Family Sports Activities for Everyone

Activities become difficult to plan for families with different interests or busy schedules. Whether composed of sport enthusiasts or couch potatoes, getting everyone in a family involved becomes important when trying to maintain a healthy lifestyle or increase bonding opportunities. Although families are often bogged down with everyday stresses, carve out time during the week or on weekends for family sports activities.

  1. Team Sports

    • Team sports such as volleyball, basketball, football, soccer, softball and baseball help both large and small families participate in healthy and rigorous workouts. Team sports such as these allow families to not only engage in physical activity, but also teach values such as teamwork, sportsmanship and fair play. These activities can take place in a family's backyard or a neighborhood park. In addition, if families wish to increase participation, they can form a team and sign up at the YMCA, Salvation Army or local city parks and recreation league and participate on a weekly basis.

      Team sports are also beneficial for families with physically or mentally disabled children. According to research conducted by the Special Olympics, kids with special needs participating in sports demonstrate improvement in self-esteem, social interactions, health and social skills.

    Non-Contact Sports

    • For sports activities that require very little equipment, families can take on the great outdoors. Hiking, biking and running help families participate in sports without necessarily having to compete with one another. In addition, these basic sport activities may appeal to families who are just beginning to explore their exercise options. Families interested in more competitive levels can sign up for 5K races or marathons and train together to meet both their individual and family goals.

    Water Sports

    • Whether the family owns a pool or enjoys the ocean, water sports become great activities during the summer. Swimming, surfing, beach volleyball and water polo exercise multiple muscle groups and present options for staying cool during hot summers. Swimming, in particular, can be an option for family members of all ages as it is a low-impact activity that's easy on the joints and builds cardio fitness. The Arthritis Foundation sates that aquatic activities allow people to exercise without putting strain on joints or muscles.

    Specialty Sports

    • For families with a taste for lifetime sports, tennis, badminton and golf become a good fit. Smaller families may enjoy the more individualized nature of these sports, however teamwork is necessary for successful doubles teams. These sports can become as high or low impact as the individuals participating in them. They can be good starting points for younger children learning to develop hand-eye coordination, or for older family members wishing to ease into a sporting activity.