associated press photo by Eric Risberg Michelle Menegaz spends time after school with her 6-year-old daughter, Gabi, at a Boys and Girls Club in San Francisco.

NEW YORK -- The itinerary of athletic meets, music lessons, and club activities that's triggered when the school bell rings isn't just chaotic -- it comes with a hefty price tag, too.

As the school year chugs along in this shaky economy, there are measures you can take to ensure your children's pursuits don't eat away at your household budget. Secondhand sports gear and musical instruments and affordable after school activities are a few ways to keep spending in check.

The effort will be worthwhile if it means keeping your kids involved in extracurriculars.

"I know that parents are thinking it's a hardship, but it's worth it. Children who have a connection to the arts do better in school, are more engaged and have better attendance," said Jan Harp Domene, national president for the Parent Teachers Association.

BUY USED

When it comes to sports, consider going secondhand since children can outgrow gear quickly. You may not want to shell out $75 for new football cleats, for example, if your son will only need a bigger size next year.

Some of the more obvious venues are the Reporter-News classified section, eBay.com, the Salvation Army and garage sales.

Don't let old equipment sit around the house either -- sell it online or at a consignment shop for cash or store credit.

For musical instruction, some schools lease instruments through a music store on a monthly basis. If your child is likely to stick with the trumpet, however, it might save to buy rather than taking the pay-as-you-go method.

Prices for musical instruments vary widely depending on the brand, so compare the costs of your school's leasing program versus buying.

You can often check the inventory of individual stores online, such as King Music in Abilene and Brownwood (http://king-music.com/), and N-Tune Music and Sound in Abilene (www.ntunemusic.com/). If you find what you're looking for you can call that store and have the item shipped.

Independent music stores in your area may also sell used instruments. Enlist friends and family, too -- you may be surprised to find they still have an old flute or clarinet stored away somewhere.

FIND AFFORDABLE INSTRUCTION

If one-on-one lessons are too expensive, consider affordable alternatives.

Michelle Menegaz, a 41-year-old mother in San Francisco, signed up for a $10 membership at the Boys & Girls Clubs of America this year so her 6-year-old daughter Gabi could take after school swimming lessons (which cost an additional $5 a month).

"It was prompted by a need to find quality, affordable care," said Menegaz, whose budget ruled out a popular $300-a-month care program offered at her daughter's school.

Membership fees vary at the 4,300 Boys & Girls Club locations across the country. Even if you can't afford the fee, children can pay their way by helping out around the club. Boys and Girls Clubs offer an array of programs focusing on sports, homework, the arts, and even nutrition.

In Abilene, call the Boys and Girls Clubs at 672-1712 for information about the various locations and programs.

There are also more than 2,600 YMCA branches nationwide, with prices varying by location as well. In Abilene, check out the locations at 3250 State St. (677-8144) and 3125 S. 32nd St. (695-3400). Nonmember daily fees are $5 for ages 13 to 17 and ages 60 and up; and $7 for ages 18-58.

Girl Scouts and Boy Scouts meanwhile charge just $10 for annual membership, with additional fees possible for troop meetings or outings. Many local councils for both groups often collect used uniforms for those who can't afford them.

Little League Baseball isn't expensive, either. In fact, local leagues are not allowed to turn away any children who can't pay, said Chris Downs, a Little League spokesman.

The average season fee to participate in a local Little League is $50, Downs said, but may be much less. Some leagues rely on local businesses for funding and are free to kids.

TAP FRIENDS AND NEIGHBORS

Lastly, make it a point to meet other parents in your neighborhood or at your child's school. It's likely you'll find others looking for ways to budget in this economy. If your children participate in the same activities, you may save time and gas money by car pooling.

Getting to know other families also widens the pool of people you can tap for hand-me-down equipment, clothes or musical instruments and potential baby sitters or tutors.