With another season of school sports nearly upon us, there’s no better time to consider what non-traditional athletic options your kids might love. Whatever your child’s age, experience, or interests, there are plenty of creative ways for them to stay active, make friends, and have fun while they’re at it.
What’s Your Angle?
As a true sport, fishing—also known as angling—requires skills: an ability to follow rules, stamina and strength. Thankfully, The Woodlands is home to more than 40 bodies of water that are stocked with numerous fish species, including Lake Woodlands, which allows fishing.
Check online to find more locations, and keep in mind fishing license requirements, plus which locations are “catch and release” or “catch and keep.” Bring your own gear and follow all Texas Parks and Wildlife regulations for your “catch and keep” experience.
Want your child to join the 50+ million people around the world who fish competitively?
A free fishing tournament will be held Saturday, September 5, at Creekwood Park in Panther Creek. The Kiwanis South Montgomery County, Woodlands is hosting ages toddler through 16 (plus parents/guardians). Bring your own rods, reels, and tackle. Club members will supply the bait and help kids learn the sport.
Ultimate Swordplay
If swordplay is your child’s favorite pastime, consider fencing.
The Woodlands International Fencing Club (WIFC) offers classes, lessons, camps, competitions and recreation for all ages and levels. WIFC students have represented state and national teams in national and world championships, and universities have recruited them onto prestigious fencing teams.
The Alliance Fencing Academy is an international fencing school for all ages and experience levels with locations in The Woodlands, Houston, and Katy. The academy provides fencing instruction for ages 5-8, youth ages 9-14, and homeschoolers, with options including individual and group lessons.
Tarzan on Deck
If you have a climber on your hands, good news: climbing activities abound in The Woodlands.
CLIMB Woodlands is an indoor rock climbing gym for all ages and skill levels. The facility includes 18 top-rope lanes, five auto-belays, an indoor ropes course, a two-week-free trial for youth, opportunities for school districts and homeschoolers, fitness equipment, and an adventure course.
For all ages and fitness levels, The Woodlands Township’s Texas TreeVentures is an outdoor climbing adventure park involving a three-level aerial course among the trees with nearly 100 challenge elements. There’s even a tree house space, and all kinds of opportunities for kids to discover their abilities and develop their personal skills.
Try Triathlon
For anyone ages 4-18, SelecTri offers a youth triathlon team that trains in The Woodlands, with opportunities for youth to bike and swim. SelecTri focuses on introductions to the sports, but youth may also transition into competitive teams that advance to national championships.
To determine whether or not triathlon is a good fit, youth are welcome to try up to three classes, with the crew recommending swim, bike and run classes. SelecTri athletes pursue individual and team goals in a collaborative environment. SelecTri has a recreational team for ages 6-18, and a competitive team for athletes ages 10-18.
Non-traditional athletics thrive year-round, close to home. Like all sports, they help youth develop confidence, independence and cognitive skills. Sometimes kids need to experiment to find the right fit. But once they find it, what a joy for the rest of us to watch them thrive from the sidelines.