Baseball or T-Ball Program
Top Five
City and County of Broomfield Recreation
Denver Parks and Recreation
i9 Sports
Stapleton All Sports
YMCA Baseball
The Winner
YMCA Baseball
Seven metro locations
720-524-2700 | denverymca.org
Whether your all-star is a preschool-aged little slugger, a kindergarten T-ball champ, or a school-aged player ready for pitching, the Y’s coed offerings cater to all ability levels, preschool through sixth grade. Instruction centers on skill development and sportsmanship. Teams practice and play weekly during three seasons: spring, summer, and fall.
Basketball Program
Top Five
Denver Parks and Recreation
Gold Crown Foundation
i9 Sports
TOT Teams of Tomorrow
YMCA Youth Basketball
The Winner
i9 Sports
Dozens of metro locations | i9sports.com
This national youth sports organization delivers outstanding and organized basketball programming to Colorado boys and girls ages three to 14. At i9 Sports, the goal is to help kids succeed in life through sports. With that mission in mind, drills and games give players a chance to learn about sportsmanship while brushing up on fundamental basketball skills.
Ice Arena
Top Five
Big Bear Ice Arena
Edge Ice Arena
Family Sports Center
Ice Centre at the Promenade
Joy Burns Arena at University of Denver
The Winner
Ice Centre at the Promenade
10710 Westminster Blvd., Westminster | 303-469-2100 | icecentre.com
Qualified skating instructors are standing by for small group lessons in beginning and competitive skating and ice hockey, at this family-friendly ice rink. But you don’t have to be a serious skater to enjoy the ice. Take a few laps during public skate hours or try drop-in hockey. The center also hosts birthday parties and seriously fun games of broomball.
Martial Arts Studio
Top Five
Jeet Kune Do (JKD) Colorado
Synergy Martial Arts & Fitness
Tiger Kim’s Academy
Tiger-Rock Martial Arts of Lone Tree
Victory Martial Arts, Golden
The Winner
Tiger Kim’s Academy
1480 Steele St., Denver | 303-388-1408 | tigerkim.com
For four decades, Grandmaster Tiger Kim’s award-winning studio has incorporated the three major Korean martial arts of Taekwondo, Tang Soo Do, and Hapkido into classes and camps that teach physical technique along with respect and discipline. Students strengthen their minds and bodies during hour-long classes. This family-friendly studio also hosts kickboxing classes, women’s self-defense workshops, and drop-off movie nights.
Ski Lessons for Kids
Top Five
Breckenridge Child Ski & Ride School
Copper Mountain Ski & Ride School
Keystone Ski & Ride School
Loveland Ski & Ride School
The Ski + Ride School at Winter Park
The Winner
Keystone Ski & Ride School
100 Dercum Sq., Keystone | 970-496-4170 | keystoneresort.com
From its youth lessons at Camp Keystone to private family lessons and traditional full- and half-day group lessons, Keystone Ski & Ride School fits the needs of skiers and snowboarders of all ages and ability levels. Guests also enjoy unique perks including front-of-the-line chair lift access and insider knowledge on everything from the best restaurants to secret powder stashes.
Soccer Program
Top Five
Broomfield Soccer Club
Colorado Soccer Buddies
Colorado Storm Soccer
Lil” Kickers Stapleton
Skyline Soccer Association
The Winner
Colorado Soccer Buddies
Three metro locations | 719-330-9642 | coloradosoccerbuddies.com
Colorado Soccer Buddies is the only child development soccer program of its kind. Players ages 10 months to 12 years are encouraged to think outside the net—literally—as they learn without balls or nets. Because kids learn best through imaginative play, coaches focus on delivering a nontraditional curriculum designed to develop skills, as well as coordination and confidence.
Swim Lessons
Top Five
Aqua-Tots Swim Schools
Colorado Swim School
Ocean First Swim School
SafeSplash Swim School
Swim Otters Swim & Ocean Fitness School
The Winner
Ocean First Swim School
3015 Bluff St., Boulder | 303-444-7234 | oceanfirst.blue
SSI-certified teachers emphasize safety and confidence during group classes tailored to age and ability level. Ocean First puts on a water safety program, too, and snorkel and scuba lessons. And little fish won’t freeze their fins off here. Ocean First’s pool is heated to 89 degrees, and has both a shallow end and deep well to help newbies progress quickly.
Tumbling or Gymnastics Program
Top Five
5280 Gymnastics
Dardano’s School of Gymnastics
Gymnastics at Apex Simms Street Center
Gymnastics Unlimited
The Little Gym
The Winner
Gymnastics at Apex Simms Street Center
11706 W. 82nd Ave., Arvada 303-467-7127 | apexprd.org/facilities/apex-simms-street-center
Apex Simms Street Center offers gymnastics, dance, and cheer instruction for all ability levels and ages, from newborn to 18. Programming is available for both recreational and competitive gymnastics. If your child is five years old or younger, drop in for Pint Size Play Time, when youngsters can explore the facility’s gymnastics equipment with a parent or guardian.
