French Woods Performing Arts Summer Camp, Hancock, NY

French Woods offers summer camp programs in dance, theater, music, circus, magic, visual arts, film and video, sports, tennis, fitness, waterfront, skate board, rock and roll and horseback riding. The camp caters to children from 7-17 years old the majority of the summer but for one-week in August a family camp offers the opportunity for the whole family to try almost everything French Woods has to offer. Everyone can pursue their own interests while having many opportunities to come together as a family. We’ve got our eye on the Circus and Fire program – cool!

French Woods is located on a private lake in the western Catskill Mountains of New York State near the Delaware River.

Cheley Colorado Camps, Estes Park, CO

In response to the frequent request from parents, “We want to go to camp too,” Cheley opened their first family summer camp in 1985. More than two decades later, they continue to operate this fun and rewarding Colorado adventure camp. Families with children age 4 and older can experience a 5-day family camp in August after their regular summer season concludes.

Family summer camp activities include day hikes to lakes, waterfalls, and mountaintops, horseback riding in the ring and on trails, technical climbing, fishing, crafts, target sports and games. Evening campfires are a favorite, with family skits, songs, creative program reports, and hilarious fun. Lodging is on a ranch with bunk beds and all activities and meal included. Attention horse lovers, there are five riding rings and 146 horses!

Camp Seafarer, North Carolina

Do you love sailing and boating? This may be the camp for you! Located on the Neuse River, this ACA accredited camp is well known and respected for its wide variety of water sports activities and focus on seamanship.

Camp Seafarer offers a family camp week in August, family weekends in September and even Mother/Daughter and Father/Son weekend getaways. Activities include sailing, kayaking, swimming, fishing, power boating, tennis, archery, basketball, an adventure program, and other activities. Family camp week and weekend programs are offered.

Camp is all-inclusive so all activities covered and campers will have cabins with private bathrooms. Three family-style meals are served daily.

For more summer family travel ideas, check out:

• Peter’s Travel Tip on Family Summer Camps
• Top 20 Summer Family Activities
• National Park Family Camping Tips
• The Family Travel archives

Text and Photos by Elizabeth Thorp for PeterGreenberg.com Elizabeth Thorp is a travel writer, a mom of three little divas and the founder of Poshbrood.com, a free, curated catalog of family-friendly hotels, inns, resorts and cottages. Poshbrood/SmartFlyer is also a member of Virtuoso luxury travel professionals.