Extracurricular Activities for Kids in Guadalajara, Mexico
Great after school options for expat & international children
When we first moved to Guadalajara, it was difficult to find activities for the kids after school or on weekends. Given that 4 of the 5 of us spoke no Spanish at all, we were in particular need of places where at least someone could speak a little English to help the kids along (as their Spanish improved by necessity).
We’ve learned a lot since then! This post lists out some of the best options (organizations and individuals) we and our connections have discovered so far, with the hope of making this easier for other families in the future. If you know of others or if the listings need updated details, please let us know via the Comments section below! The links provided below are predominantly to Google Maps listings for ease of use.
Swim Lessons
Aquaris Natacion (+52 33 3165 1906)- reasonably priced for 2 swimming lessons per week (private/individual for beginners and group classes) in a small pool. Private swim classes are 30 minutes, and group lessons are 50 minutes. A few teachers speak some English. Facebook page.
Petit Gym (+52 33 2377 4880) has “mommy and baby” swimming classes for up to 2 years old and private swim lessons for older kids. Finding parking here is a little difficult.
Flotis (+52 33 1813 2066) is located in Andares Mall and is (as such) a little pricey by local standards. Lessons are shorter but private (one-on-one) and rigorous. Facebook page.
Vivo47 Acuatica has large pools in 3 locations. Their prices are transparently listed for the various classes on their website.
Music Lessons
CADET (Centro de Artes para el Desarrollo del Talento, +52 33 3955 7247 & +52 33 1416 8305) teaches classical instrument music classes in piano, cello, violin, viola, guitar, electric guitar, base, drums, and singing. They also offer a rock n roll program teaching electric guitar, base, and drums, as well as a class for very little ones called SECE (Suzuki Early Childhood Education). They also offer folkloric dance classes. Their website. Facebook page.
Music Together GDL (+52 33 1756 6252) is for kids ranging from 2 months to 5 years old.
Dancing & Performance Arts
28:20 Studio has 3 locations: one at Andares Mall (accessed via the parking garage); one in Providencia near Bosque los Colomos, and one to the south of the city (Punto Sur). Classes include ballet, hip hop, breakdancing, flamenco, and others. Their website.
El Centro de Artes Circenses de Zapopan - They offer a wide variety of classes including dancing, acrobatics, juggling, aerial dance, theater, hula hooping, circus acts, and more. Facebook page.
See CADET above (under Music Lessons) for folkloric dance classes.
Sports
Gymnastics
Volaré Academia de Gimnasia (+52 33 3152 0081) - Children can start as young as 3 years old. There are 3 different locations - Aviacion (near Valle Real), Metropolitano, and Providencia. The Providencia one has great teachers but no parking lot.
Football (Soccer)
Hormigas Football Academy (+52 33 1146 0340) has a wonderfully inclusive attitude towards soccer, which is refreshing given the pressure we’ve seen local kids (boys especially) under about the sport. We did practices twice a week at the Goal Factory here (which is different from the one listed on their website, but is also now listed as “Permanently closed” on Google maps so … confirm with them before heading out). They will let your littles try out 2 classes before you commit to the monthly rate. Children 3 years and older are welcome. One last note: girls are welcome to join, but its worth knowing there aren’t many girls on the whole, and no specific girls’ team or league.
Baseball
Liga de Beisbol Infantil y Juvenil Cuervos de Zapopan (+52 33 1601 0095) - we could not fit this into our somewhat hectic schedule and so don’t know as much about it - if you try it out, please share your experience via the comments!
Tae Kwon Do (Martial Arts)
Taekwondo Guadalajara (+52 33 1241 6465) - Master Eurico speaks English well and he and his team make the classes very fun for kids. Classes are excellent for discipline and self-confidence. Taekwondo focuses on defensive skills, not attack.
Skateboarding
Escuela de Skate Zapopan (+52 1 33 2086 9657) - classes are taught at the skateboarding park at the Parque de las Niñas y los Niños (don’t worry that Google’s satellite imagery doesn’t yet show anything remotely resembling a park - its old! See our post here about this Parque and other great Guadalajara parks for kids.
Horseback Riding (Equestrian)
Ecuestre La Campana (+52 33 3676 2405) offers horse riding lessons taught by certified professionals including introduction to horseback riding and equine therapy They welcome children as young as 2 to join. Facebook page.
Club Hipico La Cuadra (+52 33 1184 4929) is another great horse riding school option for beginner to advanced riders and has at least 2 teachers that speak English as needed.
Other posts you may enjoy & helpful resources for families living in Guadalajara:
For the best playgrounds, indoor play places, parks & attractions for kids in Guadalajara, see our post here!
For great restaurants in Guadalajara with play areas for the kids to enjoy, see this post!
Interested in venturing a little further outside of the city? Our post about great family activities within about an hour’s drive from Guadalajara is here!
For variable and seasonal events in GDL, go to This Week in Guadalajara (TWIG).