6 Adventure Sports for Children

Adventure sports for children are an alternative for kids to interact with the environment, as well as improve their psychomotor development.
6 Adventure Sports for Children
Andrés Felipe Cardona Lenis

Reviewed and approved by degree in physical education and sports Andrés Felipe Cardona Lenis.

Last update: 27 December, 2022

Adventure sports for children can often be a big headache, at least for those parents who are overprotective. However, they’re one of the most entertaining and complete activities that little ones can take part in.

Beyond considering them to be a dangerous activity, these sports should be seen as an opportunity to interact with the environment, as most of these practices are carried out outdoors and in places full of nature.

Finally, adventure sports offer endless benefits in the psychological and motor aspects of children. Do you want to know about them in detail? Then join us on this journey.

Adventure sports for children: Why not?

If you’re an overprotective mother, it’s likely that the idea won’t convince you at first. But after reading these lines, you’ll understand why your children will undeniably benefit from this type of practice. Although it’s the children who must approve of the idea, you must try to accompany them, motivate them, and supervise them.

  1. Hiking

Four children hiking in the wood.
Delving into nature and going through its nooks and crannies is a way of practicing adventure sports without taking on a high risk.

Hiking offers just the right dose of adventure sports for concerned parents. Although it’s a quiet option, it stands out as one of the most entertaining and educational.

Going hiking on a regular basis shows that these types of activities aren’t dangerous or of extreme concern, quite the contrary. Added to this, it’s a perfect opportunity for the whole family to come together and share quality time in tourist areas and historical spaces.

At the same time, and according to a publication in the Nutrición Hospitalaria magazine, hiking is one of the most influential activities among children and adolescents with obesity.

  1. Rafting

Rafting is one of the most famous branches of boating and stands out for its high degree of fun. It’s best for children of 4 or 5 years old to begin to venture into this activity, which can provide them with unforgettable experiences.

In addition to the above, it’s a wonderful opportunity for your children to explore incredible landscapes and learn more about the qualities of moving waters.

  1. Cave exploration

Cave exploration or speleology is one of the most interesting and amazing adventure sports for children. This activity can be stated as a combination of hiking, climbing, and research. Is there anything more adventurous than that?

Basically, the objective is to explore the content of each cave, such as its routes and what it hides inside.

It should be noted that when this activity is carried out with children, they must be supervised and guided by professionals in the field. We even advise you to accompany your children on this type of adventure as well.

  1. Climbing

Climbing involves two famous currents: Outdoor and indoor. Both activities can be implemented by children, as long as they have the appropriate accompaniment.

We recommend introducing your children to indoor climbing in order to make it easier for them to adapt to a new adventure. In addition, controlled spaces are more pleasant environments in terms of inclement weather or setbacks linked to the mountains.

However, outdoor climbing brings you closer to nature and is more relaxing and fun. When you think your children are ready for it, get started with the advice of a professional.

  1. Multi-adventure parks

Multi-adventure parks stand out as a great alternative to bring children closer to adventure. One of its main advantages is the variety of activities offered in one place. For example, zip lines, climbing, and descent, among others.

Added to this, these circuits provide constant supervision by trained personnel, which offers greater peace of mind to children and their parents.

A child crosses hanging bridge at an adventure park.
Multi-adventure parks contain several activities together in the same place. And in addition, they’re prepared and supervised by professionals in the field.
  1. Surfing

Have you visited the sea with your family or do you plan to? Without a doubt, this is a unique opportunity to carry out different family activities.

That being said, surfing is one of the most daring adventure sports that can be carried out in the aquatic environment. And one of its great advantages is that it has no age limit, so you can do it with your children.

The only thing you need to practice this sport is professional advice. If you head to the coast, you’ll be able to see how many schools there are that are focused on the subject.

Adventure sports: Let your children choose!

The practice of adventure sports requires the approval of parents, as well as their proper supervision. However, children should be in charge of choosing the type of activity they want to carry out.

This way, your role as a mother or father focuses on exposing your children to these types of sports. Motivation is crucial at this point, but it shouldn’t be based on obligation or prohibition because of your own fears. Find out all you need to know and let yourself and your children get carried away by the adventure!


All cited sources were thoroughly reviewed by our team to ensure their quality, reliability, currency, and validity. The bibliography of this article was considered reliable and of academic or scientific accuracy.


  • Aguilar, M. Et al. (2013). Influencia de un programa de actividad física en niños y adolescentes obesos; evaluación del estrés fisiológico mediante compuestos en la saliva; protocolo de estudio. Nutrición Hospitalaria. Disponible en: https://scielo.isciii.es/scielo.php?script=sci_arttext&pid=S0212-16112013000300023
  • Pérez, M., Castanedo, J. & Cobo, C. (2021). El surf en la educación formal
    revisión sistemática. Retos: nuevas tendencias en educación física, deporte y recreación. Disponible en:  https://dialnet.unirioja.es/servlet/articulo?codigo=8074580

This text is provided for informational purposes only and does not replace consultation with a professional. If in doubt, consult your specialist.