Trying to find hobbies and activities for kids is a bit of trial and error. Children can be picky about how they want to fill their time. Young childhood is the ideal time to explore hobbies, activities, and sports.
With so many options, it’s hard to decide which activity is best for your child. But having many options also means that you’ll be able to find a few extracurricular activities that will suit your child’s needs and interests.
Here are 6 extracurricular activities that your little girl will undoubtedly love.
What Are Extracurricular Activities?
Extracurricular activities are any activities that take place outside of the school. They can be sports, clubs, or something in the arts. These activities can either be hosted through the school or through outside means like a dance studio or community center.
Because of the wide range of options, any child can find an activity that piques their interest. Along with doing something they love, extracurricular activities provide many benefits for the kids who do them.
Extracurricular activities allow the brain to recharge after a long day at school or doing school work. The research on this mental refresh has shown that extracurriculars benefit schoolwork by providing a clear mind ready to work.
These activities provide the opportunity to try interest outside of school work. They’re also able to meet other children with the same interests as them, which makes extracurriculars a great place to meet friends.
Six Activities for Your Daughter
There are so many activities that it can be difficult to know where to start looking. Whether your daughter has set interests or is looking to find a new activity, this guide is a great place to start to find the best extracurricular and after-school activities.
- Arts
If you have a daughter that’s crafty and good with their hands, you should consider signing your child up for art classes. Many community centers and art centers provide classes and camp for children to explore their creativity.
There are so many disciplines included in the arts, so finding an artistic hobby your daughter will love is all but guaranteed. She may want to try painting, sketching, pottery, or sculpting. Or maybe she wants to do any art project she can.
Not only do arts help develop sensory and motor skills by using your hand, but they also help boost her creative skills, which can lead to better problem-solving skills.
- Book Club
Do you have a daughter who’s a reader? If she devours all the books in front of her and then asks for more, you’ve got a bookworm. And a bookworm worm would love to join a book club where she can discuss her current favorite reads.
Socializing with other book lovers will help your daughter make friends with similar interests and help her create a community based on something she loves.
Being able to discuss the books you’re reading with other book lovers is one of the greatest parts of having a literary community. Your daughter will develop her reading skills, improve her vocabulary, and get a new perspective on the world.
- Music
Music is great for children to learn, especially when they’re young. It’s a broad spectrum that includes learning and instrument to singing and performing. And within those categories are even more detail, including instrument and singing style.
Music is great for childhood development, including learning intellectual and social-emotional skills. Playing music can also help a child build their confidence, teach them patience, and require them to learn discipline.
All of these skills together create the ideal environment for kids to explore. Whether your daughter chooses to play an instrument or sing, including music in her life is a great idea.
- Drama Club
If you’ve ever looked at your daughter and thought that she belongs up on stage or on the silver screen, you may want to sign her up for a drama club. This is great for girls with creative, energetic, and active energies.
Your daughter will get the opportunity to learn more about the world of performing, be a part of a production, and, of course, make friends with similar interests.
Drama club can help improve memory, improvisation skills, and public speaking. This is also a great opportunity for shy children to come out of their shells.
- Sports
Sports are another great option for your young daughter to be a part of. Many sports teams are community- or locally-run, so it just comes down to trying out for the right sport.
Whether your daughter is playing Saturday morning soccer or after school softball, getting into sports is a great option for young girls. Sports are especially good for children who have a lot of energy and are competitive.
On these teams, your child will learn the importance of teamwork and build their endurance. Signing up for sports can keep your daughter healthy and active.
- Dance
Dance is another activity that has multiple styles under it. With so many options, it’s impossible for a child who’s gifted with movement not to find a style they love. Classics like ballet and jazz are still very popular, while hip-hop has gained popularity.
You can find this extracurricular in a dance studio that’s near year. Many community centers also have dance classes, often at a lower price. Dance is especially ideal for young children to start early to learn the foundation of the dance.
Dance is a big commitment, though. You might have to replace jazz shoes for girls and leotards every couple of months, but the discipline and endurance that dance teaches is worth it.
Hobbies, Activities, and Sports, Oh My!
Finding the right extracurricular activities for your child might take some time. But that’s alright because your child doesn’t need to love something right away. Finding the activity that fits them is a great way for your child to explore and learn.
Your child may end up loving something physical that keeps them active, something that flexes their brain muscles, or a combination of the two. What matters is that your child enjoys the activity and that it helps their overall development.
How did you like this article? If you found it helpful, share it with a friend and check out more of our lifestyle content.
Image Credits: Lukas
Like this article? Share with your friends!