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 gets under way 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.

Even just one of these options below may help boost your budget this school year.

BUY USED EQUIPMENT

When it comes to sports, consider going secondhand since children can outgrow gear quickly. You may not want to shell out $120 for new ice hockey skates, for instance, if your son will only need a bigger size next year.

Beyond the more obvious venues, such as eBay.com, the Salvation Army and garage sales, one place to get used equipment is Play It Again Sports, which has 400 locations nationwide. Used items typically sell anywhere from 40 percent to 70 percent off the regular retail price, said Steven Murphy, president of franchising for parent company Winmark Corp. The stores also sell discounted new equipment.

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 be sure to compare the costs of your school's leasing program versus buying.

Music Go Round, another franchise owned by Winmark, has 37 locations nationwide. You can find out if there's a location near you by visiting www.musicgo round.com. Even if there's not a local store, you can check the inventory of individual stores online. 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.

CHEAPER INSTRUCTION

If one-on-one lessons are too expensive, consider some 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 nationwide. 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.

There are also more than 2,600 YMCA branches nationwide, with prices varying by location as well.

As a reference point, a family membership at the YMCA in Metuchen, N.J., cost $724 a year, with certain classes such as swimming, dance, art and drama costing extra.

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.

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 as well. 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.

One way to connect with parents is to go online. You may find your neighborhood already has a parents group, such as ParkSlopeParent.com, which is based in Brooklyn. On Meetup.com, members can search for groups by city or topic, such as "parents," which lists numerous groups centered on an array of specific interests. Moms in several locations can connect with other mothers in their area at Momslikeme.com.

Judy Ausuebel of the AP News Research Center in New York contributed to this report.