Summer + Track Out Childcare Options for Working Parents

Written By Stephanie Llorente

By Holly Armstrong, owner of GoPlaySave Triangle

It's only January and it's still cold outside, but working parents everywhere are already making plans for summer break – and I’m not talking about vacations.

I’m talking about the painstaking research, cost, and calendaring involved with summer childcare.

As a mom of three, a small business owner and a person who has done it all when it comes to summer care, I know firsthand that it can be challenging to juggle kids, camps and career. But, I’ve seen it done successfully, and I want to help you have a successful summer, too. 


Free Options

Family Sharing

In other parts of the world, women live in more connected communities, each family looking out for their own as well as those nearby. Although not as common here in the states, many families execute a successful version of this. It’s a tit-for-tat kind of agreement that allows Family A and Family B agree to swap childcare times. If Family A has a parent home on Mondays, Family B joins. If family B has parents available on Friday, Family A sends their kids to that home. 

It’s a tactic many single parents use frequently and it can be really helpful for those with more flexible schedules. It also gives kids built-in playmates. My one word of caution is to make sure you pair up with a likeminded family that shares your values.

Vacation Bible Schools

The Triangle area offers countless Vacation Bible School opportunities through local churches, and I've known parents to enroll their children in several each summer. It allows younger kids to engage in fun activities while also learning about Jesus and giving coverage to mom and dad so they can work. Older kids often make for good volunteers and church staff is grateful for their help. 

Through the years, all three of our children have had very good experiences with the Apex Baptist Church and Apex United Methodist Church VBS programs.

Affordable Options

Sleep Away Camps

With the mountains and the coast available in North Carolina, we have wonderful sleep away camp options. While the price point can range here, they cost substantially less than other childcare options when you factor in their room, board and length of stay. These do require a certain level of independence, and our kids have found them to be the highlight of the summer.

Among those we’ve tried, we’ve really enjoyed New Life Camp in North Raleigh. We’ve also heard great things about Camp Caraway. Our older kids volunteered in an overnight weeklong community outreach program with Apex Outreach Service Project, and they continue to say hands down that it was the best week of their summer!  

Coworking Spaces

I love a good coworking space, and finding a productive work environment while knowing your kids are safe and entertained can feel like a pipe dream, but dreams do come true at Blush Cowork in Cary. That’s because it was designed with working parents in mind, combining a professional atmosphere for adults with on-site childcare services. Whether you need a few hours of uninterrupted focus or a full day to tackle big projects, Blush makes it possible to integrate both work and parenting. 

Bonus: You’ll join a community of like-minded parents who understand the struggle of finding that elusive work-life balance. 

Premier Options…But with a Discount!

Camps

Camps are a go-to solution for keeping kids busy and engaged, but costs can add up quickly. That’s, in part, why my husband and I created GoPlaySave Triangle - we wanted our family to enjoy fun, local experiences without breaking the bank.  

I hope we can do the same for you and your family. Since so many families need to make use of track out camps, we’ve included several options in the most recent edition of our GoPlaySave book (both printed and digital versions). The offers make high-quality summer and track out camps both fun and more affordable. 

Here are a few full-day/week summer camp deals in the GoPlaySave app:

If you don’t need a full camp experience, but do need a few hours of uninterrupted hours of work time, check out these options:

  • Galaxy Fun Park - 50% off a 3 hour unlimited attraction pass with the purchase of a 3 hour unlimited attraction pass

  • Kidzu Children’s Museum - Enjoy one complimentary admission when a second admission of equal or greater value is purchased.

  • Notasium - 50% off open play for you and your guests when you invite another family to join the fun

  • PumpItUp - Enjoy one complimentary Pop In Play Session when a second Pop In Play Session of equal or greater value is purchased.

  • Sky Zone Trampoline Park (Apex, Durham, Raleigh) - You and a guest are invited to enjoy one complimentary 90 minute jump with the purchase of a 90 minute jump

  • Urban Air Adventure Park - Enjoy one complimentary attraction pass when a second attraction pass of equal or greater value is purchased.

  • Xtreme Park Adventures - Enjoy one complimentary experience when one of equal or greater value is purchased. Discount applies to the following activities: basic paintball package; ropes course; zip line; ATV adventure, airsoft, 3 Rock Wall Station

  • Big Air Trampoline Park - Enjoy a complimentary admission when a second admission of equal  or greater value is purchased.  

Babysitting + Nanny Services

Finally, for parents who need flexible, on-demand childcare, temporary nanny services like Stellar Sitters or SMS Raleigh can be a lifesaver. Each of these trusted companies can provide care for a few hours, a full day or an entire week. They make it easy to find, hire and schedule childcare on your terms - and that can make all the difference for busy parents. 

Bonus: SMS Raleigh offers 50% off its Annual Membership Fee in the GoPlaySave app/book

A Gift For You

Summer breaks and track out schedules don’t have to upend your schedule. Whether you choose a professional workspace, flexible childcare or discounted camps, these solutions get the job done. 

And now to make your summer a little easier - use code RESTORED3 at GoPlaySave Triangle to save $3 on any regular-priced product in the GoPlaySave store! We know it’s not much, but we hope it helps as you traverse your summer planning. I’m in the trenches with you, and wish you the best!

Holly Armstrong is a mom to three kids, two dogs and one rabbit. She's a church volunteer, a school room mom, and an overall exhausted lady. She runs GoPlaySave Triangle with Ryan, her college-sweetheart-turned-husband. Together, they support nonprofit organizations with printed and digital versions of a coupon book that offers discounted experiences to local merchants across the Triangle. 

Stephanie Llorente
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