Everyone is struggling to do more with less these days. Whether the economy cost you your job or there are just not enough hours to go around, you are having a difficult time keeping a roof over your head and food on the table. It becomes even more complicated when you have children who want to participate in activities. That’s when you must really get creative with your budget. You want your kids to grow up happy and healthy, so letting them participate in activities is good for their development. However, it might not be as great for your wallet. Here are a few tips for stretching your budget wide enough to afford your kids activities.

Look for Free Things They Can Do – Businesses are doing everything they can to get people in their stores. As such, many of them offer free activities for children. Retail stores, like bookstores and toy stores, will have special events designed to attract parents and kids alike. You can call around to some of your favorite stores to see if they have anything going on. Another option is to see if your local chamber of commerce has a schedule of local business events that they can send you. By tapping into as many free activities as you can, your kids will have fun and you’ll save money.

Ask About Package Deals – If your kids are looking to join classes, like swimming or martial arts, ask the instructors if they will give a discount for multiple children. Sometimes a business will offer a reduced rate as an incentive to get the whole family signed up. Another option is to inquire if there is a discount for signing up for a series of classes all at once. For example, if your child wants to take martial arts, you can see if the instructor is willing to give you a discount for paying for both the beginner’s and intermediate class up front.

Go Secondhand – Another place where you can save money is by buying used equipment. You can often find helmets, balls, uniforms and other items for activities at second hand stores. Online sites, like Craigslist and Ebay, will also have listings for clothing and equipment that you can purchase on the cheap from other parents who no longer need it. Just use common sense when dealing with these places to avoid getting scammed. Saving money on your child’s activities can be a challenge. Think creatively and you’ll be able to find many ways your kids can have fun without breaking your bank account.