Children's activities that are a money pit

[Anonymous]

My kids are early elementary school age and we're experimenting with different activities.

I'm looking to avoid activities that are an endless money pit.

From what I can see from more experienced parents, it sounds like hockey and dance are $$$$ - adding in equipment/costumes, weekends away for events.

Baseball v. lacrosee v. soccer etc.

Thanks.

[Anonymous]

Kid's martial arts = belt factory where you spend $ on each belt test like every few weeks.

[Anonymous]

Horses!

[Anonymous]

Horse back riding is the worst.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Kid's martial arts = belt factory where you spend $ on each belt test like every few weeks.

Some of the county ones are a bit cheaper but all of them are, especially when they just have to pay studio time and have few equipment costs.

[Anonymous]

Great thread. I'm wondering the same thing. While we're at it (and not to hijack, but it's the obvious corollary): what are some of the non-money sucking activities?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Kid's martial arts = belt factory where you spend $ on each belt test like every few weeks.

Yes, absolutely. God forbid you have a plain white uniform, it doesn't matter, you still have to buy their uniform for $60. Then you have to pay for classes and belts and testing for the belts.

Gymnastics at "real" gyms is similar.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Great thread. I'm wondering the same thing. While we're at it (and not to hijack, but it's the obvious corollary): what are some of the non-money sucking activities?

Swimming. Soccer, baseball, basketball.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Great thread. I'm wondering the same thing. While we're at it (and not to hijack, but it's the obvious corollary): what are some of the non-money sucking activities?

Going the rec route in lieu of travel

Depending on where you live - finding a program that is targeted at all economic levels through the Y or local parks and rec or similar organization.

[Anonymous]

cheer

[Anonymous]

Horse back riding, gymnastics and ice skating.

[Anonymous]

Dance need not be expensive. You want to find a place where your money goes to quality instruction, not tacky costumes and weekend "competitions."

[Anonymous]

Expensive: Hockey/figure skating - requires $$$ skates, ice time, plus equipment/costumes
Definitely horses
Anything with a lot of private coaching or out of town competitions

Not expensive: Scouts, religious ed, rec sports

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Dance need not be expensive. You want to find a place where your money goes to quality instruction, not tacky costumes and weekend "competitions."

Are some schools more known for emphasizing one than the other? I'm thinking of NoVa schools in particular. My young DD has noticeable grace and coordination (my MIL was a pro dancer and I think DD got her genes there) but I don't want to blow a fortune on crummy costumes rather than having her learn to dance well.

I remember my own dance class experience as a kid, and the shameless mark-up on costumes. My mom was horrified at spending almost $100 (back in the 80s!) on the tackiest, ugliest piece of polyester junk for my jazz class performance. It wasn't even pretty (think big sequined poly t-shirt with tacky headband) and I was as bitter as my mom was. That was my first and last dance class!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Dance need not be expensive. You want to find a place where your money goes to quality instruction, not tacky costumes and weekend "competitions."

Are some schools more known for emphasizing one than the other? I'm thinking of NoVa schools in particular. My young DD has noticeable grace and coordination (my MIL was a pro dancer and I think DD got her genes there) but I don't want to blow a fortune on crummy costumes rather than having her learn to dance well.

I remember my own dance class experience as a kid, and the shameless mark-up on costumes. My mom was horrified at spending almost $100 (back in the 80s!) on the tackiest, ugliest piece of polyester junk for my jazz class performance. It wasn't even pretty (think big sequined poly t-shirt with tacky headband) and I was as bitter as my mom was. That was my first and last dance class!

Not sure about NoVa, but my daughter took classes at Maryland Youth Ballet. This was a few years back. The costumes for the end-of-year "demonstrations" (NOT recitals) were simple and provided by the school, like a tulle skirt worn over their class leotard. The performance was meant to display the skills gained during the year. There was nothing to buy. The school taught artistry, grace and self-discipline.