Reviews Parenting
Written by Alyson Aladro; edited by Lisa Sabatini
2020-08-06T13:09:00Z
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- Virtual summer camps are having a moment, but they're not the only option for families.
- This year, I'm treating my kids to retro summer camp activities — inspired by my own time at sleepaway camp in the '90s.
- The family-bonding and socially distant activities on this list are good for the mind, body, and soul — no matter what age.
- Read more: the best outdoor toys for kids and toddlers
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I went to sleepaway camp every summer from 1993 to 1999. Incidentally, those are also years in which the only screens in our house were a TV in the den, a countertop one in the kitchen so my mom could watch her stories, and, of course, the family computer.
Now it is — gulp — 20 years later, and I am working on my laptop while my daughter watches a movie projected onto the wall. The baby is napping, but I can check on him via the app we have installed on our iPad. That is one-third of the devices in our home.
Summer camp and screen time may not have coexisted during my '90s childhood, but they certainly do now. And while some parents may be considering virtual summer camp options, I'm taking this summer to reflect on my days in the sun, grass, and water, and help my kids take away some of the same things I did at camp as a kid: the importance of personal connections, how to be a team player, and the magic of the outdoors.
Amanda Kilton, a high school educator and former New London County 4-H Camp Director, said that now more than ever, kids need the chance to be kids. "Getting a little messy playing with your kids this summer can give them the benefits of camp while creating amazing memories and connections with you," she said. "As camp counselors across America and the world know, kids will take the lead from you (or maybe you should take the lead from them!) and experience all the joy of being in the moment."
Here are 22 summer camp ideas for kids, including bunk time, campfire, outdoor, arts and crafts, and mess hall activities:
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Bunk time
At summer camp, the kids I shared a bunk with were central to the camp experience. We may have cut loose all day, but ultimately these are the folks I'd unwind with, share secrets, and pass the time — especially when the weather turned. The activities below are perfect for indoor moments with your kids.
Throw a living room campout
Tote-A-Fort Blanket Fort Kit, available at Amazon, $42.49
Kids' Camp Sleeping Bag, available at L.L.Bean, $60
Having a common goal and shared space is a great way to bond. For bunk-living in spirit, consider piling the family into the living room for a night. L.L.Bean's graphic print sleeping bag can easily double as a cozy comforter after the "camp-in." For a different camping experience, use a kit like the Tote-A-Fort to set up colorful blankets over, under, and through your existing furniture.
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Keep in touch with family and friends
Byron's Games Connections Letter-Writing Kit, available at Amazon, $22.98
A trip to the mailbox is a small joy for just about everyone right now. From a special drawing for a grandparent to a wistful love letter to your "girlfriend in Canada," what better time has there been to catch up with pen pals?
This kit comes with all the items your older kids will need to K.I.T. (keep in touch, for the uninitiated), including rubber stamps and stickers. For pre-writing kids, go with something simple: Take a new or old work of art and have them dictate a message that you can write on the back.
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Play family card games
Melissa & Doug Animal Card Games, available at Amazonor Kohl's, &9.99
Card games were one of our more popular bunk time activities, and we didn't even realize that they were encouraging some cognitive exercise, not to mention fine-motor skills (anyone remember Spit?!). Try a three-pack of family-friendly card games by Melissa & Doug.
*currently sold out
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Campfire
Campfire was a weekly event at my camp. Everyone would take their seats around the fire, sit quietly to appreciate the sounds and sights of nature, feel and share our love for each other, and listen as the director serenaded us with intense acoustic covers of the Indigo Girls and Kenny Loggins. Don't push your kids to sing along — they'll get there on their own. I promise.
Learn to play guitar
Loog Mini Guitar, available at The Tot, $79
My First Guitar: Learn to Play, available at Amazon, $11.55
You and your kids can learn to make your own family uncomfortable with loud strumming and off-key singing. Know how to play already? Consider the mini guitar from Loog Guitars for easy teaching. It's eco-friendly and good for kids 3 years and up. Even if you're both totally new to the instrument, you can use the opportunity to bond while learning together.
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Go stargazing
Celestron 70mm Travel Scope, available at Amazonor Best Buy*, $99.99
It's social distancing to the max — at night and in your own backyard. A lightweight, portable telescope like Celestron's Travel Scope lets you and your kids to explore stars and planets. Need help motivating your preteen to join you? You can't go wrong with an astrology book as a lure.
*currently sold out
Bring the stars inside
Discovery Kids Planetarium Projector, available at Amazonor Walmart, from $26
Learning Resources Shining Stars Projector, available Amazon or Walmart, from $20
A star projector can make for a thoroughly outside-brought-inside experience. Options run the celestial spectrum. The Discovery Kids Planetarium Projector and little-kid-friendly Learning Resources Shining Stars Projectorboth have 24 image slides, including planets, constellations, and galaxies.
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Make your own firefly
LED Firefly Flashlight Activity Kit, available at Fatbrain Toys, $25
Your little one can make their own firefly using simple tools and an LED flashlight. Make it inside, test it outside. Pro tip: If you're lucky enough that fireflies visit your home, set this aside, keep things nice and dark, and get your mason jars ready.
Outdoor activities
According to Kilton, "while some of the developmental benefits of camp may be able to be emulated with a virtual experience, there's just no replacement for getting outside." Grab your masks and get out there! And if you can't get outside, check out these indoor toys for active play instead.
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Divide up into teams for some friendly competition
Prextex Carnival Outdoor Games Combo, available at Amazon, $21.99
Backyard Games Relay Race Games, available at Amazon, $29.99
The crown jewel of each summer at camp was Color War. Campers and counselors were divided into two teams, each assigned a color, and over the course of a week, they went head to head with games like obstacle courses and relay races.
Both of these activities can be found in kits appropriate for little and big kids, like a carnival combo (rings, bean bags, and cones — oh my!), or dexterity-heavy outdoor games, like an egg and spoon race. It's a great way to do some team building and even sneak in some math if you keep score. At my camp, the whole week culminated in an hours-long sing-off, but don't tell your kids you heard that from me.
Send your kids on a scavenger hunt
Outset Kids Scavenger Hunt, available at Amazon or Walmart, from $22.99
Go Find It Too Outdoor Treasure Hunt, available at Amazon, $12.50
This one could be homemade or store-bought. These scavenger hunt cards can be used for indoor or outdoor competition, and the gist is basically to find random stuff! Not interested in DIY clues? Let a preprinted pack do the dirty work for you, and since little kids love putting things in other things, hand them a bucket and even they can participate in the collection.
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Be the king of your mess-free castle
Kinetic Sand Beach Sand Kingdom, available at Amazon, Walmart, or Michael's, from $9.99
The only thing that motivated me to keep swimming at camp was the mysterious, slippery horrors that awaited me if my feet touched the bottom of the lake. I much preferred to spend waterfront time from the safety of my towel, playing with the sand. Just by grabbing a box of kinetic sand, the wonders of competitive sandcastles can now be part of your summer, without the nightmarish but admittedly scenic lake nearby.
Have a water balloon fight
Zuru Bunch O Balloons, available at Target, $24.99
If you are interested in an overly intense water experience, consider putting it in balloons. The Bunch O Balloons is more appropriate for older children and boasts fast-filling and self-sealing balloons. And you can ship all the tiny balloon fragments to TerraCyclefor recycling.
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Check for creepy-crawlies
Nature Bound Bug Catcher, available at Amazonor Walmart, from $19.99
For the more STEM-oriented campers among us, bug collecting is the perfect way to get active outside. With a specialized kit like one from Nature Bound, kids can safely engage with the critters they find.
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Waterfront fun in your own backyard
Best Choice Products Kids Outdoor Convertible Activity Table, available at Amazonor Walmart, $119.99
Melissa & Doug Seaside Sidekicks Sand Cookie Set, available at Amazon, $13.50*
B. toys by Battat Sands Ahoy Beach Play Set, available at Amazon, $20.99
Toysmith Beach Set, available at Amazon, $15.99
A small multi-activity table has done wonders for my own backyard. We don't have space to keep out a full sandbox or inflatable pool, but we do love this versatile table that can hold sand and water. Or it can convert to a simple table — sometimes you just need a place to sit and relax, after all.
The Best Choice 3-in-1 table comes with two buckets, a removable top, and an adjustable umbrella. It's not particularly comfortable for adults, but there's plenty of room for kids and their imaginations. Don't forget to pair with a bag of toys.
*currently sold out
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Arts and crafts, and a little drama too
Creativity is an integral part of the summer camp experience. It benefits children's self-esteem when they can express themselves in a safe space, and they'll most likely follow your lead on whether or not it is. "Whether you are making a tie-dye or having a karaoke night, go all in! Be silly and show your kids that it's okay to be silly, too," said Kilton.
Make friendship bracelets
Just My Style ABC Beads, available at Amazon, $8.99
The most classic summer camp arts and crafts project may just be the friendship bracelet. My forté was knotting the strings into fish designs using contrasting colors. Some friends brought their Caboodle full of classic or alphabet beads. Trading sessions went down, and everyone sat around to gab, weave, and share. Nowadays, you can get a full kit with everything you need. Since it includes choking hazards, the set is best for ages 6 years and older.
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Paint some rocks
Creativity for Kids Hide & Seek Rock Painting Kit, available at Amazon,Walmart,Michael's, orJoann, from $12.95
At camp, I was not good at painting and I can't say that's changed much since. But I can tell you that one of my favorite paint mediums is rocks — it's simple and fun. It's a great activity for preschool-age kids who love spending a little extra time finding and then returning said rocks in the wild. If this isn't an option, consider a kit that includes the rocks.
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Host a talent night
Broadway Presents! Kids' Musical Theatre Anthology, available at Amazon, $22.99
Wireless Express Sing-Along Bling Karaoke Microphone, available at Neiman Marcus* and Maisonette, from $49.99
Snazaroo Face Painting Studio, available at Amazon, $19.49
Talent shows were a big deal at my summer camp. Mostly, they were used so campers could create awkward skits meant to absolutely roast our beloved camp administrators. But there were also the occasional magician or dancers, and of course, someone knew how to juggle.
For musical numbers, consider giving your kids some direction with a musical theater anthology — and if you're really brave, a wireless microphone. Don't forget the stage paints! The best-case scenario is worth the ruckus: Your kids spend several hours prepping, and you get to sit in the audience and relax.
*currently sold out
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Make a bird house
Beetle & Bee Build & Paint Birdie B&B, available at Amazon, $14.99
Making a birdhouse is a classic summer project. It's an opportunity to do something simple, like decorating a premade house picked up from a craft store. Or you can up the ante a little and help your child construct their own.
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Tie-dye...anything
Tulip One-Step Tie-Dye Kit, available at Michael's and Amazon, from $21
Another popular project is tie-dye. With a basic kit from Tulip, you can dye up to 30 projects and select from a number of color combinations, including Rainbow and Mermaid. This messy but delightful activity is a fun way to learn about color theory and patterns at any age.
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Mess hall
Mealtimes are ideal family bonding opportunities. These are probably the only people you're allowed to sit elbow-to-elbow with right now, so take advantage by doing as many cookouts as you can. And don't forget those summer camp desserts!
Drink some bug juice
Kool-Aid 19 oz. container, available at Walmart, $2.58
Black Forest Gummy Worms Candy, available at Walmartor Amazon, from $6
It wasn't until I was writing this that I discovered bug juice is made by adding granulated sugar to dissolved sugar (not that this information will stop me from making it this summer, but there are low-sugar recipes out there if you're looking for an alternative). Start with a tub of Kool-Aid, then encourage your kids to add some fun elements like gummy worms.
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Cool down with ice pops
Lékué Stackable Ice Lollipop Molds, set of 4, available at Amazon, $30*
Pop Molds also available at Sur La Table, Williams Sonoma, and Bed Bath & Beyond
Make your own popsicles or fruit pops with fresh ingredients you have at home. These flexible, stackable molds won't take up too much space in your freezer. Or you can go with one of the many fun options from Pop Molds, including rocket pops and watermelon shapes.
*currently out of stock
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Enjoy s'mores
Radiate Portable Campfire, available at Amazon, $27.99
Roam Industries 8-piece Marshmallow Roasting Set, available Bed Bath & Beyond, $20*
Nostalgia Electric Stainless Steel S'mores Maker, available at Walmart, $17.99
The recipe is as old as time itself: graham crackers + chocolate + marshmallow. Lucky for you, you exist in the 21st century where you have access not only to easy, portable outdoor campfires (and sticks you don't have to hunt and gather), but also a nice, compact indoor roasting option.
*currently out of stock
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Have a mini ice cream social
Greenco Ice Cream Bowls and Scoops, set of 12, available at Walmart* or Amazon, $13.89
You don't need much to make an ice cream social: a couple of favorite flavors and a topping or two. The one place where you can make an eco-friendly shift away from the summer camp version is by using reusable dessert bowls and spoons.
*currently out of stock
Alyson Aladro is a freelance contributor to Insider Picks. She recently earned her doctoral degree in Cognitive, Social, and Developmental Psychology at the New School for Social Research and specializes in early childhood development from infancy through preschool. After bouncing around different neighborhoods across New York City, Alyson and her family—her husband, two young children, and their beagle—recently found their forever home in Bay Ridge, Brooklyn. They enjoy visiting the local park and riding the ferry whenever possible. You can find more of Alyson's parenting hacks and child development musings on Instagram @alysonemily_phd. Learn more about how our team of experts tests and reviews products at Insider here.
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