As our kids have gotten older, one challenge of living overseas has been finding activities for them to be involved in. Although there is not the extensive options found in the U.S., we have been able to find some options that have kept our children active and enjoying their childhood days:
1. Basketball. In Europe most kids’ basketball programs are run through clubs. So most of the time, the club Joe plays for has basketball for all ages groups (ranging from about 4 years old up to high school). This has always been an easy activity to get our kids involved with because Joe is already familiar with the club and can easily get the kids signed up.
2. Swimming. Last year we started going swimming as a family at an indoor pool where Joe’s team lifted weights and also had swimming workouts themselves. Usually once every week or two we would go to the fitness club and spend an hour or so swimming. It was great exercise for us all.
3. Gymnastics. Ever since Abby became interested in gymnastics, we have looked for a place for her to train while overseas. And every city we have been in when we have looked has had something. Gymnastics seems to be a worldwide sport that is easy for kids to be involved in.
4. Dance. Most cities have some sort of dance classes available for children.
5. Scouts. Kerry (a friend from high school) recently notified me of the fact that many overseas military bases have Girl Scout troops for Americans living abroad. You can check into this through USA Girl Scouts Overseas. According to Wikipedia, this offer is available for Boy Scouts as well.
Please leave any other suggestions or ideas in the comments section.
If there is an American Women’s Club in the city (or nearby), they usually have a list of activities for children, as well as host story times, etc. There’s a British version of the club as well.