Summer Sports For Kids & Teens (17 Most Popular)

Summer is a time for kids to explore the outdoors, enjoy the sunshine, and have tons of fun.

It is also the time of the year when they can enjoy their favorite sports and recreational games in warm weather.

Get your teen off their screens so that they can play fun games, enjoy time with their peers, make new friends, and improve their social skills.

If you’re looking to include a youth sports camp or home sports activities in your child’s summer schedule, have a look at the 17 most popular summer sports for kids

Table Of Contents+

Team Sports
Court Games
Water Sports
Individual Sports & Activities
FAQs
Summary

Team Sports

Basketball

Millions of kids in the US grow up following their local or favorite NBA team. So, it’s no wonder that many develop an interest in basketball from a young age.

Basketball is a versatile game that can be played individually, in small groups or in teams.

There are many basic skills to learn and practice, such as dribbling, handling, defense, shooting, off-ball movement, and basketball IQ.

In addition to developing physical skills such as agility and finesse, basketball strengthens intrinsic values such as teamwork and intuition.

Below are some of the best basketball camps and sports programs available in the USA:

📢 You might also enjoy reading: How Long Is A High School Basketball Game?

Soccer

Soccer is one of the most popular sports globally, and it’s great for all ages.

Youth soccer is great for teens with a lot of energy because it keeps kids active.

They’ll learn soccer skills at a summer camp like passing the ball, making runs, kicking, and tackling.

In this summer sport, working as a team is crucial.

Teenagers quickly improve their skill level and learn to work together to score a winning goal.

Below are some of the best soccer camps and sports programs available in the USA:

📢 You might also enjoy reading: How Long Is A High School Soccer Game?

Lacrosse

Lacrosse is a dynamic game that teenagers will love.

It is played with a stick with a basket at one end, used to catch, pass, carry, and shoot the ball towards the goal.

You stop opponents with the ball are by body checking, stick body checking, or stick checking.

Variations of the game include field and box lacrosse.

To avoid injury while playing, your teen will need to wear the appropriate gear such as gloves, cleats, and a helmet.

Lacrosse is a physical and energetic sport that helps to develop a teen’s agility, strength, and stamina.

Below is a Folding Throwback Rebounder (for Lacrosse, Baseball, and Softball Training with Extra Net):

📢 You might also enjoy reading: How Long Is A High School Lacrosse Game?

Flag Football

Flag football is a version of American football that is safer than full-contact football.

Instead of making contact with another player, you make a tackle by pulling a flag belt or flag from a ball carrier.

Usually, the flag belt is worn around the hips.

This way, your kids will stay safe and enjoy playing the game.

Flag football can be played on a traditional football field, at the beach, at the park, or on a lawn at home.

You might like to know: How Long Is A High School Flag Football Game?

Below is a Flag Football Set for 12 Players that includes Durable Flag Belts and Flags, Cones, Bean Bag, Carrying Backpack, and Football:

Volleyball

Volleyball is a fun, and relaxing summer team sport played with a net.

A team scores points by grounding the ball on the other team’s court.

The full set of rules is extensive but not required to start playing and having fun.

Teens can play in pairs or teams typically consisting of six players each.

You can play volleyball on a traditional court, at the beach, park, or on a lawn at home.

Your teen will love playing volleyball during the summer!

Play at night with this LED Volleyball:

📢 You might also enjoy reading: How Long Are High School Volleyball Games?

Baseball

Baseball is a summer favorite among kids and teens in the USA, especially those that are fast and nimble.

The game’s timeless appeal lies in its simplicity (all you need is a bat, a ball, and a glove) yet it also requires a great deal of finesse and dexterity.

You might also like to read: How Many Stitches Are On A Baseball?

The art of pitching, the strategy of the game, and the joy of hitting a home run all make baseball a truly unique summer activity.

The best place to play baseball is at a summer camp, where you’ll find many spacious and open fields.

Playing baseball helps kids improve their collaboration, communication, and teamwork skills.

Teens can practice at home with the Practice Net setup below:

Flag Rugby

Rugby has been gaining popularity in the US in the last few years.

However, this contact sport can be dangerous and can lead to serious injuries like bone fractures.

Rookie rugby was invented as a safer version for younger kids with no contact, and the focus is on running with the ball and passing.

Teens can start with rookie rugby and then move to the full contact version later if they want to.

Flag rugby can be played on a traditional rugby or football field, at the beach, at the park, or on a lawn at home.

Watch the video below that introduces the basics of setting up flag rugby and how the game is played:

📢 You might also enjoy reading: Is Creatine Safe for Teens?

Court Games

Tennis

Tennis is one of the best sports for kids and teens because it is fun to play and the basics are easy to pick up.

Tennis courts can have different surfaces, such as clay, grass, and hard courts.

Teens who play tennis will become more agile and build strength, coordination, and endurance.

This summer sport requires stamina and excellent ball handling skills to hit the tennis ball from different angles.

❤️ You might also like to read Teen Sports Bra Guide: Finding the Perfect Fit and Support

Badminton

Badminton is similar to tennis but badminton is played with a shuttlecock and doesn’t allow a bounce before hitting the ball, while tennis does.

The rules for scoring a point are, for the most part, similar.

Badminton is a summer sport that requires speed and explosiveness in arms, hands, and legs.

Since you don’t require a specific court or surface, your teens don’t have to go to a sports camp for them to enjoy playing badminton.

You can buy a badminton set and set up a court right in your backyard.

This way, your teens can play whenever they feel like it.

Some nets are adjustable and allow different sports to be played in your backyard, on the beach, on the driveway, park, or on any flat area.

Below is a Portable Net for Badminton, Pickleball, Tennies, Volleyball & Soccer

Squash

The game of squash is played on a boxed court with a squash ball and racquet.

Squash is a summer sport that is very demanding on the cardiovascular system.

In squash, the rallies are longer than in badminton and the game builds upper body strength from powerful shots using a heavier racket.

Since squash is played on a boxed court, your teen will need access to the appropriate facilities. There are several squash summer camps available in the USA.

Handball

Handball is a dynamic sport that’s a mixture of basketball and soccer. It has been compared to soccer with hands, ice hockey without ice, and water polo without water.

This summer game is played by two teams of seven (six players and a goalkeeper) with the aim of using their hands to throw the ball into the other team’s goal.

Team handball is a game of speed and skill is played in two fast-paced 30-minute halves.

It’s an excellent way for your kids to exercise and have fun with friends.

The video below discusses the rules of handball:

Pickleball

Pickleball is the fastest-growing sport in the USA and combines elements of tennis, badminton, and ping-pong.

This summer sports game can be played singles or doubles, indoor or outdoor.

Players use wood or composite paddles, slightly larger than Ping-Pong paddles, and a perforated plastic ball.

The five rules of pickleball are:

The ball must remain in bounds
Only one bounce per side
You must serve from the baseline
Your serve cannot land in the no-volley zone
The game ends when you reach 11, 15, or 21 points

Playing pickleball allows you to work on your balance, agility, reflexes, and hand-eye coordination without putting excessive strains on your body.

Find out more about pickleball below:

Water Sports

Swimming

Swimming is a popular sport the world over, and it is one of the best sports for kids.

Swimming uses strokes and techniques such as butterfly, sidestroke, freestyle, backstroke, and breaststroke that work the whole body.

This way, your teen can build muscle, strength, and endurance.

Aside from that, swimming is the perfect choice for kids with injuries, disabilities, or any other problem that would make participating in contact sports challenging.

Ensure your kids master the various swimming techniques so they do not drown.

If they’re just starting, always be present or ensure they swim under supervision.

Snorkeling

Snorkeling is an exciting sport for kids who love underwater exploration.

There are many unique plants and creatures they will see as they have fun exploring.

Since this sport involves getting into the water, it is crucial to ensure your kids have the necessary gear such as snorkels, snorkel masks, vests, and fins.

Make sure they are adequately trained before attempting to snorkel on their own.

Diving

“Diving is the sport of jumping or falling into water from a platform or springboard, usually while performing acrobatics.” (wikipedia.com)

Diving is an excellent sport for teens who already love the water and might be involved in gymnastics. In this sport, they’ll learn how to master various diving techniques.

This sport will improve your teen’s focus, flexibility, and coordination.

In addition, it’ll help them beat the fear of heights.

Watch below to find out what skills and techniques are used in diving:

There are several diving summer camps and programs available across the USA.

Kayaking

If your teen is a fan of watersports, kayaking is one they should try out this summer.

This activity involves using a double-bladed paddle to move an enclosed craft through the water.

It is an excellent way for your teen to improve strength, balance, posture, and flexibility.

Many people confuse kayaking with canoeing. A canoe’s single-blade paddle must be moved from one side of the boat to the other, while a kayak’s double-sided paddle can be twisted to allow alternate paddling on both sides.

Kayaking summer camps involve learning the equipment basics; life jackets, skirts, parts of the kayak, and paddle.

More advanced kayakers should try to test their skills on white-water adventure trips!

Surfing

Surfing is a thrilling water sport that your teen can learn and enjoy.

It doesn’t require a lot of gear like some other sports.

All you need is a good surfboard and good balance that enables you to glide on the fast-moving waves like a pro.

Surfing boosts your teen’s balance and coordination and can be a fantastic way to reduce anxiety and stress.

The only limitation is that you’ll need to live near the ocean or go on holiday somewhere close to the sea.

In the video below, you’ll Learn How To Surf In 10 Minutes:

Individual Sports & Activities

If your teen isn’t a fan of team sports then there are several individual sports and activities that they might enjoy:

FAQs

Which sport is a popular summer sport?

Popular summer sports in the USA include American football, basketball, soccer, field hockey, golf, baseball, beach volleyball, tennis, surfing, biking, and skateboarding.

What sports are played in February?

Sports played in February in the USA include basketball, American football, golf, ice hockey, and baseball.

What is the fastest-growing sport?

The fastest-growing sport in the USA is pickleball. It has elements of tennis, badminton, and ping-pong. Other sports that are gaining popularity include mixed martial arts, lacrosse, and soccer.

What are the top 10 most popular sports?

According to internet searches, the top 10 most popular sports in the US are American football, ice hockey, baseball, basketball, soccer, badminton, golf, motorsports, tennis, and wrestling.

Summary

Summer’s warm weather provides an opportunity for kids and teens to get off their screens and enjoy physical activity by playing outdoor sports.

Some of the most popular sports include tennis, basketball, volleyball, lacrosse, baseball, soccer, flag football, and squash.

These sports will help your kids stay physically fit, engage in friendly competition, build positive relationships and focus on character development.

They’ll also gain essential life skills such as self-confidence and teamwork.

If you sign your teen up for a youth sports camp with a camp director, experienced staff, full-day programs, and action-packed activities, you’ll need to pay the camp fees, which can be steep.

Alternatively, get some gear that’ll allow your teens to have fun at home on your lawn, or at the local park!