I paid $2,292 for my kids’ after-school activities last year — and that was just the starting price

Youth sports is now a $40 billion industry, and the average family spent $1,016 on their child’s primary sport in 2024, a 45% increase from just five years ago, according to Aspen Institute’s Project Play .

When I saw this number, I almost laughed. Last season, we spent $2,292 on extracurricular activities for our two boys, ages 6 and 8. And this just covered registration fees and uniforms. The real total we’re paying is far higher.

As a mom of multiple kids, I couldn’t help but feel that the cost of kids’ sports has become completely out of reach for many families. We’ve found ways to save, but it’s still a big commitment.

The costs add up…