Finding the right activities for your kids in Southlake can feel like navigating a maze of registration deadlines, facility locations, and equipment lists. Whether you're looking for affordable city leagues or elite competitive programs, this guide breaks down everything parents need to know about youth sports and activities in one of Texas's most family-friendly communities.
Understanding Southlake's youth sports landscape
Southlake offers an impressive mix of recreational and competitive programs across 44 athletic fields and 1,100 acres of parkland. The combination of city-run leagues and private clubs means there's genuinely something for every kid, from the future Olympic athlete to the child who just wants to have fun with friends on Saturday mornings.
The city's Parks & Recreation Department provides the foundation with affordable programs that won't require taking out a second mortgage. At just $90 for residents per season for sports like basketball and volleyball, these programs include jerseys and all the basics your child needs to get started. Non-residents pay $115, which is still a bargain compared to many surrounding cities.
For families seeking more competitive environments, private clubs offer pathways to elite competition. Yes, they cost more… sometimes significantly more… but they also provide professional coaching, extensive travel opportunities, and the chance to compete at higher levels. The key is matching your child's interest level (and your budget) with the right program.
City recreation programs: Where most families start
Basketball and volleyball basics
The city's basketball program runs from December through February, perfect timing for those cold winter months when outdoor activities lose their appeal. With divisions from 7U through 17U, the league follows Texas Amateur Athletic Federation's age groupings, calculated as of September 1st. Mark your calendar: individual registration closes November 3rd, while team registration extends to November 10th.
Girls volleyball takes over in the fall, running September through November. Registration opens June 27th and closes August 18th, so don't wait until school starts to sign up. Both sports practice and play games at the Champions Club at The Marq Southlake (285 Shady Oaks Drive), making drop-offs convenient for families with multiple children in different programs.
Camp Mania: Your school holiday lifesaver
Every parent knows the panic of realizing there's no school next Monday. Enter Camp Mania, Southlake's answer to those random Carroll ISD holidays. This day camp serves ages 5-12 with structured activities from 9:00 AM to 4:30 PM, plus free extended care from 7:30 AM and until 5:30 PM.
Summer registration opens April 1st for residents, and sessions fill faster than you can say "teacher workday." The program operates during most school breaks, saving working parents from scrambling for childcare while keeping kids entertained with age-appropriate activities.
Contact Athletics Supervisor Jonathan Weeks at (817) 748-8036 or Athletics Coordinator Chad Tucker at (817) 748-8911 for specific program questions. They're surprisingly helpful and actually answer their phones, unlike some other city departments we won't name.
Competitive sports clubs: Taking it to the next level
Soccer programs for serious players
Saints Soccer Club stands out among Southlake's competitive options, offering premier select and academy programs for ages U6-U19. As a non-profit organization, they maintain lower costs than many elite clubs while still competing in prestigious leagues like the Plano Premier Invitational. The club practices at Saints Field in Keller with priority access to Stampede Sports Arena in Southlake.
Southlake Soccer's MOD program uses BlueSombrero for registration and offers financial assistance through an online application system. Their "pay by check" option lets families delay payment until aid approval, removing the stress of upfront costs while waiting for assistance decisions.
Baseball: From tee-ball to travel teams
Dragon Youth Baseball's select program fields AA, AAA, and Major teams in the Texas Elite Baseball Association League. This isn't casual Saturday morning baseball… expect 10-12 games in fall and 30-60 games in spring, with significant travel throughout Texas. Registration for fall 2025 runs July 1st through August 1st, with evaluations on August 2nd.
For supplemental training, D-BAT Southlake (415 S Nolen Dr) operates a climate-controlled facility offering over 50 camps and clinics annually. Their professional instructors work with players on hitting, fielding, and pitching mechanics year-round, regardless of weather conditions.
Basketball beyond the basics
Prime Basketball brings California's AAU model to Southlake, while Be Elite Basketball serves 3rd through 9th graders with select teams and skills academies. These programs typically run $1,000-$3,000 annually, depending on:
- Competition level
- Tournament schedule
- Travel requirements
- Uniform packages
- Professional coaching fees
Football: Flag to tackle options
Dragon Youth Football offers both flag and tackle divisions, with registration closing July 1st. Practices begin the week of August 4th, giving families time to recover from summer vacation before diving into fall sports. Their partnership with USA Football's Heads Up program emphasizes safety in tackle football, addressing parents' concerns about concussion risks.
Individual sports: Developing specialized skills
Gymnastics for future tumblers
Southlake Gymnastics Academy's 30,000-square-foot facility at 280 Commerce St. serves children from walking age through 18. Their programs range from preschool tumbling to competitive teams in all Olympic events. The facility includes specialized equipment like The Mountain climbing structure and foam pits that make learning new skills safer and more fun.
Martial arts: More than just karate
Reveal Martial Arts (formerly I DO Karate) at 2120 East Southlake Blvd offers traditional Taekwondo programs with Karate elements for ages 4 through adult. Their leadership programs for students 6 and older include weapons training and public speaking… because nothing builds confidence like breaking boards and giving presentations.
J Tiger Martial Arts provides a practical solution for working parents with afterschool pickup from Carroll ISD schools. Programs run until 6 PM daily, turning that awkward 3:30-5:30 gap into productive training time.
Swimming and tennis options
Emler Swim School in the 280 Sports Complex serves infants through adults with progressive levels and STEALTH competitive team opportunities. At $20-25 per lesson, it's comparable to other area swim schools but with the convenience of monthly billing.
The Southlake Tennis Center operates 17 outdoor courts and 2 indoor climate-controlled courts at 450 W Southlake Blvd. Their European Coaching Model progresses players through:
- Red Ball (ages 3-8)
- Orange Ball (ages 7-10)
- Green/Yellow Ball (ages 9+)
- Tournament training programs
Arts and enrichment programs
Dance studios that deliver
Dana's Studio of Dance has earned "Best Dance Studio in Southlake" honors from the Southlake Journal for over 10 years. With three locations featuring professional floating dance floors, they offer everything from ballet to hip-hop for ages 2 through adult. Classes run August through June with optional Nutcracker and spring recital participation… because not every child dreams of performing in front of 500 people.
Music education opportunities
Creative Soul Music School employs 60+ professional teachers at 280 Commerce St. Their month-to-month contracts with no long-term commitments appeal to families unsure about their child's dedication to the French horn. Free recitals twice yearly at venues like Bass Hall give students performance experience without additional costs.
Visual arts and theater
Studio Art House offers age-appropriate classes from 30-minute preschool sessions to 2-hour teen portfolio development workshops. Students explore various mediums while studying art history and movements. The Bein Gallery charges $150 for ten 1-hour weekly classes, with a $20 supply fee covering brushes and materials.
North Texas Performing Arts Southlake produces 30+ shows annually at 1101 N Carroll Ave. Their educational programs for grades K-12 emphasize character development through their "Ten Characters" leadership model. New students receive 25% off tuition with code NEW2NTPA, making theater accessible to more families.
STEM programs for future innovators
iCode Southlake teaches coding, robotics, game design, AI, and 3D printing through gamified learning techniques. Their popular Belt Program meets 2 hours weekly after school, available on both weekdays and weekends to accommodate different schedules.
Wize Computing Academy serves K-8 students with project-based learning in programming and AI. They prepare teams for FIRST LEGO League and VEX Robotics competitions, giving kids real-world applications for their coding skills.
Making smart financial decisions
Understanding the true costs helps families budget appropriately. City recreational programs cost $90-115 per season, while competitive select teams can run:
- Soccer: $2,000-5,000 annually
- Baseball: $1,500-3,500 annually
- Basketball: $1,000-3,000 annually
Don't forget equipment costs. Soccer requires cleats and shin guards, baseball needs gloves and helmets, while city basketball programs include jerseys in registration fees. Many families start with city leagues to gauge interest before committing to expensive select programs.
Financial assistance options
The All Kids Play program provides grants up to $350 per sport per session for families earning under 60% of state median income. Southlake Soccer offers online applications with delayed payment options until aid approval. Parent volunteers often receive fee waivers for coaching commitments, and Dick's Sporting Goods provides 20% equipment discounts through league partnerships.
Registration tips and facility locations
Success starts with understanding each program's registration system. City programs use ActiveNet at experiencesouthlaketexas.com, Dragon programs utilize SportNgin, and soccer organizations employ BlueSombrero. Create accounts early and save payment information to speed up the process when registration opens.
Key deadlines to remember:
- June 27: Fall volleyball registration opens
- July 1: Football registration closes
- November 3: Basketball individual registration closes
- April 1: Summer Camp Mania registration opens
Getting around Southlake's sports facilities
Major facilities spread across Southlake include Bob Jones Park (3901 N. White Chapel Blvd) for soccer and softball, Bicentennial Park for baseball, and North Park with Dragon Stadium for football and lacrosse. Many programs offer afterschool pickup from Carroll ISD schools, solving transportation challenges for working parents.
Special programs and support services
The Miracle League of Southlake provides adaptive baseball for all ages and abilities, ensuring every child can experience team sports. City programs handle accommodation requests case-by-case, so contact program coordinators directly to discuss specific needs.
Learning Academy Southlake offers comprehensive afterschool care from 3:30-6:30 PM with academic support and safe school pickup. Reach Programs receive consistent praise from parents for providing more games than traditional leagues in well-organized environments.
Making the right choice for your family
Choosing activities involves balancing multiple factors beyond just cost. Consider your child's developmental stage, time commitments for practices and games, transportation logistics, and long-term goals. City leagues provide excellent foundations with lower costs and time commitments. Select programs offer advanced coaching and higher competition levels for committed athletes.
Start with one or two activities to avoid overwhelming schedules. Many programs offer trial classes or seasons, letting families test the waters before making larger commitments. Remember that the goal at younger ages should be fun and skill development, not creating the next professional athlete.
Southlake's youth sports and activities landscape offers remarkable opportunities for children to discover passions, develop skills, and build friendships. With proper planning around registration deadlines and realistic budget assessment, families can navigate this rich ecosystem successfully. Whether your child dreams of athletic glory or simply wants to try something new, Southlake provides the programs, facilities, and community support to help them thrive.
