Extracurricular activities are an important part of a child’s development – but with fees, equipment, uniforms, instruments and supplies depending on the activity – the costs can add up for families. Here are a few ways you can save on extracurricular activities.
Extracurricular activities allow students to shine in ways that may not be possible for them in the classroom. Plus, it helps kids step out of their social circles to forge new and lasting friendships. They serve as a creative outlet and can improve your child’s physical and cognitive health.
You don’t have to choose between your budget and your kid’s happiness. Here are some ways you can save on your kids’ extracurricular activities.
Limit the number of after-school activities you allow for each child
Consider limiting extracurricular activities to just one per child. In addition to keeping costs down, you’ll actually be doing your children a favor by choosing one activity of focus where they’ll be channeling all their energy in one direction.
They’ll also be more dedicated to perfecting their game or hobby when they own their choice. Plus, it’ll be easier for them to keep track of just one practice and performance schedule – and a lot easier on your carpool calendar, too! It will also help avoid your child taking on too much, and they’ll be less likely to wind up neglecting their schoolwork or not having any time for family and friends.
Register early
Lots of sports programs offer discounts just for signing up early. Speak to your children about after-school programs and sports teams months before the official season launch so you can register early and snag those early-bird specials. You might also be able to get a discount by pre-paying for the entire season instead of paying on a monthly basis.
Purchase used equipment
Save big on sports gear by purchasing gently used equipment from sites like PlayItAgainSports and SidelineSwap. Some of these sites also allow you to sell your own used equipment.
Swap equipment
If you have friends with kids who are (or were) also into sports and music, see if you can swap equipment and instruments from year to year. Maybe your friend’s son was into guitar last year and baseball this year, while your daughter’s interests ran in the opposite direction. Swapping with friends allows you to save on expensive equipment while putting your own unused gear to good use.
Rent musical instruments
If you’ve got budding musicians at home, consider renting the instrument they’ve taken up this year. There’s no way to tell if their interest in playing an instrument is just a passing phase or the beginning of a hobby that will last a lifetime. Why blow hundreds of dollars on an instrument only to see it collecting dust after a few months. Some instruments, like the French horn, can cost as much as $1,000 but can be rented for as little as $50 a month.
If your child is convinced they’ve found their instrument of choice or you’ve already been renting one for a while, you can purchase gently used musical instruments from resale sites like Facebook Marketplace, eBay or Reverb, a site devoted to selling used musical instruments.
Volunteer your time
If you’ve got the time to coach or manage a team, or even just to walk around selling refreshments during games, you might be able to get a discount on the program’s fees and equipment.
Don’t let a tight budget stand in the way of your child’s creative and physical development. By making smart, frugal choices, you can turn your children’s dreams into reality without draining your wallet.
