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Erie Children's Museum 'Camp-to-Go' Kits Offer Hours of Fun, Education

Themes for the 'camp-to-go' kits include Kids Cookoff, Aspiring Artists, and Pet Vet

By Kara Murphy July 22, 2020

The ExpERIEnce Children's Museum knows family fun looks different this summer. So they got creative!

The museum is offering  "Camp-to-Go" kits, each of which include 5 playful hands-on activities, high-quality materials and detailed instructions. Everything has been carefully curated by the museum's education team, definitely folks you can count on to deliver creative learning! Themes for the "Camp-to-go" kits include Kids Cookoff, Aspiring Artists, and Pet Vet — all in-person camps the museum is offering this summer as well.

My 8- and 10-year-old were super excited when I surprised them last week with two of the camp-to-go kits: Kids Cookoff and Pet Vet! The museum presented them to us in vibrant drawstring backpacks that turned out to be STUFFED full of fun!

Kids Cookoff Camp-to-Go Kit

Kids Cookoff included all the food we needed for five recipes, along with a cutting board and a kid-friendly knife to keep! Each morning during the week we logged on to online classes where an instructor led us through making the recipe, while also sneaking in educational lessons on the importance of eating foods that are good for them. They learned to chop, measure and more during the week. But what made this mama's heart the happiest? They willingly tried foods they normally wouldn't have tried if I served them — like cherry tomatoes and kale.





Trying a cherry tomato for the first time.

Pet Vet Camp-to-Go Kit

The Pet Vet Camp-to-Go kit included the cutest dog plush, a bag of stuffing to fill it, along with a stethoscope,  a birth certificate and DIY pet treat instructions. The detailed, kid-friendly instructions meant I could be hands-off for the activities. My kids set up a whole vet office, and got a kick out of listening to each other's heartbeats.





Roxie, the dog, waits patiently for his turn with the stethoscope.

The Pet Vet kit included what we needed to make easy two-ingredient dog treats too! So Roxie's siblings — our real dogs — were happy to get some attention and treats too.





Maddie gives full approval for the "camp-to-go" treats!

Aspiring Artist Camp-to-Go Kit

The aspiring artist kit includes canvas and specialty paints for your child to make their own masterpiece!

The camp-to-go kits are $50 per kit, which I found really reasonable given the amount of instruction and items we received. My kids shared the kits without (many) issues, but you should know there are enough supplies included in a kit for one child... so if your kids have a hard time sharing you might consider that when purchasing!


Camp-to-Go Kids Cookoff encouraged my kids to try new foods.

Camp-to-Go Pet Vet ignited my kids' imagination.

Whether you're a parent, a grandparent, or a caregiver, my family can definitely say that the camp-to-go kits make a great gift for a child in your life!

Camp-to-Go Details

What to expect:

  • Upon purchase, instructions for museum pick up will be sent via e-mail.
  • Kits are designed for children ages 5-10 with one camper in mind as an alternative to coming to physical camp.
  • Detailed kid-friendly instructions will include five 30 minute activities that may be completed alone or with some support from an adult depending upon the child.
  • Sample activity materials per themed kit:
    • Kids Cookoff: demo ingredients and a kid safe knife
    • Aspiring Artists: Canvas and specialty paint
    • Pet Vet: Stethoscope and stuff your own animal materials

You provide:

  • Everyday cooking supplies like bowls and measuring cups.
  • Kitchen staples like milk and flour.
  • Common craft materials like tape, scissors, and paper.

Want to get in on the fun? 

Click here to purchase your Camp-to-Go kit!

The ExpERIEnce Children's Museum is open by reservation! Click here to make a reservation and buy tickets. All tickets must be pre-purchased online.