Table of Contents:

Ski Lessons for Kids

Top Three

  • Breckenridge Resort Ski & Snowboard School
  • Keystone Resort Children’s Ski & Ride Lessons
  • Shredder Indoor Ski & Snowboard School

Winner

Breckenridge Resort Ski & Snowboard School

At Breck, kids can partake in programs for every type of family, be they skiers or snowboarders, from a one-day lesson to a multi-week program for kids’ competition. Supportive staff focuses not only on learning how to stop and turn, but also on the overall experience.


Swim Lessons

Top Three

  • Ocean First Swim School
  • SafeSplash Swim School
  • Waterworks Aquatics Highlands Ranch

Winner

Waterworks Aquatics Highlands Ranch

Using a specialized muscle memory technique and rollover breathing method, Waterworks empowers children to be safe in the water and learn stroke techniques quickly. A 1-1 or 2-1 student-to-teacher ratio is a cornerstone of safety, fast progress, and fun learning. Swim parties, camps, workshops, and clinics are also available.


Baseball or T-ball Program

Top Three

  • SouthEast Denver Baseball & Softball League
  • Stapleton All Sports
  • Colorado Yard Dawgs

Winner

SouthEast Denver Baseball & Softball League

Players add to their skill as they grow with recreational as well as competitive baseball and softball divisions for youth ages five to 18. Games take place in Denver, and everyone has a chance to participate in season-end tournaments.


Tumbling or Gymnastics Program

Top Three

  • Bounce Gymnastics
  • Ta Da Gymnastics Studio
  • The Little Gym of Westminster

Winner

The Little Gym of Westminster

Kiddos can get their wriggles out through the many programs at The Little Gym. Classes are tailored to parent/child, preschool, and grade-school. Programs work on balance, flexibility, agility, and power. Dance and sports skills classes, plus birthday party options, add to the fun.


Basketball Program

Top Three

  • Colorado Titans
  • South Suburban Parks & Recreation
  • YMCA

Winner

YMCA

The youth basketball program is available year-round at several YMCA facilities and is centered around sportsmanship, teamwork, and fundamentals. This affordable, inclusive program welcomes preschool through high school players at all skill levels, with team practice once a week and Saturday games.


Photo: Tiger Kim

Martial Arts Studio

Top Three

  • Colorado Budokan
  • Colorado Taekwondo Institute*
  • Personal Achievement Martial Arts*
  • Tiger Kim’s Academy of Taekwondo and Tang Soo Do

*A tie occurred in this category.

Winner

Tiger Kim’s Academy of Taekwondo and Tang Soo Do

Providing martial arts training in the Denver area since 1976, Tiger Kim’s instructs for a variety of disciplines and offers after-school programs, introductory programs, tournaments, and birthday parties. The Academy’s teachings inspire confidence and physical fitness in students age three-and-a-half to adults.


Soccer Program

Top Three

  • Colorado Rapids Youth Soccer Club
  • i9 Sports
  • Real Colorado

Winner

Colorado Rapids Youth Soccer Club

This program instructs more than 10,000 youth year-round in and around the Front Range; it commits to being “The Heart Behind the Crest” by focusing on player’s development both on and off the field. Players with varied skill levels age three to 18 can sign up.


Other Sports Program

Top Three

  • Colorado Select Girls Hockey Association
  • Littleton Hockey Association
  • TIGAR Gymnastics and Cheer

Winner

Littleton Hockey Association

Players of all ages and skill levels can find a way to enjoy the sport, from foundations programs to recreational and competitive teams. Skill development focuses on goaltending, skating skills, and physical fitness.

This article was originally published in December 2024.
Kelly Smith

Kelly Smith is a freelance writer and editor who lives with her family in Littleton.