7 Alternatives To Sending Your Kids To Summer Camp

Lately, I’ve noticed a few families aren’t sending their kids to summer camp this year. When I heard this, my first thought was, "How sweet — they get to spend every day together!" But my next thought was, "Those are some brave parents!"

There’s no doubt that summer camp is one big extra cost, whether it's day camp or sleep-away camp. In my area, some camp tuitions can run up to $1,000 a week, which is more costly than school. It's even pricier when you have several children signed up.

It's also nice to get kids off of a schedule and give them a little break from the routine.

One family I know is working on their house and wanted to save the extra money, so they didn't sign up for camp. Instead of sending three kids to camp, another family I know uses that money to rent a big house on Cape Cod for a month. It’s all very creative and thrifty, but how do they handle the day-to-day of keeping everyone entertained and staying sane at the same time?

I checked in with some families who are going camp-free this summer and here are their tips for some of the best ways to enjoy the summer:

Standing Play Dates
Create a weekly play date with a friend. For example, every Wednesday morning your child’s friend either comes over to your place or you go there and play for a couple of hours. Maybe each parent takes a turn watching both kids. Just make sure to communicate about how the date is going each week, in case any conflict comes up. I’ve seen parents just drop these dates instead of talking through any challenges.

Pool Days
Many communities have a pool to join. The one near us is a lot of fun with two different pool options and one shallow sprinkler area. Whenever we go to the pool, our son spots his friends from school and it’s an instant play date. Many of the no-camp families head to the pool together almost every day.

Zoo Membership
Zoo trips in the summer are always fun and never get boring. Join the nearest zoo to you and try to visit at least once a week. Usually zoos also have indoor exhibits if it gets too hot outside.

Summer Getaways
If you want to keep costs down and still enjoy a great family getaway, visit friends and families with homes near a beach, lake or pool. You can also try all-inclusive family resorts. Many no-camp families use their time off to get away together and would rather put camp money towards a nice summer family vacation.

Kid Sitters
Since older kids are usually out of school during the summer, they are more available to babysit. We found an amazing 13-year-old who plays with our boy for $10 an hour, and every time we leave her house, he says, "She is so cool!" We are trying to line her up a few hours a week.

Museum Passes
Many local libraries will have museum passes available for you and your family. Pick them up to visit different children’s and art museums. Even if you can’t get a pass, museums make a great day trip for the family. We’ve visited and loved the dinosaur exhibit at the Museum of Natural History in New York City. Our boy also was thrilled by the mummies and knights at the Museum of Modern Art, and my husband got to escape to the guitar exhibit too.

Water Yard Fun
Turn your yard into a mini water park and invite a friend or two over. Get one of those blow-up baby pools so kids can splash and soak their feet. Install a sprinkler and maybe even get one of those floor slides. Let the kids run wild and play while you get out the lounge chairs and sip on something fun.

With a little extra planning, no-camp days can be just as enjoyable — if not more fun— than signing up for a structured camp experience. There really are so many ways to stay busy. Just make sure to find a few hours a week for parental downtime too. But whatever you do, don’t forget to enjoy the summer while it’s here, because it goes too quick.

Other Parenting News:

• Light Summer Dinner Ideas That The Whole Family Will Enjoy
• 8 Creative Ways to Keep Your Kids Hydrated This Summer
• 10 Items To Add To Your Summer Camp Check List