With school being out for the summer, you’re busy doing everything — from household chores to keeping your children occupied.
Therefore, many parents will ask themselves — what do I do with my kids all summer?
Luckily, there are various opportunities your kids may have to keep them busy all summer long.
So when your kids are not in school, you could consider fun summer programs that educate your kids each day.
You might be wondering if these summer programs require a heap of money.
However, these various low-cost options will help keep your kids entertained below.
1. The YMCA
The YMCA has various programs that keep kids active during the summer. The best part is that the YMCA is a national organization annually serving families around the U.S.
Kids and adults can join their summer programs which often involve summer day camp, overnight camp, retreat groups, and more.
The summer camp programs teach kids the social and physical skills they need to develop. Your kids will remain active and learn to be more independent in the long run.
The prices vary on location. However, some fees may be as low as $25 per day.
2. Barnes & Noble Summer Reading Program
Do you need an excuse for your kids to go screen-free this summer? The Barnes & Noble Summer Reading Program is a great place to start.
When kids participate, they get to read books and write about their favorite parts in their Reading Journal.
Once they’ve completed their summer reading, they can bring their completed journal to a Barnes & Noble location near them.
Then, they get to choose a free book between July and August. So, what’s the cost?
It’s absolutely free.
3. The Henry Ford Summer Camp
The Henry Ford Summer Camp Program is an exciting place where kids get to learn and have fun with tons of activities.
Kids learn, interact and develop new skills by studying the innovative mindset.
Therefore, it helps take kids to a new level since it’s designed to challenge their thinking and problem-solving skills.
Pricing for one week of summer camp is $340 for members. However, it’s an unforgettable experience for your kids to enjoy.
4. GiGi’s at Home
GiGi’s Playhouse Down Syndrome Achievement Centers were temporarily closed due to the pandemic.
However, this didn’t stop them from interacting with families with Down Syndrome.
GiGi’s at Home Program has over 28 live programs each week for all ages. Kids get to interact with volunteer leaders and enjoy activities at home. Activities they learn will cover everything from math and science to music and cooking.
The cost of this program is free to join.
5. Microsoft Kids Camp
Kids can learn at home free when you sign them up for online workshops with Microsoft’s Kids Camp.
They have all kinds of content to enjoy — from taking a tour in the Smithsonian National Museum of
Natural History to planning the perfect road trip across America.
These online programs allow kids to discover their environment using technology, like creating a PowerPoint presentation and coding.
6. National Geographic’s Planet Possible Family Challenge
The National Geographic eight-week program offers families a chance to explore the great outdoors.
Your kids will get to discover the habitats around them. Therefore, it’s a great summer program for kids to understand why they’re important.
Every week, children get to work on a project that explores microhabitats. They’ll also have activities that cultivate their interest in biodiversity and learn a few tips on how to protect their environment.
The cost of National Geographic Premium is $10.99 per month. Plus, you get access to Disney+ when you subscribe to National Geographic.
7. Brain Chase
Give your kiddos an exciting summer adventure through Brain Chase’s Treasure Hunt programs.
This amazing opportunity allows your kids to learn while they play with one of the four summer programs to choose from this year.
These four summer programs include:
- The Jungle Book
- The Sunstone of Cortes
- The Mask of Tomoe Gozen
- The Globe of Magellan
Once your kid selects one of these, they can choose three electives out of 15 — including math, cooking, engineering, typing and yoga.
Every week they will have a challenge to solve. After solving the puzzle, participants get a surprise webisode that contains the next hidden clue.
The first treasure hunter who solves the mystery will receive an all-expense-paid trip to find real buried treasure — gold worth $1,000.
It’s $99 to register for the Brain Chase program.
8. Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts
Have your kids become a Boy Scout or Girl Scout this year by joining the Scouts of America — a nationwide youth organization.
Both programs provide various hands-on activities, including experiments and STEM projects. Plus, they allow children to experience community services, field trips and outdoor explorations while earning merit badges.
The Scouts programs aim to foster positivity, kindness and leadership skills — all sustainable skills they can use throughout life.
Each program costs $25 per year and additional fees.
Make Summers Fun for Your Kids
You have plenty of opportunities to explore with your kids.
Despite many summer programs being costly, the ones listed above are wallet-friendly. Some don’t even cost anything.
Therefore, you and your kids can sift through these choices together and make the most of summer this year.