Solve Summer Child Care Crunch with On-Farm Camps

NASHVILLE – Summer is months away, but if you have children, you may already be scrambling to find summer childcare. You want options that don’t feel like school, with plenty of outdoor time, freedom, and the chance to have a little adventure without breaking the family’s bank.

Tennessee’s on-farm summer camps guarantee days spent outdoors enjoying traditional farm kid fun. Depending on the farm, a camp might offer free play, including time wading in creeks, daily picnics, or catching bugs. Other camps are more structured, with an aim to educate campers about subjects like photosynthesis and archeology through farm-related activities.

Several Tennessee farms offer the popular option of horseback riding lessons. Some camps focus on beginners and basic skills. Young equine enthusiasts spend lesson time in the saddle, in addition to learning how to groom, feed and safely handle horses. For other camps, athleticism and competition are the themes, and serious equestrians improve their skills in advanced disciplines like jumping and dressage.

Most of Tennessee’s on-farm summer camps are day camps, so finding a farm close enough for daily travel is important. Local on-farm summer camps geared to a variety of age groups and interests are listed here and via the Pick Tennessee mobile app.

Pick Tennessee is a service of the Tennessee Department of Agriculture that connects consumers to farms, farmers, farmers markets, artisan foods and farm related activities across the state. Follow Pick TN on social media for seasonal updates, recipes and farm-related activities.