5 Signs Your Child Is Bored at Camp (And What to Do About It)

By: Heidi Prisco, Starland Sportsplex & Fun Park

Not all summer programs are created equal, and as a parent, you know the difference when you see it. Your child may start summer vacation with enthusiasm, but halfway through July, the spark starts to fade. They’re dragging their feet in the morning, giving one-word answers at pickup, and you’re wondering: Is my kid actually having fun?

If you’re worried that camp will feel more like a chore than an adventure this summer, you’re not alone. Traditional programs often follow rigid routines, offer little flexibility, and leave kids, and parents, wanting more. Luckily, there’s a growing alternative: flexible, experience-driven summer programs that combine all-day fun with scheduling that fits real family life.

Here are five subtle (and not-so-subtle) signs your child might be bored and why switching to a more dynamic program might be the summer solution your family needs.

1. “I Did Nothing Today” Becomes the Daily Recap

You’re excited to hear about your child’s day, but when you ask, you’re met with a shrug. “Nothing,” they say, or “same as yesterday.” This isn’t just a lack of storytelling skills, it’s a signal. Programs that stick to repetitive routines with little room for variety tend to lose kids’ attention quickly. Kids thrive on novelty. When they get to try something different each day, like new sports, outdoor adventures, or creative challenges, they come home bursting with stories. That’s the kind of excitement that sticks with them long after summer ends.

2. Mornings Have Turned Into a Battle

At the beginning of summer, your child was excited to pack their bag and get out the door. Now? Every morning feels like a negotiation. They’re tired, disinterested, or dragging their heels. If your child no longer wants to go, it could be a sign they’re not feeling challenged or connected. Kids are more likely to stay engaged in environments that adapt to their energy and interests, ones where every day feels like a new opportunity, not just another obligation.

3. They’re Not Making Friends or Don’t Want To

Social connections are a huge part of any recreation program experience. But if your child isn’t talking about new friendships, or worse, seems isolated or disinterested in socializing, it could be because the environment isn’t helping them connect. Programs that group kids thoughtfully by age and offer interactive, team-based activities tend to naturally foster friendships. Add in enthusiastic, supportive counselors, and even the shyest campers start to open up. When kids feel safe, seen, and supported, relationships flourish and boredom fades.

4. You’re Bending Over Backwards to Make the Schedule Work

Summer programs aren’t just about your child. They have to work for you, too. If you’re rearranging work calls, skipping meetings, or stitching together coverage for odd pick-up times, the program might not be serving your family as well as it should. That’s where more flexible programs shine. With options for full-day, half-day, and drop-in schedules, as well as early drop-off and late pick-up, these programs offer the same fun as traditional camps with way more breathing room for parents. Summer shouldn’t feel like a logistics nightmare.

5. They Come Home With Too Much Energy (and Not in a Good Way)

Kids need to move, play, and explore; it’s how they burn off energy and make memories. If your child is bouncing off the walls at 5 PM, it might not be a sugar rush, it might be a sign they didn’t get enough stimulation or movement during the day. The best summer programs balance activity and rest with a wide range of offerings: sports, games, creative projects, and more. When kids have the chance to try new things and really play, they come home happily worn out, not restless.

A Better Summer is Possible—With the Right Program

Summer should be fun, for your kids and for you. If you think your usual options aren’t sparking joy (or worse, causing stress), consider a different kind of program, one built on variety and flexibility like Starland’s rec program. With early drop-off, late pick-up, half and full day options, Starland’s rec program has a schedule that fits your family. Even better- there is a sibling discount and lunch is included in both half and full day options. It blends everything kids love about camp (plus extras like magic shows, exotic animal shows, and your favorite Starland attractions) with the freedom and ease parents crave, creating a summer experience that works for the whole family. 

So before you sign up for another summer of the same, explore a program that keeps kids curious, connected, and active from drop-off to pick-up. Your child’s best summer yet might be just around the corner.

Learn more about Starland Sportsplex & Fun Park here.