Soccer registration, a band instrument, a week of summer camp, dance shoes, a uniform. When money is tight, these are often the first things a family has to say no to. But kids who get to play, create, and belong to something gain confidence, friends, and skills that last a lifetime.
The good news: a lot of help exists, and much of it goes unused simply because families don't know to ask. Here's where to look, what to say, and how to stretch every dollar.
Start here: just ask about a scholarship
Before you assume an activity is out of reach, ask the program directly. Many leagues, dance studios, music schools, camps, and clubs quietly offer scholarships, sliding-scale fees, payment plans, or volunteer-for-tuition trades, even when they don't advertise them.
You can keep it simple. Try something like:
"My child would love to join, but the fee is hard for us right now. Do you offer any scholarships, reduced fees, or payment plans?"
Most programs handle these requests privately, and coaches and teachers usually just want the child there. If you're on public benefits like SNAP, Medicaid, WIC, or free school meals, mention it. Those are often accepted as proof of need.
Help with sports
- Every Kid Sports. This national nonprofit helps families pay youth sports registration fees, up to four seasons a year per child. Kids ages 4 to 18 who are enrolled in Medicaid, SNAP, or WIC can qualify. It covers recreational leagues (not elite or travel teams) with seasons of at least four weeks. Applications open seasonally for limited windows, so check everykidsports.org early.
- Your local parks and recreation department. City and county rec leagues are usually much cheaper than private clubs, and many offer fee waivers for income-qualified families. Call or check their website.
- The YMCA. Most Ys offer financial assistance (often called "Open Doors") on a sliding scale for youth sports, swim lessons, camp, and memberships. How much help you get depends on your local Y, so ask at the front desk.
- Girls on the Run. This program for girls in grades 3 to 8 combines running with confidence-building lessons. Local councils offer financial assistance, and many girls take part on full or partial scholarships. You can usually request help right on the registration form.
- School teams. School sports are often far cheaper than club teams, and many schools waive participation fees for students who get free or reduced-price meals. Ask the coach or athletic director.
Help with music lessons and instruments
- School band, orchestra, and choir. These are the most affordable way to learn music, and many schools lend instruments for free or a small fee. If your child's school has a music program, ask the teacher about borrowing an instrument.
- El Sistema-inspired programs. El Sistema USA is a network of around 140 youth music programs across the country, many of them free or low-cost, that focus on children with the fewest resources. Students often get an instrument and several hours of group lessons each week. Search their site or your city name plus "El Sistema" to find one near you.
- Community music schools. Many nonprofit community music schools offer need-based tuition aid. Ask about scholarships before you rule them out.
- Your library. Some libraries lend musical instruments, and many offer free music classes and access to online lesson services with a library card.
Help with camp
- Ask every camp about "campership" aid. Many day and overnight camps set aside money for scholarships, but it often runs out early. Apply in winter or early spring for summer camp.
- YMCA camps. Many Y day camps and overnight camps offer sliding-scale fees through the same financial assistance program as their other youth activities. Camp scholarships sometimes need a separate application.
- Free summer programs. Libraries, parks departments, and school districts often run free summer reading programs, day camps, and activity clubs, sometimes with free meals included. See our guide to help for families for summer meal programs.
Free and nearly free things to do
- Museums for All. If your family receives SNAP, you can show your EBT card and a photo ID for free or very low-cost admission (usually just a few dollars) at more than a thousand participating museums, zoos, aquariums, science centers, and gardens. It covers up to four people per card. Find participating places at museums4all.org.
- Every Kid Outdoors. Every U.S. fourth grader (including homeschoolers) can get a free pass for a full school year to national parks, forests, wildlife refuges, and other federal lands, and bring the family along. Passes run from September 1 to August 31. The pass covers entrance fees but not camping, parking, or tours. Get one at everykidoutdoors.gov.
- Your library card. Beyond books, libraries offer free story times, maker spaces, coding and robotics clubs, art classes, homework help, and often free museum passes you can check out.
- Boys and Girls Clubs. Clubs offer after-school programs with sports, arts, tech, and homework help, usually for very low annual dues. Many waive dues for families who can't pay.
- 4-H. Run through your county's Cooperative Extension office, 4-H offers clubs in everything from animals and gardening to robotics and public speaking, usually free or low-cost.
- Free after-school programs at school. Many schools host free after-school clubs and enrichment programs. Ask the front office what's available.
Cut the cost of gear and uniforms
- Ask the team or program first. Many leagues keep a bin of outgrown cleats, gloves, and uniforms, or can point you to a family whose child just moved up a size.
- Shop secondhand. Used sporting goods stores, thrift shops, and local buy-nothing groups often have equipment and dancewear in great shape for a fraction of the price.
- Rent or borrow instruments before you buy. Kids often change their minds in the first year.
- Swap with other families. A simple gear swap after each season helps everyone. Our free Neighbors Helping Neighbors board makes it easy to organize.
More tips that help
- Dial 211. Your local 211 line can tell you about free and low-cost youth programs in your area, along with help with bills and food that can free up money for activities.
- Offer to volunteer. Some programs reduce fees for parents who coach, run the snack schedule, or help with events.
- Try before you commit. Look for free trial classes, open gyms, and one-day clinics before paying for a full season.
- Ask family to give experiences. For birthdays and holidays, relatives can chip in toward a season of lessons instead of toys.
Program details and eligibility change, and local options vary, so check with each organization for current information.
Want to give a child a chance?
If you're in a position to help, this is one of the most meaningful gifts there is. Helping kids join music, sports, art, and camp is what Chances.org was founded on.
- Donate outgrown gear, instruments, or uniforms to a local league, school, or youth program.
- Give to a youth program's scholarship fund, or to Every Kid Sports.
- Share your talent. Coaching, tutoring, or teaching a free class can open a door for a child.
- Read the A Chance for a Child card for more simple ideas.
- Learn about the Give a Chance Fund, which supports people and causes from our directory.
Need help with more than activities? Our help for families guide covers health coverage, food, child care, school supplies, and more, and Find Help has guides for every kind of hard time.