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Top 6 Places to Find Kids' Clubs

by Heidi Coghlan

for About.com

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The choices in kids' club is wide and varied. Here are some ideas to help you find some places to look for your options.

1. YMCA

Your local YMCA offers a variety of activities, camps and teams for children if all ages and abilities. They offer the expected swimming, field sports and gymnastics programs, plus many are now offering art and drama, teen adventure clubs and more. You don't need to be a YMCA member for your children to participate, but costs are generally lower if you are. Check your local YMCA to see what they offer. I think you'll be pleasantly surprised.

Find your local YMCA

2. Parks and Recreation Department / Community Centers

If you haven't been to your local rec center lately, now's a good time to stop in and see what they offer. Depending on the facilities, you may find summer camps, sports of all types, art classes, book clubs and more.

3. School

Schools offer clubs and teams of every variety. If your child is interested in joining, her school would be a good place to start looking. If you can't find something to interest her, there, ask the teachers and administrators. They are usually knowledgeable about the community and what is available to their students.

4. Place of Worship

Youth groups, AWANAS, choir, sports teams, scouts -- your place of worship, or the one down the street, may offer something that interests your child. Don't hesitate to ask, even if it's not your own congregation. Most places of worship are very open and welcome those who are not members in many of their kids' clubs.

5. The Internet

Not sure where to look in your community for a club for your kids? Check the internet. Most organizations have a team/troop finder on their sites. Many sports teams are listed on eteamz.com, and not just baseball and football -- you'll find bowling, curling, skateboarding, you name it. And don't forget a basic Web search at Google or your favorite search engine.

6. The Phone Book

Perhaps one of the most overlooked resources in our information age -- the good, old-fashioned phone book. Try the white pages or the yellow pages for the organization of your choice.