With schools constantly cutting back on extracurricular activities and programs, it's now up to parents to fill in the gap in their child's education. However, the cost of music lessons, sports equipment and program fees can be substantial. This puts after school clubs out of reach for many families. Fortunately, there are more and more community groups starting after school programs to fill in this gap in the educational system. In this article, we'll look at some activities after school that have little or no cost to parents.

Sports are popular activities after school, but the cost of membership fees, uniforms and equipment puts organized sports out of the reach of a lot of families. Smart shopping can save you a lot of money. Instead of enrolling your child in a league, check your local community center for martial arts, swimming or aerobics, as they offer programs at a much lower cost than leagues. You can also look into buying equipment off season or used equipment. The Salvation Army, Goodwill, and Play It Again Sports are gold mines of used sports equipment in good shape. You should also speak to coaches. They may be able to make suggestions for purchasing used uniforms and equipment.

For kids who are into music, there are also any number of ways to cut costs. Instead of purchasing a new, costly instrument that your child might lose interest in, consider leasing. Lots of stores subsidize school music programs by giving leases that you can pay for on a monthly basis. This pay-as-you-go method is perfect for a child who is being taught an instrument for the first time. If you observe that they do not enjoy it, you just break off the lease. Quite a few music and used equipment stores also sell second hand instruments and sheet music at discounted rates.

Membership and tuition charges comprise a substantial part of the price of after school programs. If individual training is too expensive for your family, then there are more affordable choices. Organizations including the Scouts, Little League, Boys & Girls Clubs, and the Y provide low-priced membership fees and activities.

Discussing cost saving measures with other parents is an excellent way to come up with ideas. If your children participate in the same activities, you may save time and gas money by car pooling. You can also swap or share equipment, clothes or musical instruments. You may find parents who run activities after school out of their home, but make sure you thoroughly investigate this option to make sure it is a safe environment.

Getting your children involved with after school activities is the perfect way to keep them busy and supervised until you get home. Fortunately, there are lots of different ideas for after-school activity that are reasonably priced and easy to access.