Parents Opt For Active Summer Learning For Kids

Hyderabad: Long holidays are no longer just about free time or endless cartoons. All over Hyderabad, parents are signing up for structured summer programs that promise more than just keeping their kids busy.

From coding and robotics to gardening, storytelling and outdoor survival skills, this year’s summer break sees a clear shift towards hands-on, skill-based learning amid concerns about screen time and lack of physical activity.

“Kids spend a lot of time in front of screens during holidays. We wanted something that would keep him active but also teach him something useful,” said Sneha Reddy, a parent from Kondapur who enrolled her nine-year-old child in a mixed activity camp that includes theatre, yoga and basic coding.

City-based camps are responding with a broader range of activities. Launchpad in Kondapur offers storytelling, drama, quizzes, writing, music and introductory coding sessions for children as young as three years old.

Specialized camps are also attracting attention. Robotics and artificial intelligence workshops, often run through maker labs and technology academies, attract older students interested in problem solving and design thinking. Some programs affiliated with institutions offer short-term certificate courses aimed at improving analytical skills and gaining exposure to emerging fields.

Interest in outdoor camping is also increasing. From tree climbing and rope activities to team-building exercises, these programs focus on physical movement and social interaction. “Children learn to be confident in the outdoors. They learn to solve problems, work in teams and deal with challenges,” said Natasha VS, organizer of an adventure-based camp.

Accommodation camps lasting two to three weeks are another option. “These programs combine sports, arts, personality development and life skills in a structured environment,” said Mende Rajith, parent of 12-year-old twins who are preparing for the sleepaway camp from April 22.

Creativity-focused workshops are emerging as popular options. Niche sessions such as gardening, pottery and Kintsugi (the Japanese art of repairing broken objects) are explored as therapeutic and reflective experiences.

The appeal for children is simple. 10-year-old Harin Maloth, who attended a summer program in Malkajgiri, said, “I like going because we play games and do things. This place is not like school.”

Organizers say the focus has shifted from passive participation to active learning. “Earlier, camps were mostly about play. Now parents want results, whether it’s confidence, communication or problem-solving skills,” said program coordinator Natasha.

With schools increasingly incorporating skills-based learning throughout the academic year, summer programs are becoming an extension of, rather than an extension of, that approach. For many families, the goal is not just to fill time, but to use it well. “This might make sense if they are going to spend hours doing something anyway,” Sneha added.

As temperatures rise and holidays get longer, the city’s summer camps are turning into places where kids not only hang out but also learn to think, create and interact with the world beyond their screens.