On-demand classes and activities for your child are a great option when you need an activity at any time of day. ActivityHero provides a wide variety of on-demand content that can be used at any time, free of any cost! Here are our favorite free, on-demand options.
What’s your favorite movie – Cars, Frozen, or maybe The Avengers? Did you know that computer technology is behind the making of all of your favorite movies? This video shows children exciting state-of-the-art technologies and how they are applied in the real world!
This class will focus on (1) a review of the basics of nutrition, and (2) how to use the five food groups to create a healthy, well rounded, delicious meal. Some of the student activities will include (1) preparing their own individual menu for a stir-fry (2) watching Dr. Mary cook a nutritious stir-fry, and (3) several choices of posters to create.
Have fun baking a dessert with your kids and learn some science at the same time with this DIY Solar Oven by Beau Coffron, in partnership with Home Depot. All you need is an old pizza box and a handful of tools and materials. In just a few easy steps, you’ll have created an innovative solar oven!
Learn how to code with Javascript in Classroom Antics’ easy-to-use web interface and self-guided lessons. Progress through fun online coding activities at your own pace. Complete up to 9 lessons (one hour each). Lessons feature fun projects such as creating an facetracker, eclipse simulation, greeting card, snapchat filter, community map and more!
Join Madame Barbara from Springs French Music Lingua for a fun introductory class and learn the Itsy Bitsy Spider in French. This is a 22-minute previously recorded live online class. Download the coloring page for additional reinforcement of the French vocabulary.
In this FREE video you’ll learn how to make the perfect pie shell. You’ll learn how to create pie dough and then how best to roll out out and form it into a pie pan. This lesson is for a pie shell for sweet pies. The method can be used for quiche and tart shells by changing just a few ingredients.
In this on-demand class you will learn the basics of Inkscape while creating your very own winter theme card. We’ll learn how to create a basic winter scene, including how to make some basic evergreen trees, snow flakes, and form a snow man. You can print and use the card you create as a holiday card, or a card to bring in some winter time cheer.
Choose from a collection of free Winter and Holiday themed coloring sheets and Sudoku printables! These are great for long car rides or for the whole family to enjoy.
Are you searching for a fun and creative gift for a kid in your life? Our Gift Guide goes beyond gift cards and gaming systems to give you ideas on kids activities that can still be gift-wrapped!
Whether you are shopping for your child, a niece/nephew or family friend – we’ve rounded up our top gifts for 2020. Can’t decide? Gift an ActivityHero gift card for in-person camps, online classes, or on-demand activities!
Jump into a fun musical experience in our 6-week group piano class and receive your very own Mini-CASIO Keyboard! Students join our inspiring teachers LIVE in Online Classrooms where they learn to read music, play fun songs, and express their creativity.
Perfect for your kids who love to explore their creative side through a variety of art mediums. Inspiring instructor-led classes and access to video library for on-demand content at anytime. Learners will choose from a range of lessons including sketching, painting, sculpture, crafts, culinary and digital art.
The Sony KOOV™ Camp Program is designed to be used in a variety of learning environments – whether it’s an existing robotics/coding camp, international competition or at home for enrichment activities involving design. The KOOV Kits provide kids a learning tool that is out-of-the-box ready and includes curriculum for repeated and continued growth.
Bring joy and creativity to your child, as they sew their way to confidence! This beginning sewing kit is a perfect holiday gift that will engage for days to come. And paired with our step-by-step video, children will have fun making 3 different sewing projects all by themselves!
The Ship & Make Kit from Broadway Clay includes air dry clay, a ceramic tile, tools, acrylic paints, and a pottery badge! The 30-minute YouTube instructional video will allow children/tweens to follow along and pause when they need more time. This video was recorded to meet the requirements for the Girl Scout Pottery Badge, but fun for all to participate!
Kids will learn about concept the of sound, how sound travels, use equipment to measure sound, using tuning forks, make their own musical instrument. This sound kit comes with activities the whole family can do together, make a real musical instrument and do other fun activities involved.
Chess brings people together. Share stories and spend time together this holiday season. Give your child the gift of chess! Sit down, play a game and plan your next move.
Turn up the volume and rock out in our 6-week group guitar class with your very own 34″ Student Size Guitar! Students join our inspiring teachers LIVE in Online Classrooms where they learn new songs, develop new skills, and express their creativity.
Fungineering keeps little ones busy learning through the holidays while having fun playing with stories and worlds that they build! With our Supply Set, children spend hours building real-world models that move – cars, merry-go-rounds, hand mixers, fire trucks and more, all on their own, or alongside our step-by-step Online or On-Demand classes.
Our Soccer Stars @HOME Virtual Classes will take soccer training to the next level. Through our digital classroom, children can see their teammates and work directly with their coach. Wrap up a soccer ball or training cones with the gift of these virtual classes for the perfect gift for your next little Messi or Morgan.
This Little Medical School toy kit offers aspiring sports surgeons a wide variety of hands-on and educational activities. Children will learn about the bones in the hand using the hand decal and stickers, make their own skeleton with our bone stickers, learn how to care for a sprain and strain with our bandage, make a ball and socket joint and hinge joint and finish by completing Tommy John surgery on our surgery board.
When your favorite song comes on the radio do you sit quietly or do you dance around and play the air drum solo? In Acoustical Engineering with Makey Makey, we will create our own interpretations of common musical instruments like bongo, piano, guitar, and create our very own dancing program. Great Christmas gift for 7yr – 11yrs old.
Give the gift of creativity! Who doesn’t remember helping decorate the tree when they were growing up? Each ornament has a special meaning attached to it, especially the handmade ones. Students will learn how to make precious Clay Ornaments. Imagine their sense of pride when giving their loved ones a treasure that they made themselves.
The perfect gift for every child – from the Minecraft obsessed to the young artist or future chef! ActivityHero has all kinds of activities for kids, including in-person camps, online classes, and printable DIY activities on-demand.
Does your child love drawing? Include an ActivityHero gift card with art supplies to take an online art class!
For cooking enthusiasts, wrap up a special apron or cooking utensils with an ActivityHero gift card to pick out an online cooking or baking class!
Curious kids might enjoy a science kit and an ActivityHero gift card to experiment at an online STEM class!
On-demand Thanksgiving activities keep kids busy and having fun from home. Kids can enjoy Thanksgiving games and projects on their own time during the holidays!
A collection of Thanksgiving-themed kids and adult coloring sheets. Tag ActivityHero on social media or message us your completed drawing to be featured!
Want to keep your kids busy on Thanksgiving while they’re waiting for dinner? How about Thanksgiving Bingo to keep everyone entertained? (you might get some adults, too). This fun Thanksgiving-themed Bingo by Catch My Party can be played with the whole family!
Once you register, you will receive an email with a link to the game page.
Paint a pumpkin at home with a step-by-step, easy to follow instruction taught by a professional artist. This activity includes video and printables, and is up to 135 minutes art practice and fun!
Celebrate the season with Pumpkin Muffins! These yummy fall muffins will put a smile on your face. Kids will cook using all their senses, and together they’ll bake up something special to share. This class covers all the basics for beginner chefs, but it is filled with tips and kitchen hacks for any home cook to learn some new tricks! Kids will be able to make this recipe by themselves or bring the whole family to enjoy kitchen time together. Includes up to 75 minutes of video and printables.
A new hands-on method of learning art! Specifically designed for K to 6th-grade students, every lesson is designed to give you an hour break and engage your child’s mind with fun, educational and creative activities. Perfect to enjoy over school breaks, rainy days, or whenever you need a fun, flexible activity to fit your schedule.
Whether you need to work for a few days or prep a turkey dinner, upcoming school breaks may have you searching for Thanksgiving camps and activities to keep your kids busy. We’ve rounded up a few of our favorite in-person Thanksgiving camps for kids – all locally in the SF Bay Area! ActivityHero also offers online and on-demand Thanksgiving activities that can be done at home.
From popular STEM to sports and art programs, KidzToPros is offering fun 3-day camps to keep kids happy, healthy, and safe while they are on break from school. If on-site camps are not available near you, KidzToPros also offers a wide variety of online classes and camps for kids.
Investigate the fastest, highest and biggest things in aerospace using realistic flight simulation, exploration of real aircraft, model aircraft construction and more. Aviation Camp is an immersive, hands-on aerospace adventure for campers ages 5-11. All programs are held at the Hiller Aviation Museum in San Carlos, CA.
The spirit of the West meets Silicon Valley at Chaparral Ranch. Surrounded by natural trails and open space preserves, the ranch overlooks stunning Bay views. Learn about horse care: grooming, feeding, bathing and even horse first aid! Saddle a horse, learn about tack, and even explore different styles of riding! For riding instruction campers are grouped based on experience and skill level.
Shredders is designed for skateboarders of all skill levels to learn safety, skills and confidence. Award winning instructors lead students in skill development and youth empowerment.
Our shredder LOVED everyday as there was always something to learn. He liked that the instructors taught them new techniques, but also allowed time for lots of practice time, and each staff member was patient and supportive.
In this one-day painting camp, our artists will explore abstract forms and abstract techniques as they create their own abstract scrape painting. Our students will play with color combinations, experiment with layering, and create their own abstract movements and designs using paint. At the end of the day, everyone will take home an expressive and colorful masterpiece!
Our social distanced fundamental camp focus on all of the fundamentals of basketball evenly. Kids will be required to bring their own ball in order to minimize any sharing and our staff will handle the rest! Temperature checks will be conducted daily for all staff and participants, and there will be ample amount of hand sanitizer available upon arrival.
My 11-year old son really enjoyed this camp. The counselors were great and kept the kids active and engaged. The Director was really helpful and accommodating.
Join us throughout Thanksgiving WEEK for an academically focused camp featuring Minecraft used for education in various subjects. Our camp will also include academic enrichment in various subjects including English language arts, math, and STEM subjects. Combining fun and learning, your child will be able to best comprehend information using a platform they love, allowing them to stay ahead in school.
Online Thanksgiving camps and classes are a good alternative to keep kids busy and having fun at home while you are working or finishing up your famous pumpkin pie.
We’ve rounded up some of our favorite online Thanksgiving camps for kids – art, crafts, coding, and more! On ActivityHero, you can also find in-person Thanksgiving camps or on-demand activities for upcoming school breaks.
Join crafty art classes with a fun, Thanksgiving theme – from toilet paper roll turkeys to clay sculpting and Pusheen illustrations. Or register for a Virtual Art Camp for 3 days of live instruction and access to the Young Art on-demand art library.
My son enjoyed this class very much. The teacher was wonderful with the children and the step by step instruction was very well done and easy for my son to follow. He was very proud of his artwork and is looking forward to taking more classes with Young Art.
LEGO®, Minecraft & Roblox Camps and Classes for Thanksgiving
KidzToPros: Create your own Minecraft adventures and games that you can share with your friends! Students think through how to make a playable activity, and learn conditionals and event triggering.
CodeRev offers drop-in classes or 1/2 day camps while school is out! Explore Roblox, Minecraft modding adventures, and more – taught by industry tested STEM and computer programming professionals.
TechKnowHow offers fun and enriching online Thanksgiving sessions featuring LEGO® Engineering, Minecraft Adventures, and Coding Classes with Scratch and Python. Kids learn to build within a Zoom small group, interacting with the teacher and each other, getting a chance to show what they build, and talk about their creations.
Just in time for Thanksgiving, join Chef Cindy to learn how to make a classic pumpkin pie. Kids ages 9-14 will learn how to make a light and delicious crust and a perfectly creamy filling!
Camp Sassafras: Let’s turn off Youtube, put down the video game controller, and come together to learn, connect, laugh, meet new friends, join your best friends, and enjoy our free time together!
Gobble ‘Til You Wobble with 7EDU: From writing gratitude letters to worksheets and art, 7EDU Impact Academy offers a wide range of fun activities with a Thanksgiving theme.
Curious Minds Academy: Learn some fun facts and trivia about our favorite turkey day. Discover how the holiday really got started and learn how many of our favorite turkey day traditions got started (including why we even eat turkey on this day to begin with).
Art, Music & Giving Thanks with Family Karate: This 3 day Camp during Thanksgiving Break is a perfect time for your Pre-K through 2nd graders to have fun and get creative about showing their gratitude for all the love and goodness in their lives.
Interactive Chess Camp with Chess King: Study the essential elements, acquire the proper tools and play winning chess during this 3 day Thanksgiving Camp! Learn the basics or train deep into advanced tactical and positional play. Chess for All Levels Beginner to Advanced Grades K-6.
Whether you need to work for a few days or prep a turkey dinner, upcoming school breaks may have you searching for Thanksgiving camps and activities to keep your kids busy. We’ve rounded up a few of our favorite in-person Thanksgiving camps for kids – from STEM to skateboarding! ActivityHero also offers online and on-demand Thanksgiving activities that can be done at home.
From popular STEM to sports and art programs, KidzToPros is offering fun 3-day camps to keep kids happy, healthy, and safe while they are on break from school. If on-site camps are not available near you, KidzToPros also offers a wide variety of online classes and camps for kids.
Investigate the fastest, highest and biggest things in aerospace using realistic flight simulation, exploration of real aircraft, model aircraft construction and more. Aviation Camp is an immersive, hands-on aerospace adventure for campers ages 5-11. All programs are held at the Hiller Aviation Museum in San Carlos, CA.
The spirit of the West meets Silicon Valley at Chaparral Ranch. Surrounded by natural trails and open space preserves, the ranch overlooks stunning Bay views. Learn about horse care: grooming, feeding, bathing and even horse first aid! Saddle a horse, learn about tack, and even explore different styles of riding! For riding instruction campers are grouped based on experience and skill level.
Shredders is designed for skateboarders of all skill levels to learn safety, skills and confidence. Award winning instructors lead students in skill development and youth empowerment.
Our shredder LOVED everyday as there was always something to learn. He liked that the instructors taught them new techniques, but also allowed time for lots of practice time, and each staff member was patient and supportive.
Engineering For Kids brings science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM), to kids in a fun and challenging way. For ages 8-14, 1/2 day or full day camps are available for school breaks. Thanksgiving themes are Robo-Sports and an Amazing Race Camp.
ATX Kids Club has a mission to inspire inspire youth to fearlessly explore and become independent, self-confident individuals through educational and health-minded field trip adventures.
ATX kids club is my daughter’s favorite camp, she loves the daily trips and I love to give her the opportunity to discover all the aspects of the city in a safe atmosphere.
In this 3-Day Creature Camp by Discover Science Center, kids ages 5-8 will explore some of Earth’s habitats and the creatures that are adapted to these environments: rainforest, desert, and marine!
Discover Science Center is an informal science education enrichment lab whose purpose is to supplement the STEAM curriculum taught in K-12 schools and homeschool programs.
Pumpkin Pie Spiced Dough from Left Brain Craft Brain
Get ready for Thanksgiving Week with these hands-on kids’ activities inspired by Pumpkin Spice and Thanksgiving turkeys.
Enjoy the smell of Pumpkin Spice and try one of these Thanksgiving project ideas with your kids. For a longer activity, find a 1/2 day or full day Thanksgiving camp or workshop.
What makes pumpkin spice smell so good? Betty Crocker‘s homemade recipe is combination of cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, allspice and cloves. Mix the spices together in a small bowl and let your senses take it all in.
Pumpkin slime
Kids love making and playing with slime and this recipe for pumpkin slime adds a Thanksgiving spin to it. Growing a Jeweled Rose has a simple recipe to make pumpkin slime that adds pumpkin spice to the glue and borax slime concoction.
Pumpkin slime from Growing a Jeweled Rose
Pumpkin pie spice play dough
Younger kids will enjoy this simple, homemade Pumpkin Pie Spice Play Dough from Left Brain Craft Brain. With just a few ingredients from your kitchen, you can make this pumpkin spice scented play dough with your kids.
Pumpkin Pie Spiced Dough from Left Brain Craft Brain
Get ready for falling leaves, cooler weather, and spooky surprises with these hands-on activities for kids.
Leaf piles and pumpkins and candy, oh my! Try one (or all) of these fall ideas with your kids. For a longer activity to keep kids engaged during school holidays, find online or in-person Fall Break camps and classes.
1. Glow-in-the-Dark Water
Nothing says “spooky” like things that glow in the dark. Take your Halloween party to the next level with this recipe from The Science Buddies on how to make glow in the dark water from two very basic items.
Glow in the dark water from Science Buddies
2. Design Your Halloween Costume
It’s not too early to start thinking about Fright Night! Skip the expensive, pre-made costumes this year and get creative. Try putting together your entire costume using household items and stuff you already own. Need some help or inspiration? Try a DIY Halloween costume design class or a face painting workshop!
With minimal setup and simple rules, this version of a Native American stick game by My Creative Life can be played by even the youngest members of your family.
This countdown calendar project from Lakeshore Learning makes the wait a little easier and you can make it at home! Or download a Fall on-demand activity like pumpkin crafting to earn a Girl Scouts badge online, DIY Fall decorations, Halloween art, and more!
Computer programming isn’t just for college students and hackers. Here are four engaging ways to get your kids started with coding.
By Ashley Wang
It’s pretty clear by now that technology is a force to be reckoned with. Tech companies are ever-growing and demand for programmers has never been higher. Computers dominate our lives right now, and they will dominate the lives of our children, as well.
So it’s not unexpected that many parents are interested in coding for kids. But getting them started can be rather tricky, especially if you don’t have too much experience with programming, yourself. Here, we highlight four ways to introduce your child to code.
1. Scratch
Used by millions of children around the world, Scratch is considered by educators to be the gold standard for teaching beginner coders the basics of programming. The reason? It uses blocks-based grammar that has users drag and drop commands rather than typing code. Because Scratch doesn’t require learning any complicated programming languages, even eight-year-old kids can use it.
Using the website, you can create everything from short animations to simple games. It’s intuitive, logical, and familiarizes kids with the computational thinking behind programming without overwhelming them with abstract ideas.
And if you want to get your child started even earlier, say at five-years-old, ScratchJr is the perfect learning tool. It doesn’t even require the ability to read; instead, children only need to connect together icon-based blocks to animate their characters.
Looking for a more hands-on experience for your child? Lego robotics might just be the perfect fit. Lego Mindstorms, a hardware-software platform produced by Lego for children aged 10 and up, combines the fun of Lego-building with the intellectual challenge of programming robots to walk, talk, and even think.
Calvin Grewal, a Palo Alto High School senior who interned at a startup as a web developer over the summer, thinks it’s especially great for keeping kids motivated because of the immediate results it lets them see.
“It’s a good way to make coding not so dry,” Grewal says. “Building a physical robot is definitely a lot more interesting, especially for younger kids.”
Grewal does, however, warn against having children learn robotics and coding without the proper assistance that is provided at robotics camps and classes.
“If you’re in high school then you may be able to study code on your own and be properly self-motivated,” Grewal says. “But for kids, camps are definitely better to help facilitate learning and engagement.”
Camps that teach video game design are another great option for children. Because if your kids can’t seem to peel their eyes away from their screens — be it iPads, laptops, or TV — then why not have them learn how to make a video game, themselves?
Grewal is a major proponent of game design camps, citing them as the reason for his initial interest in coding. He started over the summer in elementary school, where he was taught basic Python to develop a simple computer game. Because he was doing something he was already interested in, Grewal viewed learning something as complicated as coding as more of a fun activity rather than a school-related task.
Game design is also becoming a rapidly-growing industry. Especially with eSports on the rise, specialized software developers are needed now more than ever to help create the next bestselling video game.
For kids that love interacting with their peers, joining a school or online coding club may offer additional benefits. While programming is often viewed as an individual activity done in solidarity, clubs encourage students with like-minded interests in coding to help each other out with tips and advice. Students often find it beneficial to have others help them troubleshoot their issues.
“It’s a good way to talk with other people who are interested,” Grewal says. “You learn from other people, who then learn from you.”
However you plan to approach coding for kids, it’s important to always keep an open mind. Because no matter how much they may like legos or game design, it’s still possible that coding just isn’t the right activity for them. But starting by gauging your child’s interest with some of these tips wouldn’t hurt, and perhaps they might just become the next tech founder.
As parents, it can be difficult to keep kids engaged during school closures and breaks. In-home lessons can help children stay busy, even when it is not possible to physically be at a camp or class. Virtual learning can also benefit children who are seeking advanced instruction that may not be available near you. (Also see: Online Classes for Kids: Tips for Success)
Live, Interactive Classes vs. YouTube
In a live online class, the instructor and students meet on Zoom or another interactive system and can see each other. Students are able to ask questions and can follow along in the class. A live class meets at a specific time, so it’s important to note the time zone of the class. Scheduling live classes can be beneficial for staying on a routine during school closures.
Live online classes are also an opportunity to schedule virtual playdates with friends or classmates. During this time of social distancing, it can be fun for kids to connect with their friends while doing something fun online.
Recorded online courses may be found on YouTube or other educational websites and can be watched at any time. These types of online lessons can be helpful if need a quick option. The most common types of pre-recorded online classes are movement – kids dance or zumba.
Online Art Classes for Kids
Free Online Art Class for Kids
Art is a very popular online class for kids of all ages. Most art classes use materials you would normally already have at your house – pencil, paper, old magazines or paint. Live art classes provide time to ask questions or spotlight finished art projects.
Family favorites include: CD’s Art Studio: Draw a different subject every week – previous classes included baby raccoons, penguins and even a hedgehog. Art & Soul: Small group, highly interactive sessions through an online Art Club. Young Art: Select from a variety of lessons in all kinds of art media, including clay sculpture, animation, acrylic painting, and pencil sketching. Artist Center: The online classroom is a State of the Art Program using “The Masters” techniques. KidztoPros: Variety of creative art programs including anime, graphic design, architecture art design and more.
From beginner level Scratch to more advanced Python, find online coding and gaming camps for kids of all ages. Introducing a child to programming languages could be either a building block for a career or an entertaining option for your young gamer. Not sure where to start? Get expert tips on picking the right coding camp to fit your child.
Set aside some time to burn off all that extra energy from being stuck at home. Movement and exercise can help support children’s mental and physical well-being during this challenging time. Online sports and fitness camps include skills and fun games that kids can do from the safety of their own home, backyard, garage or patio. Family favorites include martial arts, yoga, dance, virtual recess and more.
Popular LEGO® camp curriculums have been adapted for online learning so that your child can make their screen time count with engaging and entertaining STEAM enrichment. Build with LEGO® in themes of cities, robots, superheroes and more.
Earn Girl Scout badges through online workshops in coding and science. Popular badges include: Fling Flyer badge, Coding Basics Badge, Bugs Badge for Brownies and more!
Many online classes are between 30 minutes and an hour, but full day virtual camps are available. These may be more more convenient for parents that have multiple kids or are trying to work from home.
ActivityHero LIVE offers a free, daily series of live, interactive classes for kids. These classes are made possible by teachers who want to help families while school is out with classes in art, music, business, medicine, cooking, LEGO®, fitness and more. They are also small businesses who have lost income due to COVID-19.
Many families have traditions for Easter that include fun community activities like egg hunts, visits to the Easter bunny or a special dinner out. With stay-at-home restrictions still in effect, the holiday is going to look very different this year. Here are some alternative Easter ideas for kids to still enjoy the weekend.
Start the day with a special breakfast or Easter brunch as a family. Before the happy chaos of baskets begins, serve up one of these too-cute recipes for Easter breakfast that not only will your kids love – but they can help make too. Our friends over at SheKnows have compiled a list of 15 Cute Easter Breakfast Ideas.
Alternative Easter Egg Hunts for kids
Even if the neighborhood or community Easter egg hunts are canceled, enjoy an egg hunt at your house. Fill plastic eggs with special treats or rewards. Extra screen time or picking the family movie are great alternatives to a midday sugar crash.
Or, get your neighbors to join you for a virtual Easter Egg Hunt. Paint, draw or display eggs that can seen from the sidewalk. Most importantly, spread positivity and enjoyment while practicing safe social distancing. Get the word out by posting on your community NextDoor or create a private Facebook group. Try some on-demand Easter activities, use colorful window paint or even draw eggs outside with sidewalk chalk.
Virtual Easter Meetings
After the excitement of Easter brunch and egg hunts, check in with friends and family virtually. Set up a family Zoom call or Facetime the grandparents. If your Easter tradition usually includes church, find a live stream service to watch together at home. If you had already picked out the perfect Easter outfit, don’t let it go to waste! Get dressed up and then take pictures for the scrapbook.
Easter Entertainment for Kids
To finish up your Easter during COVID-19, queue up an Easter-themed movie for your kids on Netflix, Hulu or Disney+. Some of our Easter family movie favorites include:
Hop
Rise of the Guardians
Peter Rabbit
Ice Age: The Great Egg-Scapade
Take a Break for Spring
After a fun-filled Easter weekend with crafts, treats and egg hunts you may want a few minutes for yourself. ActivityHero has live, interactive classes every day for kids of all ages. Schedule an online class with expert teachers in art, music, LEGO® building, sports, coding and more.
Berlin, Germany -5 august 2019: Panda bear chews bamboo at the Berlin zoo
Ideas for Your Spring Break at Home
Staycation has taken on a new meaning during the COVID-19 stay-at-home restrictions. With spring break travel plans canceled, many families are looking for fun alternatives.
Research authentic cuisine from a foreign country, then prepare some of the dishes as a family. Need some guidance? Take an online cooking class.
Have your kids pick a country, state or destination they would like to go on a “dream vacation”. Watch YouTube videos, read books and pretend you are there.
Host a Virtual Game Night with friends through Zoom.
Plant seeds for a garden — veggies, herbs, and/or flowers.
Fly a kite or teach kids another low-tech activity you loved as a child.
Create your own mini golf course in your house or yard.
Create a music video to a favorite song.
Take an online class as a family – in art, music, yoga or something else you all enjoy.
How to Display Your Spring Break Ideas
Instead of writing down your ideas on a sheet of paper, you can boost everyone’s excitement by typing up the list using fun fonts in bright colors. Put a small check-box beside each item so you can X it when it’s complete.
Another option: Write down each idea on a small slip of paper, fold the papers in half, and place them in a clean bucket or sand pail. Then when someone says that they’re “boooorrrrrrrrrred,” tell them to go to the bucket and select an activity.
Check out ActivityHero for kids’ online camps and classes! There’s something for everyone, and you can find options that are free or paid — in music, art, science, medicine and more!
Extended school closures can be a disruption of routine for many families. Parents are seeking online classes for their children to close the gap of learning, but establishing a new schedule can be a learning curve for all.
As parents, it can be difficult to keep kids engaged during school closures and breaks. In-home lessons can help children stay busy, even when it is not possible to physically be at a camp.
Fiona the Hippo
Facebook Live and YouTube are popular for streaming educational videos like the Cincinnati Zoo’s, “Home Safari”, when zoo staff highlights a different animal each day. Local camps and online e-learning websites are offering a wide range of online classes for kids, from virtual dance classes to online coding classes and workshops. Languages and music are also popular online courses for teaching kids at home.
The act of both entertaining and educating children – while sometimes also working from home – can be a challenge. We’ve put together a list of steps you can take to support your child for online learning.
Setting your Kids up for Success Online
Establish a new routine: Keep in mind that your child is also going through a lot of adjustment, regardless of age. A schedule can keep everyone engaged and happy throughout the day. However, be flexible if your kids need a little more time for an activity.
Act as if your child is going to class: Establish a time for the class, whether the class is live or self-directed. Post a daily schedule if age-appropriate, or verbally remind your child that morning. Stay comfortable, but don’t forget to change out of those PJ’s!
Schedule for success: Younger students are often the sharpest in the morning. Start with a more challenging subject early while their brains are most receptive to learning. Each child is different though, so plan accordingly.
Create a quiet, distraction free environment: To help a child focus on their online class, remove toys and electronics from the room. For example, don’t leave out art supplies if they are having an online music lesson.
Consider your child’s age and personality: The younger the child, typically the shorter the attention span. When planning an online course for your child, select a length of time that will keep them engaged. If it’s not a live class, schedule movement breaks. Jumping jacks or a couple laps around the yard can help keep your child engaged.
Plan unstructured play time: Just like at school, it is important to take a break. This is also a good opportunity for parents to check their email, take that work call or finish other household tasks.
Step away from the screens: If you have ever stared at a computer screen for work all day, you know how tired your eyes and brains can get. Plan a craft, science experiment or other fun activity offline.
Creative Connections: During a time of social distancing, kids may feel isolated from their friends. Plan an online class that your child could attend with friends. After an online session, set up Facetime chats so they can talk about it.
As parents, we understand a lot of families are searching for enrichment activities to supplement homeschool and virtual learning curriculum. ActivityHero is here to help! Find free virtual events and online classes for your child on ActivityHero or download our iPhone app for faster and easier searching.
This summer camp guide will help you find camps that fit your kids interests and provide some tips on how to make it easier to plan your summer with the greatest ease.
Bay Area kids benefit from a large variety of summer camps — sports, art, coding, outdoor and specialty camps! Many parents describe the camp planning process as a jigsaw puzzle as they try to fit together multiple kids, friends, and camp schedules.
At ActivityHero, our mission is to make finding and booking summer camps easier for parents. We’ve put together this summer camp guide to provide an overview of all the top camp categories.
Sports Camps
Sports camps are popular with kids of all ages. Summer is a great time for kids to further explore a sport that they love or try something new. Besides keeping kids active, sports camps help kids learn teamwork and perseverance. Sports camps also tend to be less expensive than other camps.
Boys and girls love soccer camps, and even in the summer, it’s not too hot in the Bay Area to be on the soccer field. The youngest campers have fun playing games and running off all that extra summer energy. Experienced players benefit from extra instruction during the off season.
Family favorites: Coach Ken Soccer Camps: “Great staff and great experience for my son and daughter! This was our first year and my daughter who is 6 was interested in playing sports like her 8 year old brother. They both had a great time, learned a lot, and it was a great learning environment for the kids. Can’t wait to go back!”
Basketball camps are great for coordination, exercise and team-building. Campers learn the fundamentals of basketball through games and fun drills. Coaches group children by age and skill level, making it a suitable choice for beginner or advanced basketball players.
Family favorites: Legarza Sports “My son loved his week at Basketball camp. Good instructors who care about the kids. Drop off and pick up were very easy. He’s excited to return next year.
Dance camps are a great way for artistic children to explore their creativity through a variety of different dance disciplines such as modern, jazz, ballet, hip hop, salsa or even aerial dance.
Family favorites: Grrrl Brigade “A terrific empowering experience that exposes and teaches your child a wide range of dances, music, positive approaches to thinking and expressing themselves. The “show” at the end of the week is very inspiring and the staff is thoughtful, patient and kind in leading the girls through an impressive array of choreography.”
Multi-sport camps are a good way to give kids a variety of several different sports and outdoor games. Bald Eagle Sports Camp proudly says their multi-sport camp is “known for getting even the laziest kids up and moving…and loving it!”
Family favorites: Growfit “The staff at GrowFit are simply amazing. I sent both my kids here during the school break and they had an awesome time. The staff went above and beyond when my son was being called names. I really can’t say enough good things about them.”
Coding, Science, and Robotics Camps
Parents know how kids can consume technology for hours at a time on video games, YouTube videos, and social media. So it’s not a surprise that many parents are interested in directing this interest into creating video games, making movies, or coding the next social media app like TikTok.
Summer is a great time to explore coding for kids because most schools don’t offer coding during the school year. Many coding camps use video camps as the subject matter for teaching kids how to use Scratch or Python to create their own game or learn Minecraft or Roblox mods. Teens may choose Java programming camps to prepare for high school computer science courses or App development camps to explore new app ideas.
Science camps and STEM camps are popular for girls and boys who are naturally inquisitive. Camps that focus on science, technology, engineering and math challenges are engaging for curious children who like to explore the how and why. For middle and high school students, STEM camps can showcase a wide variety of potential career opportunities.
Robot summer camps are like coding camps with an extra element of competition. TV shows like BattleBots have introduced more families to the thrill of designing and battling robots. Many introductory robotics summer camps use LEGO Mindstorms, which is also used by the First Lego League in nationwide competitions for kids.
Creative kids can grow their skills and express themselves in any number of art camps and maker camps. From learning to draw to learning to build, art and other maker camps can bring out the creator in every kid.
At a LEGO camp, kids build LEGO animals, spacecraft, and other creations.
For budding master chefs, a cooking camp like Sprouts Cooking Club or Culinary Dude offers hands-on cooking experience and a daily menu. On-demand activities include recipes and video walkthroughs for meals and desserts.
Kids and teens who want to learn to sew will find some creative sewing camps such as Camp Couture in San Mateo, owned by Project Runway finalist Alexandria von Brommson. Sewing camps like this let kids design their own fashions, accessories, and even soft toys.
Woodworking camp is very popular, even in the high-tech age, but harder to find due to the specialized equipment and instructors. Maker Nexus in Sunnyvale has sewing camps as well as woodworking and industrial arts for kids and adults. You’ll also find woodworking at Tinkering School in San Francisco and Young Builders in Palo Alto.
Outdoor and Nature Camps
For both boys and girls, outdoor camps are a top interest with kids ages 5-13. This is great news for parents who want their kids to spend less time with screens and more time connecting with nature and playing outside.
The Bay Area is the perfect place for kids to enjoy both water sports and mountain adventures. Kids can take a hike along creeks or try rock climbing, mountain biking, or canoeing.
Academic camps are a top interest for kids ages 7-10 who would like to explore a subject beyond the typical classroom curriculum in an exciting and engaging way.
Family favorites: “My daughter loves math circle. She tells me that she’s not doing math like at school, rather she says she’s doing puzzles and games and that it’s really fun. I love that she’s having fun learning and that math circle helps her develop a positive attitude about math.”
Girls-only camps are a chance for girls to connect with other girls and get a unique perspective on topics such as leadership, teamwork and goal setting. A single gender camp can boost confidence and help girls find their voice while making friends.
Summer Planning Made Easy
Are you juggling a summer camp schedule with multiple children? Or, are you trying to coordinate camps and carpool with friends? ActivityHero has launched a new tool to make inviting friends and teammates even easier. You can now add your favorite summer camps to a saved list, invite friends and share as a group. Parents are able to RSVP that they are interested, registered or unavailable for that camp all in one convenient location. Save time and plan the ultimate summer experience with your child’s classmates, teammates, neighbors and more!
How many camps should my child attend?
It really depends on your child. Some kids can be single-minded and want to enjoy one camp for the summer and focus on their favorite activity, other kids want to take several classes in different areas throughout the season.
You can find these Bay Area summer camps and many more camps near you on ActivityHero or download our iPhone app for faster and easier searching!
Read our Ultimate Soccer Camp Guide for expert tips on choosing the best soccer camp to fit your child’s age, skill level and overall soccer goals.
Soccer camps are one of the most popular summer camps on ActivityHero. Played by over 2 million children nationwide*, youth soccer appeals to children of all ages and skill levels. With both recreational and travel soccer leagues in the Bay Area, there are many opportunities for both beginner and elite players to play year round. It is also a sport that can be started at an early age, with many kids soccer camps accepting those as young as 3 years old.
Finding the right soccer camp depends on your child’s age and motivation. Does your child dream of being the next Lionel Messi or Alex Morgan? Or, do you simply want a fun summer camp to keep your child active this summer?
Soccer Development by Age
From preschool to high school, soccer camps structure their programs to meet children at various levels of development.
Ages 3-5: The focus for the very youngest players is primarily on strengthening gross motor skills, socialization and having fun! Soccer drills for preschoolers are often just multipurpose games to keep players active, listening and making friends.Soccer camps for ages 3-5 often offer mini sessions that are semi-structured adventures designed to engage short attention spans.
Ages 6-9: For elementary school-aged children, soccer camps often divide players up by age and ability to maximize instruction. While some very advanced players can start to play at a competitive level, most soccer camps for ages 6-9 years old “focus on team building, social skills, and technical skill development. The emphasis of the soccer camp is to help our young players foster a love of the game,” according to the AYSO (American Youth Soccer Organization).
Ages 10-13: For motivated players, this is the age where soccer development can be taken to the next level at camps such as the USF Junior Premier Soccer Camp. Developing technique, speed of play and simulated game situations are all a priority.
Ages 14+: High school soccer players can have a wide range of skill and motivation – ranging from recreational to student athletes eyeing a college soccer scholarship.
Types of Soccer Camps
There are many different soccer camps available this summer to fit your schedule and child’s goals. AYSO offers week long programs including half-day soccer camps (3hrs), full-day soccer camps (6 hrs, ages 8+) and mini sessions (1.5 hrs). The programs are open to all players and the curriculum is developmentally appropriate for any skill level. Other popular half-day and full-day soccer camps include USF Youth Academy Soccer Camp (K-5th), Challenger Soccer Camps (multiple camps ages 3-16), Coach Ken Soccer Academy (ages 4-12) and Stanford Soccer Camps (ages 4-10).
Specialized night training programs for intermediate to advanced soccer players aged 15-21 are available through San Francisco Soccer Camp. The night training can be very convenient if your high school player has a summer job lined up. Additionally, some travel leagues may encourage team camps, residential overnight camps or college ID soccer camps.
Specialty Soccer Camps
There are also specialty programs such as goalkeeper camps or striker soccer clinics. These camps are focused on developing specific skills related to your child’s preferred playing position.
What to Bring to Soccer Camp
There are a few items that you will definitely want to pack with your child for soccer camp.
Soccer gear: Cleats, Shin Guards and a Ball (optional). Sneakers can work too. *Tip: If you send a soccer ball, be sure to label it with your child’s name.
Water bottle: Your child will be working up a sweat!
Packed Lunch and/or Snacks: Keep in mind that most camps will not have a refrigerator.
Sunscreen: Campers could be outside in the sun for several hours.
Benefits Beyond the Field
Soccer can develop into a fun, lifetime participation sport where children can learn the value of teamwork, leadership, communication and respect.
“Active kids grow in self-confidence. They have the opportunity to develop an open mindset. They learn conflict resolution skills. They learn how to both cooperate and compete with others. They learn punctuality and responsibility. They learn how to contribute to a group. They learn communication skills and how to lead. They learn how to set and achieve goals toward self-improvement. The possible life skills, as well as sport skills, that an active soccer player could learn and benefit from is a long list,” said Sam Snow, US Youth Soccer Director of Coaching.
Regardless of your child’s age or skill level, there is a soccer camp that is the right fit for your family. You can find all these Bay Area soccer camps on ActivityHero or download our iPhone app. Early bird summer camp discounts could save parents up to $200 a week.
