St. Pete-Clearwater Sun

With school nearly out, many Tampa Bay parents are feeling the financial squeeze of summer childcare on top of already rising grocery and gas bills.

Kari Thomas, a South Tampa mother, says she wants to give her child everything, but the cost makes it feel impossible. She told FOX 13 she experiences “mom guilt” each summer, scrambling to find affordable camps in time.

Consumer savings expert Andrea Woroch says the situation is manageable with the right approach, recommending that families seek out low- or no-cost activities such as public libraries, recreation centers, and discounted movie screenings. She noted that some theater chains, including Regal Cinemas, offer family-friendly summer movie programs for as little as a dollar per showing.

For structured childcare, the Tampa Metropolitan YMCA is one option still with openings. Matt Lewis, the organization’s vice president of membership and programs, said the YMCA does not turn away families who cannot afford full tuition and provides financial assistance on request. The camps include activities ranging from nature education and sports to horseback riding and climbing at YMCA Camp Christina. Most of the summer, the program also provides children with two meals a day.

For families who prefer to stay closer to home, Woroch suggests backyard camping, hotel day passes for pool access, staycations, matinee shows, and shopping resale marketplaces for summer gear.

Thomas said she makes it work by taking advantage of free local resources, her YMCA membership, and simple neighborhood outings like walks to a nearby ice cream shop.

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