Traveling out of state for a sporting event is an exciting time for the youth on the team. For the coaches and chaperones, there are the challenges of traveling safely to events, getting everyone fed, providing entertainment in down time, and having all the players in bed at a reasonable hour. Every town or city has some activities that are compatible with a large group of kids and most are reasonably priced. Make your team trip extra special by adding one or more of the following activities to your schedule.
Amusement or Water Parks
Depending on the season of the year, water and amusement parks offer hours of fun for a reasonable entry fee. Don’t opt for any extras at an additional expense, and bring sack lunches to keep costs even lower. Call ahead of time and see if the park will give a discounted group rate. Most motels will have a swimming pool. Fun can be had anywhere so, if there are no parks in the area, an afternoon pool party with pizza and soft drinks can be just as fun.
Laser Tag
Laser tag is great fun for both kids and chaperones. Many indoor laser tag facilities offer group discount rates. If you are not familiar with this activity, it places participants in a darkened maze with vests and laser guns. It’s a perfectly safe game that builds on teamwork and keen observation. All of the players wear sensors, and each person uses his or her laser gun to try and hit the sensors of other participants. The game can be played with teams or as a free-for-all. It’s easy and fast to learn, and within a minute or two everyone is playing. Quick-thinking, good strategy, and working with team mates makes this game fun for everyone.
Roller Skating – Ice Skating
Skating rinks are open every season of the year, and their popularity is growing. Skating is great fun and it helps kids build balance and control. It’s easy to learn to skate, and kids will have fun enjoying a new experience. Skating is a low impact activity that won’t cause strain on joints or muscles the kids need for their sporting events and competition. Skating rinks often offer special group rates, so be sure to call ahead to get the best price-break.
History Tours and Museums
Learning local history and visiting museums can be a great way to “sneak” in a little education while having fun. Museums almost always offer school rates, and kids always enjoy learning about the places they visit. This country is full of history, and you are sure to find something of interest no matter where your sporting event takes you. Many cities offer tours of historical homes where presidents, inventors, writers, artists, or other figures from the past were born and lived. Of course, if there is a sports museum in the area where your team is playing, you can be sure it will be a hit with the kids.
Planetarium
Many larger cities have planetariums, which are very popular with every age group. 3-D digital planetariums provide a stunning experience for the viewer. There is depth and a detailed layout of the solar system that gives the audience a realistic glimpse of what the universe holds. While they are enjoying this exciting experience, your team members will also observe and learn information they can use in school. Planetariums offer a variety of programs, including those that feature seasonal skies. Whether it is raining, snowing, sunny, or overcast outside, the sky is always perfect for a planetarium presentation.
Ocean
If your away game takes the team near the ocean, an afternoon at the beach can be both fun and relaxing. Swimming, surfing, sun, and sand is always a great way to occupy young people. Chaperones can hold a sand sculpture contest, referee a game of beach volley ball, or organize a scavenger hunt. Beach activities will vary per age group, but everyone loves the water and will have fun. There is always a little time for working on tans, but remind those in your care to use sunscreen to avoid getting a burn.
Pizza and a Movie
Check the local movies schedule when you arrive at your destination. A supper of pizza, followed by an age appropriate movie, will be enjoyed by everyone and still let you have all the kids in bed at a reasonable time. If your group is divided between two movies, let chaperones split the kids into two groups so each can watch their film choice. Movie snacks are expensive. Encourage three or fours kids to share a large popcorn or bring their own candy.
Trampoline Fun Centers
Kids will exert some energy on the huge trampolines, but they won’t get exhausted. The activities are very low impact, and lots of fun. The trampolines are designed and designated for certain age groups. Little kids are not allowed in the same area as teens. Many have basketball and dodge ball sections. Adults generally can’t resist doing a little jumping and join in the fun.
Local Zoo
Zoos are still very popular with all ages. The opportunity to observe animals from around the world is a fantastic experience. Today’s zoos also teach many aspects of environmental science in the programs offered to visitors. If there is a zoo in the area where you will be staying, consider taking the team members for a day of learning and fun. Learning about the animals, their natural environment, how they are threatened, and the efforts being made to prevent poaching, are all topics the kids will enjoy and learn from. Zoos are a great place to take pictures, and everyone should be reminded to charge their phones to have plenty of battery power.
Bowling
Bowling has been a popular activity for decades and with the addition of glow in the dark themes in many alleys, it is more fun than ever before. All the regular lighting is turned off allowing the black lights and disco style reflections to give the bowling alley a surreal appearance. Beautiful colors create a warm glow, and great music adds another special touch for the bowlers to enjoy. Bring snacks and soft drinks with you to avoid the high price of food at the bowling alley.
Go-Karts
Go-karts are just as popular today as when they first came on the scene at amusement parks. Modern karts have great driving tracks and better options for speed and control. If you haven’t been on a go-kart in awhile, you’ll enjoy it as much as the kids will.
Miniature Golf
Miniature golf courses have developed amazing challenges for the players. It is far more difficult to play than most people imagine. One they try, however, they gain a new respect for the miniature golf enthusiast. Difficult obstacles require strategic thinking to overcome and move on. It’s a reasonably priced activity that all ages enjoy.
Keeping your team entertained between their events can be challenging. The activities listed above are proven to be enjoyed by pre-teens and teens. Make your trip memorable by including one or more of these activities for the team.