Today I saw a very funny answer very relatable YouTube Short.

The caption said “it’s just parenting with a prettier background”

Yes yes it is. 

Here’s the video

She’s right. Vacation with kids is just parenting with a prettier background.

But what is that’s not all it had to be?

I have a solution 🙂

Want a little time to just be on vacation as an adult but want to also vacation with your kids ( or can’t get childcare to go alone)

If you are traveling during the summer or a school break ( just make sure the break matches the area you are traveling to… so breaks vary state to state) and your kids are school aged look up vacation camps for kids in your area.  Some places take kids younger but it varies so check the age requirements.

This is a win for everyone.  Your kids get to do something fun and exciting while burning off some of their endless energy.  You get some time to do whatever you would like to do between drop off and pick up . Then you all get too spend the afternoon and evening together on vacation. 

So where can you find camp?

Here is a list of some of my favorite places to check. The easiest way to find it is either searching the name of the place + camp or they are usually found under the education tab on the website.

Zoos

Aquariums/ Marine Centers

Science Centers / Museums

Other Museums – We have a Lighthouse museum locally and they offer camp.

Space Centers

The YMCA – some will be a mix of inside and outside some are primarily outside.  Some even have sleep over camps.

Other places that I  have found camps are

Gymnastics Centers – often you do not need to be a registered member of the gym.

Private Schools – we have done camp at a local private school over the summer and the kids had a blast

Recreation centers – sometimes you need to be a resident and sometimes there is a resident  vs non resident rate so check the website in the town you’re in. 

Girl Scout Camps

Boy Scout/ Cub Scout Camps

Sailing / boating clubs

Surf camps if you’re in a beach community

Coding Schools such as Code Ninjas

Dance schools

Art schools

Another option if you are religious is Vacation Bible School at a local church

My kids love camp. It’s one of the highlights of their school breaks. They do tend you like the animal and science based camps the most. 

One thing to consider if the weather and where you are coming from.  If you are coming from somewhere cooler and you go somewhere hotter it might be a big adjustment for your kids or if you are going from somewhere hotter to somewhere cooler so factor that in while planning.

Another thing to look into also are Parents Nights Out. Various places offer them usually on a Friday or Saturday evening.

Quick tip.

Consider becoming a member. If it’s somewhere you travel during the year,  or even if it’s not becoming a member may be a great option.  Depending on your family size it can be more affordable to be a member and only visit once or twice than to pay daily admission ( family of 7 here). Also being a member can give you a discounted rate on camp per child 🙂

I think camp is the win win for vacationing as a family. Family vacations are amazing bonding experiences but often don’t give parents the chance to relax too. Childcare for a child free vacation can be hard to find.  Vacation time isn’t unlimited so you have to pick. Sending your kids to a camp for a little bit while on vacation can help you accomplish all your wants in one vacation.

Happy vacationing!