It’s officially 2025, and while many people are still trudging through winter, I’m already in planning mode. The moment the holiday celebrations ended, I went straight to St. Louis Mom to research summer camps from last year.
As a self-employed mom, I have to be intentional about budgeting for childcare and activities. Every expense comes out of pocket, so waiting until the last minute isn’t an option. That’s why I start looking for options early—not just for summer, but for spring break, too. Planning months ahead saves me from last-minute panic and ensures my daughter stays engaged without breaking the bank.
If you’re also trying to stay ahead, here are my go-to resources for affordable (or even free) activities for your kids:
1. Your Local Government & Municipality
Your city or county is one of the best places to find budget-friendly programs. Many local governments offer:
- Low-cost or free summer camps
- Extracurricular activities like dance, art, and sports
- Affordable swim lessons – My daughter Amara took a six-week swim class through our local municipality for just $36!
- Check your city’s parks and recreation department for upcoming programs—many have financial assistance options, too.
2. The YMCA: A Game-Changer for Moms
If you don’t already have a YMCA membership, I highly recommend it. It’s not just a gym—it’s a lifesaver for working moms. One of the biggest perks is ChildWatch, a childcare program included with membership. Here’s why it’s a great value:
- ChildWatch is open for 4–5 hours per session
- You can work out or catch up on work while your child plays
- Many locations have Wi-Fi in the lobby, so you can bring your laptop and be productive
- It’s included in your membership—no extra fees!
Over winter break, I took Amara to the gym twice, letting her enjoy the play area while I knocked out proposals. The only downside? ChildWatch doesn’t provide lunch or nap times, so keep that in mind if you have little ones.
3. Community Groups & Playdates
Joining local community groups—whether online or in person—can be a great way to set up playdates and shared experiences. In my own social club, we plan activities in advance, making it easier to coordinate meetups that keep the kids entertained without spending a ton of money.
4. Your Local Library: A Free Resource Goldmine
Libraries aren’t just for books! They offer:
- Free coding classes and STEM camps
- Arts and crafts workshops
- Storytime and reading challenges
Bonus tip: Many libraries allow you to reserve meeting rooms for free, which is perfect for hosting playdates or educational meetups. As long as the event is open to the public and not for profit, you can take advantage of this great space.
5. Park-Hopping for Outdoor Fun
St. Louis has so many parks, and one of my favorite budget-friendly activities is simply rotating through different ones. Whether it’s a new playground, a nature trail, or a splash pad, switching up locations keeps things exciting for the kids. Check out St. Louis Mom’s park guides to discover new spots!
6. Stock Up on Snacks in Advance
One thing I’ve learned: kids are always hungry—especially in the summer! Many camps don’t provide meals, so I plan ahead by:
- Getting a Sam’s Club or Costco membership for bulk snack packs
- Prepping grab-and-go lunches to avoid buying expensive camp meals
- Keeping an at-home snack station stocked so I don’t hear “I’m hungry” every five minutes.
7. Budget-Friendly Family Vacations
My goal is always to take at least one family vacation a year, but with rising costs, I’ve had to get creative. Here’s how I save:
- Groupon Deals – They often have discounts for places like Great Wolf Lodge (which makes for an easy weekend trip to Kansas City!).
- Driveable Destinations – I stick to places we can drive to, cutting down on airfare costs.
- Splitting Airbnb Costs – Last summer, we did a group couples’ trip with friends, splitting an Airbnb. We spent just $200 for the entire weekend as a family of three! Having a kitchen meant we could cook some meals and still enjoy dining out one night.
8. Kids Bowl Free: A Fun & Affordable Activity
Last summer, I signed up for Kids Bowl Free (KidsBowlFree.com), and even though I forgot about it until the last week (lesson learned!), it’s still an amazing deal. Here’s how it works:
- You pay a one-time summer pass fee (starting around April).
- Kids get two free games per day at participating bowling alleys.
- It runs throughout the summer, right up until school starts.
I ended up using our pass at a bowling alley in Illinois where my family lives, and it was such a great experience. The food was good, the atmosphere was fun, and it was a perfect way to keep my daughter entertained indoors.
If you’re looking for low-cost summer activities, programs like this are a great way to add variety to your plans—just don’t forget to use it!
Final Thoughts: Start Planning Now
By getting a head start, I’m able to budget wisely, avoid last-minute stress, and keep my daughter engaged all year long. If you’re a busy mom looking for ways to make spring break and summer more affordable, now is the time to start researching and planning.
