Guides / Activities and summer
Summer camp and summer childcare costs
Plan in winter, compare options, and use tax breaks where they apply.
For working parents, summer means covering ten or more weeks of childcare. Planning early opens up cheaper options and avoids last-minute prices.
Options to compare
- Parks and recreation day camps, often the lowest cost
- YMCA, Boys and Girls Clubs and community centers, which often have sliding-scale fees
- School district summer programs
- Specialty camps for a week or two, mixed with lower-cost weeks
- Swapping days with other families or relatives
Tax breaks
- A dependent care FSA can usually be used for day camp while you work, but not overnight camp
- Day camp can also count toward the child and dependent care tax credit
- Keep receipts and the camp's tax ID number
Timing
Many camps open registration in winter and fill quickly. Early-bird discounts are common.
General information, not tax advice. Check IRS.gov or a tax professional for your situation. Family Nickel Saver isn't paid by any bank, plan or brand.