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

Updated by Timothy Paradis

For many kids, summer camp is the highlight of summer vacation in 2026. Now that the coronavirus is throwing a wrench into our usual summer fun, we've set out to create a virtual camp that gives kids ages 6-12 a unique camp experience that follows all the rules of social distancing.

Join Camp Cratejoy for either a free, interactive morning camp, or an all-inclusive program that includes bonus classes led by expert virtual camp counselors and activity kits with all the supplies you need that show up right to the front door. It's a fun way to make sure your kiddos can still enjoy a day camp filled with education and entertainment!

We've teamed up with the Girl Scouts of Central Texas, ZACH Theatre, and LEANSQUAD to recreate the magic of summer camp right in your own home, giving young campers a weeklong summer camp experience that will have them engaging in plenty of hands-on learning. Join in for some summertime fun, exploring science, art, cooking and more at Camp Cratejoy!

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.

Shipping · We are shipping on schedule! Free Shipping for US orders! Your order is shipped from our facilities between 1-4 days of being placed, and you will be notified with details. Subsequent boxes ship monthly from your first order.

Customer Review

“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.

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Immerse yourself in a thrilling escape room experience with "Escape from Ice Age Park" game! Solve puzzles, crack codes, and outwit prehistoric predators to escape within an hour. Perfect for game nights!

Shipping · ALL ORDERS SHIP OUT WITHIN 2-4 DAYS OF BEING ORDERED! We are a bi-monthly subscription, meaning we ship every OTHER month. That means if you order a 2 month subscription, that is for only 1 box.

Customer Review
The puzzles were a mix of easy and more complex which kept it from getting too boring or too frustrating. It was fun and challenging. Also liked the convenience of 3 chapters so it could be broken up if needed.
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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.

Shipping · Orders received after the 5th will ship the following month. If inventory allows, we will ship orders placed after the 5th with the current batch. If we sell out, purchases made after the 5th will ship on/about the 20th of the following month. Shipping, tracking and insurance are included in the cost of your subscription (Within the US).

Customer Review

“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.

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Along with Sunny the Mail Snail leaving a special surprise in the mailbox every week, Snail Mail for Kids is an affordable educational gift that can enhance literacy competency and help kids develop a love for reading. Fun for the whole family, a welcome kit brings a stuffed Sunny and a map to track his global travels. Then each week afterwards, a letter arrives telling witty and silly snail tales of all of Sunny’s adventures, bringing fun facts about animals and locations from around the world. Each letter also delivers a trading card that will help solve Sunny’s secret code and includes a fun extra that ties into the week’s story. Sunny is guaranteed to become a fast family friend, and leave everyone checking the mailbox in anticipation!

Shipping · First order/letter ships within a week then weekly thereafter.

Customer Review

“My 4 year old loved getting letters from Sunny. She always showed off her stickers and pictures to family that would visit. She also loved her stuffed Sunny and would bring him to daycare whenever she got the chance. Thanks for making lasting memories for our family.” — Alyssa N.

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A crate including the perfect assortment of cards for any kid interested in trading cards!

Shipping · New orders will ship in 3-7 business days. The following boxes will ship on the 1st of the next month.

Customer Review
Got February’s envelope yesterday, April 17. Just japanese bulk and some ex’s. Still waiting on March.
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What sets Used Books Monthly apart is the personalization of the books chosen for each subscriber. When signing up, subscribers are prompted with a survey that includes over 20 genres to choose from, plus the ability to send the curators a message with details about reading preferences. Then each delivery is packed with 2 or 4 hand-picked, gently-used books for each subscriber, depending on the subscription chosen.

Shipping · We'll start assembling your order as soon as you subscribe, and we will ship it within 5 business days. Monthly renewals are on the 15th of each month and will ship on or before the 5th of the following month. You will get a tracking number via e-mail every time your books are sent out.

Customer Review

“The selections were perfect in the fantasy genre! I'm familiar with the titles and didn't read them before! Excited for what's to come next. Thank you!” – Tasnuva E.

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Get inspired and add some creativity to your journaling routine with carefully curated journals and supplies.

Shipping · We ship on the 5th of the month.

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There’s no need to get bogged down in project planning when the pros behind the Adults & Crafts Crate have got it covered. Each monthly box sends at least 1 new Pinterest-worthy craft project, including all the supplies, tools, and illustrated step-by-steps to teach new crafting techniques while making one-of-a-kind keepsakes.

Shipping · New orders will ship within five business days! If you need a gift printout before we ship, just message us! Then, will ship around the 25th of each month. If you need a kit by a certain date (i.e. birthday), just message us after you order and we will get that set up for you! You can order now even if you want it to start in the future.

Customer Review

"I received the engraving kit and I love it! I practiced on an old glass weigh scale to get the hang of engraving. I then started the glass coasters using pictures off google. I am sooo happy with how they turned out! It’s very relaxing and is a great stress reliever. I have a few people now wanting me to make them sets of coasters :)" - Megan T.

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Each month you will receive a box filled with yarn, notions, and surprises valued at more than $40

Shipping · We ship on the first Saturday of every month.

Customer Review
I love everything that comes in my boxes. The last box has a tiny pair of scissors just when I needed to get a new pair. The colors are beautiful and it challenges me to try new yarns.
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Open the Door to sweet & savory vegan snacks from the longest standing vegan subscription company

Shipping · New orders placed before the 10th of a month will ship by the 17th of the same month. Orders placed between the 11th to end-of-month will ship by the 2nd of the following month. Renewals ship by the 17th of renewal month.

Customer Review
Absolutely love this box! There is an amazing variety of flavors and I can't wait to try them and share them all! The full (12oz) NuttZo Tahini Fusion five seed butter alone is worth the cost plus all of the other yummy vegan treats. LOVE L
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Right from the first box, International Blessings subscribers are wowed by the quality of craftsmanship packed inside. But the beauty doesn't start and stop with the handcrafted jewelry, colorful textiles and intricate handmade goodies. This box is on a mission to help break the cycle of poverty by providing honorable work to talented artisans around the globe.

Shipping · Order by the last day of the month in order to receive the next months box. For example, if you order between March 1st-31st, your first box will ship in April. Orders placed on April 1st will ship in May. Boxes ship by the 6th of every month.

Customer Review

“Out of every single subscription box I have gotten over the years this one stands out among them all by not only being the absolute best freaking box I've gotten to date(and that is A LOT)and what makes it even more spectacular is the fact that subscribing for this one in particular actively and consistently works to help impoverished people throughout the entire world. Absolutely freaking brilliant! 10/10 do recommend.” – Ali T.

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This peaceful book box includes a featured novel each month, as well as self-care items -- like bath & body products and aromatherapy -- exclusively from small independent businesses. Every individual reader receives a novel specially selected for them from a curated collection of genres.

Shipping · **Orders placed at this time will begin with the July box, shipping the first week of July.** Please note, the "as low as" price is the yearly prepay option cost. Check out the Q & A sections on our website for more info!

Customer Review

“This is the book box I look forward to every month! I get a book in the genres I enjoy and several full size relaxing products. I’m not a fan of the boxes with lots of trinkets I won’t use so Peace and Pages is perfect for me!” – Tanya B.

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Interested in seeing the expanded camp experience? Check out our on-demand camp activities .

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a subscription box summer camp?
It's a way to fill summer with a steady rhythm of small, themed activity boxes (science experiments, art projects, story-and-craft kits) without the cost or logistics of an in-person camp. Each box keeps a kid busy for several hours and rotates through different skill areas across the summer.
What ages are kid subscription boxes designed for?
Most kid subscription boxes target a specific age band: 3-5 (sensory and pre-K skills), 5-8 (hands-on STEM and story), 8-12 (more complex projects and longer activity arcs), and 12+ (specialized — coding, art, science, books). Always check the listing's age range before subscribing.
How much does a summer of kid subscription boxes cost?
Most kid boxes run $20 to $40 per month. A summer (June-August, three months) typically costs $60 to $120 per child per subscription. Stack two subscriptions for variety — a hands-on activity box plus a reading or storytelling box — for around $100 to $200 per kid for the whole summer.
Do kid subscription boxes have screen time?
No — that's part of the appeal. Most kid boxes are deliberately physical: real materials, real projects, real making. A few include companion app content (interactive stories, code-along), but the box itself is built around hands-on time off the screen.
What if my kid doesn't like the first box?
Almost every kid subscription lets you swap to a different theme or pause without losing the term. The first box is the discovery box — if it doesn't land, the maker usually has 3-4 alternate themes to choose from. Many parents also rotate between two boxes month-to-month to keep variety high.