12 Kid-Approved Subscriptions for a Summer Camp in a Box

This monthly subscription box combines science experiments and art projects to provide educational, imaginative, and creative activities for developing the whole child. All needed eco-friendly materials are included for up to 6 projects per themed box. Boxes also include a 12-page educational magazine jam-packed with puzzles, games, book recommendations, and additional project ideas related to the monthly theme. Green Kid Crafts makes a great gift and is perfect for ages 2 through 10.

“First box was a complete delight for the two 3-year-olds in my care. They were completely engaged with the art/science/exploration materials for several hours. The families appreciated that everything included is recyclable. I loved that everything I needed was in the box and I could see them learning as they played. It's just what I hoped for.” – Tyra M.

Simplifying the baking process from start to finish, each kit contains pre-measured whole-food ingredients and easy-to-follow instructions to create picture-perfect cakes, pies, and cupcakes for all to enjoy!

“These ginger cookies were fun and easy to make. They came out perfectly! They were soft and delicious, and I really liked the added touch of the white chocolate and sprinkles.” – Kelsey S.

Escape the Crate brings high-quality riddles, puzzles, and the curiosity to crack codes into the home. These games can be played solo or in a small group of up to six. Reviewers love the length of game play and the ability to select different levels of expertise. These escape room creators are a fan favorite.

“It took us (three adults) about 3 hours to do "Escape the Gold Rush Robbery" and we all enjoyed ourselves, finding the puzzles pleasantly challenging but not frustrating.” -Kj. L

You want your child to have access to the arts, to be surrounded by things like books and music. So what about a subscription box that combines those two things? With the Music Library subscription, each month your child will receive a new children’s book with the intention of introducing them to a wide range of styles of music and different musicians.

“I love this subscription so much we've kept it for a couple of years now. Each box comes with an informative and beautiful picture book, instrument, activities, guide pamphlet, and a code to access the online videos and resources related to the subject. We turn it into 3 to 4 days worth of music lessons. I recommend this subscription to all my homeschooling friends. I'm not a musician or music teacher myself, so Ms. Shanan takes the guesswork out of planning a music curriculum.” – Joanne C.

It's never too late to learn new skills! While there are many tech gifts on the market, Creation Crate definitely ranks high on the cool gifts list in the STEM world. This unique gift will have him learning new skills in electronics, coding, circuitry, and engineering with monthly or quarterly hands-on projects. Each project includes an online course with video tutorials and step-by-step instructions. The perfect gift for gadget lovers looking for a new techy project.

"I bought the 12 project box. I've made a few of the projects, and so far they've been fun! Glad I decided to check it out. My favorite so far has been the mood lamp--I'm currently working on a battery operated version that I can take to work once I'm back in the office. - Rachel C.

Using an evolving curriculum and high-quality full-size art supplies, Guide Dots strives to help kids connect the dots on their way to unlocking their creativity and building confidence in their artistic abilities. Every child will find the freedom to create with easy-to-follow paced lessons and straightforward online videos that guide them through projects, like drawing unicorns and horses, and help them view the world with boundless imaginations.

"We really love the box. Excellent customer service. My kid is so excited to learn drawing and painting each time. Thank you so much!" - Lei H.

It's time to give your toddlers a hands-on experience to remember with Messy Play Kits and Sensory Bins. Perfect for kids ages 3 and up, choose the Messy Play Kit for science, sensory toys, and art activities, or the Sensory Bin, a themed selection of reusable materials and props for imaginative tactile play, like water beads, scoops, and small toys.

“My son loves this subscription! When we got our first box he was so excited to start playing. I ordered this based on the suggestion from someone that he might be acting out because he was sensory seeking. I honestly never thought of the connection, but he seems to not be hitting as much. He plays with it almost daily, and it’s actually kind of fun. He’ll sit in my lap and stick his feet in it, he’ll use the tweezers or get a measuring cup/spoon to scoop out the little treasures, he’ll pour it and runs his hands through it. We have the alphabet box and so we’ll discuss the letters and the sounds they make or he’ll pick up a pom pom and we’ll talk about the colors of them and what two colors make another color. I’m looking forward to seeing what the next box holds!” – Tiara B.