Top 10 Sports & Fitness Programs for Kids in South Orange County
- fitfirstmanager
- Apr 14
- 4 min read
Updated: Apr 29
Keeping kids active is essential for their physical health, mental well-being, and social development. South Orange County offers a wide range of exceptional programs that help children build strength, coordination, and confidence—all while having fun. Whether your child is looking for structured fitness training, competitive sports, or recreational activities, this guide highlights the top 10 programs that keep kids moving.
1. Fit First – The Ultimate Kids’ Fitness & Sports Training Program
📍 Locations: Irvine & surrounding areas
Ages: 3+
At Fit First, fitness is more than just exercise—it’s about building strength, agility, and confidence in a fun and engaging environment. With small group classes and private training, kids can develop key athletic skills through Ninja Parkour, Strength & Agility, Boxing, Youth Frisbee, Parent & Me Yoga, and more.
Fit First also specializes in adaptive fitness for children with special needs, ensuring that every child has access to high-quality movement-based programs tailored to their abilities.
🔹 Best For: Kids of all ability levels looking for expert-led fitness programs that make movement fun and empowering.
2. Tstreet Volleyball Club
📍 Irvine
Ages: 8-18
Founded by Olympic gold medalist Troy Tanner, Tstreet Volleyball is one of the top volleyball programs in the country, offering elite-level training for youth athletes.
🔹 Best For: Kids interested in developing high-level volleyball skills.
3. National Gymnastics Training Center
📍 Aliso Viejo
Ages: 6 months +
With programs ranging from beginner tumbling to competitive gymnastics, National Gymnastics helps kids develop strength, flexibility, and coordination in a supportive environment. The Sweet Pea Educational Gymnastics is designed to promote physical, social, and cognitive development in children 6 months to 6 years old.
🔹 Best For: Kids who love acrobatics, parkour, or structured gymnastics training or any new beginner.
4. Skateboarding at Etnies Skatepark of Lake Forest
📍 Lake Forest
Ages: 5+
One of the largest public skateparks in California, Etnies Skatepark offers beginner and advanced skateboarding lessons that teach kids balance, coordination, and confidence on a board. The park features ramps, rails, and bowls designed for all skill levels.
🔹 Best For: Kids who love action sports and want to develop skateboarding skills in a structured environment.
5. AYSO (American Youth Soccer Organization)
📍 Multiple Locations Across South Orange County
Ages: 4-18
AYSO is one of the largest and most inclusive youth soccer organizations in the U.S., offering both recreational and competitive soccer programs. AYSO’s philosophy is centered around "Everyone Plays®," ensuring that every child gets equal time on the field while learning sportsmanship, teamwork, and technical skills. With regional teams in all South Orange County cities, AYSO provides an accessible and community-driven way for kids to enjoy soccer.
🔹 Best For: Kids who want a fun, supportive, and development-focused soccer experience.
6. OC All-Stars Cheer & Dance
📍 Foothill Ranch
Ages: 3+
With programs in cheerleading, tumbling, and dance, OC All-Stars provides an energetic and supportive environment for kids to build confidence and athletic ability.
🔹 Best For: Kids who love performing, teamwork, and high-energy activities.
7. NOVA Swim Club
📍 Irvine
Ages: 5+
NOVA Swim Club is one of the premier competitive swim teams in Orange County, providing high-level coaching and technique-focused training for swimmers of all levels. With a strong emphasis on stroke development, endurance, and competition preparation, NOVA has consistently produced top-tier swimmers who go on to compete at collegiate and national levels.
🔹 Best For: Kids looking to improve their swim technique, build endurance, and participate in competitive swimming.
8. RYSK Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu
📍 Laguna Hills
Ages: 4+
RYSK Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu provides world-class martial arts training for kids, teaching self-defense, discipline, and confidence in a safe and supportive setting. The program focuses on grappling, technique, and problem-solving under pressure, making it an excellent choice for children looking to build both mental and physical resilience.
🔹 Best For: Kids who want to develop self-defense skills, confidence, and athletic ability through Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu.
9. Endless Sun Surf School
📍 Newport Beach
Ages: 5+
Endless Sun Surf School has been teaching kids how to surf for over 50 years in the heart of Orange County. With small group and private lessons, professional instructors focus on water safety, balance, and confidence while making learning fun. Surfing helps kids build endurance, coordination, and a love for the ocean—all in a safe, supportive environment.
🔹 Best For: Kids who love the beach and want to learn how to surf in a fun and encouraging setting.
10. Sender One Climbing 🧗♂️
📍 Santa Ana & Aliso Viejo (coming 2026)
Ages: 4+
Sender One Climbing offers indoor rock climbing classes and camps designed for kids of all skill levels. Climbing helps develop strength, balance, focus, and problem-solving skills in a fun and supportive environment. Their Sender City climbing area features interactive walls, making it perfect for younger climbers, while their advanced routes challenge older kids and teens.
🔹 Best For: Kids who love adventure, problem-solving, and building physical strength in a unique, engaging way.
Keeping kids active is essential for their physical health, mental well-being, and overall growth. The best program is one that matches their interests, abilities, and goals, keeping them engaged and excited to move. Whether they thrive in team sports, individual training, or creative movement, exploring different activities helps build confidence, develop lifelong healthy habits, and, most importantly, make fitness fun.
Get your child moving, building strength, and having fun with Fit First! From Ninja Parkour to Strength & Agility, our expert-led classes empower kids of all skill levels. Spots are limited—sign up today!
OpenAI. (2025). ChatGPT (April 2025 version) [Large language model]. https://chat.openai.com/