Extra-Curricular (not Extra-Money)

School season is approaching, and so are the extracurricular activities. The big question on every single mom’s mind: Where is the extra money to pay for extracurriculars?

Here’s the good news: your kids can dive into their interests without you having to scramble for extra cash. By tapping into community resources, your kids can explore their passions while your bank account stays happy.

Tutoring

Your dear kids need extra support with schoolwork, but your bank balance can’t afford typical tutoring prices. Not to worry! Hennepin County Library offers FREE tutoring and homework help for K-12 students, both online and in person.

For younger children, Hennepin County Library offers specialized K-5 reading support. Your child meets weekly one-on-one with trained volunteers to work on grade-level reading skills. Sessions are scheduled in advance by appointment only.

The best part? You just need a Hennepin County Library card. Sign up today and get the support your kids need without the expensive price tag.

Big Brothers Big Sisters

Wouldn’t it be amazing if your children had a dedicated adult in their life whose sole purpose was to have fun with them? A mentor who your kids can look up to, who guides them, who is another safe person in their world, and who commits to seeing them two to four times a month.

Welcome to Big Brothers Big Sisters, a national organization whose mission is to create and support one-to-one mentoring relationships that ignite the power and promise of youth. The Twin Cities chapter enrolls Littles (children) who are 8 to 13 years old when they first join. It is at least a one-year commitment (often it extends way beyond that!), and best of all, it is completely free.

Children have access to an incredible variety of free activities and events hosted by Big Brothers Big Sisters to enjoy with their Big (mentor). These experiences include live sporting events, sports clinics with professional teams, art programs, STEM activities, career exploration, biannual picnics, back-to-school fairs, and even equine therapy!

To all you amazing single moms who are doing it all, remember that you do not have to do it alone. If you want to give your child an extra layer of support, encouragement, and fun, this is a wonderful, cost-free opportunity. Take a moment to enroll your child today and welcome a positive new mentor into their life.

Girl Scouts and Scouting America

Girl Scouts and Scouting America have evolved over the years into organizations that promote STEM, problem-solving, leadership, and self-confidence. They also offer low-income families financial support that covers membership dues, uniforms, events, and camps.

One of the many great things about scouting is that if there is a specific skill or hobby you don’t have as a single mom, I guarantee someone in the organization does! Your children will be exposed to a range of new ideas, try different activities, and pick up some wonderful life lessons along the way.

If you've been looking for a new activity for your child that fits easily into your budget, scouting is a wonderful option. With generous financial help ready to cover almost everything, you can give them all the fun and friendship of an amazing after-school activity at little to no cost to you.

Sports

You want your children to play outside, get some fresh air, move around, and burn off all that excess energy! You just don’t want the high expenses that come with private sports clubs.

Did you know that there are scholarships available through most city parks and recreation centers? Try searching Google for your city's parks and recreation scholarships. I guarantee there are funds available to help cover local community programs. These scholarships are typically good for one calendar year, so just make sure to reapply annually!

When it comes to sports equipment, always look for free or secondhand options first! Check Facebook Marketplace for free or low-cost gear, or stop by Play It Again Sports for great secondhand deals. Reaching out to friends and family to see if they have any outgrown gear you can borrow for the season.

You’ve got this, mom! You’re smart. You’re capable. You’re going to make sure your kids pursue their interests, try new things, and gain confidence. And you can do it all without draining your bank balance!

P.S. Check out our Resources page for more savings!