When summer hits, every parent starts asking: “What should I do with the kids all day?” Some go straight for summer camp. Others think, “We’ll just hang at home and do a few fun outings here and there—it’ll save money, right?” At first glance, it might look cheaper. But between the “I’m bored!” every hour and the constant need to entertain, feed, and keep your sanity… the costs (emotional and financial) really add up.
Let’s break it down.
Scenario 1: The Do It Yourself (DIY) Summer at Home
Say you keep your child home and take them out twice a week:
- Movie & Snacks Outing (Child + Parent): 2 movie tickets + popcorn, drinks, candy = $76 per outing
- Trampoline Park or Indoor Playground (Child + Parent): Entry + snacks = $63 per outing
That’s$139 per week, not including the stress of organizing it all.
Now multiply by 8 weeks of summer:$1,112
Add in:
- Last-minute outings, gas, random Target runs =$160
- Endless snacks at home (because they eat 12 times a day when they’re bored):$160
- And let’s be real—if your kid isn’t going to camp, at some point they’ll start begging for areal vacation. Even a short family getaway can easily run$600–$1,000+, depending on where you go.
Total DIY Summer Cost: $2,000+ — and that’s not even counting the daily chorus of “Can we do something?”
Scenario 2: Full-Day Summer Camp
A high-quality camp runs about$215/week, from 9am–4pm:
8 weeks x $215 =$1,720
Conclusion: Is Camp Worth It?
When you look beyond the surface, camp isn’t just the better experience—it’s often the smarter financial choice, too. Sure, DIY summer seems cheaper at first. But, at the end, you’re spending just as much (if not more) with far less value.
Camp gives your child a full day of growth, connection, and joy—and gives you peace of mind, structure, and support.
So, is camp worth it? Financially and emotionally, the answer is a resounding YES!
