Fabulous fall sports

Want to keep your child healthy and active? Try one of these great Canadian sports!
Aug. 27, 2010 | By: Alison Dunn

Fall isn't just back to school time; for many kids, it's also time to get back into sports and activities. Children's sports are one of the best ways to keep kids active throughout the school year, encouraging teamwork, discipline, fun and fitness.

How do you know which sport to choose? Use this guide to help you find the one that best fits your child – and your budget.

Hockey

Fun factor: The granddaddy of children's sports in Canada, playing hockey is almost a rite of passage for many Canadian children. This team sport provides a lot of activity for kids who like playing with others and enjoy the thrill of skating, stick handling and pretending to be Sidney Crosby.

Time commitment: Depending on which level your child plays at (house league, select or rep), you can expect to spend anywhere from one to six days in a hockey arena. The more competitive the league, the more time commitment you need.

Equipment: Yes, you'll need a ton. Skates, helmet, mouth guard, shin pads, elbow pads, chest pads, jock/jill, pants, sweater, socks, gloves, neck guard and a stick, just to name a few. To keep costs low, try looking for hand-me-downs, equipment swaps and scour the second-hand stores.

Cost: Expect to pay anywhere from $500 to several thousands per child, depending on his or her level of competitiveness.

Ringette

Fun factor: Much like hockey, ringette is a challenging ice sport, typically played by girls. You shoot, pass and score on a net, only you use a stick with no blade and a ring instead of a puck.

Time commitment: Similar to hockey, depending on your child's level.

Equipment: Again, the same as hockey, only with a different stick.

Cost: Similar to hockey.

Indoor soccer

Fun factor: For those kids who love playing soccer in the summer, there's no reason to give it up in the winter! There are plenty of indoor soccer leagues across Canada that offer kids the chance to build soccer skills even when the weather outside is frightful.

Time commitment: Expect your child to play at least once a week; more if they become competitive.

Equipment: Most leagues supply jerseys, shorts and socks; you'll be required to supply shoes and shin pads.

Cost: Soccer fees are generally lower than hockey, but if your child plays competitively, there may be travel costs and a few other costs.

Competitive swimming

Fun factor: Swimming is usually synonymous with summer, but the fall is when competitive swimming really starts to take off. This individual sport is great for those kids who love to swim and feel comfortable in the water.

Time commitment: Like 5 a.m.? You'd better… you can expect a lot of early morning practices if you've got a competitive swimmer in the house. Again, the more competitive the child, the greater the time commitment.

Equipment: You'll probably go through a few bathing suits (chlorine can eat away at the fabric), as well as bathing caps and goggles. Your child may also want to use ear or nose plugs to be more comfortable.

Cost: It depends on how competitive your child is, but you can expect to pay a few hundred dollars in fees over the season.

Martial arts

Fun factor: For those kids who aren't into team sports, martial arts are a great way to stay fit and have fun at the same time. Whether it's karate, taekwondo, ju-jitsu, judo, aikido or another martial art, kids will learn discipline and respect as well.

Time commitment: As little as once a week.

Equipment: Generally your child will need nothing but a uniform; some martial arts may also require gloves and/or a helmet.

Cost: It depends on how many classes your child takes. Some dojos offer special introductory programs at a low cost to see if your child is interested. You can also find affordable classes at your local YMCA.

Gymnastics

Fun factor: While gymnastics used to be seen as primarily a "girl" sport, both genders can benefit from the springing, tumbling fun of gymnastics. From kindergym classes right up to competitive gymnastics, this individual sport is fun for all ages and skill levels.

Time commitment: As much or as little as you want, depending on how competitive your child is.

Equipment: Generally a body suit and tights are required; most gymnastics facilities have the balance beams, trampolines and other equipment used in gymnastics.

Cost: Expect to pay a few hundred dollars for a weekly program; more if your child is competitive.

Skating

Fun factor: For those kids who love to skate but don't like hockey, skating – whether that's speed skating, figure skating or ice dance – is a great individual sport.

Time commitment: Can be as little or as much as you choose, but beware: competitive skaters often require many training sessions (sometimes more than once per day) and there are plenty of 5 a.m. practice times.

Equipment: Skates are obvious, but your child may need other equipment such as costumes (for figure skating and ice dancing) or racing gear (for speed skating).

Cost: Again, some learn-to-skate programs are only a few hundred dollars. Competitive skaters, however, can spend thousands of dollars per year.

Of course, these sports are only the tip of the iceberg, so to speak! If none of these are to your child's liking, you can also try out football, volleyball, basketball, dance classes (ballet, tap, jazz hip hop, Latin dance) and more. But whatever your child chooses, remember there are plenty of ways to keep him or her active and healthy this winter.