More Movement for Your Money: Choosing Kids’ Activities Wisely in 2026

By Danie O’Connor, CEO and Franchisor of Ready Steady Go Kids

Raising a family has never been a small line item, and in 2026, many Australian parents are feeling the squeeze from every direction. Groceries, childcare, housing, uniforms, birthday presents and the occasional emergency ice cream all add up quickly.

The Choosi Cost of Kids Report 2026, based on research from MYMAVINS involving 1,210 Australian parents and couples planning a family, found that parents with children under 19 estimate spending around $12,151 a year on their children. Sport and exercise activities account for an average of $734, while extracurricular learning and tutoring add another $582.

The report also found that seven in 10 parents and expecting couples believe raising children in Australia is becoming unaffordable for many families. That is a sobering figure, particularly when many parents are already trying to make every dollar, school run and cup of coffee stretch a little further.

So, when it comes to children’s activities, perhaps the question is not simply, “Can we afford this?” It is also, “What value will this bring to our child and our family?”

Look beyond the cost!

When families compare activities, it is easy to focus on the weekly cost. However, the true investment can include uniforms, equipment, travel, make-up sessions and the time spent driving between different venues.

A child might do soccer one term, Basketball the next and another sport after that. Each activity can be wonderful, but managing multiple enrolments may mean multiple fees, uniforms, timetables and weekend commitments. For parents already operating on very little sleep, that can feel like running an administrative marathon before breakfast.

At Ready Steady Go Kids, we designed our program to give young children broad movement experiences in one structured program. Our physio-designed classes introduce children aged 1.5 to 6 years to 10 different sports, helping them develop a wide range of skills without early specialisation.

That means one enrolment and one familiar environment, while children practice running, jumping, balancing, throwing, catching and kicking in a fun, non-competitive setting.

Investing in physical literacy

We are not just teaching sport. We are helping children build physical literacy: the confidence, coordination, motivation and movement skills to participate in physical activity throughout life.

As Carmen, our in-house occupational therapy expert, explains:

“Physical literacy begins with positive movement experiences. When young children feel capable, supported and successful, they are more likely to keep exploring movement and develop the confidence to join in.”

That matters because an activity should do more than fill an hour in the calendar. It should help your child feel confident in their body, connect with others and develop skills they can use at preschool, school, on the playground and beyond.

Our classes are structured across four developmental levels : Get Ready, Ready, Steady and Go : so children can work on age- and stage-appropriate skills. The aim is to provide meaningful development alongside plenty of laughter, encouragement and the occasional enthusiastic ball chase.

A few money-smart questions for parents

Before enrolling in an activity, consider:

• Does my child enjoy it or show curiosity about it?
• What skills will they develop?
• Are equipment and uniform costs included?
• Is the program suitable for their age and stage?
• Can the whole family manage the timetable?
• Will this activity complement, rather than crowd out, other priorities?

A simple family budget can also help. MoneySmart’s budget planner is a useful place to start, particularly if activity fees seem to be appearing from every direction.

Families may also be eligible for local council programs, state sports vouchers or community activities. It is worth checking what is available in your area before assuming every opportunity needs to come with a large price tag.

In a year when many families are doing more with less, choosing an activity that supports physical, social and emotional development is a smart move. For me, value is not only about the lowest cost. It is about creating positive experiences that help children grow : while making life a little simpler for parents, too.

Source: Choosi Cost of Kids Report 2026, based on research conducted by MYMAVINS among 1,210 Australian parents and couples planning a family, April–May 2026.