Growing up with a brother who only has one kidney was quite interesting in our household. He was not allowed to play high-contact sports because it could cause trauma. My mom was always looking for an alternative sport or activity he could join to keep him active but safe.
Fast forward to the present; my kids are at the age of playing sports or getting involved in different activities. They are both healthy, with both kidneys, but I was never one to want them to join anything aggressive. My kids attend AIMS Charter School, and the offered sports are few. Playing on a football team or joining a cheerleading team does not exist at the school. We had to dig a bit deeper than just these highly recognized sports to keep them active.
Go for the Gold
My daughter is a tween trying to find a sport or activity to fit her niche. She enjoyed gymnastics at the Gold Cup Gym, where she excelled in their training team. After a couple of years at the gym, we decided to try swimming. We loved her learning survival skills in the water. She joined a swim team after finishing the swim program at a local pool. West Mesa Aquatics Center offers a summer program where you can join a swim team, dive team, polo team, or all three! The kids will get to compete against other city pool teams on the weekends.
I Smell Cookies
My daughter joined a Girl Scout troop during the school year. Depending on the troop you join, you can meet once a week or bi-weekly. When the girls meet up, they make crafts, sing songs, learn about building your business through cookie sales, and volunteer in the community. Girls earned trips and prizes based on their cookie sales. Who doesn’t want to earn a free trip, right?
Double Dribble
My son has the energy to run around a soccer field with no problem, but we’d like him to participate in activities without having to dive into our bank account or make frequent trips to the ER. I know that basketball can have contact (like soccer), but it does have its benefits. He was able to release his energy with practices throughout the week and tournaments on the weekend. During the summer time, he worked on his ball skills at Rise Basketball to build his skills with other kids his age.
Aim for the Bullseye!
Archery is another sport that can be a winner for your kiddos. It teaches them to have a steady hand, patience, and accuracy. This can be for boys or girls, so don’t be fooled into thinking girls can’t be just as competitive as the boys.
Checkmate!
If you are looking for something a little more relaxed and quiet, chess club could be the right fit. “A study of 14 youth between the ages of 11 and 13 who were diagnosed with ADHD found that after a course of chess training given twice a week, there was a significant improvement in concentration skills (ElDaou and El-Shamieh, 2015).” Even parents can participate in a chess club with their kids, and it can become an activity the whole family can do together. That is a win-win in my book.
You got this, mom!
If you are a parent struggling to find options that quench your child’s thirst, then you are not alone. My favorite low or no-contact activities are linked below to give you a head start on where to search for what Albuquerque has to offer. Happy hunting!
Gymnastics: Gold Cup Gym
Swimming classes: Fish Factory
Swimming: West Mesa Aquatics
Archery: Hit or Miss Archery Academy
Girl Scouts: Join a local troop
Boy Scouts: More info here
Chess: ABQ Chess Club
Basketball: RISE Basketball School
Summer camps are always a fun way to try out something new. Check out our Guide to Summer Camps.
