While team sports are oft-heralded ways to build character and strengthen cooperation skills, they simply aren’t a great match for every child. Rather than forcing kids to participate in a sport they hate—either because they’re too young or because, well, they simply hate it—it’s usually better to find an activity that won’t make them hide behind you at drop-off.

Fortunately for Westchester children, there are plenty of local opportunities that help kids stay fit, learn something new and have fun! We’ve rounded up some of our favorite sports for those individualist kids. While some may technically include participation on a team, these focus more on setting personal goals than on tallying wins and losses.

Looking for even more enriching ways for kids to spend their time? Consult our Classes Guide and check out our Event Calendar.

Each year on or around April 22—just as the city comes alive with green grass, budding trees, and spring flowers—Boston fittingly commemorates Earth Day with feel-good activities and celebrations all over town. Kids (along with grown-ups) get a special chance to learn about protecting the environment and how the entire family can become more green. From community service projects to festivals to a zoo celebration, these are also just great chances for families to get outside and have some fun.

Philadelphia, the birthplace of America, is now home to the first ever museum dedicated solely to the events and circumstances of the American Revolutionary War. This brings Philadelphia's museum and historic house count to well over 100! Set in Old City, the Museum of the American Revolution opens April 19, on the 242nd anniversary of the shot heard round the world which launched our country on its path to freedom. The setting couldn't be more perfect, sitting right in the heart of America's most historic square mile, with easy access to other remnants of our founding days. This is a true history lovers paradise, and the Museum of the American Revolution fits right in, offering a fresh and in-depth take on a war that literally made it possible for us to be here, as we are, today. We were very excited to get an early peek inside.

Broken glass at home often leads to warnings of keep back and be careful, but at a number of art studios across the state, kids are encouraged to play with the stuff. Don't worry, cuts and scratches are not involved. In these studios, kids (and adults) can cut, glue, blow, and fuse colorful bits and pieces of glass to make sun catchers, jewelry, picture frames, and other unique designs—often with the help of trained studio artists. We've searched out some spots with open studio times and classes where kids and adults can express their inner Chihuly.

Earth Day was created in 1970 to bring awareness to environmental issues. Now a global celebration of all things planet Earth, people of all ages are encouraged to take part in Earth Day festivities on April 22. Whether you are planting a community garden or learning about endangered wildlife, these events happening around the Houston area will be sure to inspire and educate the whole family.  

You say it's your Earth Day; well it's my Earth Day, too, yeah! And yes, we're gonna have a good time. Earth Day is one of those holidays that just screams kids. And when we say scream, we mean outdoor voices. Oh sure, Halloween has its ghosts and goblins; Christmas has its presents, and Easter has its chocolate bunnies (melting in the SoCal sun if not found quickly). But Earth Day is a holiday when families of all backgrounds can come together to appreciate our planet and keep our outdoors great for generations to come. And since loving the environment is something Californians take particular pride in, it's not surprising that we're spoiled for choice for celebrating Earth Day around LA.

NYC families turned out in droves for the city's annual Easter Parade and Easter Bonnet Festival, from babies in strollers to groups of moms in long gloves and neon-hued hats. Bedecked in all manner of costume and creative bonnets, the Easter Sunday revelers mingled along Fifth Avenue in Midtown, gathering near St. Patrick's Cathedral across from Rockefeller Center. 

The energy was pure positivity with spring colors and flowers, as well as NYC's theatrical streak on full display, reports our videographer and photographer who attended this year's fun on April 16. She described it as a "bit like a fashion show." It's FREE silly fun and uber family friendly with balloon artists, dancing, and puppetry; no wonder it's one of our top recommended things to do with NYC kids in April and this spring.

Check out the video and photos below of some of the coolest kids and families at the beloved annual fest.

On your mark, get set, GO! It’s marathon time, which means Bostonians have running on the brain. Aspiring runners don’t need to be adults to learn to run like Desi Linden or Meb Keflezighi. Seven local running clubs for children will help kids learn to run or train to be the track stars of the future. Whether or not your kid is Olympics-bound, these clubs also promote sportsmanship, friendship, fitness, and self-confidence—which are worth just as much as a medal.