Why Are Kids’ Activities So Expensive? … A Mom’s Rant

Why Are Kids’ Activities So Expensive? … A Mom’s Rant

When did it become this hard just to take our kids to fun activities? Every time I check out a new class, event, or holiday activity, I’m left wondering, “When did this become a luxury?” Don’t get me wrong, I’m lucky that as a writer, I get to access a lot of events for free or at a discount — though it does mean hours of social media and posting commitments. But if I didn’t have these opportunities, I’d be facing some serious choices about which activities make the cut, because wow, are these prices high.

Take the Holiday Tea events, for example. A friend recently shared the price for one of the most popular options, and my jaw dropped. I thought maybe I’d misread something, but no — there it was in all its festive glory, complete with hefty fees on top. I mean, seriously? What exactly are those fees covering? Don’t get me started on Polar Express. I’m still recovering from the cost of taking my family of 4.

Lately, I’ve had so many conversations with other moms about how we’re being priced out of the experiences that make the season magical. We want to make memories and do all the holiday things, but at the end of the day, we also have to keep the lights on. And let’s be real: inflation isn’t helping any of this.

It feels like we’re constantly forced to choose: do I splurge on a fun experience or stick to what’s practical? The sad truth is that many kids end up missing out. While I know it’s a privilege even to consider these events in our budget, the reality is that it’s a stretch for most families. And it’s not about feeling “entitled” to do every holiday activity — it’s that the cost shouldn’t be so high that a simple outing turns into a major financial decision.

So, here’s my plea to anyone in charge of these prices: consider the budgets of the families you’re trying to reach. So many parents are being priced out of the experiences that are supposed to make childhood magical. It’s not just the entry fees that are stacking up; it’s the added costs for everything — from parking and food to “convenience” charges and required purchases like event-specific outfits or photos. It’s exhausting.

Ultimately, it’s about balance. We want our kids to experience joy and create lasting memories, but we also want to protect our family’s financial well-being. So, as we navigate this new reality of rising costs, it’s important for businesses and organizations to be mindful of how they price these events. Let’s make the magic of childhood accessible to all families, without forcing us to make impossible choices or feel like we’re being taken advantage of just for trying to enjoy some quality time together. At the end of the day, all we want is to create memories without having to sacrifice so much just to participate.