Family Camps for the Whole Gang

Planned activities, meals, lodging, childcare, and a family atmosphere in an outdoor setting. Sound like something you’d be up for? You can have all this if you decide to take your vacation at a family camp. Family camps are sort of like summer camp for the whole family. If you’re looking for a vacation where you can enjoy the outdoors and have a program in place for all your children, family camps might be one vacation you should start planning. We found two spots that you can bring even the littlest of babes:

Shady Creek Family Camp & Conference Center – It’s in the foothills of the sierra mountains in California near Yuba River. You’ll find access to a host of outdoor activities like archery, boating, and hiking. If you’re really daring, try the “Leap of Faith” rope course; you’ll climb over 55 feet high in the trees, walk onto a plank, and take a 10-foot leap to catch a trapeze bar. Accommodations aren’t too shabby, either. Take your pick from mountain cabins with a view, unique dome shaped cabins modeled after Native American Dwellings, or stay at their Crescent Lodge. And yes, there are programs for infants and individual babysitting as well.

Santa Barbara Family Vacation Center – Located on the University of Santa Barbara (UCSB) campus, this family camp is great for the sports-minded family. Choose from activities like biking, surfing, golfing, and kayaking. If you want lessons, they offer those as well. In the evening, there’s activities like Casino night or the opportunity for a night out on the town in Santa Barbara. At night, retire to one of UCSB’s campus accommodations. You can choose from one of their two to four bedroom suites. Infants as young as a month old have childcare and can stay in their own room during naptime.

For more locations throughout the country, check out some of the YMCA family camps.