4 Places to Find Affordable Extracurricular Activities

Involving your child in extracurricular activities is a great way to keep him active, learning, and meeting new friends. However, one of the most important things to remember as you being exploring extracurricular options is not to over-invest your time or money. At least not until you know that your child is genuinely interested in sticking with the activity.

As you begin exploring extracurriculars, check out this list of places that tend to offer inexpensive ways for your child to test the waters before deciding which activities to pursue.

Library

In addition to summer reading programs or story time for youngsters, many libraries offer afternoon or evening activities for older kids all year round. Common activities include movie nights, STEM activities, art classes, author readings, and more.

Community Education and Recreation Programs

In exchange for a small fee, many cities provide a variety of art, music, athletic, and outdoor activities for individuals of all ages. Search your city’s website for a parks and recreation or community education section to see what’s available in your area.

Local Schools

While some states prohibit homeschoolers from participating in public school extracurricular activities, many do allow homeschoolers to partake in some way. Others leave that decision up to individual schools and school boards. Find out where your state stands on this issue and check in with your local school district to get involved. 

Co-ops

Collaborate with other parents and use your individual strengths to your advantage. Perhaps there are former dancers, musicians, and athletes in your group who would be willing to give lessons or host a week-long sports camp.

Once you’ve determined which activities your child would like to pursue, here are a few tips for reducing long-term costs.

Be smart about buying equipment.

While you do want quality equipment for your child, that doesn’t mean you have to pay outrageous sums of money for it. Instead of buying new, borrow equipment from family and friends or shop secondhand at thrift stores, garage sales, and consignment shops.

Stay ahead of the game.

If your child falls in love with an activity that costs a little extra, see if you can save by signing up early or paying in full instead of month to month.

Take advantage of teachable moments.

If your child is having trouble deciding which activities to pursue, sit down and have an honest conversation with him about how much his lessons cost. Be sure to presenting ideas in a way he will understand. Take something he uses on a regular basis, like a book, and share how many of them you could buy for the cost of his music lessons each year. Putting things into perspective will help your youngster understand why he can’t always do everything he wants to. 

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