Summer vacation might be a thrill for kids, but it can be a real burden for parents—especially as the cost of keeping children amused is going up.

Summer vacation might be a thrill for kids, but it can be a real burden for parents—especially as the cost of keeping children amused is going up. A recent study from American Express found that parents are spending $958 per child this summer break, a 12% increase from last year. 77% of parents with kids younger than 18 are planning at least one day-trip, and 48% have their children on a sports team, both costly endeavors. (MediaPost)