You survived the start of the school year, the leaves are tinged with red and gold, and summer break feels like a distant dream. The kids are kept busy all day with classes and enrichment activities and you’ve settled into a good routine. Then the first School Out Day (SOD) in September sneaks up on you, and you realize that at least one day every month you’ll need a Plan B (and C for backup care). 

For working parents of school-aged kids, it can be a never-ending scramble to find an open slot at a day camp or a friend or family member to cover care on a week day. Booking ahead gives you more options, since many places require advance registration or a tour before a child can attend. But never fear—there are choices available to keep even the pickiest child from whining about getting off the couch (or electronics) when school’s out:

Friends will be there:

BASE Camp child care SOD

BASE Camp is a before/after school program based at 35 elementary schools across Larimer County. The SOD camps have special themes, visiting speakers, and play time. Multiple locations. You don’t have to be a regular BASE Camp user to book your kids for a SOD! Everyone (even BC regulars) must register in advance and be a BASE Camp member. First, create your membership account and pay the annual fee (tuition assistance available). It takes 48 hours after signup before a child can attend BASE Camp, and members are alerted by email when a SOD registration opens. Generally, registration is open from 3 weeks ahead of the SOD to 3 business days before, or when full. Space is limited.
970-266-1734  |  mybasecampkids.org

Boys and Girls Clubs of Larimer County

Flat $20 membership fee is the only cost to attend the Club. Hot lunch and snacks included. A family orientation is required before attendance.
begreatlarimer.org/join-a-club

Physical activity required:

The Edge Sports Center

Multi-sports day camp.
970-472-0048  |  edgesportscenter.com

Mountain Kids

Gymnastics and swimming. Winter and summer break dates only.
970-235-1336  |  mountainkids.com/programs/day-camps

Game On! Sports Camp 4 Girls

Multi-sport classes and activities for girls
970-829-8899  |  ultracamp.com/info/campcontact.aspx?idCamp=979&campcode=PGk&lang=en-Us

Artistic types:

Art House No School Camps

Art/sensory stations and seasonal craft projects.
970-231-0109  |  arthouse-studio.com

Wild Roots Studio Schools Out Art Day Camp

Nature-based art and movement activities.
970-412-4523  |  wildrootsstudio.com

Share the care!

Get some families together and have parents rotate taking a day off to watch the kids at their house. Instant playmates and you don’t have to use up all your vacation time.

Cheap outings if the crew gets restless

Mulberry Pool

Swimming with child-friendly interactive play area.
970-221-6657  |  fcgov.com/mulberrypool

Edora Pool Ice Center (EPIC)

Swimming or ice skating.
970-221-6683  |  fcgov.com/epic

Northside Aztlan Community Center

Open gym hours. Outdoor skate park, basketball court, and playground.
970-221-6256  |  fcgov.com/northside

Foothills (Mall) Activity Center

Open gym hours.
970-416-4280  |  fcgov.com/foothillsactivitycenter

Windsor Community Rec Center

Swimming (lazy river, pool, hot tub; water slide). Open gym hours.
970-674-3500  |  windsorgov.com/176/Recreation

Chilson Rec Center

Swimming (lazy river, pool, speed slide). Open gym hours.
970-962-2386  |  cityofloveland.org/departments/parks-recreation/chilson-recreation-center/

Library day:

Poudre River Public Library

Hosts SOD movie matinees.
970-221-6740  |  poudrelibraries.org

Loveland Public Library

970-962-2665  |  lovelandpubliclibrary.org

Windsor-Severance Public Library

970-686-5603  |  clearviewlibrary.org

Camps with variety:

Northside Aztlan Community Center

Crafts, gym time, field trips. Open to non-residents.
970-221-6655  |  fcgov.com/recreation/day-camps

Chilson Recreation Center

Adventure Bound Day Camp – sports, swimming, crafts, field trips. Open to non-residents.
970-962-2386  |  cityofloveland.org/departments/parks-recreation/chilson-recreation-center

Last-minute solution:

Funshine Early Learning Center

Located in Fort Collins, the center offers drop-in care for ages 1 to 13. Call ahead that morning and reserve a spot (some spots are held for drop-ins, but call before driving over). Reservations can also be made in advance. $50 annual enrollment fee plus hourly rate - enroll online or onsite.
970-377-2824  |  funshinefc.com