Save money while keeping your kids busy

But some local businesses that cater to young children are offering special discounts – a win-win for parents who want their young ones to stay involved and the businesses looking to boost revenue.

But because not all businesses are advertising or promoting their deals, parents need to ask.

Young's Gymnastics and Cheerleading in Wake Forest, for example, now has more open-gym sessions, owner Alan Young says. That means parents do not have to commit to the facility's nine-week program.

It's also offering various payment plans and catering more to birthday parties.

"Parents have lost jobs. We probably heard that more than ever before," Young said. "We just had to come up with more creative ways to generate revenue in different areas."

Across town, Margaret Galvan settled on Kindermusik as the only activity for her child.

With enrollment down so far this year, Kindermusik is promoting early-registration specials and sibling and referral discounts. Sign up for two sessions, and the center is offering the second at 25 percent off.

"We do look for special deals," Galvan said. "The economy, the current situation, has hit us."