Summer Break Solutions: Alternatives to Day Camps for Keeping Kids Busy
As a parent of three school-age kids, I know firsthand how daunting it can be to plan for summer break, especially when juggling work and other responsibilities. And let's face it – not all of us have the luxury of nearby family or a ready network of resources in our new neighborhoods. But fear not! This summer, let's explore some creative and wallet-friendly alternatives to traditional day camps that will keep your kids engaged, entertained, and maybe even learning a thing or two along the way.
Subscription Boxes to the Rescue: Instead of shelling out big bucks for day camps, consider investing in those subscription boxes your kids have been eyeing. Whether it's science experiments with Crunch Labs or hands-on projects with Kiwi Crate, these boxes offer a variety of activities to keep kids excited and engaged all summer long.
Explore the World of Music: Ever thought about renting an instrument and trying out online music lessons? Summer break is the perfect time to test the waters before committing to a full year of lessons in the fall. Who knows, your child might just discover their hidden musical talent! And check out the Music Category in the KidsPod app for some added music education and exploration.
Virtual Learning Adventures with Outschool: Dive into the world of online courses with Outschool. From creative writing to coding, there's something for every interest. Plus, the flexible scheduling allows kids to explore new topics while still enjoying the freedom of summer.
Play Date Swaps and Nanny Shares: Get to know your child's classmates and their parents by organizing play date swaps or nanny shares. Not only does it provide planned childcare, but it also fosters friendships and community connections. (controversial opinion: I find younger teens to be more engaging sitters — they tend to be more earnest and not too cool or occupied by their phone to play with the kids. Keep an eye out for playmates’ older siblings or those 13-15 yr olds in your church or neighborhood. Especially if you’d like a little extra help while you work from home and don’t need someone who can drive.)
Encourage Entrepreneurship: Stoke your child's entrepreneurial spirit by planning a summer business venture together. Whether it's a lemonade stand or a dog-walking service, the possibilities are endless! Check out the Million Bazillion Podcast for kid-focused tips on starting a business that you can listen to together.
Invest in Experiences: Redirect camp tuition towards passes for local attractions like pools, waterparks, museums, or bowling alleys. And remember, sometimes it's the parent amenities that make all the difference!
Private Lessons and Teen Instructors: If traditional sports lessons are booked up, consider hiring local teens or college students to teach private lessons. It's a win-win situation – your child gets personalized instruction, and the instructor earns some extra cash.
Culinary Adventures at Home: Foster a love for cooking by ordering new kid-friendly cookbooks or exploring cooking channels on YouTube. Who knows, you might even get your own little chef to make dinner! (Full disclosure: I’m not above paying my kiddos to make a meal so long as they also clean up 😆) The podcast Mystery Recipe from America’s Test Kitchen is a great interactive show to get kids interested in the kitchen.
Summer Reading Programs: Don't forget about the classic summer reading programs at your local library. It's a great way to keep kids engaged and motivated to read throughout the summer. And regular trips to the library help kill an hour or two of time. We love the Book Club for Kids podcast for ideas on what to read next and to hear interviews with authors.
Get Moving with Fitness Watches: Invest in kids' fitness watches to encourage outdoor play and physical activity. And hey, if it takes withholding screen time until fitness goals are met, so be it!
Set up a Podcast Station: For quiet time or screen-free independent play, try dedicating a spot inside (or outside!) for listening and creative pursuits. Stock up on craft or tinkering supplies and kits and include a bluetooth speaker or headphones. Audio can get creative juices flowing and make independent play last longer. Use the family tablet or another device with KidsPod to let kids explore podcasts on their own, or simply stream from your own phone to the speaker. (Use guided access or other screen time controls to limit device use to audio only 👍 - easy peasy and free!)
As we embark on this summer journey together, remember that we're all in this parenting gig together. So whether you're trying out new subscription boxes or cheering on your little entrepreneur, here's to a summer filled with laughter, learning, and maybe just a hint of sanity-saving creativity. Best of luck, fellow parents – you've got this!
And don’t forget, KidsPod is one of the best ways for kids to explore their curiosities and passions — there’s a podcast for almost anything! And since it’s fun to listen to together, it’s also a great way to connect while we have extra time with them over the break. 💛
With solidarity and sunscreen wishes,
Jess
