Extracurricular activities are activities that take place outside of school and are not during normal school hours. They are important because they broaden a child’s world! Children become well-rounded when they have multiple opportunities to experience, learn, and grow.

It’s never too early to enroll your children in extracurricular activities, nor is it ever too late. There are classes specifically for infants and babies, as well as classes best suited for those beginning at a high school level. Here is a fun list of extracurricular activities for boys, along with descriptions of each, and suggestions on starting ages. It is so important while at the beginning levels to enroll your child in as many activities as possible; therefore, they can have actual experience to decide what they enjoy and want to pursue.

Art

Art is an activity that can offer a child classes either in person or virtually. Children will start off learning about colors, textures, drawing, and painting. Once basic skills are mastered, children can learn watercolor and sculpting. Art classes usually start children at age 5. Art is a great way for children to learn creativity and practice focusing.

Baseball

Baseball is a great extracurricular activity for children because it teaches both social and motor skills. Playing on a baseball team will give children practice working with others as well as developing friendships. This sport requires physical exertion and increases both motor skills and movement. Baseball classes normally start at age 5 with T-ball. Baseball is not normally recommended for children under 5 years old because it requires a lot of focus and understanding.

Basketball

Like baseball, basketball is a good sport for young children because it develops coordination, teamwork, and socialization. This sport, like most others, causes children to enjoy being active and enjoy physical fitness. Basketball classes can start around age 5, but the average age for joining a beginning basketball team is 7 to 9 years old.

Cooking

Cooking classes are great extracurricular activities because they develop math skills such as measuring, problem solving, and cause-and-effect. Children who have a healthy relationship with food are likely to have a lifestyle of healthy eating. Cooking classes start children at about age 8. There are even some stores, such as Williams-Sonoma and Sur La Table, that have in-store cooking classes.

Dance

A common misconception is that dance classes are only for little girls. That couldn’t be farther from the truth. Many boys enjoy classes in hip hop, tap, jazz, and even ballet. These classes are great ways for boys to get strong and coordinated. Dance develops good posture, balance, and agility … all of which children can carry with them throughout life. Dance classes can start as young as 2 or 3 years of age with “Mommy and Me” classes. Individual classes begin about 4 to 5 years of age.

Equestrian

Horseback riding classes may not pop in your mind when you consider extracurricular activities for your child, but they should. Horseback riding helps with muscle development, muscle control, hand-eye coordination, and helps develop motor skills. These classes are great for all children, but can be especially helpful for those with autism. Studies have shown that children and teens with autism who regularly ride horses strengthen skills in speech and focus. Equestrian classes normally begin students at age 6.

Gymnastics

Gymnastics is a great beginner activity for young children because it helps with strength, balance, and motor control. It also helps with coordination and self-esteem. Gymnastics classes can start as early as age 2 with “Mommy and Me” classes. Individual classes begin about 4 to 5 years of age.

Martial Arts

Martial Arts can provide a fun, full body workout for children. It can improve reflex skills, coordination, and can even lower stress and high blood pressure. There are many types of martial arts for kids such as Karate, Taekwondo, and Jiu Jitsu. Martial Arts classes can begin around age 3.

Music

There are different types of music classes children can take from toddlerhood to teen. At about 1 to 2 years old, music classes focus on rhythm and movement, such as shaking a tambourine or clapping on beat. At about 5 years old, most music schools will begin children with instruments. Music classes are important because they improve memory, lower anxiety, and keep the brain healthy.

Photography

Photography is an extracurricular activity that is usually geared towards preteens and high school age students. Classes normally start around age 12, and children learn all aspects of equipment, light, and photo processing. Photography classes can be easily overlooked, but are important because they teach creativity and concentration.

Soccer

Soccer is another good starting sport for boys because it teaches teamwork and coordination. Some preschool soccer leagues will start children at age 3, but most leagues will begin children at about 6 years old.

Swimming

Children of all ages should learn how to swim. Swimming is an important life skill because it greatly reduces a child’s risk of drowning. According to the CDC, drowning is the number one cause of unintentional death for children between the ages of 1 and 4. Swim classes can start as early as 3 months with parents in the water with each child. At about age 3, children begin taking classes in small groups without parents.

Theater

Theater/drama classes are a great idea for an extracurricular activity for children. At about age 5, children can start learning imagination, confidence, and self-expression through theater classes. If you find your child has a knack for performing on stage, looking into a reputable auditioning agency in your area would be the next step!

This post contains affiliate links, which means I may receive a small commission, at no cost to you, if you make a purchase through a link.