Day Camps For Kids
“School’s out!” While the idea of a day without school is probably pretty thrilling for your kids, it can also leave you as a parent or guardian scrambling, especially if your schedule is already full of adult responsibilities to begin with. Who’s going to take care of the kids while I’m working? How am I going to keep them entertained and productive all day long? How badly is this going to mess up their regular schedule?
Luckily, if you’re feeling a little overwhelmed by the prospect of a day with your kids out of school, there’s a perfect option that’ll keep them entertained and safe: day camps! Read on to learn more about the advantages of enrolling your child in a day camp during the holidays or summer break, plus learn more about the best day camp programs for kids in the Chicago area.
What is a day camp?
Day camps are fun, activity-based programs that you can enroll your kids in during the day. Despite the name, day camps usually don’t involve actual “camping”: rather than dropping your kids off for days at a time, day camps run during regular daytime hours (usually around the same time as a regular schoolday schedule).
Day camps and summer camps are very similar and can often be referred to interchangeably, except that day camps usually operate throughout the year and aren’t restricted solely to summer breaks making them the perfect option for parents who need to drop their kids off for a variety of reasons.
There are several different day camp options out there, ranging from general day camp programs filled with various activities to appeal to a wide range of kids to programs that are designed to target your child’s special interests like sports, arts and crafts, and sciences and technology.
Benefits of day camps for kids
So why would you want to enroll your kids in a day camp, anyway?
Safe and secure childcare during the day.
Unfortunately, our busy schedules don’t always allow us to be with our kids all day, every day, and this can become an issue, especially during the summertime, winter breaks, and other school holidays when your child isn’t scheduled for their normal classes. Day camps offer an alternative that’s fun for your kids and convenient for your busy calendar.
They’re fun!
While there are several different day camp options out there, one thing remains the same: most good day camp curriculums are designed primarily with fun times in mind. Day camps are a great opportunity for your child to participate in various fun activities that keep them entertained throughout those long days that would otherwise be unstructured. Even better: even though day camps are made to be as fun as possible for your kids, many of the activities are still geared towards helping your kids advance their skills socially, in the classroom, and in their various hobbies.
Hone your child’s interests.
In addition to general day camps in which a variety of fun activities are planned, you can also enroll your child in a day camp that focuses on their own special interests. For example, you can enroll your athletic child in a basketball-themed day camp that allows them to work on their technical skills on the court, while an art-themed day camp is a perfect opportunity for a child that’s interested in pursuing art as a hobby. These day camps are an excellent way for them to practice their special interests outside of their normal lessons and school curriculum.
The best day camps for kids in Chicago
If you’re looking for the best day camp options in Chicago, look no further than Bradley Fieldhouse.
School’s Out Day Camps at Bradley Fieldhouse
Held in Chicago’s premier indoor sports facility, Bradley Fieldhouse, the School’s Out Day Camps are a great way for your kids to enjoy a fun day filled with activities ranging from arts and crafts to sports and relay races. These day camps are open to children 5-12 years of age and open between 9 am–3 pm, making it a perfect day camp option for parents who work during the day but want to make sure their kids are having plenty of fun and enrichment even when they aren’t in school.
The best part: the School’s Out Day Camps at Bradley Fieldhouse are one-day camps, making it convenient for a wide range of families to participate in the fun whenever their schedule needs it.
Bradley Kids Summer Camp
Summer camps are a rite of passage for many kids, and the summer day camp held at Bradley Fieldhouse is an excellent option for keeping your kids happy, busy, and safe during the long summer holidays.
The Bradley Kids Summer Camp, which is also held at Bradley Fieldhouse, is a day camp that runs from 9 am-4 pm during the months of June through the beginning of August. A typical camp schedule includes a huge variety of fun and engaging activities both inside and outside of the facility, allowing your kids to soak up the sun and have a great time with their peers while participating in educational and recreational fun.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does my child need to bring to a day camp?
Depending on the camp program that you choose, your child may need to bring their own lunch and snack for the day, as well as a reusable water bottle. Some days may also require a change of clothes, swimsuits, and/or sunscreen for outdoor activities.
What kinds of activities are offered during a day camp?
Day camps offer a wide range of activities based on the program and the facility. Some common activities that you might expect during a day camp include:
Relay races
Sports (basketball, soccer, baseball, softball, etc.)
Swim trips
Arts and crafts
Reading
The bottom line
Day camps are a great way for your child to make friends, have fun, and explore their favorite hobbies during the days that their school isn’t in session. Learn more about Bradley Fieldhouse camp options here and get your kids involved in the fun!
Photo by RODNAE Productions: https://www.pexels.com/photo/a-boy-bending-her-body-under-the-rope-8034607/