suitable for girls between the age of 7 and 10 years.  The Brownies usually meet once a week during term time and take part in local events, day trips and brownie camps.  Members can earn badges for different activities.

Guides - Guides is the next stage up for Brownies and is suited to girls aged from 10 to 14 years.  Guides also have a badge scheme where girls are awarded badges for different activities and for completing certain challenges.  Girl Guides usually take part in both local and some national events, one being the Bath and west show and have day trips and camping holidays.

To find out more about these 3 clubs and to get your daughter involved please take a look at the Guiding website HERE.

Beavers, Cubs and Scouts

Beavers - Beavers is suitable for little boys aged between 6 and 8 years.  They usually meet once per week during term time and have activities such as outdoor activities, art and craft exploring the local area and sleep overs.  They offer challenge awards and a badge earning scheme.

Cubs - Cubs is the next stage for those leaving Beavers and is suitable for boy aged between 8 and 10.5.  Cubs offer outdoor activities day trips and camping holidays.  There are a range of awards and badges to be earned.

Scouts - Scouts is suitable for boys aged between 10.5 and 14 years. Scouts are encouraged to work together and take the lead on all sorts of projects, from community based work to planning games and activities for their meetings.  They are offered a wide range of activities such as  as camping, survival and cooking, as well as a wider spectrum of adventurous activities, from abseiling to zorbing.

For more information about these or to get your child joined up, please visit their website HERE.

Gymnastics

Gymnastics is one of the most comprehensive lifestyle exercise programs available to children, incorporating strength, flexibility, speed, balance, coordination, power, and discipline. Whether they are involved in recreational gymnastics or with a competition squad, skills learned in gymnastics can benefit a child’s overall development.  There are many classes and groups available to children in Somerset with most being in Yeovil and Taunton.  To find a gym class near you, take a look at this website HERE.

Karate and Martial Arts

Activities like tae kwon do, kung fu and aikido are a fun way for both boys and girls to achieve fitness and focus.  Progress is often marked by the belt system, which takes the beginner from a white belt through a variety of colors until black.

Karate

A system of self-development using kicks and punches. Its quick, sharp actions involve snapping movements of the joints, which means that kids need to warm up carefully.

Tae Kwon Do

A form of karate developed as a military art, which has become one of the more popular martial arts. It uses kicking and punching movements to energise the body, and breathing and meditation techniques to provide focus.

Judo

Taught as a competitive sport, judo teaches kids how to throw a partner using balance and leverage and helps them learn self-control and respect for their opponent.

Jujitsu

A competitive form of self-defense that teaches students to use their opponent's weight and strength against him. Having a partner fosters cooperation.

Aikido

Uses many of the same movements as jujitsu but is gentler and noncompetitive. It, too, is an excellent discipline for teaching children how to work with a partner.

Kung Fu

A rigorous and physical form of karate that involves more fluid movements than its Japanese cousin, making it easier on joints. It's fast-paced, so kids get an aerobic workout.

T'ai Chi

Focuses on balance, stretching and weight-bearing moves. T'ai Chi is easy on the joints, boosts flexibility and improves concentration skills.

There are loads of classes around these days for Martial Arts.  Towns including Yeovil and Taunton have many classes available on different days of the week but if you're looking for something more local then smaller towns like chard, Crewkerne and Ilminster also offer a small number of classes.  This WEBSITE offers a search facility to find Martial Arts classes near to you.

Football

Participating in football, like any sport provides many health benefits for children.  Joining a football team helps children to make friends and learn to work as a team.  Nearly every town these days has their own football team for children.  A quick call to your local football association should give you an idea of the teams available for your little one to join.

Other activities mentioned which were a less popular choice on my survey but are certainly worth a look include:

Rugby

Boxing

Youth Club

Kick Boxing

Hockey

Sunday School

Rock Climbing

Golf

Horse Riding

Tennis

Athletics

Motocross

I hope you have enjoyed reading through this and found it useful.  Feel free to comment below and down for get to leave with a like!

Thanks

Sarah