Whether you've got a birthday, holiday, or a special occasion coming up, it can be hard to know what to get a child. Check out this great list of some of the best toys for 6-year-old girls. From arts & crafts opportunities for kids with a creative streak to toys that involve a puzzle, Amazon has a great selection of well-reviewed options. There are educational toys for the learners out there, and a whole slew of unique, fantastical toys that can really make somebody's day. In this post, we'll talk about all of these and more.

Keep on reading to learn more about the price point, recommendations, and details of all these toys. Get some great gift ideas for this age range, and grouping. Come prepared for your next event with a fun, entertaining gift option for a kiddo that will truly delight in your choice. Let's get into the gifting goods and be sure to check out the links available at the bottom of this page for all the details. Here we go!

Arts & Craft Opportunities

For the young artist or multi-tasker, these gifts are great for encouraging and empowering creativity. From drawing and painting to learning how to use a loom for friendship bracelets, there's something for everyone in the artistic category here.

Soap & Bath Bomb Lab

Starting off with a great activity to create some delicious-smelling products, try out the Soap & Bath Bomb Lab. This option comes with all the ingredients a child, with adult supervision, will need to make moldable soaps, bath bombs, and bath scrubs to their heart's content. There are enough ingredinets to make 10 different kinds of soaps, with all kinds of fragrances and sea salts to add. This kit includes citric acid, wax soap blocks, coloring dye, glitter, and baking soda. It also comes with beakers, pipettes, a mixing spoon, bags, stickers, and an in-depth instruction manual. This is absolutely one of the best toys for 6-year-old girls, what better way to celebrate a birthday than by creating something usable and fun?

Fashion Punch Stitch Loom

Next up, the Fashion Punch Stitch Loom. This gift is great for sharing and encouraging generosity and creativity. This kit includes all a little girl will need to create upwards of 10 unique bracelets with instuctions on all kinds of designs. The loom and stylus are easy to use and it comes with a punch needle as well. Skip the knotting and braiding techniques, and follow the templates to create complex designs with this easy-to-use cording and loom system. The cords are actually reusable, and elastic, so if they don't like a particular design, they can just unravel it and try it again.

Crayola Light-up Tracing Pad

For young artists, try the Crayola light-up tracing pad which comes with graphite pencils, colored pencils, tracing, and blank paper sheets. Light up this board and go to town with all kinds of tracing opportunities and a great backlight for drawing. This tool is used in art classrooms all over, so why not bring it to your next birthday party? This gift is safe, non-toxic, and one of the best toys for 6-year-old girls.

Water Doodle Mat

For another drawing opportunity, check out this water doodle mat. It can be folded up and laid out flat, it's reusable, soft, and easy to carry. This kit comes with magic water pens, drawing molds, a stamp set, a drawing booklet, and more. It is great for kids ages 3+, and non-toxic, mess-free, and totally safe. This mat will erase itself as the water dries, so the imagination and creativity can go on for hours. This gift can help with developing hand-eye coordination, and other artistic skills.

Puzzles & Games

Who doesn't love puzzles? The process of combining ingredients, or building something with your own two hands can be a lifelong passion. Start with these great toys to inspire future builders and creators.

Funphix Glow in the Dark Fort Building Kit

Moving onto the builders and puzzlers, a great gift idea includes the Funphix Glow in the Dark Fort Building Kit. Simply expose the rods and spheres of this kit to light before setting them up in a large enough space. Then you can start to build! There are all kinds of structures that can be made with the help of the handy manual and all the parts of this award-winning children's building toy. For any youngsters interested in the process of creating a physical structure, this is one of the best toys for 6-year-old girls.

Ice Cream Slime Kit for Girls

For some combination sensory fun, get this Ice Cream Slime Kit for Girls. It comes with instructions, all kinds of combinable ingredients, and everything you'll need to create your own delicious-smelling slime. Perfect for young creators, wanna-be chemists, and anyone who enjoys playing with slime!

Educational Toys

When in doubt, educational toys are always a safe bet! Learning and fun can go hand-in-hand with these great, and award-winning toys from the likes of LeapFrog and Skillmatics.

LeapFrog Magic Adventures Microscope

The LeapFrog Magic Adventures Microscope offers young learners the chance to engage with a toy built for discovery. This kit comes with BBC videos, and custom slides showing all kinds of educational topics. Follow the manual to prepare samples for magnification, and play the games that come with the microscope. What better gift to encourage a love of science and exploration? This gift is an accredited STEAM toy and requires 4 double A batteries to use.

Guess In Ten

For another great gift idea, check out the Guess In Ten Skillmatics card game. This smart question game helps develop skills around animal identification, and strategic guessing. It won the 2023 National Parenting Product Awards, and Parents' Pick in 2022. The kit comes with 50 cards, and 6 clue cards in a portable, travel-friendly box. You can play anywhere, with anyone! No wonder this is one of the best toys for 6-year-old girls.

Unique Toys

For some unique toy options, check out a grow-your-own ecosystem and fantastical fairy finder. Read on to learn more about some of the more unique gifts offered in this post.

Grow ‘N Glow Terrarium Kit for Kids

How about the gift of creating your own ecosystem? The Grow ‘N Glow Terrarium Kit is perfect for encouraging responsibility, awareness, and creativity. It comes with a potting mix, a terrarium jar, chia and wheatgrass seeds, and figurines as well. With fun colors, decorations, and plants, this is a breeding ground for creativity and they'll get to watch how their plant-care translates into growth! Follow the instructions to jump-start a child's interest in the environment starting with their own little terrarium.

WowWee Got2Glow Fairy Finder

For a very unique gift, check out the WowWee Got2Glow Fairy Finder. This eclectic lantern can safely catch over 30 kinds of fairies that the proud owner of this toy can search for throughout the home, yard, and neighborhood! There's an app where you can learn all about the kinds of fairies you are finding, and minigames that will help you level up in your fairy-finding skills. This is absolutely one of the best toys for 6-year-old girls, because who doesn't love befriending magical fairies?

Check out the full list of mentioned products below, including pricing, and featured awards.

The image featured at the top of this post is ©Erhan Inga/Shutterstock.com.

The post The 10 Best Toys For 6-Year-Old Girls appeared first on Moms Who Think.

Parents are always looking for age-appropriate toys to delight and fascinate their children. Some toys are to entertain, others to occupy busy hands, and others to teach. Getting a jumpstart on developmental milestones is a way to make sure children are physically and mentally developing and building their skills. At six, most children start first grade and learn to read, write, and do basic arithmetic. One way parents can help their children is to let them play with toys that aren't just fun but educational. If you are looking for the best educational toys for 6-year-olds, then check out the list to find something the child in your life will love.

What Makes a Toy Educational?

An educational toy just means the toy has a component that also teaches a skill. One could argue that all toys are educational, as kids constantly learn and develop. A simple cardboard box could be educational if the children turn it into a fort or make it into a race car or pirate ship. For most kids, imagination and creativity are their strengths. But parents can also help their children develop essential school-aged skills by choosing educational toys designed to meet specific developmental needs like language or motor skills. 

Child Development Milestones for 6-Year-Olds

All children are different and develop at their own pace, but according to pediatricians, they should be able or on the cusp of being able to reach these milestones in year six.

Cognitive Development

• Know their full name and family members' names.
• Count to 100 and count by 10s.
• Begin writing short sight words.
• Start to understand time and cause and effect.
• Decoding and sounding out words.

Social-Emotional Development

• Playing pretend and make-believe with a vivid imagination
• Ready for age-appropriate responsibilities like feeding the cat or picking up toys.
• Start making friends and playing with other children.
• Able to communicate their feelings and understand other's feelings.

Language Development

• Able to retell an experience or episode of their favorite show.
• Describe things like animals and weather and infer ideas.
• Can follow at least three commands.
• Start developing a sense of humor and joking.

Sensory Development

• Can dress themselves.
• Can skip and jump.
• Can catch a ball.
• Can draw a picture with details.

1. Light-Up Terrarium Kit for Kids

NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC Light Up Terrarium Kit for Kids: Build a Dinosaur Habitat with Real Plants

$29.99

• Lights up with LED lights
• Includes a genuine gastropod fossil
• Perfect for smaller hands

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03/16/2025 01:29 pm GMT

This Light-Up Dinosaur-Themed Terrarium is perfect for kids who love to learn about dinosaurs. Kids can build their own dinosaur habitat, complete with chia and ryegrass seeds to grow inside their terrarium. The kit included two plastic dinosaurs and a genuine gastropod fossil. Learning about dinosaurs' terrain, vegetation, and fossils is an excellent way to teach kids about history and science.

2. Space Science Craft Kit

#1 Best Overall

Space Science Craft Kit Gift 6-in-1

$19.99

• Features 6 different STEM activities.
• The set includes a board game and a rocket ship.

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03/16/2025 02:04 pm GMT

This Space Science Craft Kit is where science experiments meet arts and crafts with a board game included. It is designed to spark creativity and learn about the stars and planets. It is perfect for your favorite aspiring astronomer or astronaut. Kids learn about the solar system, moon phases, and constellations with this fun toy.

3. Dino Soap Making Kit for Kids

Dino Soap Making Kit for Kids: STEM DIY Activity Craft Kits

$19.99

The science of soap is a great way to introduce kids to STEM activities.

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03/16/2025 02:04 pm GMT

It is no surprise tha kids love to make things, and this dinosaur soap is no exception. The Dino Soap Making Kit teaches kids the science of soap with six soap-base blocks, three dinosaur molds, two citrusy fragrances, four colors with glitter, and all of the tools to make dinosaur soap. This is a great educational toy for six-year-olds to learn about soapmaking. This toy is more than just a science experiment; parents can help their kids explore the world of dinosaurs and the history of soapmaking for a well-rounded learning experience.

4. NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC Butterfly Growing Kit

NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC Butterfly Growing Kit

$16.99

Learn all about butterflies and their habitat in this STEM-focused activity.

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03/16/2025 02:04 pm GMT

Little minds will love exploring butterflies and creating their own butterfly habitat. This Butterfly Growing Kit is fun and educational. Kids learn about the process and see the entire metamorphosis from larvae to cocoon to butterfly and can watch the whole thing. Make it a well-rounded activity with a scientific observation journal so kids are getting more than just science but reading and writing practice, too.

5. Learning Resources STEM Explorers Brainometry 

Learning Resources STEM Explorers Brainometry

$14.49

Introduce young scholars to critical thinking and problem-solving skills with this activity set.

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03/16/2025 02:04 pm GMT

Encourage critical thinking and hands-on problem-solving skills with this Explorers Activity Set. The shapes create geometry challenges that kids will have fun solving. This 34-piece STEM toy won the Best Toy of 2022 by The Toy Foundation, so you know it is good.

6. LEGOS Classic Build Together

LEGO Classic Build Together

$139.99

For years, LEGOS has been teaching kids to use their imagination.

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03/17/2025 09:55 am GMT

Take it back to the basics with a classic set of LEGOS. The toy that teaches kids to use their imagination. This set comes with 1,601 LEGO pieces and twenty-four build challenges to get the spark flying. There is no place a good imagination can’t take you.

7. NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC Microscope for Kids

NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC Kids Microscope Science Kit

$89.99

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03/16/2025 02:05 pm GMT

Get your favorite six-year-old excited about science with their very own microscope. The team at National Geographic has put together this great microscope kit for kids that includes tweezers, an eye dropper petri dish, a small geode, shrimp eggs, and a hatchery station. There are thirty-five prepared slides and ten blank ones. Some of the prepared slides include plant cells, algae, and other interesting things to learn about the world at the microscopic level. There are so many learning activities to do that kids will learn to love science.

8. Miracle GRO: My First Root Viewer

Miracle GRO My First Root Viewer- Decorate & Plant Your Own Garden - Science Kit for Kids

$17.12

It comes with everything you need to start growing and see the root system.

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03/16/2025 02:09 pm GMT

If you have a budding gardener with a green thumb, this is the perfect educational toy for them. The My First Root Viewer Growing Kit includes two soil pods, a mixed seed packet, a drain tray, a plastic root viewer, and instructions on how to grow. Kids can decorate their growers with stickers and watch the roots take hold. Horticulture is an excellent way to teach kids about the life cycle, plant life, growing seasons, and healthy eating and nutrition. 

9. KEVA Contraptions Plank Set

KEVA Contraptions Plank Set

$49.95

The 200-piece set is an excellent educational toy to introduce kids to the basics of physics.

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03/17/2025 09:56 am GMT

The KEVA Contraptions Plank Set of two hundred pine planks with two Keva balls is all you need to teach kids the basics of physics and geometry. The toy doesn't have any bells and whistles. It's a simple thing with tons of possibilities. The set comes with an idea booklet to get some ideas of where to get started; from there, kids can build whatever they can think of and more.

10. Thames & Kosmos Magic: The Amazing Vanishing Tiger Magic Set

Thames & Kosmos Magic: The Amazing Vanishing Tiger Magic Set

Mix science and magic for some real fun. The kit has 16 different magic tricks.

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A magic set might seem contradictory to a STEM toy, but that's not the case here. The Amazing Vanishing Tiger Magic Set teaches kids how to do sixteen different magic tricks. The guide teaches the principles of magic, and kids can practice to learn the slight hand skills that every beginning magician needs to master. 

11. Learning Resources Dive into Shapes

Learning Resources Dive into Shapes

$23.49

This set has 129 pieces and is a great introduction to geometry.

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03/16/2025 02:09 pm GMT

Learning Resources Dive Into Shapes supports state standards in geometry and helps develop motor skills, critical thinking skills, and problem-solving skills. The shapes set includes 129 pieces, including 60 sticks in three sizes, twenty curves, and thirty-four connector pieces. And fifteen activity cards that are double-sided. This is one of the best educational toys for six-year-olds because it teaches many skills. Kids will get lost in playtime while building and learning.

12. NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC Crystal Growing Lab

NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC Crystal Growing Kit

$24.99

The kit has everything you need to start growing three different colors of crystals.

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03/17/2025 09:55 am GMT

The budding geologists will love growing their own crystals. The National Geographic Crystal Growing Lab has everything to grow colored crystals at home. The kit has a learning and instruction guide so kids can learn all about the crystals and then put their knowledge into action and make some crystals. It comes with three gemstone specimens, including a geode, blue calcite, and green fluorite. While the toy is for the six-year-old at home, the whole family can get in on the learning and enjoy it, too.

13. STEM Circuit Kit: Build Your Own Burp & Fart Machine

E-Blox Building Blocks STEM Circuit Kit, Build Your Own Burp & Fart Machine

$19.96

Kids learn the basic of electronics while making their very own burp and fart machine.

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03/17/2025 09:55 am GMT

Any six-year-old will tell you that farts and burps are funny. The Build Your Own Burp and Fart Machine might just be the way to get your six-year-old interested in science. It has ten sounds to make kids laugh while learning some of the basics of electronics. The color blocks have circuits that plug together and make all kinds of silly things. This is a STEM toy that may just be more fun than science class, but they will learn just as much.

Learning should always be fun, and sparking the creativity and imagination of a six-year-old through hands-on play and activities is the best way to expose them to STEM concepts and help them get ready to learn and grow.

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The post The 13 Best Educational Toys For 6 Year Olds appeared first on Moms Who Think.

Do you love the outdoors and want to find the best outdoor toys for your three-year-old? Let's take a look at the skills and interests of a three-year-old, and what toys not only they will enjoy but also help them develop knowledge and reach milestones.

Developmental Milestones for 3 Year Olds

Every child learns at a different pace, so please understand that some children may still be learning to achieve these milestones. But, at the age of three, some common milestones you may see include:

• Running and jumping easily
• Washing and drying hands
• Riding a tricycle
• Using a spoon to feed themselves
• Dress and undress themselves (not including buttons, laces, etc.)
• Ability to concentrate on a task for up to 10 minutes
• Speak in sentences from two to five words
• Remember rhymes
• Name colors

During this age, children are extremely active and learn many physical things. They walk, run, throw, and kick, and they are using these skills to explore the world.

The Best Outdoor Toys

Here are the 15 best toys for your three-year-old to play with outside.

Bubble Wand Set

Bubble Wands Set

$14.98

Big Bubbles Wand Funny Bubbles Maker with Tray, Nice for Outdoor Playtime & Birthday Party & Games, Suitable for All Age People

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03/16/2025 01:49 pm GMT

Bubbles are bound to be a hit! This bubble set from Amazon has so many different bubble wands for endless hours of discovery and play. With large wands that create giant bubbles and have intricate designs, to small wands in different basic shapes, this bubble set is great for individual or group play.

Tricycle

5 in 1 Kids Tricycle

$52.99

10 Month to 4 Years Old Kids Trike Toddler Bike Boys Girls Trikes for Toddler Tricycles Baby Bike Infant Trike with Adjustable Seat Height and Removable Pedal (Black)

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03/16/2025 02:33 pm GMT

A tricycle is a great way to spend lots of time outdoors with the family. Whether your toddler has learned how to ride a tricycle or is getting gentle pushes, helping them learn how to pedal with their feet and steer with their hands is great for motor skill refinement. This tricycle has adjustable seat height and can be purchased on Amazon.

Sand Table

Kids Sensory Table for Toddlers

$34.99

Water or sand table with fun accessories.

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07/23/2024 10:29 pm GMT

This sand table can also act as a water table and be a super fun option for Summer play. This table folds down for easy storage and includes small shovels, a watering can, a cupcake, and a rain cloud. This table can also be filled with other contents such as feathers, balls, etc.

Garden Set

Kids Gardening Tool Set

$41.99

Garden Toys with Wheelbarrow, Watering Can, Gardening Gloves, Hand Rake, Shovel, Trowel, Double Hoe, Apron with Pockets, Outdoor Indoor Toys Gift for Boys Girls

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03/16/2025 01:54 pm GMT

Having a play garden set is great for three-year-olds. At this age, they like to help and copy what they see. If you need to give your garden some TLC, get your toddler this gardening set so they can play along while you tend to the garden. You'll have hours of helpful play with this Gardening Tool Set.

Bug Exploration Kit

Outdoor Explorer & Bug Catcher Kit

$29.99

Bug Catcher Kit with Binoculars, Butterfly Net, Cage, and more.

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03/16/2025 01:55 pm GMT

Searching for insects is surely an adventure! With this Bug Exploration Kit, dive into nature searching for bugs and learning all about them after they're put into the cage. With binoculars, a flashlight, a magnifying glass, a compass, a butterfly net, and a critter case, this kit has everything your toddler needs.

Sprinkler Splash Pad

Non-Slip Splash Pad

$38.94

For Kids and Dog, Thicken Sprinkler Pool Summer Outdoor Water Toys - Fun Backyard Fountain Play Mat for Baby Girls Boys Children or Pet Dog (67 inch, Blue&Blue)

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03/16/2025 01:55 pm GMT

Enjoy the hot Summer days with this non-slip Splash Pad. With shallow waters, it is a safe option to play in the water and is easily set up. All you have to do is hook up the hose, and the small holes in the rim of the splash pad create a fountain of water that toddlers love. Looking for a splash pad the whole family can enjoy? Get this extra large splash pad.

Soccer Set

4FT Pop Up Kids Soccer Goal and Ball Set

$39.99

Portable Soccer Net for Training Easy Assembly with Compact Carrying Bag Gift Idea for Toddlers with Pump and 8 Stakes

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03/16/2025 01:54 pm GMT

Now that you're toddler is learning how to kick, a soccer set can help define their motor skills! Not only will it improve their coordination, but it is a great physical exercise that can help them learn organized sports and team-building skills! This soccer set can be great for individual or group play.

Scooter

Toddler Scooter for Kids 2-5

Adjustable Height - 3 Wheel Scooter for Kids Ages 3-5 Boys & Girls - Kids Three Wheel Scooter with Light Up LED Wheels

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Not only is this scooter great for coordination, but it's loved by littles because of its light-up LED wheels! This scooter has an adjustable height, an extra wide deck for safety and stability, and is lean-to-steer to teach balance. While learning, your toddler may be riding slower, and these LED light-up wheels will turn on at any speed.

Acrylic Art Easel

Indoor/Outdoor Acrylic Panel Easel

$226.22

Outdoor Play, Drawing, Adjustable Easel, Art Craft Painting, Arts and Crafts

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03/16/2025 01:55 pm GMT

This art easel can be used indoors, but it is a great way to spend time outdoors. Let your child's imagination blossom while they are surrounded by nature and creating art. We all know art projects can be very messy and a task to clean up. With this art easel, you can make the mess outside and hose it down when you're done.

Swing Set

Wooden Swing Set/Playset

$393.35

With Swings, Slide, Rock Wall, Chalkwall, Clubhouse and Sandbox, Ages 3-10, Amazon Exclusive Multicolor

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03/16/2025 01:55 pm GMT

This swing set features two swings, a climbing ladder, a sandbox, and a slide! With so many different options to play on this swing set, your three-year-old will have the best time. They can play with friends or engage in independent play (with supervision when climbing). This swing set will create years of memories.

The image featured at the top of this post is ©Sergey Novikov/Shutterstock.com.

The post The 10 Best Outdoor Toys For 3 Year Olds appeared first on Moms Who Think.

11 years old marks the end of middle childhood years. As they approach reaching the milestones in middle childhood and begin to prepare for becoming a young teen and adolescence, what are the interests of an 11-year-old girl? Let's find out more about this developmental stage and what toys are great options for 11-year-old girls.

Middle Childhood Development Milestones

By age 11, you'll notice your daughter has grown some independence from the family. They start to prioritize their friendships, which is important! But with this, they might also be experiencing peer pressure. Children who are confident and feel good about themselves typically have the ability to resist bad peer pressure allowing them to make good choices. This stage is important so that they can gain a sense of responsibility and step into who they are as a person.

During middle childhood for girls, they may also start to experience some physical changes as puberty approaches. This is a time of many mental, emotional, physical, and social changes. For some, these changes can start happening in the earlier years of middle childhood and for others, it might not happen until they are a young teen.

The Best Toys for 11-Year-Old Girls

Understanding these milestones, what are some good toys for 11-year-old girls? Here are some of our favorites.

Cake Pop Maker

Babycakes Mini Maker Cake

$24.47

Makes 9 Cake Pops, Purple. Cake pop supplies are not included.

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03/16/2025 01:40 pm GMT

This cake pop maker is a great way for her to dive into her baking hobby without taking over the oven. Whether baking for herself, for the family, or her friends at school, this cake pop maker will allow her to spend hours in the kitchen baking and decorating. She can even make cake pops to sell for any fundraising opportunities.

Stitch'n Style Fashion Studio

Stitch N Style Fashion Studio

$29.99

Sews 8 Stylish Projects, Pre-Threaded Sewing Machine Toy, Arts & Crafts Kids Toys for Girls

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03/16/2025 01:40 pm GMT

For up-and-coming fashion designers, this Stitch'n Style Fashion Studio is a great way for her to learn how to sew and expand her creativity. She can make scrunchies, purses, coin pouches, headbands, and more. With different fabrics and water transfer prints, the options are endless.

GO Glam U-nique Metallic Nail Salon

GO GLAM U-nique Metallic Nail Salon

$10.49

200 Icons and Designs, 4 Polishes, Stamper & Dryer, Nail Kit for Girls, Amazon Exclusive

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03/16/2025 01:40 pm GMT

This all-in-one nail art kit offers her the ability to create high-quality manis and pedis at home! This kit includes five design pods, 200 icons, and four bonus nail polish colors to create all different kinds of designs. While she is learning who she is, this nail kit can help her express her style.

Cat Headphones

Bluetooth Headphones for Kids

$19.88

Cute Ear Cat Ear LED Light Up Foldable Headphones Stereo Over Ear with Microphone/TF Card Wireless Headphone

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03/16/2025 01:40 pm GMT

Listening to music, watching movies, and playing games are all important activities for discovering who you are as a young girl. These cute light-up LED headphones are a great gift option. They are Bluetooth but also come with an audio cable. They also feature a built-in microphone for playing games or talking on the phone.

Big Fat Yarn Finger Knitting Kit

Big Fat Yarn Squishmallows Cozy Kit

Finger Knitting Fun - DIY All in One Finger Knitting Kit - Level 2: Intermediate, Arts and Crafts for Kids Teens Tweens and Adults - Amazon Exclusive

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The squishmallow craze has been around for a few years and it doesn't look like it's going away anytime soon. Get this finger knitting kit for her to hand-create accessories for her favorite squishmallows! This specific kit will allow her to make a pom-pom hat or a pocket scarf. If she loves it, get one of the many other squishmallow accessory kits.

FujiFilm Polaroid Camera

Fujifilm Instax Mini 11

$89.00

Instant Camera - Blush Pink, more colors available.

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03/16/2025 01:44 pm GMT

This Polaroid camera will allow her to capture and create memories throughout the years. Many young girls enjoy photography as a hobby and this camera is a great option for them to take to the park, hangouts, and parties. With seven different color options, get her favorite color and purchase a few packs of film to last.

Braiding Bracelet Kit

Friendship Bracelet Making Kit for Girls

$33.99

DIY Craft Kits Toys Jewelry Maker Kids. Favored Birthday Christmas Gifts for Ages 6-12yr. Party Supply and Travel Activities

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09/17/2024 02:44 am GMT

This Braiding Bracelet kit is the perfect toy for arts and crafts if she is an art enthusiast. Not only does she get to create, but she gets to create jewelry for herself and others. There will be friendship bracelets and necklaces for the whole family. This kit with have her and everyone else stylish in no time.

Hair Chalk Comb

Hair Chalk Comb Temporary Hair Color Dye

$8.98

Washable Hair Chalk for Girls Age 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 Birthday Cosplay DIY, Halloween, New Year 6 Colors

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03/16/2025 01:44 pm GMT

Let her explore different hairstyles and colors with these washable hair chalk combs. With purple, blue, green red, pink, and orange, she can create color strands or cover all of her hair to experience a new look! Whether for fun, Halloween, or a themed party, these hair chalk combs are a fun option for her to express her creativity.

Rock Tumbler Kit

NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC Rock Tumbler Kit

$59.99

Hobby Edition Includes Rough Gemstones, and 4 Polishing Grits, Great STEM Science Kit for Geology Enthusiasts, Rock Polisher for Kids and Adults

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03/16/2025 01:44 pm GMT

If she loves nature, this rock tumbler kit is great for adventure and crafting. Get the National Geographic Rock Tumbler Kit which already includes some rough gemstones and the supplies to polish them. Once she uses up all the included supplies, she can adventure outdoors to find cool rocks and gems to tumble.

Infinity Fidget Cube

4 Pack Infinity Cube Toy

$13.99

Stress Relieving Game for Kids and Adults, Cute Mini Unique Gadget Anxiety Relief, Magic Puzzle

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03/16/2025 01:43 pm GMT

With the love for fidgets still very prevalent (for kids and adults), these infinity cubes offer four cubes with different designs and colors. Fidgets can often be used for anxiety and stress relief but can also improve focus and help break bad habits.

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Montessori is important because it helps children become independent thinkers and explore learning on their own. A Montessori education is self-directed and hands-on. In a traditional classroom, each student follows the same lessons. Often this leads to some students excelling and others being left behind. In a Montessori environment, students learn and challenge themselves as they feel ready which in turn builds their confidence, independence, and sense of self. So, how does that translate into toys? Let's take a look at what the best Montessori toys for seven-year-olds are in terms of development.

Developmental Needs for Seven-Year-Olds

This age is typically when children experience a dramatic change in their development. They are adjusting from being small children into middle childhood (ages six to eight). No longer living in a world of imagination and fantasy, they tune into logic and reason. They start to understand “wrong” and “right” ways of doing things and also step into the role of solving their own problems. Although they start gaining independence, it is still best for them to learn in a structured environment and have direction from adults.

At age seven, children are moving on from the preoperational stage into the concrete operational state. The preoperational stage is from toddler through age seven, where children develop language, imagination, and memory. In this state, thinking is not logical but based on intuition. They sometimes still struggle to understand more complex concepts like time, comparison, and cause and effect. In the concrete operational state, which is ages seven to eleven, children start thinking more outward and less about themselves. They become more aware of what is happening around them, develop logic and reasoning, and start to understand what other people think and how they might not always think the same as others.

Montessori Toys for Seven-Year-Olds

Wooden Doll House

Coco Village Wooden Doll House

CocoVillage wooden doll house, accessories not included.

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CocoVillage's Wooden Doll House is a great Montessori toy for seven-year-olds. Learning and developing through play, having a doll house allows children to recreate everyday situations by simulating human interaction and creating stories with their imagination. This particular doll house is made of high-quality pinewood, plywood, and MDF making it an eco-friendly choice.

Often, parents avoid buying a doll house for their child because it requires assembly. Not only does CocoVillage provide a full 24-page detailed PDF on how to assemble your doll house, but they also provide a full visual and directional video that shows you how to build the house every step of the way.

Montessori Laboratory

Montessori Laboratory

Hands-on, Big Picture Science

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Montessori Laboratory is a membership that gives kids the opportunity to experience hands-on experiments. With over 140 experiments, virtual field trips, Montessori lessons, and interest-driven studies, Montessori Laboratory is loved by teachers, parents, and children.

These experiments allow children to dive into STEAM learning; Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics. Some of the experiments in Montessori Laboratory include growing crystals, building a convection tornado, burning iron, creating a green flame, and harnessing the wind.

Money Sorting

Wooden Money Board

Wooden Math Board Educational Materials

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This money-sorting activity includes a wooden board and math symbol tokens for children to learn how to count, add, and subtract money. Managing money is a key skill for everyone to have and teaching children at a young age how to do this can be very beneficial. The wooden board has four piggy banks that are engraved with the value of the change; 25 cents, 50 cents, etc. Underneath the piggy banks are coin holders, these holders are there for creating different scenarios in which change is equal to each other or how to add or subtract change to come up with a desired amount.

Flower Press Kit

DIY Flower Press Art Kit

$26.89

Wooden & Plant Plastic Art Flower Press for Children Ages 5 & Up

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03/16/2025 01:39 pm GMT

Not only does a flower press kit help children lean into art, but it also sends them out into nature. A flower press kit will have them adventure outdoors and discover things that they think are beautiful in our world. Then once they come back home they can use these items to create a piece of art they'll love and want to share.

Memory Chess

Wooden Memory Chess Montessori Game

Color Match Puzzle Board Kids Educational Toys, Learning Toys, Interactive Toys For Children With Box

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This wooden memory chess board is great to build cognitive skills. Memory games can help improve focus, concentration, and attention in children. It also forces them to engage in critical thinking and can improve visual recognition, allowing them to spot differences between things and relate things together.

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The state of Oregon is known to be a nature lover's paradise, from the rocky coastline overlooking the blue water of the Pacific to the forests filled with greenery to the many crystal clear lakes throughout the state. The natural beauty of the state makes it an excellent choice for summer camp. Summer camp is an amazing experience for children to make new friends, learn new skills, and gain self-confidence. Plus, research supports children spending more time outside helps their cognitive development and positively benefits their physical and mental health.

Before you start packing your child’s bags for camp, parents should assess which type of camp is best for their child. Some camps focus on physical fitness, others focus on creativity, and others on conservation projects. But whatever the focus is, they should focus on a fun educational experience outdoors. The American Academy of Pediatrics advises parents to consider their child’s age, abilities, and interests before choosing a summer camp to be sure to find the best fit. Likewise, parents should ask important questions about health and safety protocols and procedures.

If you are looking for some of the best camps in Oregon today, here is a list of some of the best camps the state has to offer.

1. Camp Magruder

Camp Magruder on Rockaway Beach off the Old Pacific highway is an excellent all-ages summer camp. The camp offers swimming, boating, archery, and hiking for campers. They also have a challenge course to facilitate team building and gain self-confidence. They have programs for elementary, middle, and high school ages that usually run for four or five days. The camp also has family camps, adult retreats, and a Q camp for LGBTQ+ young adults. 

The camp also hosts the Northwest Regional Outdoor Science School in the Fall and Spring for students to explore the scientific process, data collection, and careers in science and natural resource management.

2. Big Lake Youth Camp

Big Lake Youth Camp is a summer camp in central Oregon on a beautiful lake aptly named Big Lake. The summer camp offers programs for ages starting at age 7 through 18. Plus, they have family camps for families that want to experience camp together. The activities at Big Lake include swimming, canoeing, hiking, and arts and crafts. Kids have a scheduled day full of fun, ending in a group campfire with fun songs and games. 

For teens 13-17, the camp offers RAD Camps that offer off-site experiences like advanced rock climbing at Smith State Park, wakeboarding at an off-site rustic camp, mountain biking off trails, and white water rafting. They also offer a unique specialty camp dedicated to horses and learning riding skills and horse communication.  

3. Camp Tamarack

Camp Tamarack, located in central Oregon near Dark Lake, is a camp filled with activities for children ages 8-13. They offer week-long camps with standard camp activities like swimming, hiking, canoeing, and arts and crafts. But they also have unique activities like yoga, theatre, ceramics, journalism, and engineering. For 9th graders, they offer a Counselor in Training Camp for older kids to learn what it takes to be a camp counselor. In addition, they offer a session for campers 8-18 who have Type 1 diabetes, where campers can explore the activities in a safe manner.

4. YMCA Camp Collins

Outside of Portland, Oregon, near the Sandy River, is YMCA Camp Collins. The camp offers day camps, overnight camps, and family camps for those eager to explore this beautiful part of Oregon. With a climbing wall, ziplines, outdoor pool, archery center, and hiking trails, there is a lot to explore at this diverse camp. Campers are grouped by age, with a camp for 2-4 graders, another for 5-6th graders, and 6-8th graders. High schoolers have another camp dedicated to exploring leadership and team building. Camps run for one week, but they also offer mini camps for young campers in 2-4th grades who might not be ready for a full week away from home. Camp Collins also offers a horse-focused camp for beginners and experienced riders. 

5. Camp Westwind

If you are looking for a real and rustic camp adventure, then Camp Westwind on the rocky Oregon Coast just north of Lincoln City is an excellent choice. The camp is a little tricky to get to, and if the ferry isn't running, then you have to park and hike the two miles, which gives it an island and isolated feel perfect for connecting with nature. The camp has programs for children as young as kindergarten up through teen adventure camps. Plus, family camps and special mother-child camps for a special bonding experience. Younger children choose from arts and crafts to swimming, canoeing, and paddleboarding. Older campers explore all the Oregon coast has to offer, including surfing, seas kayaking, and team-building challenge courses designed to build confidence and self-esteem. 

6. Washington Family Ranch

Washington Family Ranch offers exciting outdoor activities in northern Oregon. The camp is isolated on a large piece of land. Their summer camps are for middle school and high school students who are part of the Young Life Christian organization. Their summer programs are specifically for Young Life teens, but they also offer retreats and family weekends for anyone and everyone to enjoy. The facility has two camps in the canyon and the creekside. On-site, there are water slides, a ropes course, zip lines, a pool, a climbing wall, waterslides, and mini golf. It offers a relaxing experience isolated from the pressure of real life. The campus is so isolated that there is no cell service, and the unpaved road is quite an adventure.

The camp also has a bit of history. In 1981, the site was originally purchased by the controversial cult leader Bhagwan Shree Rajneesh. He relocated his ashram from India to Oregon, where his followers built a utopian city in the Oregon desert with a full police force, telephone system, and bus service, all created by his followers. Unfortunately, there was a conflict with the locals, and the ranch was abandoned, and the cult guru was exiled in 1985. The ranch was left uninhabited, and eventually, the state sold it to a Montana man who donated it to the Young Life organization. Some of the same structures that the guru cult built are still standing and in use today.

7. Camp Gray Coastal Discovery Center

Does your camper love the ocean and learning about everything in it? Then Camp Gray Coastal Discovery Center is a perfect camp for them. It is located between the sandy dunes of South Beach and Yaquina Bay. The Coastal Discovery Center at Camp Gray in Newport has access to diverse ecosystems of the Oregon Coast, with overnight camps and programs for kids from 2nd grade to 12th grade and day camps for K-8 students. The camp focuses on exploration, education, creativity, and, most importantly, fun.

The programs range from art and design to exploring sea life and beaches to canoeing and surfing adventures. The camp has so much to offer. One unique program for high schools combines a love of sea and beach exploration with documentary filmmaking. Another, called Salt, Sand, and Sea, has young explorers trekking through different environments each day and gaining skills and building self-esteem. 

8. Camp Attitude

Every child deserves to experience the wonders of summer camp, and at Camp Attitude, every child can, regardless of physical or cognitive diagnosis. The camp is dedicated to serving those that other camps can’t.  Camp Attitude is for children and adults who otherwise would not be able to experience camp due to their need for aid and assistance. It is a not-for-profit Christian camp, but campers are welcome in every faith. The camp is located in western Oregon on the South Santiam River. The nearby Foster Lake is for swimming and tubing. While the camp provides a lot of fun activities like laser tag, talents show, and crafts. Accommodations are either cabins or yurts with two single beds, and all are wheelchair accessible. If you are a parent of a differently abled child, this camp is where they can have fun and be a regular camper and kid.

There are many excellent summer camps all across the U.S. Children will cherish the memories and friendships they make at camp.

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Alaska is truly one of the more unique landscapes our world has to offer. The best camps in Alaska today offer the incredible experience of connecting with nature, finding new passions, and making new friends in the vast natural beauty of the 49th state of America. Take your pick from specialized sports camps hosted in different locations across Alaska, or maybe an outdoor adventure camp is more the speed of this summer? Some major educational resources offer camps for students and young scientists as well as some great performing arts opportunities. At these camps, your child will grow into themselves and their interests, while in a supportive and encouraging environment. Keep on reading to learn more about the best camps in Alaska today! Sign your child up for a summer they’ll always remember. 

Outdoor Adventure and Sports Camps

Alaska is one of the coolest places to spend the summer outside and be active. Attendees of Alaska's adventure camps will come away with a strong connection to the outdoors and a better understanding of how to take care of themselves in it. With recreational and sports training also available, campers will learn all kinds of new skills while getting more confident in what they already know.

Into The Woods Alaska

At Into the Woods Alaska, campers will learn valuable naturalist and survival skills and enjoy outdoor recreation while surrounded by like-minded peers. The programs are led by qualified guides and mentors who work to educate and inform every student about the importance of leaving minimal impact and learning to understand the beauty of the Alaskan wilderness. Programs are open throughout the summer months for either day camps or wilderness trips. There are programs available to campers ages 5-6, 7-9, and 10-14. There is even a summer mountain biking club! Check out their website to learn about the many program options and see which one will fit your young adventure-seeker!

Kings Lake Camp

Located in Alaska's Mat Su Valley, the Salvation Army Kings Lake Camp is a summer camp dream. There are a few camps available depending on the needs of your child. There's a music camp, a kids camp, and a teen camp. There is also a S.A.Y camp session which is focused on the Salvation Army's scouting programs known as the Sunbeams, the Girl Guards, and the Adventure Corps. Campers in any of these programs will be immersed in the outdoors while participating in lots of classic camp activities and recreational opportunities. Your child will make new friends, learn new things, and have a great time at one of the best summer camps in Alaska today!

Adventure Treks

The Adventure Treks program is currently running a program specifically for high school juniors and seniors. As part of this 30-day Alaskan trek, campers will explore the Chugach Mountains, the Matanuska Glaciers, and the Talkeetna Mountains. There's even the opportunity to kayak along Prince William Sound before the end of the trip to Denali State Park. There are two sessions available during the summer, one taking place in June, and the other beginning in July. Spots are filling up quickly for this unique adventure experience, be sure to check out their website for more information.

Nike U.S. Sports Camps

The Nike U.S. Sports Camps (USSC) are hosted all over the United States. These camps encompass a wide array of sports with programs offered at local schools and training fields. Sports included are Lacrosse, Soccer, Football, Golf, Cross Country, Track, and more. Check out their website to see what programs are happening specifically in Alaska. Some of the camps are open for children as young as 5 depending on the program and location. Give your child the chance to hone their skills before the upcoming season, or to get used to a sport before they decide to try out!

Camp Fire

At this recreational outdoor camp, attendees will enjoy the beauty of Kenai Lake in Cooper Landing. Camp Fire offers co-ed camp sessions throughout the summer, depending on the age of the camper. There are different themed weeks and lots of things to see and explore on the 160-acre campus located right in the Chugach National Forest. The longest session is 6 days/5 nights, though there is also the option to join the Expedition camp. At Expedition Camp, campers will trek across Kachemak Bay. There will be plenty of hiking, some tide-pool exploring, and the chance to climb a real glacier. For more information on session options and availability, check out their website.

Educational Camps

Who said education and summer fun can't go hand in hand? At these camps, they are the same. Send your young student to a summer among peers and qualified teachers. Everyone will work together to learn and work on projects about exciting new topics of study. What a great way to spend the summer!

Alaska Challenger Center Science Camps

The Alaska Challenger Center offers two different science camps throughout the summer. There's
“Astronauts Alive!” is geared towards 1st-3rd graders and teaches campers all about the resources, tools, and needs of a professional space explorer. This session begins July 24th, 2023. The second summer camp is called “Power Up!” and is open to students in grades 4th-6th. Throughout this camp session, campers work on different activities that feature the power of different energy sources (petroleum, natural gas, nuclear, geothermal, etc.) Students will work on projects that look at energy conservation and consumption. This camp will for sure get your young scientist excited about all that is to come. Sign them up for one of the best camps in Alaska today!

CSI Camp

This is a unique camp offered through the Fraternal Order of Alaska State Troopers. The center, located in Anchorage, Alaska, also houses a museum. CSI Camp hosts high school students in a setting where they get to learn all about crime scene investigations. Led by Law Enforcement officers, CSI contractors, and scientists from the local crime lab, campers get to see what it takes to be a Crime Scene Investigator. With interactive science and interesting learning, this camp hopes to foster CSI hopefuls to pursue a career in Law Enforcement.

The University of Alaska Anchorage Summer Camp

At The University of Alaska Anchorage, young students can take interesting courses from actual University professors! At The University of Alaska Anchorage, young students can take interesting courses from actual University professors! Courses begin in June and run from 8:30 am – 3:30 pm. The camp options are as follows; Biology and Ecology Camp, Media Creator Camp, Mathematics Camp, Orienteering Camp, and Forensic Anthropology Camp. Check out their website for more departmental camps offered during the summer at The University of Alaska, Anchorage.

Performing Arts and Creative Camps

The value of performing arts and creative camps is how many opportunities they provide for a child's growth. Not only will your child learn confidence and comfort on the stage, but they'll also have a creative outlet and learn so many new skills. And who knows, they might go on to pursue the creative passion they learned this summer, for the rest of their life! Send your kid to an arts camp!

Alaska Theater of Youth Camp

The Alaska Theater of Youth Camp is a summer theater conservatory camp. Hosted in the beauty of Anchorage Alaska, there are both month-long and week-long camps available for sign-up. There is a musical theater camp, an acting theater camp, three triple threat camp sessions (singing, dancing, acting), and two fairytale theater camps. Final Performances will be hosted in Voth Theater and session dates run throughout June, July, and August.

Sitka Fine Arts Camp

The Sitka Fine Arts Camp offers art courses and theater courses for middle and high schoolers. There are programs for visual artists and writers, singers, dancers, and actors. This is one of the best camps in Alaska today for its many resources and array of learning opportunities. Check out their website for more information on dates and sessions.

The image featured at the top of this post is ©iStock.com/Jacob Boomsma.

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Tennessee is a beautiful state with landmarks like the Great Smoky Mountain Range. It Is also home to cities like Nashville, home to some of the best music and musicians alike. Another thing the state excels at is its summer camp opportunities. The best camps in Tennessee today encompass a wide range of activities, specialties, and adventures. Pick from co-ed summer camps, equestrian camps, music camps, and more. Nike and Adidas both host sports camps around the state of Tennessee. And there are lots of camps that take place in the beauty of the Tennessee wilderness. Keep on reading to learn more about these camps. Sign your child up today for a memorable summer camp experience! 

Active and Outdoor Summer Camps

Summit Co-Ed Summer Camp

The Summit Summer Camp experience is open to young campers ages 4-17. Campers will spend their days exploring the natural beauty of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Hosted in Tremont, Tennessee, this camp is all-inclusive with food, lodging and so many opportunities for outdoor learning and activities. There are multi-day and overnight experiences available. All campers will learn about the park from a team of naturalists and educators who work at Camp Summit. And never fear, there's plenty of time for campers to explore or perhaps take a swim in the mountain streams. Send your child to summer all about making connections, both with the great outdoors and with peers. They'll spend a summer adventuring in the beauty of the state of Tennessee.

YMCA Camp Widjiwagan

Hosted in Antioch, Tennessee, this YMCA camp welcomes all young adventurers. This is a classic summer camp experience, open to children ages 4-17. There are a few different types of camps including, day camp, overnight camp, and ranch camp. Ranch camp caters a bit more toward the equestrian side of life outdoors. However, all the camps hosted at YMCA Camp Widjiwagan are phenomenal summer camp adventures. Campers will come away from summer here with new friendships, new skills, and new interests. There are numerous activities offered throughout their days at camp to spark new passions and build new skill sets. Lodging is provided and what's a better bonding tool than bunking up at summer camp? Sign your child up today for a summer at YMCA's Camp Widjiwagan.

Nike and Adidas Sports Camps

Nike and Adidas both host their own specialized sports camps throughout the state of Tennessee. Session dates and locations depend on the sport, so be sure to check out where the camps are being hosted on the Nike website and the Adidas website, respectively. Sports like Football, Basketball, Tennis, Lacrosse, Swimming, and Cross Country are included in different sports camps around Tennessee. Sign your young athlete up today for a summer of training and focus alongside lots of fun!

Harbor Island Yacht Club

The Harbor Island Yacht Club Sailing Camp offers the unique opportunity to get out on the water this summer. A part of the Nashville Sailing Foundation, this camp works with all levels of sailors, ages 7-17 for daily sailing excursions from 9 am – 4 pm. Campers will have to pass a swimming test and bring their daily lunch, but other than that they'll be free and open to learning the art of sailing out on the open water in the sunshine. The boats that are used in these lessons include Optimist Prams, Olympic class ILCA (Lasers), RS Zests, and RS Feva sailboats. HIYC's Sailing camp is not only a fantastic summer experience but one of the best camps in Tennessee today!

Warner Park Nature Center Naturalist Camp

The Warner Parks are one of Nashville's true outdoor gems with some 3,000+ acres just 9 miles outside of Nashville. The parks have numerous scenic points and overlook hiking and biking trails, and even an equestrian center and trails specifically for horses. As part of its community outreach, the Warner Park Nature Center hosts a Naturalist Camp for young outdoor enthusiasts. There are half-day camp options and full-day camp options available. Campers will participate in guided programs to learn all about the beauty and ecosystems of the Warner Parks. They'll be among peers their age and spend the summer adventuring and expanding their worldview and connection to the outdoors.

Creekside Riding Stables Summer Camp

Located in Franklin, Tennesee, the Creekside Riding Stables offers both English and Western riding style training as well as many outdoor adventures with trail riding. Campers will learn horse etiquette and training, equestrian care, grooming, and tacking. There will be free time for riding and dedicated sessions for arts, crafts, and other creative projects. Camp Creekside sessions start in June and run throughout July and are open to all levels. Campers will be grouped by age and skill level and work directly with staffers to ensure safety and proper education throughout their time at camp.

Educational Summer Camps

Battleground Academy

At Battleground Academy's Summer Camp, campers in K-12th grade will be able to participate in camps of all kinds. From cheerleading to art camps, coding, soccer, and more. There are full-day and half-day camps available depending on the subject and the needs of the child. Working with faculty, staff, and qualified coaches, campers will spend the summer in a nurturing environment, learning new things while making lots of new summer friends. Campers can choose to participate in one session or multiple sessions to get the most out of their summer at Battleground Academy Camp. Check it out today!

Code Ninjas

Located in Franklin, Tennessee, Code Ninjas Summer Program is a fantastic summer STEM camp experience. Open for any youngsters interested in coding and technology, campers will participate in game building, STEM projects, and robotics alongside fellow STEM lovers. Guided by qualified coding coaches in a supportive and interactive environment, campers will come out of this summer with a brand new skill set and perhaps a lifelong passion or future career path! Check out their website for more information on the camp open to sign-ups in Tennessee.

Mr. Bond Science Guy Camp

The Mr. Bond Science Guy Camp is absolutely one of the best camps in Tennessee today. Hosted right in Nashville, this day camp empowers campers to get excited about the many subjects of science through hands-on experimentation and interactive learning. Best suited for kids ages 5-12, camps consist of 25 campers to keep the staff-to-campers ratio small and personal. Each week consists of a different theme, so there is always the option to attend more than one summer session! Check out their website for more information on the camps located in Tennessee.

Art and Performing Arts Summer Camps

Tennessee Performing Arts Center Camp

With sessions opening in June, the Tennessee Performing Arts Center Musical Theater hosts two 5-day camps that are open to ages 8-14. Guided by qualified teaching artists and staffers, campers have the opportunity to take lessons in dance, singing, and acting techniques. The camp aims to encourage confidence, teamwork, and dedication to the joy of musical theater. The two camp themes include “Celebrate Broadway” and “Heroes and Villains.” Give your child a chance to perform on the James K. Polk stage with their new friends and great memories of a wonderful summer camp experience.

First Light Summer Arts Camp

The First Light Summer Arts Camp hosts small classes in an array of art types, mediums, and themes. Camps are a week-long affair and are held from 9 am – 12 pm. There is the option to add an afternoon session which lasts until 3:45 pm. Some of the camp themes include “Artosaurs,” and “Comicbook Camp.” Check out their website to learn more about one of the best camps in Tennessee today!

The image featured at the top of this post is ©f11photo/Shutterstock.com.

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The state of Wyoming is an incredible place to spend the summer. And there are some incredible camps for your kids to explore. The best camps in Wyoming today cater to all kinds of kids with all kinds of interests. If you’re wanting a classic summer camp experience, one that’s filled with learning, Wyoming’s got you covered. There are art camps, sports camps, STEAM camps, and more. Make your child’s summer one to remember where they’ll make new friends and learn new skills. Your child will come out of their summer camp experience with a newfound appreciation of their community and growing love for all the opportunities Wyoming has to offer. Read on to learn more about some of the best summer camps in the state.

STEM Camps in Wyoming

STEM camps offer guidance in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. At these camps, your child will get to experience some hands-on learning in a super fun setting. With great instructors and like-minded peers, they'll hone their interests in the STEM fields while making some great summer memories.

Teton Science Schools

Wyoming is home to some of the most beautiful national parks, both Grand Teton and Yellowstone National Parks. So, why not check out some of the camps hosted there? At the Teton Science Schools, multiple programs will cater to your young scientist. They offer an early childhood summer program, open to children ages 3-6 years old. This program focuses on outdoor exploration, social-emotional skills, problem-solving, team building, and creativity.

Campers grades 1st-5th will experience a week of scientific inquiry. They'll gather data on a topic of their choice and learn scientific skills in a beautiful setting. Games, hikes, arts and crafts, and plenty of time for fun are, of course, included. And then for middle and high schoolers, there are overnight programs at Yellowstone available. At these overnights, campers will go even further into the process of data collection and conclusion-building projects. They'll learn with friends and make some amazing memories in these beautiful Wyoming landmarks.

Wyoming Science and Technology Camp

The Wyoming Science and Technology Camp is open to children grades K-8. Campers are separated into separate divisions so they can be taught exciting subjects among peers of their level. WSTC offers a unique summer day-camp experience that is filled with collaborative learning and hands-on experimentation. Guided by highly qualified instructors, campers work on experiments, projects, and challenges. Located in Jackson, Wyoming, check out their website for more information.

Specialized Camps

These camps specialize for children interested in a particular sport. Or for children who need a bit more attention and guidance in a camp setting. There's also a great all-girls program where your daughter, niece, etc. will make lots of friends her age. Send your child off for the adventure of summer camp!

Breakthrough Basketball Camp

At Breakthrough Basketball Camp, campers will work on drills and skills, sportsmanship, and teamwork. They'll learn these things and more with quality coaches in a super fun camp setting. Pick from a list of camps in the Wyoming area that cater to specific Basketball techniques and practices. From shooting to offensive skills, ball-handling, and decision-making, your child will be supported and coached by other kids their age while doing a sport that they love. Check out their website to see which camps might be nearest to you in Wyoming.

SOAR Camp

SOAR Summer Camp caters to children with ADHD or other learning challenges. The goal of the camp is to offer the classic summer camp experience of full-on fun while also providing support and guidance to encourage learning at a pace that works for your child and their needs. Camp at SOAR involves rock climbing, horseback riding, and lots of water sports activities. Campers will be supported and encouraged in an environment of understanding and fun! Located in Dubois, Wyoming, their website has lots of information about the kinds of programs offered.

Alpen Girl Summer Camp

At the Alpen Girl Summer Camp, girls ages 11-16 can stay overnight as part of the 1-2 week outdoor programs. With camp locations in Washington, Wyoming, Oregon, Idaho, and Montana, this camp features numerous outdoor adventures for its dedicated campers. Try out backpacking, horseback riding, rafting, yoga, and more. Alpen Girl Summer Camp emphasizes friendship building, leadership skills, and self-esteem development through courses with camp leaders and working with peers. The camp is small, and each group is limited to 12 campers so that campers can work with staff and form a summer family that they'll always remember. Check out Alpen Girl Summer Camp today!

Outdoor Summer Camps

And of course, the classic summer camp experience. All of these camps offer wonderful, guided adventures in the outdoors. Your child will get to explore the beautiful wilderness that Wyoming has to offer while learning new skills and making new friends.

Teen Adventure Travel Camp

For another adventure in Yellowstone National Park, 8th and 9th graders have to check out the Yellowstone Teton Adventure through Teen Adventure Travel Camp. Campers will trek the backcountry trails of Yellowstone National Park and experience the wonder of bison, black bears, lynx, elk, and even mountain goat sightings. They'll participate in whitewater kayaking and hiking or mountain biking around the beauty of Jackson Hole's trails. There are other programs available outside of Wyoming, check out the Teen Adventure Travel Camp website for more information on one of the best camps in Wyoming today!

Bedroll and Breakfast Camp

The Bedroll and Breakfast Camp takes place in a camp that's only a short walk away from Grand Teton and Yellowstone National Parks. Participants will be part of daily hikes and campouts. They'll enjoy breakfast on the trail and learn about the beauty of the national parks as they do. Check out their website to learn more about the opportunities for travel as part of the Wilderness Trails Outfitters Summer Camp.

Camp Grow

Camp Grow offers the outdoor camp experience of a lifetime. Located on Mountain Springs Ranch in Pinedale, Wyoming, campers ages 8-15 will participate in outdoor activities geared toward confidence and independence building through fun. There are ponds across the ranch perfect for fishing, swimming, and canoeing, an archery and marksmanship range, private hiking trails, an equestrian training area, lodges, and bunkhouses for sleeping. Sign your child up for a summer in the beautiful outdoors that they're sure to never forget at Camp Grow.

Performing and Creative Arts Camps

For some of the best camps in Wyoming today, check out these performing and creative arts camps. From pottery and painting to theater, singing, and dancing, these camps have got it all. Sign your child up for their most creative summer yet!

MAT Camp

Located in Evanston, Wyoming, MAT Camp caters to Music, the Arts, and Theater. Running for five days in July, this camp offers 150+ classes covering genres like world music, voice, theater arts, piano, art, music technology, and beyond. It's held at Evanston High School and the staff includes highly qualified teachers and visiting staff hired specially for this summer camp. Classes are open to children as young as 3 to adults. Make your summer a family affair and give your child the chance to have fun and learn at the same time. This is one of the best camps in Wyoming today

Pottery Kids Art Camp

At the Pottery Kids Art Camp, campers get to participate in super fun sessions of pottery art painting, glass fusion, and even mosaic creations. These week-long camps offer unique daily projects that fit the needs of your child and their interests. And if your child enjoys their time at this summer camp, there are after-school classes and a Kids Paint Club during the year!

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The state of Louisiana is a beautiful place, filled with artistic, cultural, and educational opportunities. The best camps in Louisiana today cater to all kinds of interests and welcome kids of all ages. Louisiana is the birthplace of American Blues. So, it might just be the best place to send your young musician for the summer! And there are so many great cities with creative and diverse offerings. From the Mardi Gras celebrations in New Orleans to the incredible nature and wildlife to check out in the Bayous. Check out options for a more traditional summer camp, a music arts camp, a theater camp, or a sports camp. There’s something for everyone in the great state of Louisiana. Keep on reading to learn more and find the camp that’s right for you!

Arden Cahill Academy Summer Camp

Sign your child up for the Cahill Camp Corral 2023 Sessions. At this camp, they'll be sure to have a great cam experience. At Arden Cahill Academy, campers ages 3-13 will participate in age-appropriate and super-engaging activities in the beauty of Louisiana Nature. This camp is hosted on the Arden Cahill campus in Gretna, Louisiana. At camp, there are opportunities to interact directly with farm animals, and there are classes in art, theater, steam subjects, and swimming. And don't worry, there's also plenty of time for free play and exploration! Throughout the summer, there are weekly camp themes. Some of these include Ocean Week, Space Week, Pirate Week, and Dino Week! There are even special events at the end of each week where campers dress up and celebrate their time spent at camp. Send your child to one of the best camps in Louisiana today!

Camp Invention

At Camp Invention, creativity, and curiosity reign supreme. While these camps happen nationwide, one of them takes place right in Louisiana at two different locations. Open to grades K-6, these summer camps work to empower and educate. It Is a great setting for children who are interested in the fields of STEM. This stands for Science, Technology, Engineering, or Math concepts. Campers spend a full week building skills, making memories, and forging friendships. With great classes to take and surrounded by their peers, they're sure to have the best time learning at this hands-on, educational summer camp!

Louisiana Children’s Museum Summer Camp

Make your child's summer super special at the Louisiana Children’s Museum Summer Camp! Held in New Orleans, Louisiana, these camps are designed to be engaging, hands-on and educational. Campers will participate in programs for science, math, reading, and the arts. There will be plenty of time for games and lots of supervised time to explore the beauty of 8.5 acres worth of park space in City Park! Programs happen both indoors and outdoors, with different weekly themes available depending on session sign-up. There are art projects, a daily story time, and a water-related activity that's sure to keep campers cool! Check out their website for more information on this summer's themes!

Kids Cam Camp

At Kids Cam Camp, campers will have full days full of fun activities including sports, the creative arts, water sports, and STEM courses. These weekly day camps encourage kids to have fun while learning and trying new things. Not to mention all the fun people your child will meet attending one of these camps at their Louisiana locations! This camp promotes the values of resilience, reinvention, reflection, and an appreciation of the power of our differences. Kids Cam Camp ensures guidance and structure in the months without school. It also emphasizes the beauty of the world without screens to encourage kids to enjoy the world around them. At the end of this camp, your child will emerge with a better understanding of themselves. They'll have some new skills to try out and a summer filled with wonderful memories!

Ochsner Fitness Center Summer Camps

At the Ochsner Fitness Center, summer camps are full of fun! Open to campers ages 3-12, day camp sessions run from May through August. Pick from fun activities like non-competitive sports, obstacle courses, water athletics, and artistic projects. There will also be field trips! As part of camp sign-up, there's the option to select a Swimming lessons-specific camp or a Gymnastics and Tumbling camp. The gymnastics camp is through Elmwood Gymnastics Academy. All camp sessions are held at the Ochsner Fitness Center in Harahan, Louisiana. Send your child to one of the best camps in Louisiana today!

Ecole Billingue

For a unique and worthwhile summer camp experience, check out Ecole Billigue. At this French emersion camp, campers will take courses in this beautiful language, gaining valuable skills while making new friends. Le Camp D'été offers two-week sessions as well as one-week sessions available for sign-up. Previous experience with French is not a requirement to join this wonderful learning experience.

JPAS Theater Intensive

The Jefferson Performing Arts Society hosts a fantastic series of Summer Musical Theatre Intensives. These programs are held in New Orleans between Westwego, East Jefferson High School, and the Jefferson Performing Arts Center. Campers between the grades of 3rd-12th will participate in musical theater and acting courses. In a safe and encouraging environment, children of all theater skills and experience levels will make new friends and step outside their comfort zone. Each camp is purposely kept small so there's the chance for individual training and instruction with professional theater staff.

Louisiana Academy of Performing Arts Summer Camp

At the Louisiana Academy of Performing Arts Summer Camp, campers will participate in music and dance classes galore! Open to ages 5-14, campers choose from over 40 arts programs to fill their days at one of the best summer camps in Louisiana today. Pick from theater classes, dance classes, vocal classes, and more, your child will get a well-rounded arts experience at this one-of-a-kind camp. Sessions begin in July and take place at the Mandeville School of Music and Dance, and the River Ridge School of Music and Dance. Classes happen from 9 am-3 pm.

Nike Sports Camps

The Nike Sports Camps are a great resource for young athletes of all ages. Hosted in states all over, the Louisiana state camps cater to sports like Soccer, Lacrosse, Football, Cross Country, and more. Certain sessions accept younger than elementary-aged children, be sure to check out their website to learn more about the specific summer program that will fit the needs of your young athlete.

Mount Carmel Academy Summer Camp

The Mount Carmel Academy Summer Camp is open to girls in the 2nd through the 8th grades. Hosted on their campus in New Orleans, Louisiana, campers pick from activities to shape their summer and guide their sense of exploration. There are classes in the arts, sciences, dance, design, theater and so many more options to choose from. There's a morning session and an afternoon session and all sessions begin June 5th and go through June 30th. What better place to make new friends and build new skills? Check out all the opportunities available to your child at one of the best summer camps in Louisiana today!

Ogden Museum of Southern Arts Summer Camp

Located in New Orleans, Louisiana, the Ogden Museum of Southern Arts hosts multiple summer camps for artists of all ages and skill levels. Open to children in grades 2nd-12th, campers will participate in sessions that focus on photography, painting, printmaking, fashion design, and more! Each camp session is taught by professional artists and educators. Be sure to check out their website to see the details of each session, all of which start in mid-July.

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There are so many great things that the state of Kentucky! There’s horse racing, automobile manufacturing, arts, culture, and Kentucky Fried Chicken! The other thing Kentucky gets right is its summer camps. The best camps in Kentucky cater to a wide range of ages across numerous interests. From day camps to overnights, campers can participate in activities of all kinds. If your child is interested in the arts, sciences, and sports, keep on reading. Or maybe they're looking for more classic summer camp activities? Either way, Kentucky’s got it all. Keep on reading to check out some of the best camps in Kentucky today. Find out what it takes to sign up and give your children a summer they’ll never forget at one of these great locations.

InnOVATION Arts Camp

At the InnOVATION Arts Academy, your camper will get to pick from one of three programs. There's a week-long dance intensive, 101 Dalmatians Kids, and High School Musical Jr. These programs build up your child's confidence in the performing arts while instilling fun and the chance to make new friends along the way. Located in Lexington, Kentucky, these programs are open to anyone in pre-K through high school. All skill levels are encouraged to participate. Ar this art academy, the values of excellence and hard work go hand in hand with fun, creativity, and engagement.

Looking for Lilith Theater Camp

For another great theater camp opportunity, check out the Looking for Lilith Theater Camp. At this summer camp program, hosted in Louisville, Kentucky, your child is sure to thrive. LFL's Summer Drama courses work to encourage children to feel comfortable and confident on the stage. With the help and guidance of teaching artists, campers are led through fun activities and performance techniques. There are free summer programs available at the Highview Arts Center. Three of their most popular programs are Kids Speak, Youth Speak, and Girls Speak. These free programs focus on the power and fun of storytelling, and the basics of playwriting.

Camp Bernheim

The Bernheim Arboretum and Research Forest is a Kentucky gem. Send your child for a week in the beauty of this wilderness park at Camp Bernheim. With seven weeks of sessions available for sign-up, campers spend their time in the wonder of the outdoors. Campers can stay for up to two weeks to ensure maximal engagement with the many opportunities at Camp Bernheim. Activities available include kayaking, hiking, crafts, educational walks and so much more. Campers learn from the plants and animals native to the Kentucky wilderness and build their confidence and independents to boot.

Nike US Sports Camps

Nike hosts sports camps all over the U.S. for several different sports. Take your pick from soccer, football, golfing, lacrosse, cross country, and numerous others. Whether your child is a beginner or working ahead of time to prepare for a new season of sportsmanship, these camps are a great place to be. They will get to build both their confidence and their skills. Check out their website to see where in the great state of Kentucky the Nike US Sports Camps (USSC) are available to your children this summer. These camps are open to kids as young as 5 depending on the camp, and to athletes through high school, these are some of the best camps in Kentucky!

Louisville Rowing Club

Rowing is a fantastic sport to get involved in! At the Louisville Rowing Club, Learn to Row workshops are available to middle school through high school-aged young adults. They'll have the opportunity to build all the skills needed for a team sport of this kind. With the guidance of coaches, campers will learn the fundamentals of teamwork and the technique of rowing. It's a great environment to build athleticism, and forge friendships with peers that share a passion for hard work and having fun altogether. If you're local to the Louisville area, the option to continue in the sport past the summer is a possibility. There's an LRC Junior Rowers Club that participates in competitions year-round! Check out their website for more info!

4-H Camps

4-H is a wonderful organization that focuses on youth development through the four mission values of Head, Heart, Hands, and Health. Their summer programs are open to kids of all ages from all kinds of backgrounds and will give them a classic and memorable summer camp experience. There are four locations to pick from within the state of Kentucky.

• Feltner 4-H Camp (London, KY) has a pool, climbing wall, cabin space for over 400 campers, and plenty of spaces for gathering and community events.
• Lake Cumberland 4-H Camp (Nancy, KY) has similar amenities plus an amphitheater, cave, and a lake for water sports and recreation!
• North Central 4-H Camp (Carlisle, KY) also has yurt accommodations along with other options.
• West Kentucky 4-H Camp (Dawson Springs, KY) has horse stalls, archery trails, and 500+ beds.

Any of these spaces is a great place to send your child for the summer. Cultivating positive and enduring values and an appreciation for the community is why the 4-H camps are some of the best camps in Kentucky.

Justin’s Place Kentucky

At Justin's Place, campers who love horses will be in equestrian heaven. This camp is specialized in children who have some form of disability. The camp aims to be a safe space for exploration and connection with hands-on interactions and guidance from trained staff and farm hands. Several programs may fit the needs of your child. Check out the riding camp, equine science camp, farm work camp, or creative camp. At each of these programs, children will be in a safe and wonderful space to learn about their gentle animal friends, build new connections, and make some wonderful summer memories. Check out their website to learn more about Justin's Place.

Mr. Bond Science Guy Camp

With camps all over the South, Mr. Bond Science Guy's Summer Camp, functions to make science accessible and fun for kids of all ages. With the option for in-person and virtual summer camps, this opportunity will surely spark the joy of science in your young explorer. With hands-on workshops under the guidance of top-qualified staffers and scientists, your child will get to learn while having lots of fun. There are also after-school programs and winter sessions on top of the super awesome summer camps!

Pepper Hills Camp

At Pepper Hills Camp, there is the opportunity to stay overnight for the 3-week session or day camp sessions for younger campers. It is open to children ages 2-14 and activities are specifically geared toward the needs of that particular age group! There are so many activities to choose from and older campers participate in the decision of their activity scheduling! Pick from swimming, obstacle and challenge courses, horseback riding, team and individual sporting competitions, arts and crafts opportunities, and water sports like boating. Located in Lexington, Kentucky, check out their website for more information on rates, sessions, and activities!

Bluegrass Youth Ballet

The Bluegrass Youth Ballet (BYB) intensive is geared towards campers who have a background in ballet dance. Campers will train in this safe and informative environment for a summer they're sure to always remember. Non-BYB students are evaluated for placement so they can train at the level they need to become stronger, more confident dancers. There are four week-long sessions to choose from, each with a different special guest instructor and a fun theme! For a camp experience geared toward younger dancers, check out their Kids Fun Arts Camp for ages 4-8. As part of this camp experience, your child will learn the basics of ballet while also taking the time to craft, make new friends, and have an enjoyable summer camp. Sign them up today! The BYB is located in Lexington, Kentucky.

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The state of Nevada is full of beautiful desert landscapes and diverse arts, and cultural opportunities. The best camps in Nevada today feature a wide range of educational, athletic, and artistic avenues for children and young adults. Some of these beautiful camps take place next to Nevada's natural wonders. How does summer camp on the shores of Lake Tahoe sound? Fill your child’s summer with new experiences and new friendships, and the state of Nevada truly has so many options for great camps! Whatever type of camp you pick, your child will come away with a whole new skill set and newfound interests. Keep on reading to check out the best camps in Nevada today!

Sports and Activities Camps

Sometimes the best way to spend the summer is by getting out extra energy and perfecting athletic skills. If your child is interested in athletics, going into a new season for sports at their school, or just needs an outlet for energy and fun, these camps are a great option! At any of these camps, your child will have access to great coaching and a peer group with similar interests. They’ll learn the value of training, technique, hard work, and fitness. Find the perfect sports camp in Nevada today and sign your child up for a summer they’ll never forget.

1. The Impact Basketball Camp caters to individual high school players, group training, and team packages. Each camp session includes 45 players and there are options available to stay overnight or attend during the day. Campers are led through drills and training sessions with coaches. They work on skill and technique fine-tuning in a safe setting with the right resources to become the best player they can be. Camp experience aside, your child will train at the top-notch facility right in Las Vegas.

2. Nike's US Sports Camps (USSC) offer training in multiple sports, with camps all over the United States. The Nevada camps feature highly qualified coaches for Lacrosse, Basketball, Baseball, Cross Country, Gymnastics, Golf, Soccer, and much, much more! Training sessions are grouped by age and some of the camps are even held on the shores of Lake Tahoe. Your child's summer is sure to be amazing with the beauty of Nevada as the backdrop to a well-structured athletics camp experience.

3. The Gym Cats Gymnastics camps are open to young gymnasts ages 5+. The day camp sessions feature lots of activities and basic gymnastics training in their highly safe gym facility located in Henderson, NV. Pick between a couple of camp blocks depending on your schedule. All you need to plan for is bringing comfortable clothes and packing your child's lunch. Snacks will be provided and later sessions also include a movie after the active part of the day is done!

Arts and STEM Camps

Any camp that can instruct your child in the creative arts or STEM fields, is a camp worth checking out! Pick from numerous activities across the fields of writing, design, painting, invention, engineering, and other STEM-related labs. Fill your child’s summer camp days with fun and forging new friendships. They’ll come away from their time at camp with lots of creative ideas and maybe even a future career path! Keep on reading to learn about some of the best camps in Nevada today.

4. The Bash and Design Art Programs happen throughout the summer and include numerous programs for multiple ages. The Princess Arts & Crafts Workshop is for ages 4-8 and includes a special guest Disney Princess in attendance. Your young artist will work on projects alongside their favorite Princesses. Another program available is the Summer Bash Arts Program. These camps operate in sessions that happen either in the morning or the afternoon and are available to ages 8-16. Check out their website for more information on available sessions that might interest your young Picasso.

5. Camp Invention takes hands-on experimentation to a whole new level! This camp is a STEM camp for inquisitive kids from kindergarten to 6th-grade levels. Campers will work with instructors to build inventions and learn all about the science, math, and technology behind the fun they are having. Be sure to peruse their website for a camp session that works for your schedule. Some camps even offer take-home packages If it makes more sense to host a STEM camp in your backyard!

6. The YMCA Camps held in Nevada offer lots of artistic and STEM activities during their numerous camp sessions. Take your pick of day camps, week camps, or half-day camps. Grouped by age range, these camps will help your child to build lasting friendships and find new creative interests. There are games and sports, crafts, STEM projects, and more. These camps are open to ages 5-15, and all your need to plan for is comfortable clothes, swimming gear, healthy snacks, and a packed lunch.

7. Adventures in Writing Camp is a great refuge for young authors and creative minds alike. Open to grades 1st-8th. The staff for this camp features published authors, teachers, and even musicians. All of these great minds work together to create a camp that encourages creativity and potential. Campers learn through written songs and storytelling. Older campers will publish e-books and create their blogs to start sharing their creativity and writing with the world. What a great jumpstart to summer with one of the best camps in Nevada today.

Educational Summer Camps

There’s nothing quite like a summer camp experience full of learning. Full of activities and crafting, these camps remind all of us how education and fun can go hand in hand. Nevada offers some great options for educational summer camp experiences your child will never forget. There are also Girl Scouts and Boy Scouts camps available for those who are interested in getting involved with an organization that builds up leadership and resourcefulness.

8. Champ Camp is a summer camp for champions! Available for kids ages 5-12, this camp encourages hands-on experimentation and lots of free time to play. Campers will learn new skills, build confidence and make some great new friends.

9. The Girl Scouts of Southern Nevada offer both overnight and day camp options for the summer. Open to grades K-12, Girl Scouts fosters a community of leadership, creativity, and fun. The sleepaway camp takes place at Frias Frontier in Alamo, Nevada. These beautiful campgrounds feature horses and chickens, plenty of space to explore, and lots of guided activities for campers to be a part of. Your child will sleep under the stars, gain new skills, make new friends, and earn some badges along the way!

10. The Boy Scouts of America has a branch in Nevada and lots of summer camps available to join. Campers will learn the values of being a boy scout with all the fun of summer camp. Check out their website for updates on Camp Fleischmann!

11. The Nevada State 4-H Camp is an educational and adventure camp that takes place right on the shores of Lake Tahoe. Your camper will enjoy rustic sleeping cabins, a classic dining hall experience, sports courts, a beachfront pier, and lots of recreational activities. Your child will get the chance to try out volleyball, swimming, kayaking, and canoeing on top of leadership building and peer bonding! With so many activities to try at this 4-H Summer Camp, your child is sure to create some fantastic and lasting summer memories.

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Scouting Camps can be a great place to send your child for the summer. At the best scouting camps in the U.S., young boys and girls will learn the value of hard work and have the chance to build leadership skills. They'll participate in tons of fun summer activities. Not to mention the many friendships they will make along the way. The two main governing bodies of scouting camps around the U.S. are the Boy Scouts of America and the Girl Scouts of America. Both organizations host several camps in numerous states. And as of 2019, many Boy Scouts programs also allow girls to attend their camps. Keep on reading to learn more about the best scouting camps in the U.S.

Resica Falls Scout Reservation

The Resica Falls Scout Reservation is located right in the Poconos Mountains of Pennsylvania. Send your young scout to any of the programs available throughout the six weeks of summer. Campers who stay more than a week will be part of a temporary troop in which they do all the activities of regular Boy Scouts. They'll have the opportunity to participate in earning merit badges through hard work, activities, and arts and crafting projects. There is also Webelos Week which features lots of outdoor experiences. Campers and parents can participate in shooting sports, swimming, and boating. And for another great program option, check out the Paddlerama High Adventure Trips. Campers will paddle down the Delaware River with experienced guides, staff, and older scouts. Be sure to check out their website to learn more about what program might be best suited to your family.

Camp Easton

On the shores of Lake Coeur d’Alene in Harrison, Idaho, Camp Easton Boy Scout Camp has lots of fun to offer. This camp has a premiere aquatics program due to its proximity to the lake. Campers have access to lessons in swimming and water sports, canoeing, sailing, and rowing, just to name a few. For deeper dives, check out snorkeling, and scuba-diving. There's even a water trampoline! Outside of water sports, there are recreational sports, scouting activities, outdoor treks, and more. Enjoy the classic summer camp experience of the dining hall, cabins, and sessions for campers of every age.

ZBase

This camp, located in Skiatook, OK, is designed for “Adventure Enthusiasts.” With numerous trek options available to a whole range of ages and adventure levels, this camp is open to Boy Scouts members as well as to the public. Check out the ZBase adventure spots like Turkey Creek Western Village where there's an old West replica town. Campers get the chance to participate in to get to participate in cowboy action shooting and other fun western-themed activities. There's a treehouse and a ninja warrior course, an equestrian area, and a mountain biking trail, among many other fun activities. Fishing Weekend caters to young angler enthusiasts and there are also climbing-specific and backpacking-specific weekends hosted at ZBase. All of these opportunities make this one of the best scouting camps in the U.S.

Beaumont Scout Reservation

Located near Rock Creek, OH, the Beaumont Scout Reservation houses multiple camps that are a part of the Boy Scouts summer association. Camp McIntosh has numerous cabins and a brand-new swimming facility. Camp Broadbent has a more rural camping experience but also recreational sites for activities like archery and rifle ranges. The camp is situated right next to Lake Klein, where campers will participate in fishing, boating, and jet skiing. There is also Camp McCahill which is located right on the banks of the Grand River, and Camp Gray which is designed for cub scouts, especially for cub scouts. Your young scouts will participate in activities like obstacle courses, sporting games, and a shooting range.

Girl Scouts Camps

The Girl Scouts of the USA is a nationally recognized organization that helps to empower young girls and fellow scouts while doing community outreach work. The organization offers numerous camps for the needs of any summer camper. Check out their website for more details on location-based camps and the many programs they offer throughout the year. Camps are open to children in kindergarten and up, with day camps, weekend camps, and resident camps offered during the summer months. There is the option for a traveling camp that features more backpacking as well as a family camp for younger girl scouts.

Camp Pigott

At Camp Pigott, campers can choose from a couple of different session options. Located in Snohomish, Washington, these camps cater to campers of all ages. There's a Webelos Cub Scout camp equipped for younger scouts and campers, the classic Pigott Summer Camp with all kinds of recreational activities and merit badges galore. The Adventure Camp at Camp Pigott features hiking, rafting, and mountain biking. And finally, The COPE program and Climbing Camp features team building and personal reflection as part of the camp.

Philmont Scout Ranch

And for perhaps one of the most famous scouting camps, check out the Philmont Scout Ranch in Cimarron, New Mexico. This adventure base is the Boy Scouts' largest campsite. Including some 140,000 acres across the Sangre de Cristo range of the Rocky Mountains, this campsite is full of wondrous natural beauty. There are 35 camps across the ranch territory and more than 50 trail camps available for hiking. A huge part of this Boy Scouts experience is an emphasis on “low-impact camping,” which aims to keep the land as natural as possible, despite the high level of wilderness camping. Trekking programs are available for groups of 8-12 high schoolers along with numerous summer camp sessions open to a range of scouting experiences. Be sure to check out their website to learn more about one of the best scouting camps in the U.S.

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San Francisco is a city filled to the brim with fun things to do in the summer. The best camps in San Francisco offer children a chance to build new skills, learn new interests, and make new friends. San Francisco has more than enough attractions on its own, when it comes to finding summer camps around the city, there are so many options to pick from. If you’re wondering where to look, check out some of the many arts, STEM, and outdoor camps available in the bay. If you’re looking for outside-the-box options, there’s a spy camp and a woodworking camp that accept kids of all ages. Or maybe a sports camp is the summer fun your child is looking for. San Francisco’s got it all and more. Keep on reading to learn more about some options to fill your child’s summer with fun and new experiences.

Arts and Crafts Summer Camps

The San Francisco art scene is strong when it comes to summer camps. Check out the many music, crafts, and dance camps available to children of all ages. Arts camps that are centered around new experiences can bring so much to your child’s life. Perhaps they’ll find a passion for woodworking, theater, or painting. And, of course, what is summer camp without making some new, great friends along the way?

Murphy Music Camps

The Murphy Music Camp is one of the top camp options in San Francisco for summer music education. Send your children to work with professional musicians who will guide your children in music creation and learning. Pick from band camp, orchestra camp, digital music video camp, or choir camp. Take classes and work on projects. At the end of camp, every camper will take part in a showcase that parents can attend to see the musical strides their child took this summer!

Space M Academy

At the Space M Academy, campers have their pick of summer or winter session. Camp at this center in San Francisco includes the option of a couple of different artistic avenues. Your child will be able to take courses in creative art, air clay, or focus their summer classes on a particular instrument. Sign your young artist up for quality time learning from qualified staff and fellow creatives. They'll hone their artistic skills and make some interesting friends and lovely memories along the way.

Petit Pas Studio

For all your dance and theater camp needs, check out Petit Pas. With five available summer camp sessions, you can take your pick of the theme that fits your child. Check out themes like safari, magical powers, space and ocean adventures, and many, many more. A day at camp includes dance, yoga, theater games, acrobatics, crafts, and lessons in French. Day camps are open for 5-10-year-olds and last from 9 am-3 pm with the option for extended care if needed. Afternoon snacks will be provided as part of the Petit Pas camp package!

The Butterfly Joint

For an interesting summer camp experience, why not sign your child up for some woodworking? At The Butterfly Joint Summer Camps, children entering Kindergarten and up can take courses and learn the craft. Camps run from 9 am-3 pm with lots of time spent outdoors and snacktime provided during camp hours. Outdoor time is held in locations local to San Francisco, Sutro Heights Park, Golden Gate Park, or even at Ocean Beach! Your child will learn some new skills, make some new friends and get to spend their summer in a fun and creative environment.

Canvas Dance Arts

The Canvas Dance Arts Summer Camp offers classes at two different studios in the city. Children have the option of participating in the one-week session or the full five-week sessions! Taught by Ms. Simone and Miss Angela, young dancers will work on strength conditioning, creativity, and choreography as well. Your blossoming artist will come away from this summer camp with newfound confidence as a dancer and performer. Enjoy a final video of the performance as a forever keepsake of this summer.

Science and Discovery Camps

How does a summer of learning sound? And what if it came along with loads of fun at an educational summer camp full of like-minded kids? From STEM camps to tinkering schools, there are many avenues for your child to explore this summer. Read on to learn more about the programs available within the San Francisco City limits. 

Galileo Camps

At Camp Galileo, children are encouraged to innovate and experiment. At this camp, counselors, teachers, and staffers work together to foster an environment of fun and learning. Pick the session that best fits your child, with three options open to K-8th graders. Your child will participate in hands-on innovation exercises, STEAM projects, and lots of outdoor fun and learning time. Parents rave about this camp as one of the best camps in San Francisco.

SF STEMful

STEMful, a STEAM center based in San Francisco, hosts camps and programs for children as young as 1.5 til age 10. Summer camps are open to ages 3.5-9.5 and encompass all kinds of hands-on learning and STEAM-related educational fun. Your child will spend their summer building new interests in areas that could truly lead to a future career path. And they'll make lots of new friends along the way

Spy Camp

Curiosity should be nurtured, and what better place to learn than at Spy Camp? Through the arts, outdoor training, STEM labs, and more, Spy Camp helps children to build skills that can be applied in the real world with a backdrop of fun and espionage. There is a two-week session and a one-week session available depending on your family's summer schedule. Open to children ages 6.5-10 years old.

Outdoors and Athletics Camps

Outdoor camp opportunities can be such a great way to spend the summer. Or maybe getting some training in before the next season of sports is the place for your child to be. There’s even the opportunity to paddle out onto the beauty of the bay. Active summer camps can be such a great option for a fun summer experience and a great energy outlet. Check out some of the best camps in San Francisco for those energized kiddos looking for some summer fun.

SF City Kid Camp

At the City Kid Camp of San Francisco, children ages 8-12 will get to know the great outdoor spaces of their city. With a focus on youth development, campers will participate in daily games and different sports. These activities are combined with lots of fun learning about the natural environment and the history of San Francisco. Fostering awareness in a safe, fun, space, this camp is a great way to connect your children to their city and the beautiful nature within it.

Dog Patch Paddle

At Dog Patch Paddle, kids ages 7-14 will get the chance to get out on the water. They'll learn how to handle themselves on paddle boards, canoes, kayaks, and more. With sessions based on experience and skill level, campers will get to go on day-long excursions and learn about the wonders of water safety. Send your children out to learn a new skill and have some summer fun!

Urban School Athletics

There are lots of athletics summer camps around the San Francisco bay area. This one caters to Basketball specifically. At the Urban School Athletics Camp, young athletes will work on their shooting, dribbling, and offensive and defensive footwork. Under the guidance of Coach Joe Skiffer and the talented players of Urban’s Blues NCS championship basketball team, campers in 5th-8th grade will have a great time at this summer camp!

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Summer camp in the great outdoors, there’s nothing quite like it. Looking for some of the best outdoor camps in the US? Take your pick of outdoor campgrounds or immersive wilderness opportunities. There are so many ways that outdoor camps can build a child’s sense of self. Guided activities can hone their interest in adventure and teach them how to make long-lasting friendships. Summer camps are a bucket list summer activity not forget all the fantastic and camp-specific fun you can get into with the magic of the great outdoors as your summer backdrop. Keep on reading for some ideas and recommendations on the best outdoor camps in the US.

Greenwoods Camps

Pick from the Lake of the Woods Camp for Girls or Greenwoods Camp for Boys. Both camps offer incredible summer camp experiences right outside of Chicago, Illinois.

Lake of the Woods focuses on building a female community. This community results in some of the lifelong friendships your kids will find at this summer camp. Your kids will have, the autonomy to create their activity schedules. And with this set up they'll be able to pursue their interests while stepping out of their comfort zone. Pick from horseback riding, water sports, songwriting, dance classes, sailing and so much more.

Greenwoods Camp for boys encourages independence and team building through different activities offered at the camp. Your children will get to be part of a bonded summer community and participate in over 50 activities. Take your pick of waterfront sports, arts and crafts, music, outdoor adventures, and more. Campers have the opportunity to align their scheduled activities with their passions and interests.

Camp Cobbossee

This all-boys camp takes place in Monmouth, Maine. The camp started in 1902. Since then, it has been running as an all-boys, sporting and fun-filled place to spend the summer. Built around the values of Brotherhood, Sportsmanship, and Community, this camp offers young boys guidance and recreation with the backdrop of incredible scenery and a pristine lake. The sports aspect of the camp features coaching with professionals in the wide open air. Participants in water and sports activities learn valuable skills in camping, sailing, mountain biking, canoeing, and climbing. They'll learn survivalist skills like making fires, shooting, and fishing. A place like Camp Cobbossee will be a life-changing summer camp experience.

Camp Ramaquois

This day camp is located in Pomona, NY, and brings fun to kids ages 3-15. They have numerous activities geared toward children of all ages. The Camp Ramaquois experience packs a lot into a day spent at camp. Your child will be guided by positive mentors. Each program has teachers on hand who will help your kids through programs for crafting, recreational sports, and even specialized electives. Make your child's summer one that's filled with fun and only a day away from home!

Kieve Wavus Summer Camp

Another great all-boys camp located on the banks of the Damariscotta Lake in Nobleboro, Maine. The name “Kieve” translates in Celtic to “strive in emulation of”. The camp holds fast to this translation in its mission of skill acquisition and knowledge building. There are activities and opportunities across a wide range of offerings. Campers can return each year until they're 17 to partake in longer, more challenging wilderness trips and activities. Longer camp sessions run for 26 days. Less experienced campers can take part in two offerings for 10-day sleepaways at Kieve Wavus Summer Camp.

Camp Pinnacle

This wonderful summer camp is hosted in Flat Rock, North Carolina. Your kids will enjoy the spacious and beautiful 126-acre campus on the shores of the 20-acre Wolfe Lake. The campgrounds are located right outside DuPont State Forest and a short drive away from Pisgah National Forest. The camp never accepts more than 250 campers to maintain an intimate, community setting. You have the opportunity to attend two separate two-week sessions although many campers choose to combine them into a full month of full-filled activities at beautiful Camp Pinnacle.

Camp Lakota

Send your child to a summer camp deep in the Catskill Mountains of Wurtsboro, New York. This camp offers numerous and varying activities that are sure to spark interest in any child. From land sports and aquatics to creative arts classics, outdoor theater opportunities, and a wilderness adventure program, there are so many options to choose from. Try out the ropes courses, culinary workshops, and horseback riding lessons. Camp Lakota will offer your child and trained camp staff, a wonderful community, and is hands down one of the best outdoor camps in the US.

Cheley Colorado Camps

This wilderness camp's slogan is “great things happen when youth and the mountains meet.” Make your child's summer all the more memorable with a 27-day program. Campers are divided up into units that will each share their lodge, boathouse, and living spaces. With the backdrop of the Rocky Mountains, choose from numerous activities including climbing and challenge courses, land and water sports, arts and crafts, outdoor adventures, horseback riding, and more. What's not to love in the Colorado wildness at the Cheley Colorado Camps for kids?

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If you grew up attending summer camps, or watching movies about the classic summer camps (The Parent Trap, anyone?) you’ll know it’s quite the experience. Ensure that your children will get the most out of their summer away. Learn more about the best overnight camps in the US. Activities from outdoor activities to skill building, group bonding, and exploration are offered. There is so much that a summer camp can give your child in the long run. And, the great part, is they’re all over the states.

Check out camps happening in different parts of the summer. Find one that will fit your scheduling needs perfectly. Give your child some wonderful memories to boot. Keep on reading to learn more information about the best overnight camps in the US. Don't forget to learn what you’ll need to sign your child up.

Summer Camp Overview

From Goop to Conde Nast Traveler, numerous summer camp recommendations are sure to change your child's summer for the better. Check out educational options, sporting and athletic-specific programs, outdoor adventures, and more. Some of the best summer overnight camps in the US host incredible immersive programs for kids of all ages. Make your child's summer one to remember. There are a variety of these great options for learning, skill-building, and long-lasting friendships.

Classic Outdoors Summer Camps

Camp Laurel

Camp Laurel takes place in Mount Vernon, Maine. Nestled on the shores of Echo Lake. The camp lasts 7 weeks. There are numerous activities for campers to be a part of during that time. Take your pick from the core program of activities. Offerings include athletics, the arts, and equestrian training. You'll receive guidance and care from the staff of college student aids, coaches, and teachers who work at the camp.

Camp Natoma

Camp Natoma is held in the Adelaida Mountains of California. It has been around since 1941! This rustic outdoor overnight camp is right on the coast of beautiful California. Outdoor activities include archery, hatchet throwing, arts and crafts, swimming and water experiences, outdoor cooking, and lots of team-building group games.

Camp Med-O-Lark

Camp Med-O-Lark takes place on the shore of a beautiful lake in Washington, Maine. This camp has been around since 1946. Campers can make their schedule with numerous activities offered. Take your pick of performing arts options, sporting activities, waterfront learning, and many more things.

Teton Valley Ranch Camp

Teton Valley Ranch Camp takes place in Jackson Hole, Wyoming. It is beloved by children ages 11-16. As part of this unique camp experience your child will have the opportunity to backpack through the Wyoming wilderness or ride horses ranch-style. This camp builds friendships and new skills that will last far beyond just the summer.

Camp Highlander

Camp Highlander is a classic summer camp experience. Located in the beautiful scenery of Mills River, North Carolina. This electronics-free, co-ed camp caters to ages 6-16. Bring the summer fun with lots of activities, sporting opportunities, and more.

YMCA Camp Hi-Rock

YMCA Camp Hi-Rock is also a family camp with activities for all ages in beautiful Mount Washington, MA. The sleepaway camp is for children ages 7-16. It offers leadership, sporting, crafting, and team-building opportunities. Learn from experienced camp counselors in the beauty of the Berkshire Mountain range. Your child will sleep in a cabin-style dorm, grow their skill set and learn some camp spirit!

Camp Kingswood

Camp Kingswood is a Jewish overnight camp located right on a lake at the base of the White Mountains. Have an authentic experience as part of your summer with rites of passage, educational programs, creative unit programs, Shabbat, Color War, and even day trips throughout the area.

Non-Co-Ed Camps

Camp Skylemar

Camp Skylemar is a boys' sports camp that happens in Naples, ME. They have a focus on athletics. There are also numerous recreational activities and camp games that make this camp well worth attending.

Lake Bryn Mawr Camp

Lake Bryn Mawr Camp for girls features three different programs at their Short Hills, NJ location. The Junior Camp is for girls from 2nd-6th grade. It offers lots of group fun experiences, sporting and crafting activities. The Senior Camp is for grades 7th-10th. It expands upon campers' previous experiences with more individual schedules and all kinds of activities. There's also an Explorer's Weekend option for younger kids to experience a taste of what girls' camp at Lake Bryn Mawr could be like.

Camp Manitou

Camp Manitou for boys is located in Oakland, ME. This camp offers three sessions filled with sporting activities, group bonding opportunities, and wholesome summer fun.

Camp Walt Whitman

Camp Walt Whitman offers both a summer and a winter session. Covering all your camp experience hopes and dreams! The summer session takes place in Piermont, NH. The winter session happens in White Plains, NY. Both sessions nurture an environment of fun. They have a focus on the arts, athletics programs, water sports, and outdoor adventure opportunities. The camp was established in 1948. It is one of the best overnight camps in the US, building friendships and experiences to last a lifetime.

Educational Camps

Camp ISSOS at Yale

Camp ISSOS at Yale offers high school students the chance to learn at world-class institutions in Scotland, England, and the USA. Anyone ages 13 – 18 can apply. They offer a three-week learning experience at the Yale campus in New Haven, CT. Immerse your child in a learning environment with electives, classes, and recreational activities at a top educational institution. What a great summer experience at one of the best overnight camps in the US.

StageDoor Manor

StageDoor Manor is a theater immersion camp in Catskills, New York. For theater kids and newbies alike from ages 10-18. This summer camp boasts an impressive list of alumni. Enjoy your pick of three different summer sessions where your child will have great accommodations and meals. There are beautiful spaces for rehearsal, classrooms, and theaters for the final performances. Students will pick from 60 core classes and 25 specialized acting classes during their time at StageDoor. Outside of classes, there are several recreational activities to get involved with. Try out non-competitive sports, evening dance parties, open-mic nights, outdoor movies, and student-led showcases.

Science Camps of America

The Science Camps of America on the Big Island of Hawai‘i offer two immersive overnight programs for aspiring scientists. The Land and Sea Camp includes a curriculum of immersive volcano exploration, oceanography, and zoology with the local forests and wildlife. Some of the experiences include swimming with turtles and exploring the beach caverns. The other camp option is the Air and Space camp. It focuses on the Earth's atmosphere, astronomy climate, and the new frontier of space exploration. You'll have the opportunity to create electric circuits, launch rockets and even put together a solar-powered USB charger. This is a great opportunity for hands-on learning in a beautiful place for a fantastic summer experience.

Space Camp

Space Camp is the ultimate educational summer experience. It is held in Huntsville, Alabama. They offer several different programs for ages 7-18. Space Camp, Space Academy (including advanced), Cyber Camp, and Robotics Camp are all over the chance for immersive and real-world applications of science, technology, mathematics, and engineering.

Concordia Language Villages

Concordia Language Villages is an immersive language-building summer camp. Bring your child into a fun and learning-filled environment. It is held in Moorhead, Minnesota at Concordia College. Your child will spend the summer learning a new language around peers and mentors. Language options include Arabic, Chinese, Danish, Finnish, French, German, Italian, Japanese, Korean, Norwegian, Portuguese, Russian, Spanish, and Swedish. Have a spectacular skill to show for your child's summer away!

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Sleepovers can be a great time for social bonding among your kids and their peers. In terms of keeping everyone happy, finding sleepover activities for kids that provide fun and inclusive entertainment options is your best bet for ensuring that everyone has a good time.

And of course, you want to make sure that the night runs smoothly for you as a host!

Key Points of Hosting a Sleepover

• Sleepovers can provide a chance for your children to learn more independence and social group bonding.
• It's key to have a multitude of activities to do for all different styles and interests in your child's friend group.
• While your child might be ready for a sleepover not every child in their friend will be. Be prepared to call parents in the middle of the night in case one kid isn't exactly ready to sleep over in a new place without their parents.

Are Sleepovers A Good Idea?

If your child is ready to start having sleepovers, hosting in your home can be a great start to their experience with it. Sleepovers can be a big consideration point for parents. In an interview with Sharp Healthcare Magazine, Dr. Alisha Carpenter encourages parents to consider sleepovers as a resource for building independence and social bonding with their child's peer group.

For help with going into the sleepover with confidence that your kid and their friends will have a good time – check out these 15 sleepover activities for kids that are sure to keep everyone engaged and enjoying themselves.

Food-Related Sleepover Fun

1. Hosting a DIY dessert bar could be a sweet treat! Be sure to check in with parents beforehand, but if it’s all okay, why not try to make your ice cream sundaes or a hot cocoa bar with whipped cream and toppings? Be ready with the napkins, cleaning rags, and spray in case someone spills.

2. Make fancy snacks or order a special take-out meal. Perhaps a snack table is in order? You could reach out to other parents ahead of time and see what they’d like their kids to be eating while staying at your house. Alternatively, you could order some pizza or other takeout food options that will make the kids feel like this evening is extra special with their friends.

3. Another fun sleepover activity for kids is to make them breakfast for dinner! Try pancakes, eggs, or bacon. Whip up whatever you consider breakfast foods and give them to the kids. It’s a fun way to change up the meal plan and feed the group at the same time!

4. Alternatively, you could bake something. Cooking is a great way to get kids involved and working together. As long as you’re handling the more difficult work (measuring, hot ovens, etc.) Try out some cookies, or easy recipes that will be done while the kids are there so that they can enjoy it all together.

5. If you have the ability, a tried and true sleepover activity for kids is roasting s’mores over a campfire. In a pinch, you can roast marshmallows over a flame burner on the stove. Just make sure that there’s an adult present around the fire!

Movies, Games, and Activity Ideas

6. Rent a movie or stream something age-appropriate and fun. If they’re old enough, you could let them take a vote. Another sleepover activity for kids would be to hang an old sheet, or clear a wall in your home and play the film with a projector. Pop some popcorn and make it feel like your own personal movie theater!

7. To bring some more engagement to the movie experience, try out movie bingo while you watch. The winner gets a special treat, or maybe everybody wins! Figure out what makes the most sense for the most fun with your kids' sleepover.

8. If movies aren’t in, why not bring out the board games? Or card games? Twister anyone? Games are a great sleepover activity for kids because everyone can get involved and learn a new game! Some games might be wise to avoid as some they could cause high tensions or even fights. Looking at you Monopoly.

9. Depending on your audience, a spa night could be fun! Bring out the nail polish, face masks, and cucumber slices. Make it fun and relaxing with some soothing music or maybe this could be an activity that happens while a movie is playing in the background.

10. Looking for more active fun? Charades is a classic sleepover activity for kids. Have everyone write down a celebrity or their favorite animal and then the games begin! This is a great way to get kids more comfortable with acting silly around peers that they trust. Just be sure everyone is comfortable with acting out what's on the slips of paper.

Crafts and Other Interactive Activities

11. Build a fort! Build it with pillows and blankets or use an actual tent. Building a fort is a fun group activity that can not only provide a change in the space but also a way for the kids to feel like they’ve built something during their time together.

12. Craft night is another great sleepover activity for kids. You could try out finger painting or collaging, noodle art, or puff paint. This will take some planning but can be a great way to get everyone involved in a project. Does thing over painter's tarps or in a tiled area would be wise to avoid serious messes or stains.

13. For an even more involved crafting option, tie-dying t-shirts can be a fun way to give each kid something that will remind them of the sleepover. If you can, try to do this activity outdoors or in a garage space. You’ll need a tie-dye kit as well as space to have a bucket of cold water and a tarp for any splashing. While the dye won’t stain skin, it will stain clothes, so be prepared for some mess!

14. For a less messy sleepover activity, why not host a scavenger hunt in the house? You could write up clues that are easy enough to solve and help the kids through til the end where they all get a reward or a treat of some sort. This is a fun way to encourage some teamwork!

15. At-home karaoke is possible if you can rent or buy a karaoke kit. Amazon has some options ranging in price and setup. If your child enjoys singing or performing, this is a fun way to include everyone in the sleepover activity.

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Do you have an artist at home? Your child may love to doodle during their free time, or maybe your child has a passion for art! No matter what you are looking for, giving your child easy drawing prompts can simultaneously help them grow their love and skill. So, if you're asking yourself, what are some easy things my child can draw? You have come to the right place! Here are some very simple yet fun things your child can draw today. 

Key Points

• Kids can learn attention to detail and how to explore their creativity through drawing!
• Your child will develop their cognitive ability and fine motor skills through drawing.
• Fruit and animals are just a couple of things that your child can enjoy drawing!

Benefits of Drawing For Kids

Drawing has many benefits for kids and adults, whether your child has a natural talent or just loves to draw.

Increases Autonomy for Kids

Putting a pencil in a child's hands and asking them to draw what they see in their mind can help increase their sense of autonomy. Every child needs to feel the ability to make their own choices. This is what autonomy is. Giving your child opportunities to explore their independence is important as parents. You can do this even with something as simple as drawing! 

Increases Skill in an Easy Way

Does your child have a natural talent? They may have a passion for drawing and want to improve their skill. Whatever the case, your child increases their drawing skill every time they pick up a pencil. Talent only improves drastically over time. Taking small steps is important for helping your child grow their skills. If your child becomes frustrated because they aren't improving fast enough, you can encourage them in a few simple ways: 

• Encourage taking breaks.
• Focus on something other than the current task.
• Remind your child of the progress they have made.
• Take baby steps with the drawing.
• Praise the improvement you have noticed in your child's skill.
• Remind your child that Rome wasn't built in a day.
• Look back at other skills that they have made progress in.
• Introduce your child to someone who has improved on the skills they desire.

Attention to Detail through Drawing

Drawing will help your child learn to pay attention to detail. Have you ever asked your child to do something and then realized they were not paying attention to the details of what you were saying? Attention to detail is a learned skill; children are not born with it. That is why practicing anything requiring attention to detail is an excellent way to improve this skill. 

Kids Can Learn New Concepts

The possibilities when it comes to art are endless! Art can be whatever your child wants it to be. They may enjoy drawing rainbows or hearts, or maybe details on faces are more their thing. Drawing gives your child the room and ability to learn and develop new concepts and skills. You should encourage them to challenge themselves with new ideas and new types of drawings. You can even buy them a how-to-draw book to help them learn how to draw new things!

Expresses Creativity in an Easy and Fun Way

Art is an excellent and easy way to express creativity! Every kid is creative. They just need to hone in on their specific creative skills. Having your child grab a piece of paper and focus their creativity on something that was initially blank will help them express creativity. You know what they say, creativity begets creativity! So the more your child expresses their imagination and creates, the more creative they will feel! 

Improves Concentration through Drawing

Concentration is needed in almost anything your kids do, whether it is a sport, school, reading, or even focusing on a fun game! Concentration is a great skill to sharpen, and drawing will help your child improve. They will have to sit still and focus on an easy drawing of what they see in their mind's eye. This takes concentration! 

Develops Fine Motor Skills

Fine motor skills are needed in everyday life. Drawing is a great way to focus on developing fine motor skills. The skills it takes to hold and grip a pencil are developed over time by repetition. So when your child works their fingers and manipulates their hands in a way that makes them work those muscles, it will help them develop fine motor skills. 

Encourages Cognitive Skills

Concentration, fine motor skills, and creativity are all cognitive skills that children need as they grow. Drawing will help encourage these mental skills and more! Having well-developed cognitive skills will help a child excel in school and stay on pace with their peers.

Increases Ability to Plan through Drawing

When your child sits down to draw, they need to plan out, whether on paper or in their head, what they want to draw! Some people naturally have planning skills. Others do not. But the ability to increase planning skills is something that can be learned. Drawing helps your child improve their planning skills by putting them into practice. 

Increases Their Self-Esteem in an Easy and Fun Way

Everyone loves to be proud of the work they have done. Children are no different. When your child draws something they are proud of, you can help encourage their self-esteem too! Hang the drawing somewhere you can see it. A child's sense of pride in seeing their artwork displayed is priceless. 

Easy Things for Kids to Draw

Cloud and Rainbows

Clouds and rainbows are some of the easiest shapes to draw. The rainbows take just straight lines, and the clouds squiggly lines, making this a drawing that can be shaped and created in many different ways! So have fun with this one, and add different colors. 

Flowers

Flowers are some of the first things kids learn to draw. The circle is a staple making this one of the easiest drawings a kid can do. Your child can pick different colors for each flower, different arrangements and shapes for the petals, and even different types of flowers!

Hand Animals

Using your hands to draw an animal is easy and fun. All you need to do is trace your hand and maybe even your arm. Then, add your colors and face! There are a lot of animals that can be drawn with a hand, so encourage your child to be creative! If they aren't sure where to start, a hand turkey is always a go-to.

Animal Faces

Animal faces all start with the same thing, whether your child is drawing a cat, a dog, or a bunny. They start with a circle. Work on their fine motor skills by having your child draw a circle. Then fill it in with any animal they want! Cats and dogs are a kid's favorite. 

Fruit

Fruit is so fun to draw! For example, a strawberry can be drawn as a heart, or a pear can be drawn as an upside-down diamond. The possibilities are endless! You can use this as an opportunity to teach your child about the different kinds of fruit.

Tacos

A taco can be fun to draw because you can use your imagination and add whatever you want! Start by drawing a line. Then begin at one end of the taco and draw upward, making a half-circle. Stop before you connect the lines, continue up, and create the other side of the taco. Decorate and fill the inside of your taco with any ingredients you want! 

Popsicles

Who doesn't love popsicles to eat? Well, drawing them is just as fun! Drawing a popsicle is very simple. Outline the popsicle, add a stick, and any other details you want. It is that easy.

Pumpkin

Pumpkins are fun to draw because of the ability to create any face in your jack-o-lantern! These cute pumpkins are fun to create in the fall, but they can be enjoyed any time of the year. If your child is too young to participate in pumpkin carving, this can be a great way to help them feel included.

Turtle

Turtles are probably one of the easiest animals to draw. That is because the shell is a circle. Add the head at the top and the legs, arms, and tail. You can make your turtle unique by adding any design you like! 

Ladybug

A ladybug is just as easy as a turtle. Draw a circle, leaving a small slit at the bottom. Add a half circle for the head. Color your ladybug red and add black dots. Remember the legs and the antennae. Your ladybug is now ready to go. 

Pineapple 

Draw an oblong circle. After you draw the circle, start on the leafy top by adding two leaves at the bottom and another on top, and continue until you are happy. Next, add crisscross lines, and then you are done. You have a super cute pineapple! 

Watermelon

Drawing a watermelon can be so easy! Draw half a circle. Then draw another line on the inside. You can stop there, add seeds, and color the watermelon red and green. Additionally, you can take it a step further and add a cute face! The possibilities are endless. 

In Conclusion

Drawing has many benefits for children. It increases creativity, passion, and concentration. There are so many cute things that children can draw! If your child loves animals, have them try their hand at animal faces, a turtle, or even a hand animal. Maybe your child loves food. Tacos, strawberries, or pumpkins are perfect for trying. Have fun and get creative with these super fun ideas. 

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Paper Mache is one of the oldest forms of basic crafting. Almost any kid of any age can do it and make all kinds of creations. Old kids will probably just need some basic instructions but younger kids will definitely need more hands-on guidance. But it must be hard to make right? The answer to how to make paper mache is easier than you may think.

What do you get when you add water, flour, and newsprint? Almost anything you can imagine. These are the basic ingredients for paper Mache masterpieces. Probably the most commonly known king of the kid-dome is the Piñata. But the variety and fun of paper Mache does not begin or end with candy-stuffed creations.

Key Points of Paper Mache

• Paper Mache is a great stepping stone to creating all kinds of wonderful crafts.
• Paper Mache is a great way to recycle old newspapers, old-school notes, and other paper scraps.
• Be mindful of the humidity in your house as you make your masterpieces. Different levels of humidity will change at what speed the glue and mache drys.

A firm foundation for Paper Mache

The basic beginning of any paper Mache project is the base, or skeletal figure you have when you begin. This can be rough and ugly, as long as it resembles the basic shape of what you wish to sculpt. Use cardboard, chicken wire (for large projects), toilet paper, or paper towel tubes for arms and legs.

Balloons work great for round hollow shapes. Try crazy-shaped balloons for other effects like long skinny shapes or squiggles. For finer details rolled tape or balled tinfoil are both great base choices. Remember they will all be covered so it won't matter if the base is a hapless hodge-podge of materials.

But What Can I Do with Paper Mache?

You can create almost anything you can think of. To get your creative juices flowing here are a few fun projects you can make at home with paper Mache. There is of course the Piñata, but keep reading.

For Halloween try creating paper Mache ghosts, or a witch's hat, or spooky spiders and jack-o-lanterns.

All of these are simple bases using balloons, except in the case of the witch's hat. The spider's legs can be black pipe cleaner!

For Easter try making giant Easter eggs, or a bunny, or even a basket.

Other fun projects: Christmas stars or trees, flowers, or dinosaurs. Let your kids get really creative and make a self-portrait in paper Mache. And of course, you can make an adorable paper mache puppy if you want!

Sticking it all together

So you've chosen what your creation is going to be, and the base is made. Now you need to stick it all together. Here are two basic paste recipes.

Both work well, you can choose based on the materials you have on hand. (Note: in humid environments pastes with glue seem to dry faster.)

Paper Mache Flour Recipe

• One part four
• Two parts water
• 3 tablespoons salt

Combine flour and water until smooth, and mix until the lumps are gone. Add salt to prevent the growth of mold.

Paper Mache Glue Recipe

• One part water
• Two parts white glue

Mix together in a large glass bowl until smooth.

The fine print for making Paper Mache

Now gather as many old newspapers as you can and tear them into strips. Each strip should be about 1 inch wide and 6 inches or so long. It does make a difference if you cut them. For some reason torn papers are easier to work with and the finished product is smoother.

Armed with newspaper strips and paste, begin covering your form. No, wait! This is very messy stuff. You may want to lay down a tarp or sacrificial table covering so you don’t have hours of cleanup.

OK, now begin covering your form. Dip each strip of paper into the paste and onto the form. Make sure the strips overlap and cover the entire base. It is best to lay the strips crisscrossing each other in many directions to make a stronger finished product.

Each project needs three layers. Let each layer dry for 24 hours in-between applications.

Paint Paper Mache!

When the last layer is dry, decorate and paint your creation to your heart's content. Learning how to make paper mache is an easy and fun way to create great artistic creations that don't cost a fortune!

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Craft projects for kids are a lot of fun. You can create lots of things by using simple items such as paper, some crayons, and some glue. Items ranging from hats, to books, greeting cards, and bookmarks are just some of the many examples.

Simple craft activities are great ways to show off your child’s creativity. Paper is a great product that can be utilized in many different ways. And with all of the available colors provided in crayons and markers, designs can be of anything.

Craft Ideas Using Common Household Items

Journal

Why spend money to buy a journal at the store? With paper and crayons, a journal created by your child can be made in no time. All you need is some colored and white paper, crayons/markers, glue, string, and a hole punch.

Create the front cover by choosing a color. Then, glue some cool items on the cover. This could include some pictures cut out from magazines or smaller pieces of different-colored paper cut into cool shapes.  Your child can even use markers to draw a cool design.

Punch three holes in the cover paper and some sheets of white paper. Make sure that all of the holes are aligned. Use the string to bind the journal together. It is up to the child to determine how thick or elaborate the journal should be. The pages inside can be either blank pages or lined sheets, but cut smaller to make a paperback book-sized journal.

Remember that your child's journal is their own private place to write down thoughts and feelings. As tempting as it might be to look, you should refrain from doing so. Trusting your child to have a little privacy is part of letting them grow up. If you always pry into what they're doing and thinking, they'll only become more secretive and distant. Respect the privacy of their journal and avoid looking in it.

Paper Kite

This is a really cool activity.  Here are the items that you will need:

•    Legal sized paper
•    Plastic straw
•    Glue or tape
•    String
•    Crayons or markers

First fold the sheet of legal-sized paper in half. Fold each side at an angle to form a set of wings. Tape or glue the wings together at the fold. Tape a plastic straw across the widest part of the wings to prevent the wings from blowing backwards. Put a small piece of tape to where the string will be put through. Punch a hole in that area and attach the string. The last step is to color the kite with the crayons or markers.

Once your kite is made, take your child out to test it! Hopefully, there will be enough of a wind to pick the kite up and take it to great heights. If your child is new to kite-flying, fly it for them for the first few minutes. Help them understand how to control the kite, and why it's important to not let go. Remember to avoid any power lines!

Greeting Cards

For birthdays, holidays or any other special occasion, homemade cards are the best. All you need is paper and crayons. First take a sheet of paper and fold it in half. The next step is to color and decorate it as much as your heart desires. Greeting cards can say pretty much anything and can be designed in so many different ways. This is a great way for children to express themselves.

Your friends and family will get a kick out of seeing the homemade cards your children make. They don't have to look pretty or be fancy; all that will matter is that the card is coming directly from someone special. Let your kids tell you who each card is going to! This is a great way to keep the kids busy while they wait for Santa during the holiday season.

Paper Lantern

Here are the materials needed:
•    Construction paper
•    Scissors
•    Glue/tape
•    Markers/crayons

Fold the paper in half. Along the folded part, cut evenly-spaced slashes on the open side. They should be about 1-½ inches. Color with crayons or markers. Open the paper and roll into a tube so that slashes face downwards. Glue paper edges together. You can hold each end of the lantern and press together to define its shape.

When you're done, put your paper lantern in a place of honor in your house. Your child will love being able to see their craft in a place where they and everyone else can see it. When it's time to put this particular craft away, find a special place for it where it won't get damaged.

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Making crafts out of old or used materials is a great way to reuse and recycle — think aluminum cans, plastic bottles, old shoeboxes, empty toilet paper rolls, unused fabric, paper scraps… anything, really.

By making use of items that are no longer needed in fun and creative ways, not only are we being mindful of Mother Earth, but we're flexing artistic muscles as well. The next time your child sends up the “I'm boooooored!” signal, look around your house and yard, collect some materials, and get creative!

3 Kid-Friendly Crafts Made With Recycled Materials

1. CD Photo Frame

With music now widely consumed on streaming platforms, it's likely your old CDs are collecting dust. Before you toss them in the trash or sell them at the used music store, turn them into something else instead. This activity allows you to reuse the CD and give away a cool gift, too! Here is what you need to get started:

• Old CD
• Flour/Salt Dough
• Photo of family
• Scissors
• Double stick tape
• Adhesive back felt
• Tacky glue
• Paint
• Piece of cardboard

First, mold a base by using the flour/salt dough. It should be at least 1 inch deep and 2 inches around.  Mold it into any shape you want and cut a slot in the base. As you cut into the base, wiggle so that it gets wider as you move down. Let it dry and then paint it.

Cut the photo into a 3-inch circle. Attach it to the front of the CD using the double-stick tape. Use the adhesive back felt to cover the back of the CD. To secure everything in place, use the tacky glue. Now you have a funky frame made out of an old CD!

2. Aluminum Can Candle Holder

When you're done with the food that comes in a can, turn the can into a beautiful candleholder. Any size aluminum can will work, but a small 5 oz. can will work best. Here's what else you'll need:

• Printed-out clip art
• Rubber bands
• Hammer
• Nail
• Spray paint

To make your can nice and smooth, first wash out any leftover sauce or food particles, fill it with water, and put it in the freezer to freeze. While that's freezing, have your child pick out some cool clip art on the computer and print the pieces out.

Once the water in the can has frozen solid, remove it from the freezer. Cover the can with the clip art and secure it with a rubber band. Using the hammer and nail, poke holes in the can along the clip art lines so that the clip art image is created on the can with holes.

Let the ice melt, and then dry and spray paint the can. Finally, add a tea light candle, light it, and enjoy the beautiful glow that emerges from the holes.

3. Soda Can Pen Holder

This craft is about as easy as they come! If you have a favorite type of soda or canned beverage, showcase your affinity by turning an old can of it into a pen, pencil, crayon, or marker holder. Here's what you'll need:

• Old soda cans
• Can opener

When you have finished enjoying your beverage, use a can opener to remove the top from the can while leaving the lip intact. Rinse the can with soap and warm water to make sure it's clean. Once clean and dry, fill your new vessel with your preferred writing utensil and put it on display! MWT TIP: To weigh the can down, throw some washers on the bottom.

Let Your Kids Take Charge

There is no better way to encourage your child's creativity than to let them come up with their own art projects! Grab some old household items that would otherwise be thrown away, some art supplies, and let them have at it! This is a great idea for when you don't want to directly participate, but you still need something for your child to do.

Let your child have their pick of what household item they repurpose into a craft. You're technically controlling what they have access to, but allowing them to make the final decision will make them feel big and independent. Be prepared for some messes, but take initiative by having your child change into old clothes and laying some newspaper down.

It's important to remain in your child's vicinity while they work on their crafts. Even when your child is taking care, accidents can happen. If someone gets cut with scissors, for example, you'll need to be there to patch up the boo-boo. You also want to watch to make sure all craft supplies are being handled safely and appropriately.

Once your child's artistic masterpiece is finished, make them feel special by finding a place to display it. This could be a shelf, the back of the kitchen counter, the fridge, or anywhere else where you have a spot. Make sure it's somewhere your child can see it! They'll get a kick out of everyone appreciating their hard work.

The image featured at the top of this post is ©iStock.com/MTStein.

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How (and Why) to Make Borax-Free Slime

Kids love slime! Making slime with your kids is a terrific bonding exercise, and it's surprisingly easy to make. And if you're wondering how to make slime without borax, we have you covered — keep reading.

Making slime is pretty similar to conducting a science experiment — the way the ingredients combine to change its texture and physical properties is something children can really learn from. And while making slime can provide several benefits, one drawback is that it is commonly made with Borax, which is non-toxic to play with, but it is not an ingredient kids should eat. So if you have little ones who are at the ‘eat-anything-but-dinner stage’, it’s probably best to use Borax-free slime recipes.

RELATED: How to Make Glitter Slime

Also, Borax has been known to cause skin irritation, so if your kids have delicate skin and are playing with the slime for a long time or if too much Borax has been put into your recipe, your child may end up with a skin irritation.

If all these factors make you skeptical about using Borax in your slime, we provide some great alternatives. These are easy Borax-free slime recipes that will give your children all the fun of slime without the possible side effects Borax can cause.

Our recipes have ingredients like cornstarch, which is so safe, your children, really can eat it! Other active ingredients in our recipes include glues and detergents that are not edible, but they are gentle on the skin.

These are all ingredients you can feel good about so make up some slime and let the creative fun begin! Just be prepared to do a bit of cleaning afterward!

Borax-Free Liquid Starch Slime Recipe

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• Author: MomsWhoThink.com
• Total Time: 15
• Yield: 1 cup

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Description

This makes slime with the consistency of “goo.” It flows when you pour it or set it down, its a thinner version of slime. It does get thicker feeling if squeeze it.

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Ingredients

• 1/2 cup liquid starch (see below for homemade liquid starch recipe)
• 1 cup white glue
• food coloring

Homemade Liquid Starch Ingredients:

• 1 Tablespoon cornstarch
• 1/4 cup cold water
• 3 3/4 cup tap water

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Instructions

Slime instructions

1. Mix together the liquid starch and glue.
2. Add food coloring for colored slime.

Liquid starch instructions:

1. Bring 3 3/4 cup tap water to a rolling boil.
2. While waiting for water to boil, mix the tablespoon of cornstarch into cold water. Stir constantly until cornstarch is completely dissolved.
3. Once the water boils, slowly stir in cornstarch mixture.
4. Remove from heat and let cool.
5. After cooling add to a one quart spray bottle.

• Prep Time: 5 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Category: slime
• Method: manual
• Cuisine: NA

Nutrition

• Serving Size: NA
• Calories: NA
• Sugar: NA
• Sodium: NA
• Fat: NA
• Saturated Fat: NA
• Unsaturated Fat: NA
• Trans Fat: NA
• Carbohydrates: NA
• Fiber: NA
• Protein: NA
• Cholesterol: NA

Borax-Free Cornstarch Slime Recipe

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• Author: MomsWhoThink.com
• Total Time: 15
• Yield: 2 cups

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Ingredients

• 2 cups cornstarch
• 1 cup warm water
• food coloring

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Instructions

1. Stir the cornstarch into the warm water, a little at a time until all of the starch has been added. You can add a little more starch if you want a thicker slime. Add a small amount of water if you want a runnier slime. Also, the consistency of the slime is affected by temperature.
2. Add food coloring to get the color you prefer.

• Prep Time: 5 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Category: slime
• Method: manual
• Cuisine: NA

Nutrition

• Serving Size: NA
• Calories: NA
• Sugar: NA
• Sodium: NA
• Fat: NA
• Saturated Fat: NA
• Unsaturated Fat: NA
• Trans Fat: NA
• Carbohydrates: NA
• Fiber: NA
• Protein: NA
• Cholesterol: NA

Laundry Detergent or Dish Soap Slime Recipe

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• Author: MomsWhoThink.com
• Total Time: 15
• Yield: 1/4 cup

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Description

This is a super easy recipe to make slime, that uses only two common ingredients. It doesn't require borax.

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Ingredients

• White school glue

• liquid laundry detergent or dish soap (we used Dawn)

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Instructions

1. Pour about 1/4 cup of glue into a bowl.

2. Add about 1 Tablespoon of liquid laundry detergent.

3. Stir well with a rubber spatula. You can add more laundry detergent if you want it less sticky. Add a tiny bit at a time because it does get the gooey slime texture after using for a few minutes. Also, playing with it warms the slime and makes it more pliable and smooth.

• Prep Time: 5 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Category: slime
• Method: manual
• Cuisine: NA

Nutrition

• Serving Size: NA
• Calories: NA
• Sugar: NA
• Sodium: NA
• Fat: NA
• Saturated Fat: NA
• Unsaturated Fat: NA
• Trans Fat: NA

Storing Your Slime

You can store the slime from any of these recipes in a sealed container, such as a bowl or a plastic bag. The slime is good for a couple of days at room temperature or at about a week if stored in the refrigerator.

RELATED: How to Make Edible Slime

The image featured at the top of this post is ©iStock.com/yaoinlove.

The post 3 Slime Recipes to Make at Home appeared first on Moms Who Think.

How to Make Edible Slime

Kids love to play with gross things. They also love to put them in their mouths and would probably eat them if at all possible. Well, why not let them enjoy the best of everything by making edible slime that they can play with?

Here’s how to make edible slime to turn your fun into a delicious treat when you’re done playing.

The secret ingredient is cornstarch. When mixed with condensed milk, cornstarch will give your slime that slimy texture but it’s still completely edible. Add vanilla extract, or any other extract of your choosing, to give your slime a great flavor and smell, and food color to make it attractive and even more fun to play with.

Then heat it, cool it, and give it to your child for hours full of worry free fun…well, that’s if they don’t choose to eat the slime before they are done playing with it!

Slime has been a popular toy for children to play with for years. It was first manufactured by Mattel and introduced in 1976. It was primarily made of guar gum so that it was non-toxic, but certainly not edible.

As Slime grew in popularity, several versions were created including Slime containing rubber insects, eyeballs and worms. There were even Masters of the Universe Slime sets available.

Slime is still a great toy for kids to play with. It doesn’t require batteries and it can let children’s creativity run wild. It can be even more fun if you can whip up a batch with your child before playtime.

Although Slime has been a great toy for many years, it is known for being difficult to remove from surfaces. This recipe can be cleaned from surfaces with soapy water, but it is best to keep it away from furniture and upholstery.

Now that you have this recipe, you can give your child some great indoor fun any time!

Edible Slime Ingredients:

• 14 oz. can sweetened condensed milk
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch
• food coloring
• 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract (or your favorite flavor extract)

Directions:

1. In a saucepan over low heat, stir together the milk and cornstarch. Stir and heat until the mixture thickens.

2. Remove from heat. Stir in a couple drops of the food coloring and the vanilla extract. Allow the slime to cool.

3. Once cooled, it's ready to play with.

4. When you are finished playing with your slime, store it in a sealed plastic bag in the refrigerator. Refrigerated slime is good for a couple of days then needs to be discarded. Clean up the edible slime with warm soapy water but keep it away from carpets and upholstery.

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How to Make Glitter Slime

Sparkly slime is the glamorous counterpart to regular slime. It's still gooey and fun but glittery slime is also prettier to look at. Use this easy recipe to change up your kids regular slime routine or as favors for a Frozen or Disney Princess themed party by placing small amounts in plastic eggs.

Glitter Slime Ingredients:

• glitter glue or glitter added to clear glue
• borax
• water
• food coloring

You can use white school glue in place of the clear glue, but the slime will be opaque instead of clear and the glitter will appear less sparkly. The best result is to use clear glue with glitter added or glitter glue.

Borax is sold as a detergent booster with laundry supplies in grocery stores. We used 20 Mule Team borax but store brand works just as well.

Directions:

1. In a small non-metal bowl, dissolve 1 teaspoon borax in 1/2 cup warm water using a whisk to break up any clumps. Some of the mixture may settle at the bottom which is fine, you'll be using just the liquid.

2. In a separate container, mix 1/2 cup glitter glue (4-oz bottle of glue) and 1 cup of water. If you're using clear glue, add the glitter to the glue then mix with the water.

3. Add a few drops of the food coloring to the mixture to add color to your slime. Mix well.

4. Combine the two mixtures into a clean bowl, taking the solid mixture out of the first bowl with your hands. Use your hands to mix the slime to incorporate all the ingredients smoothly. Drain any extra liquid that remains after mixing.

5. Place the slime in a sealed plastic bag until you're ready to play with it Borax is a natural disinfectant, but the slime will keep fresh even longer if you refrigerate it.

Clean up any slime-related messes easily with warm water.

The image featured at the top of this post is ©MomsWhoThink Staff / daraz.

The post How to Make Glitter Slime appeared first on Moms Who Think.

Simmering Potpourri

Supplies:

1 oz. can cinnamon sticks, broken into small pieces
1 (1.12 oz.) can whole cloves
1 (1.25 oz.) can whole allspice

Directions:Combine all ingredients. Place 1 heaping teaspoon and 1/2 cup of water in simmer pot and heat.

You can also dry orange peels and add these to the mixture.

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Potholders from Scrap Fabrics

Directions:

First cut two 8-inch (21 cm.) squares of fabric to be the front and back of the potholder. Choose coordinating fabrics that match your kitchen for these pieces. To make it easier, you can make an 8-inch square pattern from a piece of cardboard to use as a pattern. Cut more 8-inch squares of any old fabric to stack for the filling.

You want the stack of fabric squares to be thick enough to protect you from a hot pot, but thin enough to be flexible and able to be sewn through.

Stack all layers so that the outer layers are facing to the outside and the filler layers are inside. You can put a couple of large straight pins through all layers to keep them together. Now sew right across the middle of the stack.

Sew across the middle again, perpendicular to the first stitching. You will have divided the square into 4 squares. Sew across the stack again from corner to corner, and again from the other corner to corner. The layers should be joined and sturdy now.

To bind off the raw edges of your creative handicraft, trim with scissors so that all the layers are again even at the edges. Open out one folded edge of the bias tape. The wider bias tape might seem to be easier to use, but the narrow type makes a neater finished product.

Starting at one corner, line up the edges of the tape with the edges of the potholder, and start stitching through all layers along the first fold line, which will be about 1/4 inch from the edge. Stitch neatly and slowly, attaching the opened tape all around the edge until you reach the beginning corner. Cut the bias tape off, leaving 3 inches, (7 cm.) to make into a hanging loop.

Fold the bias tape over the raw edge so that the middle fold lines up with the outside of the potholder and the other fold is hiding the raw edge of the bias tape. Now, for best results, hand sew the binding down, forming a loop on your creative handicraft when you get to the end.

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Homemade Refrigerator Magnets

Custom magnets are fun and easy to make. The local craft store (your new best friend when making gifts yourself) will have all the supplies you'll need: magnets, and clear or lightly colored flat circular glass stones. When you get the glass stones home step one is to customize them.

You can do this by gluing a photo or scrap of pretty paper with fun designs on it to the flat side. With the stone customized and glue dried attach the magnet to the bottom. The persons most likely to enjoy these are grandparents (use photo of grandkids), tween or teen age girls (use photos of friends, hunky movie stars or funky designs).

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Homemade Bath Salts

Supplies:

1 cup Epsom salts
Measuring cup
2 jars with lids
2 colored of liquid food color
1 pretty 8 oz. jar
A few drops of your favorite essential oils

Directions:

1. To make these good smelling bath salts, first measure 1/2 cup of Epsom salt into each jar with a lid.

2. Add 15 drops of food color to each jar, one color per jar and put on the lids. Shake the jars until the Epsom salts are dyed evenly.

3.If you want your colors to be darker, add more food color and shake again. Take off the lids and let the salts dry overnight.

4. Now, make sure your pretty jar is all clean and dry. Then pour the dyed bath salts into the jar, alternating colors (you may want to get colors that go together well).

5. Add a couple of drops of essential oil to the bath salts, put on the lid.

6. Gift in a basket with other bath items such as loofahs, stones, eye masks, etc.

Tip: Stores like TJ Maxx, Ross's, and Home Goods have great deals on baskets and miscellaneous items you can purchase for a lower price but not quality. They're great for when you're shopping for gift basket items and not specific items.

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Make a Barbecue Apron

1. Start with a piece of sturdy fabric suitable for the individual for whom you are making the apron. The fabric needs to be wide enough to wrap 1/2 to 3/4 of the way around them and long enough to cover them from collar bone to just above the knee. For a large adult, 25 to 30 inches wide by 36 to 40 inches long should be about right. A slimmer adult can use a narrower apron, but if they will be wiping their hands on the sides of it, they might appreciate the extra width. An apron for a child of 10 could start with a piece of fabric about 18 inches wide by 25-30 inches long.

The best types of fabric to use are sturdy cottons, such as medium weight denim or twill. Soft cottons such as broadcloth or muslin are all right in the kitchen, but will not last long, and would not hold up in the garden or workshop at all. Other materials you'll need are thread and a sewing machine. You will also need enough extra fabric to make a strap to go around the neck, ties for the back, and pockets.

When designing the apron, you can be as creative as you like with pockets. Every apron is more useful with pockets. A person who cleans houses, for instance, can use pockets for odds and ends they pick up as well as for their spray bottles, sponges, and scrub brushes.

2. To make the apron, fold the piece of fabric lengthwise. This will allow you to cut the shape with one cut, making the two sides symmetrical. What you will be shaping when you make the cut will be the bib section of the apron. The bib for an adult sized apron will need to be about 9 inches wide.

Measure from the fold about 5-1/2 inches. This is half the width of the bib plus an inch to fold under twice to form a hem. The piece you will cut off the side to shape the bib will be a half bullet shape with the tip of the bullet being where the ties will be attached. The length of the half bullet shape should be about a foot, and the width will be from the spot you marked 5-1/2 inches from the fold to the outside edge of the fabric. When these pieces are cut off, the result should be an apron shaped piece of fabric.

3. Now decorate the apron with pockets and any other decorations you desire. After this it is time to fold under the edges all around and stitch down with sturdy stitching for a nice hem all around the apron.

4. Cut two pieces of fabric a yard long by two inches wide. Fold lengthwise and fold raw edges to the inside. Press and stitch down along the length to make the ties. Attach the ties at the waist of the apron. (If these ties seem a little long, it is because a lot of people like to bring the ties to the front and tie them there.)

5. Cut another piece of fabric 18 to 20 inches long by 5 inches wide fold in half lengthwise and press. Press again with the raw edges of the long side tucked under 1/2 inch.

6. Stitch down the open side. Attach this piece to the sides of the top of the bib, sewing it to the back of the bib and topstitching on the front side of the bib. Be careful not to twist it when you attach it.

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Foam Sheet Glasses Case

To make the glasses case, you will need the following simple materials:

a square of craft foam
plastic or large blunt needles
lanyard lace or thick yarn

Directions:

1. Cut two rectangles from the foam, each 3-1/2 inches (9 cm.) by 6 inches (15 cm.).

2. With a hole punch, make holes on three sides of each rectangle, leaving one short side unpunched. Make the holes 1/2 inch apart and allow at least 1/4 inch between the hole and the edge of the craft foam. The holes need to line up so that the two pieces can be laced together. If you are preparing the craft for small children, you should make the holes yourself. Otherwise, the crafters can do this step if you have enough pairs of hole punches.

3. At this point the crafters can cut decorative shapes from other colors of craft foam, or you can buy sets of ready-cut foam shapes. Choose the shapes you like and glue on as desired. You might also like to add beads or sequins to glue on as well.

4. The next step is to thread the plastic needle with the yarn or lanyard lace. Yarn might be a little easier to handle, but lanyard lace is shiny and attractive. Begin to lace the front and back of the glasses case together.

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