Free and low-cost options
Start here if you're trying out a sport for the first time. [Lodi Junior Giants](https://lodikidsactivities.com/programs/lodi-junior-giants) is completely free. 8 weeks of co-ed baseball and softball for ages 5-13 through the SF Giants Community Fund. Non-competitive, focused on character development. If your kid likes it, you can move to a rec league the next season.
For soccer, [Youth Soccer League](https://lodikidsactivities.com/programs/youth-soccer-league) through Parks & Rec is $85 for ages 5-14. Saturday mornings at DeBenedetti Park, co-ed teams, all skill levels. That's half the price of most club programs and a good way to figure out if your kid actually wants to chase a ball for 60 minutes.
Basketball: [Junior Basketball Leagues](https://lodikidsactivities.com/programs/junior-basketball-leagues) runs ~$75 for K-6th grade. Three age divisions, 12-week season, practices and games Monday-Thursday evenings. If your kid is grades 7-8, try [Comet Basketball](https://lodikidsactivities.com/programs/comet-basketball). The only league specifically for that age group in Lodi.
For competitive kids
[Lodi FC Competitive Soccer](https://lodikidsactivities.com/programs/lodi-fc-competitive-soccer) is the main travel club in town, ages 6-18. Player-first philosophy, part of NorCal Premier and Cal North leagues. Cost varies by team. Lodi parents pick this when rec league stops being enough.
Baseball and softball: [BOBS Youth Baseball & Softball](https://lodikidsactivities.com/programs/bobs-youth-baseball-softball) has been around for 60+ years and runs at Kofu Park for ages 4-14. $100-$175 depending on division. The alternative is [Morada Little League](https://lodikidsactivities.com/programs/morada-little-league) ($105-$150, ages 4-16). Lodi-area families may be eligible for either based on address.
Basketball: [Next Level Spring Basketball](https://lodikidsactivities.com/programs/next-level-spring-basketball) is grade-based at Lodi High School for ages 5-14, around $225. New program, still finding its rhythm. For a faith-based option with guaranteed equal playing time, [Upward Basketball](https://lodikidsactivities.com/programs/upward-basketball) runs K-8 for $135-$155.
Flag football (non-tackle)
Three main options. [Next Level Flag Football](https://lodikidsactivities.com/programs/next-level-flag-football) is $225-$275, ages 5-14, Sundays at Lodi High School. All practices and games same day, one commitment per week.
[Blue Chip Flag Football](https://lodikidsactivities.com/programs/blue-chip-flag-football-fall) runs Fall, Spring, and Winter seasons at Tokay High School, $139-$180, ages 3-17. Co-ed and all-girls GEMS divisions. Sunday game times.
[SV6 Sports NFL Flag Football](https://lodikidsactivities.com/programs/sv6-sports-nfl-flag-football) is the NFL-licensed league, $189/season, ages 5-14. Teams drafted by coaches so skill levels balance out. Sundays at Lodi Grape Bowl and Tokay High.
Tackle football and cheer
Two paths. [Lodi Colts Football](https://lodikidsactivities.com/programs/lodi-colts-football) is the 60-year-old recreational program through BOBS, $250 + $50 deposit, ages 6-13. The cheer side is [Lodi Colts Cheer](https://lodikidsactivities.com/programs/lodi-colts-cheer), $465, ages 6-13, game-day cheer only, not competition.
For competitive tackle, [Jr Flames Tackle Football](https://lodikidsactivities.com/programs/jr-flames-tackle-football) plays CVYFC (Central Valley Youth Football Conference) teams, ages 3-14. More travel, higher intensity. [Jr Flames Cheer](https://lodikidsactivities.com/programs/jr-flames-cheer) competes. August cheer camp, October league competition, off-season events.
What to do next
Pick one or two programs based on your kid's age and experience level. Most leagues offer trial practices or free first sessions, confirm before paying. If your kid hasn't played organized sports before, start with a Parks & Rec league or Junior Giants. You can always move to travel teams later.