20 Non-Traditional Kids Sports in Birmingham

By
Maurine B
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children playing non-traditional kids sports in birmingham
Photo by VAWiley from Canva

While sports like basketball, baseball, gymnastics, and football get a lot of attention in our area, there are many fun non-traditional kids sports around Birmingham, too! Sports of all kinds are a great way to increase physical activity, develop character, forge friendships, and learn the importance of teamwork. Thankfully, we live near many leagues and clubs that can support your children as they grow in their athletic skill and confidence, no matter what sport they choose. 

1. Baton 

Baton twirling puts a fun spin on dance and is great for hand-eye coordination. Many middle schools in the area have majorette teams, and some elementary schools offer twirling instruction. Shelby Starlets and EnMotion Twirl Co. are two studios that offer lessons, as well as competitive twirling teams. 

2. Bowling

Bowling is a great sport for all ages to play with old friends, or as a way to meet new people. Grab a bowling ball and head to Vestavia Bowl and Spare Time Trussville to register for a team. 

3. Disc Golf 

Disc Golf is a cross between frisbee and golf and can be fun to learn to play solo, or for pick-up games with friends and family. Disc Golf Birmingham has all you need to know about local Disc Golf.

4. Diving 

Watch your kiddos learn to effortlessly glide into the water. Magic City Diving and Levite Jewish Community Center (LJCC) diving teams don’t just teach diving- they help your kid build character and form friendships. 

5. Figure Skating 

Keep your winter coat handy all year long for this one! Pelham Skate School at Pelham Civic Complex and Ice Arena offers figure skating lessons for all ages and skill levels.

6. Fishing

Don’t miss a great opportunity to bond with your little one while fishing at one of Birmingham’s local fishing holes. If your child is interested in competing, several schools in the area have teams, and the Alabama Student Angler Bass Fishing Association puts on tournaments throughout the state. 

7. Flag Football 

Flag football is gaining popularity with both girls and boys for a chance to play a classic favorite American sport, but with less chance of getting injured.

8. Golf

Golf is a classic life-long sport that can help your child gain focus and friendships now, and it will also be a great business tool later in life. There are many local places that offer golf lessons and golf team opportunities for kids.

9. Hockey

The Pelham Ice Arena is a fun place to watch hockey games, and your child can learn to play hockey there too. They offer a Little Toros Learn to Skate program to get started, and Pelham Hockey has lessons to learn to play hockey, as well as hockey teams. 

10. Horseback-Riding 

Many kids dream of riding a horse, so you can make your little one’s wish come true with horseback riding lessons! There are two main types of horseback riding: English and Western. English horse back riding lessons can be found at Blackjack Farms in Birmingham, GKM Equestrian in Leeds, and Longview Farms in Vandiver. Applewood Stables in Chelsea offers Western horseback riding lessons. The Rusted Roof Barn at Oak Mountain State Park offers both.

11. Lacrosse

Lacrosse is gaining popularity in the area for both girls and boys, and there are several leagues nearby. 

12. Martial Arts

In Martial Arts, your kiddo can learn self-defense while building character and friendships. There are many types of martial arts and gyms to choose from in the Birmingham area. 

13. Pickleball

Pickleball is a classic sport that is an up-and-coming favorite among people of all ages and skill levels to play with friends and family.

14. Rock Climbing

Rock climbing is gaining popularity as an alternative sport for youth and adults. Being part of a rock climbing team can help your children build strength and confidence, as well as meet new friends. High Point Climbing and Birmingham Boulders have lessons and teams that will have your child climbing to higher heights. 

15. Rugby

Rugby is a fast paced game that helps burn energy and learn the importance of teamwork. Birmingham Rugby and Central Alabama Youth Rugby offer leagues for children.

16. Swimming 

Swim team is a summer classic that will have the whole family cheering on your kiddo. Many local community pools and country club pools also host swim teams, and some even practice and compete throughout the year. 

17. Tennis 

Tennis is a lifelong sport that can be played all year, and the whole family can join in!

18. Track and Field 

If your kids love to run off energy, Track and Field at a local club is perfect for them. Elite Speed Track and Field and Over the Mountain Track Club are two local clubs that will have your kid racing to the finish line. Also ask your school about track and field opportunities.

19. Volleyball 

Local volleyball clubs have competitive teams, as well as lessons to help your kid learn to serve and volley.

20. Wrestling

Wrestling is a great way for girls and boys to get out energy and learn how to control aggression. The Birmingham Wrestling Complex and Ironclad Wrestling will teach your child the skills they need to takedown and pin in a safe way. 

What non-traditional sport will your family try this year?

 

Interested in other sports? Check out our Ultimate Guide to Birmingham Youth Sports 

2025-26 Ultimate Guide to Birmingham Youth Sports

Maurine B
Maurine B
Maurine was born and raised in Montgomery, but now calls the Cahaba Heights region of Vestavia Hills home. She met her husband, Jacob, while attending medical school at the University of South Alabama. She then completed an Ob Gyn residency in Gainesville, FL before returning to Birmingham. After practicing medicine full time for 12 years, she transitioned to flexible hours with a pregnancy resource center. She loves having more time to be with her husband and two children, volunteer with local nonprofit organizations she is passionate about, work with the PTO at her daughter’s school, and serve at her church. When she is not with family, Maurine enjoys pilates, reading, and art, and she almost always has a project she is working on.

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