I thought about sports, but I didn’t know which one to choose. We tried soccer first because it’s very popular, but he wasn’t very comfortable with so many kids running around at once. Then we tried swimming, and that’s when he lit up. He loves the water and it seems to help him relax after a long day.
I don’t want to fill him with activities or pressure him, I just want him to enjoy and learn something new while he expends some energy. Swimming has been perfect because besides being a sport, it teaches him life skills. For now, we’re going to stick with this, but I’m always open to hearing if he wants to try something else one day
I hadn’t thought about adding something like martial arts, but that actually makes a lot of sense if he ever gets curious about trying more. For now, I think swimming is going to be our main focus—it’s great to see him feel so confident and calm in the water. Thanks again for all the suggestions, everyone! 
That’s awesome! My 7yo loves swimming too, it’s such a great life skill. 
Oh, I totally get this! When my daughter was around the same age, we tried gymnastics, dance, and soccer before we landed on swimming. It’s like finding the right fit was a whole journey in itself. I think it’s so smart that you’re focusing on what makes him happy instead of just signing him up for whatever is trendy. Swimming is amazing because it combines fun, fitness, and safety. My kiddo is 9 now and still loves it, plus it’s such a great confidence booster
My son was exactly like this. We went through soccer (total chaos), T-ball (too much standing around), and even karate before landing on swimming, and it’s been a game-changer. I think some kids just really thrive in a sport that feels individual but still has structure. We noticed it helped him with focus and even made bedtime easier because he was happily worn out in a good way.
I love that you’re letting him lead the way and not overloading him. So many parents (myself included) feel like we need to do all the things, but honestly, kids do so much better when they can really enjoy what they’re doing. If he decides to try something else later, great! But if swimming is his thing for now, let him ride that wave (pun intended)!
If he ever shows interest in trying something else, maybe consider martial arts? It’s structured like swimming in that it focuses on individual progress and skill, building, but it also teaches focus and discipline. My son started karate at 7, and it was a great complement to swimming. Both helped him stay active without feeling overwhelmed by group dynamics
Omg, we tried soccer too and let’s just say it was not a fit. My kid spent more time chasing butterflies than the ball. 
We did a similar thing with swimming, and it’s been awesome. My favorite part? No muddy cleats to clean up! Plus, it’s such a relief knowing they’re learning a skill that could literally save their life one day. Honestly, I think you’re on the right track, let them find what they love and go from there
I hear you on the chaos of soccer. My little one hated it too, so overwhelming! It’s hard when they don’t seem to click with what “everyone else” is doing. But I think finding swimming was such a win. It’s calm but active, and it really does teach them so much. I feel like the key is just listening to what they enjoy, and it sounds like you’re doing an amazing job
Have you thought about trying different types of swimming programs? Some pools offer water polo or synchronized swimming for kids as they get older, which could be a natural progression if he sticks with it. My older daughter transitioned from swim lessons to a swim team around age 8, and she absolutely loved the sense of camaraderie while still having the individual focus. It’s something to keep in mind for the future!
We’ve been through this phase, and I can’t stress enough how important it is to let them take the lead. My kids are now 10 and 12, and looking back, the activities they stuck with were the ones they felt genuinely excited about. My youngest also loves swimming, and we eventually found a great summer camp that included water safety and fun games in the pool, it was the highlight of their summer.
It’s easy to feel like you’re “falling behind” if your kid isn’t doing five different activities, but honestly, they get so much more out of things when it’s their choice. Keep supporting him the way you are; you’re giving him such a great foundation.