Rising childcare costs make summer fun more difficult: Affordable Bay Area options for families

The Brief

  • Rising childcare, grocery and gas costs are making summer increasingly difficult for Bay Area families trying to afford camps and activities for their children.
  • Consumer experts recommend low-cost and free options like libraries, recreation centers, discounted movie programs, staycations and backyard camping to help families save money.
  • The Tampa Metropolitan YMCA says it offers affordable summer camp programs, financial assistance and meals for children to ensure families still have access to safe summer activities.

TAMPA, Fla. Kari Thomas is a South Tampa mom. She wants to give her child everything but said the cost makes that impossible.

What they’re saying:

“I have ‘mom guilt’ every summer,” Thomas said. “Because here we are with one week left of school, and I haven’t found a camp for him to go to.”

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