Alternatives to Online Camps for Kids: 5 New Things to Learn this Summer!

If you’re not ready to have your kids sit in front of a computer for hours, then you are not alone. We present you with 5 creative and fun ideas for holding your own summer camp at home with less digital and more physical and mental-based activities. These are activities that aim to give kids a sense of accomplishment with a tangible outcome that they can feel proud of. Put away those devices this summer (or for a few days) and learn something new as we present you with our alternatives to online camps plus some suggested books from Amazon(*this post contains affiliate links).

Learn Greek Mythology

Child’s Introduction to Greek Mythology

Have kids construct a family tree of the gods and goddesses of Greek Mythology. Make up stories or alternate endings to be written or acted out. Set up crafting projects like dioramas, paper cutouts, and chariots. Act out scenes and pretend to be a Greek god or goddess. Have a Greek dinner or luncheon with the kids! Obtain age appropriate books. We suggest the book of a Child’s Introduction to Greek Mythology as a possible starting point!

Understand Math and Physics in a Fun Way

It's a Numbers Game! Basketball: The math behind the perfect bounce pass, the buzzer-beating bank shot, and so much more! (National Geographic Kids Espn)

Why limit these subjects to pure equations and theory when there are many exciting projects that teach the basic laws of physics to kids? Consider making homemade versions of the following: marble roller coasters, parachutes, and catapults. For a fun outdoor activity with a great learning component, you can also learn the physics of basketball with Newton’s Laws of Motion. Teach the numbers behind basketball as an added benefit. Get the kids interested with the book of It’s a Numbers Game! Basketball: The math behind the perfect bounce pass, the buzzer-beating bank shot, and so much more! (National Geographic Kids Espn)

Get into the Kitchen with the Chemistry of Cooking

Science You Can Eat: 20 Activities that Put Food Under the Microscope.

Put your aprons on! Cook up something yummy and learn about the science behind the what, why, and other questions that kids always ask. Make this activity interesting by having the kids set up their own restaurant at home with mom and dad as the customers. You can even do this as a family activity with everyone playing a special role. There are numerous online videos, but if you are opting to go unplugged for this activity, then we suggest the book of Science You Can Eat: 20 Activities that Put Food Under the Microscope.

Study a New Language

Globe Trekker

Travel somewhere new this summer by learning a new language like Arabic, Japanese, French, or Hindi. There are many creative ways to start such as audio CDs, which you can listen to while driving. Language worksheets with basic words are also another free and easy way to get kids interested in learning a new language. For some free access to printables, try Education.com. If you are looking for some good travel videos, Globe Trekker videos provide you with practical insights on many unique destinations around the world. As a final project for the kids to create, have them produce their own travel video with homemade props!

Go Back in Time with History

Timelines of Everything: From woolly mammoths to world wars

Study and learn about an important historical event through documentaries and books. Consider making a life-sized timeline of a major event like the American Revolution, the Roaring Twenties, or World War II. Get the kids to pick a period of interest and anchor your activity on it with arts and crafts, acting out scenes, and writing projects. For starters, we have found the book of Timelines of Everything: From woolly mammoths to world wars to be quite helpful, but advanced readers in primary grades may find it more appealing. You may also want to check out When on Earth?: History as You’ve Never Seen It Before! for another interesting read.

If you will be stuck at home throughout the year, several of these activities can be done at any time and can be incorporated into a homeschool environment, so have fun and learn something new!

Alternatives to Online Camps for Kids - 5 New Things to Learn this Summer!

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