What are some non sports related activities to get your kids involved in to make friends?
It's not that I am anti-sports... I just think it's a very obvious choice. I am sure at one point my little one will have his exposure to sports through friendships at school. I just wanted some ideas that were off the beaten path a bit. Thanks everyone for your suggestions... sounds like I should hold off a bit but I will keep these ideas in mind.
5 yr olds don't really NEED an activity.
Unstructured play time is fine - make use of play grounds.
He'll make plenty of friends when he starts school.
If you have a local rec center, they will have some activities for kids of various age groups for which you can register - this usually includes theater, music, and arts as well as sports. Local museums may have activities. And if you need it to be free, check out big kid story time and other events at your local public library.
5 is a little early to be in structured activity. Most 5yr olds just need to play and socialize.
Is your child in Kinder? If so, he/she should be able to make friends at school. Is he/she in some sort of Sunday School class? If so friends are there as well. Go to your neighborhood park to play.
I can't really tell if you are anti sports or not but there are plenty of activities for children that are not sport related. However, not all of them are structured in a way for team building, socialization, etc. Art, music, chess, etc.
Again, I still say 5 is too young for a lot of structure. Don't push things, just make sure there are friends from school, church, neighbors, etc and let things fall into place.
My favorite non-sports related activity to get my kids involved and make friends: "Go play outside, you two sound like a pair of hyenas. Get out of here and go find your friends."
there are always a lot of things at the park district and the library but if you are looking for a structured we get together every week kind of thing which will foster longer going friendships then sports / dance will be your best bet as 5 is really to young for band and chorus type things. the theater thing is good but again 5 is really young for that
Just because I am curious....why not sports?
Do you have a children's theater nearby?
Are you involved in a church? If you are there is often a children's music program (singing).
Mills Music or Kennelly Keys often has a children's musical instrument/band program.
Lego club? (there is one by us!)
If your child is 5 then they should be going into Kindergarten, right? He/She will make LOTS of friends just by going to school.
I know, you said no sports.....but I just have to say....I LOVE having my kids in soccer. They have made some great friends, their coaches have always been huge positive role models, the parents have become MY friends. I am so happy that my kids are involved.
L.
Scouts of some sort, Indian Guides, church/faith based programs, park district programs that are non-sports related, library programs, volunteering somewhere
Fishing. We were at the park yesterday and today with a fishing rod and the number of kids it attracted was incredible. Chess, library story hour or other activities at your local library.
I agree with Christy-Lee - some outdoor play. Once other kids see yours outside playing, they will come out to join him. Of course, if you're one of those "has to be a scheduled activity/playdate" then I have no suggestions
