10 Sports Classes for Kids in Ottawa

Keep the fun fitness of summer going right into September with these 10 fab Ottawa sports classes for kids (and a few for parents, too).

Make the most of the last dying days of summer by introducing your little ones to the links—and get a tune-up for yourself at the same time. Try Kevin Haime's new Family Lesson, a personal session for any combination of up to six adult and child family members where you all brush up on the basics.

If you're recovering from your first baby—or second, or third—Starr Gymnastics is a great place to start. We love their 'Have a Ball with Mom' fitness class, which works with all fitness levels to help moms get back to their pre-baby body, while little ones are invited to explore some simple equipment next to mom.

It's pretty much a given that if you live in Ottawa, you have to learn to skate. Get them ready for the canal with the Sparty programs at the Bell Sensplex. Kids as young as 3 spend time in a low-ratio class with great instructors—and a bonus visit from Spartacat once per season. Littler ones can join in too, with their new Parent & Tot class.

Swimming is not only a fun exercise, but it's an important life skill. The Y has great lessons that help introduce babies as young as 3 months to the water. And with their continuous evaluation program, kids will be moved up to the next level as soon as they are ready—so no more getting stuck in a session that's not quite right for you.

Continue kicking it into fall with the WOSC's indoor classes. Boys and girls aged 8 to 10 can sign up for Mini Ball Mastery, a fantastic skills class that teaches them how to be a star come summertime. If you're ready for more, there's a weekly games league too, or make the jump to a specialty slot with their Goalkeeper Training.

Well-respected for years, the Ottawa Gymnastics Centre has produced more than one Olympic athlete right in the heart of Westboro. Kids as young as 6 months can try their hand at the beam, the trampoline, and the bars—and dream of an Olympic future of their own.

Both boys and girls will love the street dancing lessons at Flavor Factory. Learn to pop, lock, break and get down. Their Kinder Breakin' class is ideal for preschoolers who are itching to get their groove on.

There's plenty of ballet schools in town, but only Les Petits Ballets can claim actress Sandra Oh as an alumni. Starting at age 4, children learn poise, strength and the beauty of dance. Once they've studied a few years, they can join the professional-grade performances that the school puts on twice a year.

In Ottawa, hockey isn't exactly a fall sport—more like a year-round activity. But with the cooler weather coming, it's time to really focus on our national pastime. Fall Intro 2 Hockey programs at the Sensplex help aspiring Gretzkys—as young as age 4—experience the classic thrill of putting a stick to a puck.

The Small Ball program from Ottawa Shooting Stars is a winner—kids ages 4 through 7 pick up some serious skills while dreaming of becoming the next LeBron James. Coach Alex brings a ton of energy and fun to the room while teaching the kids the basics of dribbling, passing and dunking.