9 Tips to Save Money on Extracurricular Activities for Kids

Extracurricular activities can really add up fast with activities such as swimming lessons, piano, or tennis. They can really take a huge chunk of your budget. With extracurricular activities comes accessories most of the time.

For instance, if your child is in dance, they will need an outfit or shoes for their recital, probably a racket for tennis and so on. As you can see, one activity can really add up quickly.

Thankfully, below you can find simple ways to cut back on your spending on activities. These tips allow you to let your children enjoy their activities without always having to say no all the time.

You can follow these steps below to save some money on your child’s extracurricular activities.

This post may contain affiliate links. That means if you purchase an item through these links, I may earn a commission at no additional cost to you. Please read the full disclosure policy for more info.

9 Tips to Save Money on Activities for Children

1. Register Early and Discounts:

Sometimes you can score a discounted price for registering early! It is called early bird sign-up, and you can save a little bit of money this way on activities. You can also ask if they offer any discounts.

Some organizations offer discounts if you have more than one child registered in the activity. It is worth asking.

2. Budget:

Consider setting a budget for extracurricular activities at the beginning of the year. You can talk to your child if they are old enough and explain this is the amount they can spend. Keep track of all expenses and when the budget is up, so are their activities.

This is a great way to teach your child to watch money and really choose items they want the most.

3. Sell and Buy Used:

Consider selling old clothes, toys, and other items once you no longer use them. This can help you earn back some money and put towards buying the gear your child needs. If they need a new racket, consider buying used.

You can find items that are gently used for a huge discount on the price. It is a great way to save a little money.

Related articles:

7 Easy Ways to Make Extra Money Now

Best Online Survey Sites to Make Extra Income

10 Tips to Have a Money Maker Garage Sale

4. Rent Gear:

Depending on where you live, you might find a place that rents out gear. If that is the case, you can save money by renting instead of having to buy items for your child’s activity.

5. Volunteer or Coach:

Sometimes when the parent volunteers or offers to coach a team, you can get your children in for free or at a discounted price. This is a great way for your child to enjoy their activity and for you to save some money.

6. Community Events:

Some community events are free of charge or cost very little compared to school activities. So, make sure to consider your community calendar to see if they have any activities similar to what your child wants to do at a discounted price.

7. Cost Efficient Leagues:

This is paired up with community center events! Some leagues are traveling, so you are traveling multiple weekends out of the month for games.

Consider looking deep into the sport to see all the money you will spend for traveling alone and gear.

Enrolling in your community center sports, where there is no traveling required, and they have fewer practices. This is a way for your child to enjoy the activity and get to experience it. It will certainly save you money.

8. Pack Snacks:

If you know your child will be at their activity for a while or over a meal, pack their lunch. It is a great way to save a little money, and give your child a great snack or meal to fuel their body.

9. Carpool:

If you are required to have a lot of practice or games, ask a friend to do a carpool. This can save a good amount of money on gas, and cut down the cost by 1/2 if you split the trips.

By following the tips described above you can definitely save some money on extracurricular activities for your kids. Do you have any other tips to save money on extracurricular activities for children?