Summer Camp At Home
Summer Camp At Home: 8 Weeks Of Cheap, Screen-Free Fun
Every summer, I have the same thought:
How am I going to keep the kids busy while also working from home… without hearing “I’m bored” 40 times a day?
I don’t want summer filled with tablets, YouTube, video games, or endless TV. (Although we still enjoy family movie nights and discounted summer movie days.) What I really want is slower days, creativity, outdoor time, and memories.
The problem is: creating that kind of summer doesn’t happen accidentally.
Kids need ideas. They need routines. They need supplies ready to go.
So this year I’m creating a simple, inexpensive summer camp at home, mostly screen-free, flexible enough for real life, and manageable while I still work.
If you’re a mom wanting a slower, simpler summer, here is the plan.
Step 1: Create A Summer Camp Station
Instead of pulling supplies out daily, create one area in your home where kids can help themselves.
Ideas:
Basket 1 → Art supplies
Basket 2 → Craft kits
Basket 3 → Outdoor toys
Basket 4 → Puzzles & games
Basket 5 → Reading books
Basket 6 → Science activities
Include:
✓ Paper
✓ Glue sticks
✓ Tape
✓ Markers
✓ Coloring books
✓ Popsicle sticks
✓ Pipe cleaners
✓ Beads
✓ Scissors
✓ Watercolors
✓ Cardboard boxes
✓ Sidewalk chalk
✓ Playing cards
✓ Magnifying glasses
✓ Sticker books
The goal:
“I’m bored” becomes “Go check camp supplies.”
Step 2: Create A Loose Daily Rhythm (Not A Strict Schedule)
Kids often do better with predictability.
Example:
8:00 Breakfast & chores
9:00 Outside play
10:00 Camp activity
11:00 Independent craft time
12:00 Lunch
1:00 Reading/rest
2:00 Local outing OR backyard activity
4:00 Free play
This leaves flexibility while still creating structure.
Click Here For Free Summer Scavenger Hunt Pages
Step 3: Weekly Themes Make Planning Easier
Instead of inventing activities daily, choose themes.
Week 1: Nature Camp
Activities:
- Nature scavenger hunt
- Leaf rubbings
- Build fairy houses
- Press flowers
- Bird watching
- Paint rocks
- Picnic lunch outside
Free outing:
Visit a local trail or park.
Week 2: Art Camp
Activities:
- Watercolor painting
- Sidewalk chalk contest
- Friendship bracelets
- Homemade play-dough
- Cardboard creations
- Painting kindness rocks
Week 3: Science Camp
Activities:
- Baking soda volcanoes
- Sink or float experiments
- Homemade slime
- Growing beans in jars
- Ice excavation activity
Week 4: Backyard Camp
Activities:
- Water balloon games
- Obstacle course
- Sprinkler day
- Tent fort
- Backyard camping
Week 5: Cooking Camp
Activities:
Kids help make:
- Homemade popsicles
- Dirt cups
- Pizza
- Trail mix
- Lemonade stand
- Fruit kabobs
Try These Instant Pudding Oreo Dirt Cups Kids Can Make!
Week 6: Kindness Camp
Activities:
- Write letters
- Make cards
- Pick weeds for neighbors
- Donate toys
- Bake treats
Week 7: Adventure Camp
Free outings:
- Library
- Splash pad
- Nature center
- Farmer’s market
- Park
- Free museum days
- Summer movie programs
Week 8: Makers Camp
Activities:
- Sewing basics
- Building with cardboard
- LEGO challenges
- Crafting with recyclables
Step 4: Have Daily “Boredom Busters”
Write ideas on popsicle sticks.
Examples:
Draw your dream house
Build a fort
Read 20 minutes
Make a puppet show
Create a scavenger hunt
Organize your toys
Write a story
Wash bikes
Build with blocks
Make jewelry
Paint rocks
Practice a dance
Create a pretend restaurant
Kids pull one when bored.
Step 5: Include Small Chores Daily
Summer shouldn’t feel like constant entertainment.
Children can contribute too.
Create a checklist:
Daily Kid Checklist
- Make bed
- Get dressed
- Put dishes away
- Tidy bedroom
- Feed pets
- Pick up toys
- Put laundry away
- Read 20 minutes
- Outdoor play
- Complete one camp activity
- Simple responsibilities often help kids feel more capable.
Step 6: Give Kids Independent Activity Options
This matters most if you work from home.
Keep ready:
- Sticker books
- Coloring pages
- LEGO bins
- Craft kits
- Water painting books
- Puzzles
- Audiobooks
- Building sets
- Journals
- Beading (depends on age)
Activities should require minimal adult help.
Step 7: Lower Expectations
You do not need Pinterest-perfect summers.
Some days:
The house will be messy.
Kids will argue.
Camp will become popsicles and sprinklers.
That still counts.
Children often remember freedom, simple traditions, and time together more than elaborate plans.
Free Summer Camp At Home Checklist
- Create a supply station
- Gather crafts
- Choose weekly themes
- Find local free activities
- Make a boredom jar
- Create a chore list
- Stock library books
- Buy sidewalk chalk
- Plan movie nights
- Prep simple snacks
- Set expectations for screens
Final Summer Camp At Home Thoughts
I’m not trying to create a perfect summer.
I’m trying to create a summer my kids will remember.
One with messy crafts, backyard forts, library trips, popsicles, movie nights, and long afternoons without everyone staring at a screen.
That feels worth planning for.
