Summer Camp at Home. Looking for ideas on how to keep the kids busy this summer? Summer activities, learning, and fun come in a box too – not just at camp! There are a lot of subscription boxes that offer activities your kids can do this summer, and we’ve come up with tons of options for alternatives to traditional summer camps we know you’ll enjoy – all tested and approved by us and our kids! Get ready for camp in the backyard (or the living room!) and tons of fun summer activity boxes with hands-on, tactile experiences! Check out all the boxes full of arts & crafts, science experiments, trips to the backyard and around the world, tinkering with electronics, learning to code, and much more!
Not only have we reviewed literally thousands of boxes, our kids (ages 4-14) have too! These are the ones we think will get you through the summer camp season at home!
Last Updated: December 14, 2022
The Best Summer Camps in a Box!
Science, Stem, & Steam Arts & Crafts Around the World Cooking & Food Other Awesome Stuff
Camp in a Box – Summer Camp Kits
Here’s a few options for summer camps in a box – a great big box of activities that will provide a virtual camp experience for a week or more!
What we really recommend is picking up subscriptions to as many boxes that the kids will enjoy! They’ll come at regular intervals, and you can cancel your subscription when they’re no longer needed (or keep it if you fall in love!). Plus, you’ll be able to score all those first month discount coupons (TIP – that KiwiCo coupon, you can use it to subscribe to as many subscriptions as you want! Perfect if you want to grab Doodle Crate and Tinker Crate, or if you have multiple ages of kids, get one of each!)
Science, STEM, & STEAM
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MEL Chemistry by MEL Science
ages 9-14 Get MEL Chemistry by MEL Science ReviewsMEL Chemistry by MEL Science is a monthly AR‑powered STEM subscription box from MEL Science intended for kids ages 9-14. You can subscribe to the box for $34.90 each month. Each monthly kit contains 2-3 science experiments with enough materials to try it twice, plus step-by-step instructions. All the experiments are designed for home use.
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Kiwi Crate by KiwiCo
ages 5-8 Get Kiwi Crate by KiwiCo ReviewsEvery Kiwi Crate by KiwiCo includes creative STEAM (science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics) projects designed to be perfect for your kids ages 5-8! Every month will have a new theme, with all the materials and inspiration for kids to build, make, and develop their creative confidence. Quality materials, hands-on learning, and 2-3 projects to build every month. You’ll also receive “Explore!” Magazine, with additional information, stories, projects, and crafts, as well as a great library guide so you can check out books to go with the monthly theme. Crates are tested by kids to ensure that they are developmentally appropriate, fun and universally liked by both boys and girls. What a fun way to spend summer days doing Kiwi Crate projects!
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Green Kid Crafts
ages 2-10+ Get Green Kid Crafts ReviewsGreen Kid Crafts is a monthly arts and crafts subscription for kids. Each themed box includes 4-6 projects that involve Science, Technology, Education, Art, and Math (STEAM) plus a 12-page magazine that contains instructions and explanations. Materials are green and eco-friendly! They currently have 3 subscription types available: Junior Discovery Box Subscription for ages 2-4 ($24.95 a month), Discovery Box Subscription for ages 5-10+ ($24.95 a month), Sibling Box Subscription for ages 2-10+ with two sets of each project kit ($44.95 a month).
The June, July, and August boxes will have a Backyard Summer Camp theme! Grab a 3-month subscription to get all 3!
Save 50% on your first box! Use coupon code HELLOSUB50.
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MEL STEM by MEL Science
ages 5-10 Get MEL STEM by MEL Science ReviewsMEL STEM by MEL Science is a monthly AR‑powered STEM subscription box from MEL Science intended for kids ages 5-10. You can subscribe to the box for $24.90 each month and you’ll get science-themed projects plus a visual explanation of the underlying scientific principles. This subscription uses an app for an AR (augmented reality) science explanation. Each monthly kit contains hands-on experiments, activities, building sets, educational comics, and a unique piece of a great story!
Get 25% off your first month! Use coupon code HELLO25.
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Tinker Crate by KiwiCo
ages 9-16+ Get Tinker Crate by KiwiCo ReviewsEvery Tinker Crate by KiwiCo includes STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) projects designed to be perfect for your kids ages 9-16+! Tinker Crate inspires kids to explore and learn about science, engineering, and technology—and have fun doing it. Every month, you’ll receive new crate to help kids develop a tinkering mindset and creative problem solving skills, which is a great way to spend their summer vacation. Tinker Crate is tested by kids to ensure that they are tinker-able, fun, and super-awesome. We especially love the well-produced Tinker Zine with accessible and fun science information, background, and extension projects!
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Spangler Science Club
ages 5-12 Get Spangler Science Club ReviewsBring Science Camp right to your home with Spangler Science Club subscription box. Get hands-on science experiments delivered right to your door each month to make your kids be more creative and be more excited about science. Each month you’ll receive a box filled with the science tools and resources needed to conduct more than a dozen experiments and take-it-further challenges that combine the perfect mix of critical thinking, tinkering and fun.
Get 40% off your first STEM Deluxe box on a 3 or 12 month subscription! Use the coupon code SPANGLER16AF.
OR Save 20% on your first STEMlab kit! Use coupon code SIGNSAVE20. Doesn’t apply on the Deluxe Box.
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Bitsbox
ages 6-12 Get Bitsbox ReviewsBitsbox is a crazy, fun subscription box that teaches kids how to code!
Perfect for curious kids ages 6 to 12 years old
New projects arrive every month.
Each box introduces a new computer science concept.
Kids build apps on the Bitsbox website; the apps they build work on any mobile device! -
Eureka Crate by KiwiCo
ages 14–104 Get Eureka Crate by KiwiCo reviewsEureka Crate by KiwiCo is made especially for kids ages 14 and up, and each box includes engineering projects, science and math principles, plus a whole lot of fun! Every month, you’ll get to work on an engineering project (examples are desk lamps, or electric pencil sharpeners, or anything that’s really useful), plus it comes with detailed step-by-step instructions. You also get the Maker’s Guide and a design challenge that will take your project knowledge to the next level.
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Annie’s Young Woodworkers Kit Club
ages 7-12 Get Annie’s Young Woodworkers Kit Club reviewsAnnie’s Young Woodworkers Kit Club is a monthly subscription that provides woodworking craft kits for kids 7-12 years old. For $19.99 each month plus $5.95 shipping ($6.95 in Canada), you will receive a kit that contains materials and instructions for making home accessories, jewelry, or even holiday treasures. Aside from creating a useful item, kids will also learn and master real-world building skills!
Get 50% off your first month! Use this link and coupon code HELLO.
Arts & Crafts
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Maker Crate by KiwiCo
ages 14–104 Get Maker Crate by KiwiCo ReviewsMaker Crate by KiwiCo is the arts and crafts crate that is perfect for teens (and grownups, too!) Let them discover new art and design tools, gain creative confidence to turn their artistic vision and plans to reality. Each crate introduces us to a new technique, plus they also let us get a look at some real-world applications and history! You can get an engineering project, high-quality materials and instructions, Maker’s Guide, and a design challenge in each box. So, whether you’re 14 or 104, you will definitely enjoy exploring with this box!
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Koala Crate by KiwiCo
ages 3-4 Get Koala Crate by KiwiCo ReviewsEvery Koala Crate by KiwiCo includes all the materials and inspiration for projects related to a theme such as colors, transportation or safari. Crates are designed to give preschoolers exposure to new materials and new concepts that encourage hands-on learning and fun. Koala Crate is is designed for children ages 3 to 4 and tested by kids to ensure that they are developmentally appropriate, fun, and universally liked by both boys and girls. Summer will never be boring again for your toddler when you have Koala Crate projects to do.
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Doodle Crate by KiwiCo
ages 9-16+ Get Doodle Crate by KiwiCo reviewsEvery Doodle Crate by KiwiCo includes creative and fun projects for BOYS and GIRLS and inspires young makers to learn new crafting skills and express themselves creatively. It’s like a summer art camp in a box! Every crate includes all the materials and inspiration for DIY projects that encourage kids to tackle new challenges and gain creative confidence! Doodle Crate is designed for kids ages 9 to 16+ and tested to ensure that the projects are fun and inspiring.
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Paletteful Packs
ages 8-18+ Get Paletteful Packs reviewsPaletteful Packs subscription is specially curated for art lovers! The box contains the best art supplies delivered monthly to your door. Every box includes everything that you need to create a masterpiece. They currently offer two types of boxes: Young Artist for children ages 8+ and Premier Pack for adults, whether beginners, professionals, or anyone in between.
Save 10% on your first box. Use coupon code 10HOORAY.
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THiNK OUTSiDE BOXES
Get THiNK OUTSiDE BOXES Read MoreTHiNK OUTSiDE BOXES is a monthly subscription for children ages 7 and up that promotes exploration and survival in the great outdoors, along with the whole family. Pick a quarterly subscription for a summer of outdoor fun!
Get 30% off on the Intro Box! Use this link and use the coupon code SUMMER30 at checkout. That’s an $11.99 savings! Ends 6/15.
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We Craft Box
ages 3-9 Get We Craft Box reviewsWe Craft Box is a craft subscription for kids. Each box comes with a themed story to inspire your children, and 2 to 3 prepared kids crafts with multiple blanks so parents or siblings can craft along. All materials are included (with the exception of scissors).
Get $5 off on your first box! Use coupon code HELLO5.
Around the World
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Atlas Crate by KiwiCo
ages 6-11 Get Atlas Crate by KiwiCo reviewsAtlas Crate by KiwiCo is all about geography and culture! Made for children between ages 6 to 11 years old, their boxes initiate a spark in kids’ sense of adventure and curiosity, inspiring them to see themselves as citizens of the world. Each box includes hands-on projects related to the featured country, which also often teach new STEAM concepts. Instructions are also easy to follow and kid-friendly! Plus, there are collectible cards and stickers to create a special keepsake book that your child can keep!
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Universal Yums
all ages Get Universal Yums reviewsStart your adventure around the world! Universal Yums is a snack box that will take you on a fun ride around the globe is Universal Yums! Every month, they’ll take you on a journey to a new country and try on new exciting snacks. The products selected are delicious, unique, and often extremely difficult (or even impossible) to find in the United States. Each box also comes with an interactive guidebook to steer your adventure – including trivia, games, recipes, culture, and more. There are 3 sizes of the boxes which are the Yum, the Yum Yum, and the Super Yum box, just choose which fits you best!
Get $5 off your first month when you sign up for a Super Yum Box subscription! Use this link to get the deal.
Cooking & Food
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Raddish Kids
4 to 14+ Get Raddish Kids reviewsHaving a Raddish Kids membership means you’ll be able to get a monthly cooking kit, digital bonus recipes and activities, and access to an online community. Kids can also enjoy seasonal, global, and holiday themes while learning new culinary skills. Also included in each box is a collectible apron patch and a kitchen tool!
Get $20 off on a 12 month membership! Use coupon code CHEF20.
Get a FREE Apron with 6+ month membership! Deal applies automatically, just visit and subscribe.
Get $15 off on a 6 month membership! Use coupon code ATHOME. -
Yummy Crate by KiwiCo
Get Yummy Crate by KiwiCoYummy Crate by KiwiCo is a cooking club for kids aged 6-14. Each box comes with three kid-friendly recipes backed by food science experimentations. It also comes with a collectible kitchen tool, a Zine, a hands-on activity, and an experiment with the needed materials. Young chefs will have fun cooking while learning the science behind each process!
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Kidstir
ages 4 to 14 Get Kidstir reviewsKidstir is a kids’ monthly cooking subscription box that aims to help your child learn age-appropriate cooking techniques while building a cookbook. You get a themed cooking kit sent to your door every month. Every box includes 3 recipes and accessories – 2 kid-sized tools and a special extra. If you sign up for the 12 month plan then your first box comes with a great recipe binder (shipped separately) to store all the recipes in so you can revisit your favorites.
Save 20% off on the first month of your subscription! Just use this link and coupon code AFHELLO20! OR Save 50% off the first kit of a new 12-month subscription when you use the promo code SUNNY.
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Nurture Life
all ages - babies to teens Get Nurture Life reviewsNurture Life takes note of your kids’ age and dietary preferences before preparing your orders, ensuring that they get exactly what they want and need! Subscribers can choose from a variety of freshly-made, nutritionally balanced meals made and portioned for Babies 10+ months, Toddlers 1-4, Kids 5-10 and Kids 11-18, as well as family meals and sides! To keep things fun, they change menus weekly! Each insulated box contains a week’s worth of ready-to-eat meals. When it’s mealtime, parents just have to warm the meal in your microwave or oven and serve!
Get free shipping with a $59 order, save 5% with a $79 order, and 10% with a $99 order, only when you subscribe. Deal applies automatically, just visit and subscribe.
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eat2explore
ages 5+ Get eat2explore reviewseat2explore is an educational food and culture explorer box. Each box includes easy-to-follow recipes, pre-measured spice/sauce mixes for each recipe, shopping list, brochure, activity sheet, country sticker, flag pin, and a collectible. Discover the joy of cooking, tasting & exploring new world cuisines and cultures from the comfort of your home!
Other Awesome Stuff for Summer Camp at Home!
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Figgy
Get FiggyWith The Figgy, your child’s imagination will sure be ignited and take them into unimaginable places! They have rectangles, wedges, and cover sets so your little explorer can build forts, rocket ships, treehouses, boats, and anything else they can think of right in your living room. These play couches are technology-free and have waterproof liners, making hours of fun play mess-free and worry-free!
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Escape Room Geeks
Get Escape Room GeeksEveryone bored and need something to do RIGHT NOW? Download these ready-to-play escape room kits from Escape Room Geeks, get your kids together, and be the host of your own escape room party! Exciting puzzles, great storylines, and amazing art in just one PDF file you can access right now!
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Outschool
Ages 3-18 Get OutschoolOutschool offers live online classes for kids age 3-18, conducted over video chat. Outschool Camps are classes that meet two or more times a week covering a huge range of topics from Summer Reading to Lego Engineering Camps all from the comfort of home! This summer is a great opportunity for your learner to develop new passions and forge new friendships with virtual online summer camp!
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juni
Get juniBlast off into a world of fun and learning with Juni and its expert-designed online courses taught by instructors from top US universities. With a variety of professionally-developed courses in Coding, Math, Science, English & Writing, and more, there’s something for learners as young as 7 years old up to high school students. Each session lasts 50 minutes, with 30 to 60 minutes of optional homework to reinforce learning. Plus, Juni students have access to additional resources via the Juni Portal, such as clubs, class support, and project creation tools, to keep them engaged all summer long!
That wraps up our list of all the Best Subscriptions for Summer Camp in a Box!
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