Afternoons after school can be the perfect time for your children to learn, have fun and discover new passions. That's where extracurricular activities come in, a resource that is increasingly valued by families because they not only occupy free time, but also provide valuable benefits.
Through these activities, children have the opportunity to interact with other children, develop social skills, discover hidden talents and gain self-confidence. Whether playing a sport, playing an instrument, learning to cook or exploring the world of science and creativity, extracurricular activities offer them a space to grow in a different way than in the classroom.
But... how do you know which extracurricular activity will be best for your child? In this article, we give you some tips and advice on how to make the right choice, as well as showing you some fun and original ideas that will allow your children to enjoy themselves while they learn.
Key points for choosing the right extracurricular activities
Know and respect your child's interests
The first step is to observe what they really like. Do they prefer sports, music, art, or science? Listening to your child and respecting their tastes is essential for them to enjoy extracurricular activities and not see them as an obligation.
Balance between fun and learning
Ideally, you should find extracurricular activities that combine entertainment with personal development. For example, robotics encourages creativity and logic, while theatre promotes expression and confidence.
Consider age, personality and skill level
Not all extracurricular activities are suitable for all ages and personalities. A young child will enjoy creative games or introductory sports more, while a teenager may prefer a language or a more competitive sport. Similarly, someone who is more shy may prefer a group activity that is more individualised than a team sport. Furthermore, we do not all have the same abilities and interests. This is something that must be taken into account.
Enhance their talents
Extracurricular activities are also a great opportunity to discover and enhance your children's talents. Sometimes a simple music workshop, a drawing course, an afternoon of magic or a surfing lesson can awaken a skill you never imagined. Choosing activities that reinforce what they are good at helps them gain confidence, motivation and self-assurance.
Most recommended types of extracurricular activities
Sports activities
Sport not only improves physical health, it also teaches values such as teamwork, discipline and perseverance. Football, swimming, martial arts and dance are some of the most popular extracurricular activities.
Artistic activities
Music, theatre, painting and dance stimulate creativity and sensitivity. These extracurricular activities are perfect for children who enjoy expressing themselves and have an artistic side.
Educational activities
Robotics, chess and language workshops help to enhance intellectual development. These types of extracurricular activities are an ideal reinforcement for school, but always with a fun approach.
Extracurricular activities with Tour & Kids
Choosing extracurricular activities can be challenging, but it's also an opportunity to open up a world of new experiences for your children. At Tour & Kids, we understand this, which is why we've put together a range of unique activities that combine learning, fun and excitement. These are different kinds of activities, designed to help children discover new passions and enjoy moments they'll remember forever.
At our club, you'll find some really cool options, some of which are also very original:
- Cooking workshops at Valencia Club Cocina, where they'll discover the art of cooking in a practical and fun way.
- Water sports at Ocean Republik or Club Náutico Oropesa del Mar, perfect for getting them closer to the sea and learning water sports.
- Magic school at the Magic Museum by Yunke, where they can experience the mystery and excitement of magic up close.
And that's not all: we also have lots of activities for schoolchildren and groups, such as camps, workshops, guided tours, excursions and day trips specially designed for schools, associations and educational centres. A different and exciting way to learn outside the classroom.
Some practical tips
- Don't overload their schedule: combine extracurricular activities with free time for play and rest. This is very important!
- If you can, try it out: many academies and courses offer sample classes to see if your child feels comfortable.
- Encourage motivation: recognise their efforts and celebrate their achievements, no matter how small.
Choosing the best extracurricular activities is a decision that can shape your children's childhood. With a good balance between their interests, learning and fun, you will find the perfect option for them to grow up happy, confident and enriched by new experiences. And remember that at Tour & Kids we make it easy for you with unique proposals that will make extracurricular activities an unforgettable memory.
