After-school programs are wonderful for children. They offer new learning experiences, help them refine abilities and create chances to form friendships. These pursuits also provide a constructive way to spend time and can enhance college and scholarship applications.
However, all of that enrichment can be pricey. These nonessential additions to the household budget can become burdensome — particularly when you have several children who want different activities.
Huntington Bank and Communities in Schools’ 2019 Backpack Index found that extracurricular fees average roughly $150 for elementary students, $250 for middle school students and $350 for high school students. Naturally, many parents spend considerably more, especially with rising costs of living.
If the expense of extracurriculars is worrying you, consider these strategies to make them more manageable.
5 Strategies to Save on Extracurriculars This School Year
Use these practical tips to keep your children engaged without straining your finances.
1. Look for Government or Nonprofit Options
Before enrolling your child in private lessons or an out-of-area sports league, explore whether similar programs are offered at or supported by your nearby:
- School
- Church
- Library system
- YMCA
- Boys and Girls Club
- Police Athletic League
- Girl Scouts/Boy Scouts
- United Way
- Salvation Army
- City or county parks and recreation department
- Community college
These organizations often provide lower-cost or subsidized options that deliver comparable experiences to pricier alternatives.
2. Inquire About Reduced Rates
Be resourceful and save where possible by asking providers if discounts are available. Is there a trial session so your child can try a class free before committing for the season? Can you receive a reduced price for being a returning participant, registering multiple children or referring another family?
Some programs offer early-registration discounts, lower prices for purchasing session packages or incentives if you volunteer to help coach. Many also provide scholarships or income-based sliding scale fees. Ask whether a payment plan is available instead of requiring full payment up front.
3. Trim the Ancillary Costs
Enrollment fees are rarely the only cost you’ll face. Equipment, supplies, uniforms, fundraising, travel and tickets for performances can significantly increase your total outlay.
Find ways to minimize these extra expenses whenever you can. Organize carpools with other families. Purchase used equipment and attire. Limit which family members attend smaller recitals during the season and save so everyone can join the big show at the end.
4. DIY Some Extracurriculars
Your child can gain many of the benefits of organized activities without enrolling in a costly program. Consider their interests and find ways to pursue them independently.
If your child is interested in music, turn to YouTube for free lessons. There are countless cooking blogs and recipe sites for aspiring bakers. Your local library may provide free access to language-learning software.
Leverage your circle of family, friends and neighbors to introduce your child to various skills. Offer to swap talents — for instance, a friend might teach guitar while you give their children basic cooking lessons.
It may require more of your time, but creating homegrown opportunities can substantially reduce costs while still nurturing your child’s passions. Also consider gymnastics for kids savings when looking for budget-friendly ways to support active interests.
5. Be Honest with Your Kids About Trade-Offs
Sometimes you’ll need to say no to another activity. If you can’t afford it without relying on credit, it’s time to reassess.
Parents don’t want to cause disappointment, but it’s reasonable to be frank about budget limits. This might mean asking your children to pick one sport instead of two, or choosing dance lessons instead of a family vacation next summer.
For teenagers, encourage them to help fund their activities through babysitting, lawn care or part-time work. Depending on the hobby, they might be able to monetize it — selling handmade crafts at local events or offering beginner piano lessons to younger students.
That not only helps teens pay for the activities they want, but also teaches them important lessons about money management that will serve them later in life.
Nicole Dow is a former senior writer at Savinly.
