How to avoid paying a fortune for kids' activities

Extracurricular activities is a big industry - I have spent a small fortune on music lessons, soccer camps, tennis, netball and drama.

I recently heard of a personal trainer who specialised in the under-five age group. I know a primary school child with several subject tutors who come to her home for private lessons.

One primary school boy plays four musical instruments, with four private music lessons each week. Often the parents aren't rich and they struggle to pay for these extras for their children.

The cost of extracurricular activities

Australian parents are spending an average $1779 per child on extracurricular activities, according to 2025 research from ING.

These extracurricular activities like sport, music lessons and tutoring cost parents more than $4.7 billion a year.

The research also found that more than a third of Australian parents are stressed about the cost of extracurriculars, while 93% have made sacrifices to continue to afford their child's activities.

While we all want the best for our kids, you don't need to jeopardise your financial security. You don't want to neglect your own saving goals or contributions to superannuation.

How to cut the cost

There are ways to cut the cost. I have found that often a group class is the best way to go.

Kids can be motivated by each other and it is more fun than an intense one-on-one lesson. It's much cheaper, too.

My daughters went to group piano classes and learned ensemble playing, singing and improvisation as well as playing music.

If your child likes to sing, get them to join a choir. If they are athletic, there's Little Athletics or Nippers. Even tutoring can be done in a group and it can be half the cost of a one-on-one session.

Speech pathology can be done in groups, too. Ask for a discount if you pay in advance.

There are plenty of courses that don't cost a fortune.

For example, councils run an array of events for kids.

For a small cost, my local council offers courses for three to 14-year-olds on topics such as circus skills, photography, marine biology, acting, cartooning and fitness.

The library also has plenty of free activities.

Get value for money

If you are spending up on extra-curricular activities, make sure your child is pulling their weight.

If they're not, you are wasting your money.

Tutoring is a three-way partnership involving the child, the parents and the tutor to achieve success.

If your child is going to music lessons, they need to practice regularly.

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