Grandparent camps are specialized summer camps designed specifically for grandparents and grandchildren to attend together. These multi-generational camps provide a fun way for grandparents to bond with their grandkids through shared experiences and activities.
The popularity of grandparent camps has grown substantially in recent years. More camps catering exclusively to grandparents and grandkids have emerged across the United States and Canada. This trend speaks to the desire of many grandparents who want to play an active role in their grandchildren’s lives.
At grandparent camp, grandparents and grandkids participate together in various activities like arts and crafts, sports, fishing, hiking, campfires, and more. Accommodations and schedules are designed with grandparents in mind, allowing them to comfortably enjoy camp along with their grandkids. Emphasis is placed on creating an environment where both generations can learn, grow, and make lasting memories.
Grandparent camps range from weekend getaways to week-long overnight camps. Both day and overnight options are available. While activities and amenities may vary, the core focus remains on enabling meaningful time together and shared experiences that will strengthen grandparent-grandchild relationships.
Benefits of Grandparent Camps
Grandparent camps provide a unique opportunity for grandparents to spend quality time bonding with their grandchildren. Away from the distractions of everyday life, these camps facilitate meaningful connections and lasting memories.
One of the greatest benefits of grandparent camps is the ability to enjoy extended, uninterrupted time with grandchildren. At home, grandparents often have to compete for their grandkids’ attention amid school, activities, friends, and technology. But at camp, grandparents get to rediscover each other and strengthen their relationship through shared experiences.
Camp allows grandparents to focus one-on-one time on each grandchild. They can participate side-by-side in camp activities, hike mountain trails together, and stay up late talking and stargazing. These occasions create space for real conversations that might not happen in hurried visits. Grandkids open up and express themselves honestly when they have their grandparents’ full attention.
Another advantage of grandparent camp is the ability for grandparents to pass down life lessons and wisdom. Away from the routine grind, they can share meaningful stories and impart advice. Grandparents have decades of experience to draw from that can benefit their grandkids navigating childhood and adolescence. At camp, they can discuss big life questions, share wisdom about relationships and careers, and provide perspective on what really matters most.
Camp also enables grandparents and grandkids to try new things together and build common memories. Instead of defaulting to familiar technology, they can challenge themselves together with outdoor adventures like canoeing, archery, or hiking. Learning alongside each other forms bonds through shared struggles and accomplishments. And experiencing firsts together—like sleeping in a cabin or catching a fish—creates memories that will be treasured for a lifetime.
In short, grandparent camp allows extended time together free from distraction. This lets grandparents and grandkids rediscover and appreciate each other. Camp facilitates sharing life wisdom and trying new adventures that forge deep bonds and lasting memories.
Types of Activities at Grandparent Camps
Grandparent camps offer a wide variety of activities to entertain grandparents and grandkids. Here are some of the most popular types of activities offered:
Outdoor Adventures
From hiking and canoeing to archery and horseback riding, grandparent camps often provide opportunities to experience outdoor adventures together. Exploring nature, learning new skills, and creating memories in the great outdoors are highlights for many campers.
Arts and Crafts
Unleash your creative side with arts and crafts like painting, pottery, sewing, and jewelry making. Campers can work on projects to take home as mementos of their time together at camp. Arts and crafts build bonds while allowing grandparents and grandkids to express their creativity.
Talent Shows
What better way to showcase your skills than at a camp talent show? Singing, dancing, comedy acts, and musical performances are common at camp talent shows. Grandparents love cheering on their grandkids on stage, building their confidence.
Sports
From basketball and tennis to miniature golf and field games, camps offer a range of sports for campers to stay active. Friendly competition, skill building, and most importantly, having fun are the focus. All ages and abilities can participate.
Educational Activities
Beyond traditional camp fun, some grandparent camps also incorporate educational elements. Nature walks, stargazing, science experiments, history lessons, and language classes provide opportunities for learning new things together. Grandkids enjoy experiencing their grandparent as both teachers and playmates.
Accommodations
When choosing a grandparent camp, one of the most important factors to consider is the type of accommodations offered. The accommodations can really enhance or detract from the overall camp experience. Here’s an overview of some of the most common lodging options at grandparent camps:
Cabins
Cabins often provide a cozy and rustic place to stay along with a bit more privacy than other options. Cabin sizes can range from small and simple to larger cabins that sleep multiple families. Shared cabins with separate rooms are also common at some camps. Cabins typically include beds and basic furniture but not full amenities. Communal restroom facilities are usually located nearby.
Lodges
Lodges provide hotel-style accommodations with private rooms and full amenities. Rooms often contain 2-4 beds plus a private bathroom, mini fridge, TV, WiFi, and other features you’d expect in a hotel. Lodges allow easy access to the camp’s communal facilities while still providing privacy when needed. Meals are usually served in a shared dining hall.
Hotels
Some camps partner with nearby hotels so grandparents can opt to stay offsite if they prefer. Hotels provide traditional private rooms with daily housekeeping and room service. The downside is you’ll likely need to commute back and forth to camp activities and miss out on the community feel.
Campsites
For a true outdoor camping experience, many camps offer tent/RV sites. Shared restroom facilities with showers are nearby. Meals are typically eaten communally. Campsite lodging gives the closest connection to nature and camp traditions.
Amenities
Top amenities to look for include restaurants/dining halls, laundry facilities, WiFi, recreational facilities like pools and game rooms, and camp stores/gift shops. Medical services may also be available on-site at some locations. When comparing camps, pay close attention to which amenities are included or available for an extra fee.
The right accommodations can take your grandparent camp experience to the next level. Consider your needs and preferences before booking to ensure you select the best lodging option for your family.
Scheduling for Grandparent Camps
One of the first things to consider when looking into grandparent camp is the timing and length of stay that will work best for you and your grandchildren. Here are some tips on scheduling:
Length of Stay
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Weeklong camps are the most common, allowing grandparents and grandkids to fully immerse themselves in camp life and activities. This length gives plenty of time to bond while still being a manageable time commitment.
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Weekend or 3-4 day camps are great for grandparents who want a taste of camp without a full week commitment. These condensed camps still offer many classic camp experiences.
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Overnight camps range from 1 night up to a full week or more. Overnights allow grandparents and kids to experience evening campfires, sleeping in bunks, and full days of activities.
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Day camps are typically Monday-Friday during standard business hours. These provide fun activities and memories without an overnight stay. Day camps require less planning and commitment.
Time of Year
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Summer is peak time for overnight grandparent camps when kids are out of school. Summers include classic outdoor camp activities like swimming, boating, hiking, and campfires.
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Spring, fall, and winter camps may be held on weekends or holidays when school is in session. The programming reflects cooler weather seasons.
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Some camps offer grandparent sessions periodically throughout the year, not just in summer. Check individual camp schedules.
Age Groups
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Many grandparent camps group families with similar-aged grandchildren, so activities can be tailored, such as:
- Ages 4-7
- Ages 8-12
- Ages 13-16
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Some camps accept a broader range of ages at once, planning activities appropriate for all.
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Inquire about age ranges before registering to ensure your grandkids will fit in. Camps may offer discounts if bringing multiple grandchildren.
When weighing the options, consider your schedule, budget, and what will work best for both you and your grandkids. Planning ahead helps ensure an enjoyable grandparent camp experience.
Locations for Grandparent Camps
Grandparent camps can be found in a wide variety of locations to suit different interests and budgets.
Destination Camps
For an extra special experience, there are grandparent camps located in popular vacation destinations. These allow grandparents to not only bond with their grandkids but also enjoy beaches, mountains, amusement parks and other attractions. Some of, the top grandparent destination camps include:
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Disney Grandparent Camps – Located at Disney World and Disneyland Resorts. Combine magical memories at the parks with time together at camp.
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Dude Ranch Camps – Experience a classic dude ranch vacation complete with horseback riding, campfires, and western activities. Destinations include Colorado, Arizona, and California.
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Beach Camps – Enjoy sun, sand and surf with camp sessions located along the shores of Florida, California, the Carolinas, and more. Beach camps offer classic activities like swimming, boogie boarding, and sandcastle competitions.
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National Park Camps – Explore America’s majestic national parks while making memories together. Grandparent camp sessions are available near parks like Yellowstone, Yosemite, Glacier, and the Grand Canyon.
Local Camps
For grandparents who want to save on travel, there are excellent grandparent camp options closer to home. Local camps are located throughout the U.S. in settings like:
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Rural Campgrounds – Enjoy the great outdoors complete with cabins, fishing, boating and campfire activities. Get ba,ck to nature together.
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College Campuses – Many universities open up their campuses, dorms, and facilities to host grandparent camp sessions each summer. Campus camps offer activities like sports, arts & crafts and swimming in campus pools.
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Day Camps – For grandparents with limited time, day camps offer the traditional camp experience without requiring overnight stays. Day camps are usually held on weekdays at local facilities.
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Overnight Camps – Typical overnight camps provide comfortable cabins or bunk-style housing. Meals are included and activities run from morning to night. A great semi-local option.
No matter your location or budget, there are fantastic grandparent camp options to choose from across the country. Focus on finding the ideal location that matches your goals and preferences.
Specialty Camps
Grandparent camps offer a range of specialty options beyond the traditional outdoor camp experience. These specialty camps cater to specific interests and demographics.
Sports Camps
For the sports-loving grandparent and grandchild, sports camps focus on one particular sport like basketball, soccer, tennis, golf, gymnastics, or swimming. Campers will spend most of each day playing that sport, developing skills, and learning from coaches. Sports camps help create memories through shared interests in athletics.
STEM Camps
STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math) camps feature hands-on activities and experiments to engage kids in the worlds of science and technology. Grandparents can share their love of science and explore fascinating concepts side-by-side with their grandkids. STEM camps spark curiosity and often take place at museums, nature centers, or college campuses.
Faith-Based Camps
Faith-based grandparent camps incorporate religious instruction and worship into traditional camp activities. They provide opportunities for grandparents to pass down spiritual beliefs and traditions to the next generation. The welcoming community and moral guidance can strengthen family bonds.
Cultural Camps
Some grandparent camps celebrate specific cultural backgrounds, ethnicities, or languages. These immersive experiences allow grandparents to share their heritage and identity. Campers may learn traditional skills like cooking, crafts, dance, or agriculture. Multicultural camps encourage intergenerational bonding through cultural education.
Costs of Grandparent Camps
Prices for grandparent camps can vary widely based on the amenities, activities, length of stay, and overall experience offered. Here are some general price ranges to expect:
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Budget Camps: $100 – $300 per person for a weekend. These camps offer basic lodging and meals with minimal activities. Great for grandparents on a tight budget.
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Mid-Range Camps: $300 – $600 per person for a 4-5 day stay. More amenities like private bathrooms, and nightly entertainment. More inclusive activities are offered.
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Premier Camps: $600+ per person for a week. Upscale lodging, gourmet meals, exceptional activities. Concierge services. These camps go all out for the ultimate grandparent experience.
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Multi-Generational: Similar price ranges as above, but consider added costs for extra grandchildren. Some camps offer reduced rates for kids under 12.
There are often discounts available for early registration, multiple grandchildren, and week-long stays. Ask about discounts when researching camps, as promos change yearly. Camps want happy campers, so don’t hesitate to inquire about possible savings to make the experience more affordable.
With the wide variety of camps styles and pricing, there’campely a camp that fits both the wishes and budget of any grandparent. Focus on finding a camp that offers the experience you want at a price you can afford. Create lifelong memories without breaking the bank.
Packing Tips
Going to grandparent camp requires packing for both grandparents and grandkids. Here are some tips on what each member of the family should bring for a fun camp experience:
For Grandparents
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Comfortable shoes – As a grandparent, you’ll likely be on your feet quite a bit during camp activities. Pack some broken-in sneakers or hiking shoes.
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Sun protection – Don’t forget hats, sunglasses, and sunscreen to protect from the summer sun during outdoor activities.
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Medications – Be sure to pack any daily medications you need to take. Bringing a medication checklist can help you remember.
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Flashlight – For nighttime walks and late-night bunkmate chats, a small flashlight can come in handy.
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Light jacket – Evenings can get cool, so having a sweater or light jacket is wise.
For Grandkids
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Swimwear – Whether it’s a lake, pool, or water slides, don’t forget the swimsuits and towels. Goggles can be great too.
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Bug spray – Apply insect repellent regularly to ward off mosquitos and ticks during hikes or outdoor play.
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Backpack – For carrying camp gear around, a kid-sized backpack can be useful.
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Water bottle – Staying hydrated is key. Let kids pick out their own reusable water bottles to use at camp.
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Rain boots – For splashing in puddles on rainy days, pack a pair of rain boots and a rain jacket.
Packing the right gear can help grandparents and grandkids fully enjoy their special time together at camp. Focus on comfort, safety, and fun!
Finding the Right Grandparent Camp
Choosing the right grandparent camp for you and your grandkids can seem like a daunting task. With so many options out there, how do you even begin to decide? Here are some tips for finding the perfect camp to create magical memories together:
Camp Directories
A great place to start your search is by browsing grandparent camp directories online. Sites like Grandcamps and Grandparent Camps allow you to search and compare various camps side-by-side. You can filter camps by location, dates, activities, ages, and more. Reading details on these sites will give you a good sense of each camp’s unique offerings.
Reviews
Don’t just rely on the camp’s own marketing materials. Check independent sites like TripAdvisor to read reviews from other grandparents who have attended the camps. This will give you honest, unbiased feedback on the real experience at each camp, including the pros/cons of facilities, activities, food, and staff. Make sure to read both positive and negative reviews to get a balanced perspective.
Factors to Consider
As you evaluate grandparent camps, keep these factors in mind:
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Location – How close is the camp to your home? Is it drivable or would air travel be required?
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Length – Typical durations range from weekend getaways up to a week. Decide how much time you want to spend.
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Lodging – Do you prefer hotel-style rooms or rustic cabins? Are private bathrooms included?
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Activities – Make sure the camp offers activities suited for your grandkids’ ages and abilities. Also, consider your own mobility.
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Inclusiveness – Look for camps that accommodate all kinds of families, including adopting grandparents, LGBTQ grandparents, grandparents of kids with special needs, etc.
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Cost – Compare pricing between camps. Look for discounts for early registration, multiple grandparents, etc.
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Food – Are meals included or do you cook for yourself? Are there options for various diets/allergies?
Taking the time to thoroughly research camps will pay off with an amazing grandparent/grandchild adventure you’ll cherish forever!
