There are many ways to keep kids healthy and active without emptying your pockets. As a part of our Fit Kids February coverage, Time Warner Cable News’ Tara Lynn Wagner has some tips in this Money Matters report.

From baby yoga to sports camps, keeping your kids fit can be costly. But it doesn't have to be.  Anna Fader is the founder of the parenting blog Mommy Poppins.  She says when it comes to finding low cost fitness options, start by looking locally.

"The first place I would look would be at your local parks and rec department. They have often free classes and programs like swimming classes, tennis programs and other sports programs," she says.

Speaking of sports programs, one way to keep kids active and motivated is to get them involved in a team. 

"There's little league, sometimes football, soccer, basketball all kinds of different leagues that can be run by community organizations," says Fader.

"You have to be fit to play organized sports, so before you play the game you run, you stretch, you learn how far to run, how fast to run and when to run," says Bob Townley, Founder and Executive Director of Manhattan Youth.

Many fitness programs are offered through organizations that require a membership, but Fader says do not just write them off because you think you cannot afford it.

"The truth is a lot of people do get financial aid if they really need it and many programs offer it, especially larger organizations," she says.

The YMCA offers a financial aid application on its website.  Independent businesses may offer scholarships as well. When Bob Townley founded Manhattan Youth in TriBeCa, he says he wanted to start an agency his grandfather - a cab driver - could have sent him to.

"We give out over a million dollars a year in scholarships.  But your do have to ask and the asking can be a little bit, people can be a little bit shy," he says.

You do not have to join a formalized program in order to keep your kids fit. There are plenty of ways to do it on your own without spending a dime.

Once thing Fader suggests is signing the family up for charity 5Ks or walkathons.

Also, she says make a habit of going to the park and just running around.  In addition, if you cannot get outside, you can always bring the fun and fitness indoors.

"Having a pillow fight, playing hide-and-seek, playing tag in your backyard, a lot of it you can do indoors, it might make a little bit of a mess. But you know what? Cleaning up is good exercise too," says Fader.

During the month of February, Time Warner Cable News is committed to informing our viewers of the sometimes alarming trends facing our kids' health as well as provide helpful tips for busy parents.  Get more information on Fit Kids February, including the Fit Kids Challenge, healthy shopping suggestions and ways you can get involved to help make you and your children healthier!