From playing chess to building self-esteem through sports, here are some activities to keep your children growing
Run, jump, socialize! Organized activities — from clubs and camps to sports leagues and game nights — are great ways to keep your kids active, engaged and meeting people. Here’s a selection of fun pursuits for kids of all ages.
HendersonBiking HendersonThrough June 28
In this club, those who are ages 5-14 bike a minimum of 50 miles and those 15 and older bike 250 miles over a three-month period. $15, ages 5-plus. Outdoor Recreation Center, 105 W. Basic Road, 702-267-4060, https://recreation.cityofhenderson.com
Fairy Tale FunApril 23-May 28, June 4-July 9, July 23-August 13
Kids dress up like princesses, hold royal tea parties and create royal projects. $31 plus $5 materials fee due first day, ages 3-7. Black Mountain Recreation Center, 599 Greenway Road, 702-267-4070; https://recreation.cityofhenderson.com
Gameworks July 18, Registation through July 16
Designed for teens with disabilities, this social club provides therapeutic recreation and a positive atmosphere — kids get two-hour game cards and transportation to and from GameWorks, where they can play favorite arcade games and enjoy being with others their age. $14, ages 13-under 20 years. Henderson Multigenerational Center, 250 S. Green Valley Parkway, 702-267-5800 or 702-267-5824
Checkmate Tournament's casual chess club meets Fridays.
I9 Sports' flag football league emphasizes sportsmanship.
Hole-in-one fun: Sticks for Kids teaches golf to youth ages 6-17.
Greenspun Teen KampNine sessions between June 8 and August 7
Mentoring and leadership activities to help preteens and teens develop self-confidence and good decision-making skills. Each themed week provides unique activities, field trips and recreation. $110, ages 12-16 years. Hank Greenspun Junior High School, 140 N. Valle Verde, https://recreation.cityofhenderson.com
Mini Kickers Soccer April 15-May 20
Mini Kickers focuses on the physical, emotional and social needs of kids participating in their first sports program (with separate groups for ages 2-3 and 4-6). Each child receives a jersey, shorts and ball. $89, ages 2-4 and 4-6. Reunion Trails Park multipurpose field 1a, 44 Chapala Drive, 702-267-5840; https://recreation.cityofhenderson.com
Musikidz Eight sessions between April 20 and August 14
This music and movement program, featuring Kindermusik, emphasizes musical and social skills through instrument exploration, creative movement and peer interaction. $31, ages 1 to under-4 years (must be accompanied by parent or guardian). Meeting Room B at Black Mountain Recreation Center, 599 Greenway Road, 702-267-4070; https://recreation.cityofhenderson.com
Pee Wee All-Stars Athletes Six sessions between April 20 and August 13. Registation through April 27
During four mornings of play, this program introduces kids to track, tennis, basketball and soccer, along with such neighborhood games as hopscotch and red light/green light. Snack break is included. $40, ages 3-under 7 years. Discovery Park multipurpose field, 2011 Paseo Verde Parkway, 702-267-5840
Pee Wee Neighborhood April 23-May 14, May 21-June 11 and June 18-July 9
This indoor program introduces kids to favorite childhood games, including freeze tag, Red Rover, beach-ball volleyball and kickball. This encourages motor-skills development, socialization and sportsmanship. Snack break is included. $40, ages 3-7 years. Silver Springs Recreation Center, 1951 Silver Springs Parkway, 702-267-5720; https://recreation.cityofhenderson.com
Playground Creation April 21-May 26, June 2-July 7
Each week participants create a new arts-and-crafts project. $36 plus $16 supplies fee due first day, ages 3-7 (must be accompanied by parent or guardian) and 5-11 years. Art Room at Henderson Multigenerational Center, 250 S. Green Valley Parkway, 702-267-5800 or 702-267-5824
Table TennisMay 1-29, June 1-30, July 1-31 and August 3-31
Includes singles and doubles games. If players exceed available tables, rotating elimination matches apply. One table is always assigned to beginners. Free, ages 18-plus. Valley View Recreation Center, 500 Harris St., 702-267-4060; https://recreation.cityofhenderson.com
North Las VegasSticks For KidsMon-Sun, 6a-6p
Registration ongoing
Introduces youth to physical activity, environmental awareness and a chance to learn golf. The Sticks for Kids program provides a set of clubs while learning to play. Free, ages 6-17; see the pro shop staff for more information. Municipal Par 3 Golf Course, 324 E. Brooks Ave., 702-633-1833
Las VegasBatteries Included Teen CouncilMAY 5, 4-5p
The City of Las Vegas, Clark County School District and Nevada Partners are collaborating to provide teens with afterschool educational activities, college tours and retreats focused on leadership, life skills, community service and preparing for college. Batteries Included has various teen council meeting locations available throughout the city. Free, ages 13-18. Batteries Included office, 495 S. Main St., Fifth Floor, 702-229-2330; lasvegasnevada.gov/batteriesincluded
Boxing And Cardio TrainingPrograms beginning May 5
These beginning and intermediate recreational programs promote physical fitness, self-esteem and a healthy lifestyle through the sport of boxing. All participants must have a signed waiver. $25, ages 7-17 years. Chuck Minker Sports Complex, 275 N. Mojave Road, 702-229-6563
Checkmate Tournament’s Chess TournamentsOngoing, Fri., Sat. 6-9p
No registration required
Chess can help improve grades, personal behavior and build confidence. This casual chess club not only teaches new players the rules, it allows the more experienced to practice their skills. Group and individual lessons available for advanced players. Also, there’s pizza. $20/night or $60 for four nights; you can mix and match the nights your child attends. Las Vegas Sports Park (Fri.), 1400 N. Rampart Blvd. and Brooklyn Bagel Deli (Sat.), 10604 S. Eastern Ave. # C, 702-885-2970; friday@lasvegaschessforkids.com
Fall Flag Football LeagueSeptember 9-October. 28, Wednesdays. Registration through August 21
Presented by i9 Sports, this six-week boys and girls league aims to help kids succeed in life through sports, and emphasizes safety, sportsmanship and having fun. Practices are held on game days before game. $140 if paid before Aug. 21; $155 if paid after Aug. 21, ages 4-12 as of Nov. 2, 2015. Multi-child discount of $5 applies in same season. Southern Highlands Preparatory School, 11500 Southern Highlands Parkway, 702-763-5608; i9sports.com/ProgramDirector/Summerlin-Las-Vegas-Henderson
Flower Power Bike the Northwest RideApril 24, 4:30p
Dress yourself and decorate your bike to suit the theme for this casual three-mile family ride. Helmets and a signed waiver required for all riders. Event includes a pre-ride safety check and post-ride cool down. Free water and snacks provided while supplies last. Free, all ages. Cimarron Rose Community Center, 5591 N. Cimarron Road, 702-229-1607
Paralympic Sports Club Las Vegas Various dates and times. Register at 702-229-4796
In conjunction with CCSD, this program is designed for children and young adults with physical disabilities. They get training in such sports as wheelchair basketball, hand-cycling and more, plus competitions throughout Southern Nevada. For grades 1-12. Various locations; for more information, email jfoster@lasvegasnevada.gov
Summer Flag Football LeagueJune 6-July 18, Sat. 8A-11A
Registration through May 15
This six-week boys and girls league — presented by i9 Sports — helps kids succeed in life through sports, and emphasizes safety, sportsmanship and fun. Practices are held on game days prior to game. $119 if paid before April 17; $139 if paid before May 15; and $159 if paid after May 15, ages 11-16 as of July 7, 2015. Multi-child discount of $5 applies in same season. Mountain’s Edge Regional Park, 7929 W. Mountains Edge Parkway, 702-763-5608; i9sports.com/ProgramDirector/Summerlin-Las-Vegas-Henderson
Youth Basketball LeagueBegins June 13
Kids participate in hour-long games of basketball to develop their ball-handling skills, enjoy the camaraderie of being part of a team and learn sportsmanship. $65, ages 9-14 years. Chuck Minker Sports Complex, 275 N. Mojave Road, 702-229-6563