Keeping up with your kids during the summer time and after school can be really hard, especially if you have to go to work during hours that they would normally be home. Daycares can really be a drain on the family budget and most won’t take children over a certain age. Luckily, there’s lots of nationwide programs that can help you keep your kids happy and busy without forcing you to spend a lot of money. Many of the programs are free, but some will require small deposits for classes or a membership. Despite the cost, you should be able to fit it into your budget without stress. Now, you can move on with your daily business without having to stress over your child.

1. YMCA
The YMCA is probably one of the most iconic programs and can be found all across the nation. Children and teenagers can sign up with their local YMCA and get a lot of benefits. Some of these institutions will actually pick children up from school if need be, but you may have to pay for this service. While at the YMCA, your child will be offered a wide range of activities. Most will have a gym for those who are aiming to workout. There is also typically a swimming pool and courses to help students with their swimming, diving, water aerobics and synchronized swimming skills. Many YMCAs will also have basketball courts and other sports equipment to keep children active and happy. Apart from that, there is typically arts and crafts, a game room and homework help, so your child can stay on track during the summer months or every day after school.

2. Boys and Girls Club
The Boys and Girls Club is a lot like the YMCA in many senses. This club also offers sports, arts and crafts and other activities to keep children occupied in the summer and after school. Many programs will offer transportation for children too, especially when school is in session. Generally, the Boys and Girls Club does charge, but they try to keep their fees incredibly low so that children 6-18 can enjoy the program and better their lives. Many Boy and Girls Clubs do allow children to do certain chores in order to pay off their fees, which shows children responsibility and the value of their time. Of course, this program doesn’t require children to sign in and parents don’t even have to pick up their child as it is not a licensed daycare facility. So, make sure your child follows the rules when it comes to spending time at this facility. Chances are, if your child is signed up for a sports league, it will be run through the Boys and Girls Club, so make sure to check them out if you’re looking for a good place for your kids to hang out.

3. Scouts
One of the leading groups in the country is a variety of scouts. May it be boy scouts, girl scouts, cub scouts, eagle scouts or any other scouting group you come across, your child is sure to have a lot of fun. Scouting groups have been popular in the country for decades as they help children learn a variety of survival and handy skills that improve their lives. Scouting also offers plenty of socialization and the ability to make friends that last a life time. Most scouts meet once a week, but during the summer there are all sorts of fun activities for them to take part in. Some troops will even run fundraisers so their troop can go to scout inspired summer camps, as well as camping trips and other field trips. For a low price, your child should be able to have lots of fun and learn many new things.

4. Colleges
If you’re looking for a great learning environment, then you might want to head to your local community college or university. Many of these higher education institutions offer classes for children too. Some of the colleges have after school programs that help children with their homework and teach them lots of interesting things through science experiments and arts and crafts. Many of the schools will even take in children for a low price to help students who are moving into early education studies. Younger children aren’t the only ones that benefit though as many colleges offer programs to help older students get on the right path to college. Between tutoring and fun projects, your child will begin to think of the college as an exciting place that they love to spend time at.

5. Recreation Centers
Many communities offer a wide variety of recreation centers that may come in handy for your child. Usually, these centers aren’t as intricate as the YMCA, but they do offer a safe place for kids to hang out after school or during the summer months. Usually the recreation center is also responsible for many sports leagues in the community, which will help your child stay busy and active too. Some of these centers will charge for your child to stay with them, whereas others will not, so you may want to call around and ask before making any final decisions. A lot of these recreation centers aren’t designed for younger kids though, but can help junior high and high school students stay entertained when you don’t want them home alone.

6. Churches
More often than not, most churches will have a small daycare going on inside throughout the week. If you have younger children this may be a great option. Generally, churches charge much less than daycare facilities, especially if you are a member of the church. During church services, you can typically leave a baby or toddler in the daycare facility at no cost, which will allow you to enjoy the service. Young children aren’t the only ones who benefit from churches either. If you have older children, there tends to be youth services and youth groups which will bring some fun to the summer and after school. These programs tend to include camps, competitions, games and food, which is a great way to keep older kids happy. Some churches even run volunteer programs children can apply for after school, which will keep everyone busy. Another great aspect of the church in the summer is it offers vacation Bible school for free, which allows kids of all ages to have fun while learning.

7. Library
The library is one of the most valuable resources in any community. Not only can books keep kids busy during the summer and after school, but the library also goes to great lengths in order to bring programs to young readers throughout the year. Most libraries will have a summer reading program which allows kids to get a prize simply for reading a certain number of books or pages. This is great encouragement and will keep kids minds active when they’re not in class. Apart from reading programs, you should also be able to sign your children up for movie hour, story time and a wide selection of arts and crafts as well as games. For some children, these activities can go on all day long. Some, but not all, of libraries offer after school programs with the same concept, which is great for kids who may have to spend time alone after school.

8. Museums
Most people see museums as a place to learn, but many only see the exhibits displayed. There’s probably a lot more to your local museum then you realize. It doesn’t matter if it’s an art, history or science museum as each will offer an assortment of activities and classes to make anyone eager to learn happy. Many of these courses are designed for children, which is sure to make things easier in the summer months. Your child can sign up for all sorts of classes at a low price, which can help keep everyone occupied during your work hours. Some museums will even offer weekly classes for those who want to come in after school. These longer courses are a lot like college courses for kids, but offer fun experiments in a certain field or medium. Generally, the classes won’t cost you an arm and a leg either, which is always a bonus. Your museums website should have all the information you need to sign up your student.

9. Big Brother/Sister Program
If you’re a single parent, then you should be able to enroll your child in the Big Brother/Sister Program. Some families with both parents can even enroll, depending on your needs. This program is great for young children as it offers them a role model that will take them to do fun activities during the summer and on the weekends. Big brothers and sisters are screened to ensure they will provide a positive influence in your child’s life. Many are college students who want to do their part for the next generation. Usually when your child is paired with a big brother or sister, they will be able to get to know your child and plan activities based on their needs and desires. Many of these volunteers will also help children out with homework, while working to build confidence in school and other aspects of life.

10. Your Child’s School
One of the best resources around may be right under your nose. That is, your child’s school. A lot of schools have started to implement after school programs for younger children. These programs often include tutoring, activities and a safe place to hang out for a while. Some of these programs will cost you money, but many schools simply require a sign up for your child to take part. If your child is in an activity at school, then chances are they are already staying after school at no charge to you. Activities like band, athletics and drama often keep kids after so they can practice outside of the schools learning hours. Summer school is also a fantastic option for most children. A lot of kids will lose 2 months’ worth of learning when the final bell rings for summer. By putting your child in summer school, they will not only keep their knowledge, but will also get ahead of the curve. High school students who take summer school on their own accord may even be able to graduate sooner or work on college credits.

When it comes to your child’s life after school or during the summer, you shouldn’t have to stress out about their whereabouts. These ten options will give you alternatives that will keep your kids safe while allowing them to expand their minds and have some fun. Although some of these programs do charge, you’ll find you wind up saving money by using them in comparison to other basic childcare options.