How much do you pay for Children's Activities/Sports/Etc

[bgheuchert]

Preschool (2 days a week)-$40.00/month
Initiation Hockey - $85.00 registration/$65.00ish power skating fees/ $150.00 equipment
Parent Pitch Baseball - $25.00 registration
Swimming Lessons - $40.00 registration

[momof5boys]

When our boys were younger, we paid for swimming lessons and the odd time they played soccer (relaxed...nothing super scheduled). We refused to put our boys into hockey and it was the best decision we made for our family. They play roller hockey once a week down the road which is organized by a church group - cost is nothing. If our kids want to go into any sports, they pay for it themselves (gasp)...they have a paper route (since the age of 10) so have the funds if need be. They choose to keep the money, participate in sports that cost them nothing (tennis, biking etc) other than the equipment they have to purchase.

Kids can be over scheduled these days...we just wanted them to grow up in a relaxed environment...not one where they were always rushing off to games. Now my hubby is dragged off to the tennis courts very often by our youngest son They have great times! So hubby is the one playing and not sitting on the sidelines...win-win situation...

[linnyeg]

Swimming lessons - $81.25/10 1/2 hr lessons
When my dd was in daycare it was $40/day for a home daycare (they provided all food/drinks/snacks)

[bargain_hunter_lola]

Preschool is $45 a day (2 days a week).
Swimming is $65. DD wants to do gymnastics, it's around $200 so were still debating on starting that in the Spring.

[bgheuchert]

Hmmm....How much for Piano Lessons in your areas? I am thinking of charging $22 for 1/2hr beginner lessons. Anyone have their kid(s) in lessons?

[lilo0003]

we have our youngest son in guitar lessons & it was 40.00 for about 50 minutes, so I think your rate is fair for piano.
i would like to say it gets cheaper as they grow, but alas while I don't have after school childcare I have to feed these growing boys.
we still have swimming lessons and summer camp as well as one is in sports so it still adds up.

[Darth Penguin]

off hand I can't recall how much the school charges for piano lessons but $22 sounds more competative for this area.

[bgheuchert]

Parent Pitch Baseball was up'ed to $40.00 this year, I still don't think that is too bad.

[Frugalbigmama]

Soccer $175 Hockey $550 plus tournaments Ball Hockey $105.00 Guitar Lessons 30 mins/wk $22 week

[Lattelady]

Yes but sport for kids is an income tax deduction,you need to look into that, as well as daycare cost as a deduction,what u get back can be used to save for whatever u want

[lilo0003]

Yes but sport for kids is an income tax deduction,you need to look into that, as well as daycare cost as a deduction,what u get back can be used to save for whatever u want

the trouble is there is a 500.00 cap on the sports credit and our one son plays rep lacrosse so it is an easy number to reach. The summer camps go to childcare so they are all deducted and thankfully the only child care we have now. The oldest is almost thirteen so he is the after care and DH or I is always home in the morning to get the almost 10 yr old out the door.

[Lattelady]

I just posted because I was surprised how many don't claim the $500, just hope the info may help someone

[bgheuchert]

I just posted because I was surprised how many don't claim the $500, just hope the info may help someone

It's true! So many people have no idea they can claim their kids sports registrations etc... I've seen my son's confidence in himself grow and grow since we put him in organized sports, I think he has benefited in more ways than just getting physical activity. Next year he goes to kindergarten so Preschool fees for him, but that will taken over by my daughter who we will may start in January. I am considering gymnastics for her this year, but when she turns 4 I am putting her in hockey as well. We will teach her to skate too and found her a pair of skates at Sports Mart before they closed down for next to nothing. I think everyone should know too that Chev (I think its Chev hahah) has a hockey helmet program for all 5 year olds, you want your kid in hockey and they will buy them a helmet!! As well Sport Check has a good skate program, keep your box and receipt from the skates you buy, take them in the next year if your kids has outgrown them, and they will give you 50% of what you paid for your first pair towards a new pair. They continue this year after year so you can take advantage of it for a long time. There is always second hand equipment too that is in great shape that can be found in places like The Skate Exchange, and people should know that if they do not have the funds to register their kids they should check out Canadian Tire, they sponsor A LOT of kids sports fees for under privileged families.
Participating in organized sports and music was a huge part of my childhood, and a wonderful part of it. I would encourage anyone to look into programs for their kids, look for help if you need it (there is always a way!!), it is a HUGE self esteem booster, teaches them life skills, and keeps them fit. Also remember if you have access to places like the YMCA or YWCA they have great programs for EVERYONE, and if you can't afford them for you or your kids they will sponsor you. Look through community organizations calendars too, lots of free/cheeeaaaap art/music classes/sports.

[RSAS]

Preschool (2 days a week)-$40.00/month
Initiation Hockey - $85.00 registration/$65.00ish power skating fees/ $150.00 equipment
Parent Pitch Baseball - $25.00 registration
Swimming Lessons - $40.00 registration

$40 a month for preschool??? We pay $140 a month for 2 days a week and that's the cheapest preschool in our town....
Just paid $140 + $45(Uniform deposit) for soccer that doesn't start till September.

[bargain_hunter_lola]

I'd take $40 a month or even $140 a month. We pay approx. $400 a month for 2 days a week (depends how many school days fall in the month plus any stat holidays).

But at the end of the day, it's worth it. Kids learn so much and usually enjoy being at preschool immensely.