Best Kids Camps

Child’s Play

School’s out, but these summer camps get gold stars.

Smuggler’s Notch, Vt.
Whether your kids are 10 months old or 10 months shy of legal emancipation, Smuggs has a program for them. Treasures Day Care takes infants as young as six weeks through 2 years, and the camps commandeer them from there. Four age-segregated programs for kids 3 through 18 feature everything from treasure hunts to moonlight karaoke. June 11-Sept. 6; from $976 for a family of four, with four nights’ lodging and activities; 800-451-8752; smuggs.com

Jackson Hole, Wyo.
Jackson Hole’s Kids Ranch summer camp for children 3 through 14 focuses on “educational” play (i.e. science, art, sports) combined with mild outdoor action (such as hiking from the tram). On the edgier side, Team Extreme, for the 10-17 set, packs their days with mountain biking, rock climbing, orienteering and horseback riding. June 16-Aug. 29; $55 per day; 888-333-7766; jacksonhole.com

Crystal Mountain, Mich.
Nationally known for its golf school and two 18-hole courses, Crystal offers a Golf Block program: Drop the kids off for any five-hour period between 8:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m.; they’ll be kept busy with sports and crafts while you steal some tee time. June 16-Sept. 1; $29; 800-968-7686; crystalmountain.com

Durango Mountain Resort, Colo.
Durango Mountain’s Adventure Camp features an adrenaline-charged lineup, challenging kids 6 through 13 with a nonstop agenda of mountain bike excursions, hiking, ropes courses and rock climbing. June 14-Aug. 6; $25 per day; 970-385-2149; durangomountainresort.com