As parents struggle to pay bills during the current U.S. recession, some of the victims of the economic crisis could be those who don't yet have to worry about debt or house payments -- kids.

As families' incomes dwindle, some parents are finding they have less money available to dedicate toward extra items for their kids -- from after-school activities to toys and parties.

In a recent story by The Associated Press, many organizations in the Chicago area reported a drop in participants in sports programs as families' fears over the recession continue.

To cope with the dwindling numbers, the AP reported that youth teams are coming up with financing plans to keep kids involved in sports while making it affordable for their parents.

Jim Labeots told the AP that his son's basketball coach set up a payment plan for the family so they could cover their eighth-grader's $875 fee to join a summer team.

Other programs have used different forms a financial assistance. According to the AP, the Frankfort Ultimate Volleyball Club -- which charges up to $1,700 a season -- is offering a discounted training academy for $175 for two hour practices a week for 10 weeks.

Sports aren't the only areas where parents are cutting back in the economy.

Kids birthday parties are also being trimmed down.

"The last place people want to save money is when it comes to their children," said Linda Kaye, a New York-based party planner, told ABC News. "But now they are just more sensitive to how they're spending it."

According to ABC News, Kaye said many parents used to not think twice about spending a lot of money on lavish birthday parties for their kids, but now they are being more conservative. She told ABC News that whereas parents used to ask for Barney to come to their kids' parties, they're now settling for having a cake decorated to look like the dinosaur.

ABC News also reported that aside from birthday party entertainment, parents are also cutting back on cakes and goody bags. More parents are now making their own cakes instead of buying expensive sheet cakes made at bakeries, and many are scaling down the items they're putting in kids' goody bags at the parties.

Another way parents are cutting back on parties is by trimming guest lists. Many parents can no longer afford to pay for large groups of kids to enjoy an activity at a party, plus the additional cost of feeding the kids and providing them with party favors, so many families are putting a limit on how many guests kids can invite to their gatherings.

But despite the cutbacks, many parents aren't about to cut out parties completely.

"Even if my husband lost his job, we would still find a way to have a few friends over and have some fun," Amy Oztan told ABC News.