https://boards.hellobee.com/ Pregnancy, Baby and Parenting blog, by Hellobee en Fri, 22 May 2026 17:46:26 +0000 https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/how-much-do-you-spend-on-classesactivities#post-1896136 Thu, 09 Oct 2014 22:36:56 +0000 fairy 1896136@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Most stuff around here is free or fairly cheap like $7-10 per class. I decided to only do the free stuff (musical story time, regular story time, playgroups, parks, free museums, etc) because I felt I couldn't really justify the cost for infant classes when I could do the same things (music, swimming, etc) on my own with my daughter so it would really just be paying to meet other parents which I can do at the free activities. :silly: I'll save the paid stuff for when she's older (16 months right now) - agreeing with the others that there won't be much for little infants. The free stuff around here for infants was a "tummy time" group at a museum and library story time, and the only other things are maybe a music class or gymboree. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/how-much-do-you-spend-on-classesactivities#post-1896024 Thu, 09 Oct 2014 20:40:48 +0000 BandDmommy 1896024@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@LaughLines: as PP mentioned there is not much you will do when your LO is really little. I think the first activity we enrolled DS was Gymboree. I can't remember how much it cost. Most activities are for kids that are sitting up, crawling or walking. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/how-much-do-you-spend-on-classesactivities#post-1894596 Thu, 09 Oct 2014 07:58:39 +0000 Mamaof2 1894596@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>When you LO is older check out the YMCA programs - we aren't members but the rates are great!</p> <p>$136 for 10 weeks of T-Ball</p> <p>$75 for 8 weeks of ballet </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/how-much-do-you-spend-on-classesactivities#post-1894595 Thu, 09 Oct 2014 07:57:36 +0000 gilmoregirl 1894595@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I didn't start taking my LO to anything until he was 5ish months and could kinda sit up. I know people will say it's too early to do that kind of stuff with them, but we were getting crazy bored and it's nice to get out and meet other moms and babies.</p> <p>We make an effort to do free things as much as possible -- there are two baby story times at local libraries. I joined a mom's group through meetup that has some events -farm tours, crafts, etc. It's hit or miss for a baby as little as mine, but we both benefit from getting out of the house.</p> <p>I took a sample music class and really liked it. It's $55/month if I decided to sign up, but I'm not sure that we will. I am considering a Mommy &amp; Me yoga class that is about $11/class.</p> <p>I think there is a lot of value in trying classes if they fit into your budget. I don't have much wiggle room, and I'm only home temporarily, but I have a very active little guy who looooves to get out and see new things. It's tricky though, because he still naps 2-3 times a day, but going places is helping him be more flexible with sleep (I think). </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/how-much-do-you-spend-on-classesactivities#post-1894578 Thu, 09 Oct 2014 07:46:47 +0000 lawbee11 1894578@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>We have a zoo membership ($96/year) and a children's museum membership ($95/year). A lot of the classes I want her to be in are for older toddlers, but I am planning to sign her up at the Little Gym soon, though I'm not sure how much it costs. She'll also take swim lessons next summer. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/how-much-do-you-spend-on-classesactivities#post-1894577 Thu, 09 Oct 2014 07:46:37 +0000 illumina 1894577@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>LO is only 12 months so we don't do any classes yet, though I take her to soft play every couple of weeks and that costs £5 ($8). We did a free trial the other week for a music class, which at £7 ($11) is just too expensive for half an hour! There is another one which costs £4 ($6.5) which we will start after Christmas. At this stage, LO is just as happy going to the park or the beach which is free! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/how-much-do-you-spend-on-classesactivities#post-1894574 Thu, 09 Oct 2014 07:42:51 +0000 looch 1894574@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Let's see, we've done:</p> <p>10 sessions at a drop in play group, cost about $150<br /> Passes for the local pool, at a daily rate of $7 per person<br /> Daily passes for the children's museum, at a rate of at least $15 per person<br /> Daily passes for the transportation museum, at least $15 per person<br /> Yearly pass for the zoo, $200 family membership<br /> Yearly pass for the children's museum, $150 family membership<br /> Soccer, 10 sessions at $250</p> <p>We're now considering a gymnastics program at about $450 for a session (aug-jan, feb-may).</p> <p>I really wish though, we didn't have to feel badly about what we spend or having to justify it by saying it is regional (which it is, it's cost of living based, is it really that shocking?). I dislike this spend shaming that is going on in this thread. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/how-much-do-you-spend-on-classesactivities#post-1894573 Thu, 09 Oct 2014 07:42:25 +0000 lamariniere 1894573@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Prices are definitely regional. We have year memberships to the zoo and the technical museum which is really kid oriented, both are relatively cheap at €45ish and €24/year respectively. I just signed up my 3.5 year old for an in-preschool gym class. It's once a week for 2 hours and it was €400 for 20 weeks. Like others have said, I would look for local toddler or parent groups, check out the library or community center in your area and any parks and recreation or cultural office that might have free or inexpensive children's activities. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/how-much-do-you-spend-on-classesactivities#post-1894538 Thu, 09 Oct 2014 07:13:08 +0000 JerricaBenton 1894538@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I haven't really figured it out because all our classes are 6-10 week sessions, but I think maybe $250/month? She's 20 months now and we do a class 4 days a week. Starting at 6 months though, we only did one, maybe two a week so it was less. It's worth it to me - we have a lot of fun and try new things and have met some good friends! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/how-much-do-you-spend-on-classesactivities#post-1894515 Thu, 09 Oct 2014 06:15:12 +0000 SleepyMonkey 1894515@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@hilsy85: gotta love NY kids club! Painful... </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/how-much-do-you-spend-on-classesactivities#post-1894506 Thu, 09 Oct 2014 06:03:45 +0000 bushelandapeck 1894506@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>DS gies to gymnastics $100/month, part time preschool $180/month, and then we go to free library story time, use the library passes for doscounts to the aquarium,zoo, etc, and will be enrolling him in swimming this winter $15/class. We spend most of our afternoons at the park or on play dates with other mom friends with toddlers. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/how-much-do-you-spend-on-classesactivities#post-1894499 Thu, 09 Oct 2014 05:53:58 +0000 hilsy85 1894499@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@BandDmommy: it is awesome!! Lo really likes it and has actually tried a lot of new things. And we discovered he loves raw tomato and raw onion lol. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/how-much-do-you-spend-on-classesactivities#post-1894490 Thu, 09 Oct 2014 05:37:54 +0000 BandDmommy 1894490@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@hilsy85: How do you like the cooking class? There is a cooking class here, but it's for 3 year olds. I love the idea! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/how-much-do-you-spend-on-classesactivities#post-1894485 Thu, 09 Oct 2014 05:07:26 +0000 Bao 1894485@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Wow some of these are the price of my mortgage! We only do free activities like the library or we use the museum pass my grandma gifted us. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/how-much-do-you-spend-on-classesactivities#post-1894470 Thu, 09 Oct 2014 00:16:07 +0000 photojane 1894470@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Zero! Those things are crazy expensive, IMO. We do free activities or play groups. I do want to put her in ballet when she's older, but as an infant/toddler, I didn't/don't find any classes necessary at all. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/how-much-do-you-spend-on-classesactivities#post-1894462 Wed, 08 Oct 2014 23:09:56 +0000 pinkcupcake 1894462@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Right now, we are doing 2x week AM preschool ($150/month - it's cheaper b/c it's a co-op) and swimming 1x week (30 minute lesson, $75/month). We usually do Music Together ($175 for 10 weeks), but couldn't this quarter due to scheduling conflicts w/preschool. Am thinking about enrolling her in ballet - that would probably be another $50/month. </p> <p>We also have a children's museum membership ($90/year) but we haven't gone in awhile... will probably go once it starts raining again. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/how-much-do-you-spend-on-classesactivities#post-1894441 Wed, 08 Oct 2014 21:50:47 +0000 yerpie110 1894441@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>LO does 3 classes through our town. It's $70 per class per semester, which runs from sept-dec. we also do a free library story time, but unfortunately, there isn't much else by U.S. that's free. We're located in North Jersey, 10 min away from NYC. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/how-much-do-you-spend-on-classesactivities#post-1894400 Wed, 08 Oct 2014 21:05:02 +0000 DillonLion 1894400@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Nothing! We only do free stuff. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/how-much-do-you-spend-on-classesactivities#post-1894395 Wed, 08 Oct 2014 21:02:22 +0000 Rainbow Sprinkles 1894395@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>We have a Year membership and do gymnastics and swim through that. W is $14 A month. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/how-much-do-you-spend-on-classesactivities#post-1894386 Wed, 08 Oct 2014 20:56:37 +0000 Freckles 1894386@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Gymnastics is $150 for 2 months, swimming is about $60-80 for a few months. We typically do about 3 activities a year. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/how-much-do-you-spend-on-classesactivities#post-1894379 Wed, 08 Oct 2014 20:49:00 +0000 mrsjyw 1894379@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Zoo and science center memberships for do and I,ds is still free is $120 annually.</p> <p>Swim class is 80/month,aquatots</p> <p>Looking for a gymnastics or soccer class for ds now.</p> <p>And maybe an art or music class.</p> <p>We take more classes during our long dreary winters! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/how-much-do-you-spend-on-classesactivities#post-1894377 Wed, 08 Oct 2014 20:47:14 +0000 immabeetoo 1894377@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@LaughLines: look for mom's groups on meetup.com &amp; postpartum or breastfeeding support groups! the latter will get you in with moms who have similar aged babies :) </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/how-much-do-you-spend-on-classesactivities#post-1894376 Wed, 08 Oct 2014 20:46:07 +0000 hilsy85 1894376@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@scg00387: ha yep it's insane :silly: Only good thing is it makes the cost of preschool not seem so bad because you stop doing as many classes! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/how-much-do-you-spend-on-classesactivities#post-1894370 Wed, 08 Oct 2014 20:42:32 +0000 immabeetoo 1894370@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@hilsy85: my jaw literally dropped!</p> <p>We went to all free until he was closer to 11 months and a strong walker (story time, playdates). We now have a zoo/sci center annual pass that was $150 ish, go to a free indoor gym through our community center, a free indoor playspace through another community center, and are going to try and get to a free music class through another city's community center. Swimming lessons for 2 months are about $45, same price for Little Gym, the local cooking class and other music classes.</p> <p>We'll also be trying a $15 a session art class that's an hour long and just set up with different stations. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/how-much-do-you-spend-on-classesactivities#post-1894349 Wed, 08 Oct 2014 20:26:21 +0000 Mrs. Jump Rope 1894349@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>We didn't enroll in anything until last year!</p> <p>I agree with everyone else, it's very regional.<br /> Our zoo is $14/pp. We were gifted a family membership, and going three times paid for itself. </p> <p>Preschool is $141/Mo<br /> Gymnastics is $55/mo</p> <p>We aren't enrolled but our local YMCA IS $99/mo and has a pool and a gym. Our community pool is $400+ for a family summer pass (also not enrolled). </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/how-much-do-you-spend-on-classesactivities#post-1894343 Wed, 08 Oct 2014 20:24:17 +0000 mrsjazz 1894343@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>We didn't do a lot of classes when she was under 1. She honestly was content with me singing to her and making funny faces. If we did the occasional class, it was usually a drop-in for $5-15.</p> <p>LO is a member of the YMCA and that's about $150. She used to take classes there that were part of her membership. LO is not currently enrolled in any classes, though, it's hard to find classes on the weekends that don't get filled up right away and we work full-time. </p> <p>Over the summer she took a swim class that was about $125 for 10 weeks. She does drop-in on Tuesdays and Thursdays at a sing along with her nanny and that's $5-10. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/how-much-do-you-spend-on-classesactivities#post-1894332 Wed, 08 Oct 2014 20:14:52 +0000 fancyfunction 1894332@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>We're in a NYC suburb and pay around $125/mo. for gym class and $300 for a 10-week music class. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/how-much-do-you-spend-on-classesactivities#post-1894323 Wed, 08 Oct 2014 20:06:02 +0000 Mrs. Lion 1894323@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>We just this last month (18 months) paid for our first class. So far we are sticking to rec department stuff because it is reasonable. I am finding it to be about $10 per week (one class per week), so about $30 for 3 classes. </p> <p>We also pay for a gym membership, which is about $65 per month and includes 2 hours of childcare per day if I am at the gym. The childcare there is run like a cross between drop in gym and preschool. They have a schedule with music time and art and playground time etc. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/how-much-do-you-spend-on-classesactivities#post-1894295 Wed, 08 Oct 2014 19:41:37 +0000 Mrs. Pen 1894295@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>We've been doing one activity at a time. He is in swimming, and it was $27 for September-November, once a week. It's highly discounted because we're YMCA members.</p> <p>Now that he's 2.5 I really want to enroll him in a group music class. I know he would love it. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/how-much-do-you-spend-on-classesactivities#post-1894294 Wed, 08 Oct 2014 19:41:11 +0000 Sparkler 1894294@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I wouldn't bother worrying too much about planned activities the first year as stimulation from you and being well rested will be more important than activities. Starting somewhere between 12-18 months I would try to do at least 2 activities a week for socialization and your own sanity! We have a nanny and do a combo of some free things (story time, gym play space, playground), some low cost like swimming and community center play group and then splurges like gymnastics and music together. If you look, there are lots of opportunities to save... Museum passes from the library, kids smoothies and story time at whole foods, I am sure whatever your budget is, you will find ways to have fun and stay busy! </p>