Table of Contents:

Ski Lessons for Kids

Top Five

  • Keystone Resort
  • Loveland Ski Area
  • Shredder Indoor Ski & Snowboard School
  • Vail Ski and Snowboard School
  • Winter Park Resort

The Winner

Keystone Resort

Keystone’s multi-week Ski & Ride School lessons for kids are designed to build consistency with coaches and students in a camp-like atmosphere. Experienced pros teach ski skills through game-aided learning and make safety their number one priority, weaving it into every lesson. The resort offers family deals to get kids on the slopes; children 12 and under can ski free for a day when you book two nights at the resort. 1202 Jones Gulch Rd., Keystone


Martial Arts Studio

Top Five

  • ATA Family Martial Arts
  • Colorado Budokan
  • Kim and Cam’s Taekwondo Academy
  • Okinawa Dojo by KarateBros
  • Tiger Kim’s Academy

The Winner

Tiger Kim’s Academy

Offering tae kwon do and other Korean martial arts, parents love that Tiger Kim’s blends fun with discipline. Patient instructors, aided by advanced students, lead the beginners classes. Kids learn respect and perseverance while advancing their martial arts skills. Enrichment classes are offered at select public schools throughout the school year. 1480 Steele St., Denver


family favorites baseball

Baseball or T-Ball Program

Top Five

  • Denver Parks and Recreation Youth Sports
  • Highlands Ranch Metro District Youth Sports
  • i9 Sports
  • Parker Parks and Recreation Youth Sports
  • YMCA

The Winner

YMCA

All Denver-area YMCA locations offer different divisions of baseball and T-ball for preschool on up, at an affordable fee. Sportsmanship and teamwork are prioritized as much as skill-development and fundamentals. Kids will learn hand-eye coordination and strength in a co-ed setting where everyone is given time to participate fully in the games, and you’ll probably run in to a neighbor or two while you’re there. Seven metro Denver locations


Basketball Program

Top Five*

  • Gold Crown Basketball Program
  • i9 Sports
  • Nothing But Net Elite Basketball Coaching
  • Stapleton All Sports
  • The Force Basketball
  • YMCA

The Winner

YMCA

Kids age three and up will have fun practicing skills like dribbling, passing, and shooting while learning teamwork and sportsmanship with the help of encouraging coaches. Basketball schedules vary by location and the cost is always affordable, offering additional discounts for Y members and scholarships as needed. Seven metro Denver locations

* Tie occurred in this category.


Soccer Program

Top Five*

  • Boulder Indoor Soccer
  • Colorado Rapids Youth Soccer Club
  • i9 Sports
  • Littleton Soccer
  • Skyline Soccer Association
  • Soccer Shots

The Winner

Colorado Rapids Youth Soccer Club

Offering soccer club options in the north, central, and south metro areas, as well as Castle Rock and Fort Collins, Rapids is the only club in Colorado to offer soccer opportunities from age three to a professional level. Find recreational and competitive options for boys and girls, as well as opportunities for skills camps and tournaments throughout the year. Five Colorado locations

* Tie occurred in this category.


family favorites gymnastics
Find recreational gymnastics classes for girls and boys at Ta Da Gymnastics. Photo courtesy Kelly Ferguson, Ferguson Avenue Photography

Tumbling or Gymnastics Program

Top Five

  • Bounce Stapleton
  • Dardano’s School of Gymnastics
  • FUNASTICS at Rocky Mountain Movement
  • Hyland Hills Parks & Recreation Gymnastics Center
  • Ta Da Gymnastics Studio

The Winner

Ta Da Gymnastics Studio

Ta Da Gymnastics’ new facility in the West Highland neighborhood was designed to give all children high-quality recreational gymnastics training and experiences. Instructors lead kids through a specific curriculum to ensure that they progress through gymnastics skills safely. Available classes for ages one to 12 include preschool, tumbling, recreational girls, and ninja boys. 4433 W. 29th Ave., Suite 103, Denver


Swim Lessons

Top Five*

  • Little Kickers Swim School
  • Ocean First Swim School
  • SafeSplash Swim School
  • Swim Otters Swim & Fitness School
  • Waterwork Aquatics
  • YMCA

The Winner

Waterworks Aquatics

Many parents with hesitant young swimmers report that after just a short time taking Waterworks Aquatics’ lessons, their children showed a vast improvement and a love for the water. Young swimmers gain confidence quickly under supervision of instructors hired for their qualifications, communication skills, patience, and love of children. Private and semi-private swim lessons, Parent and Me classes, and stroke clinics are available. 8980 Barrons Blvd., Highlands Ranch

* Tie occurred in this category.


Other Sports Program

Top Five

  • i9 Sports
  • Littleton Youth Hockey Association
  • Special Olympics of Colorado
  • The First Tee of Green Valley Ranch
  • Williams Tennis School

The Winner

i9 Sports

i9 Sports leads a variety of affordable sports programs held at local schools and community parks all across the Denver metro area. They offer kids a positive introduction to sports such as lacrosse, flag football, soccer, baseball, cheerleading, and basketball, in a fun, less competitive environment, tailored by age group. Multiple metro Denver locations

This article was originally published in December 2024.
Lydia Rueger

Lydia Rueger is an Arvada-based freelance writer, mom, and author.