April vacation week (April 20–24, 2026) is the perfect time for kids to try something new, stay active, and have fun with friends! Whether you're looking for a full-week camp, flexible day options, or just a few fun outings, there are great local choices right here in the Merrimack Valley.
Here’s your go-to guide to April Vacation Camps & Activities near Methuen, Haverhill, Lawrence, Groveland, Georgetown, Boxford, Andover, North Andover, and Middleton:
🏕️ Full-Week Camps & Structured Programs
🌲 Camp Evergreen (Andover)
📍 Andover, MA
🗓️ April 20–24, 2026
⏰ 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM (extended day available)
💲 ~$460 (4 days) / ~$575 (5 days)
Nestled in Harold Parker State Forest, Camp Evergreen offers a classic outdoor camp experience close to home. Kids enjoy:
- Fishing & nature exploration
- Hiking & fort building
- Archery, sports & games
- Arts, crafts & drama
It even includes a special Earth Day Festival celebration during the week.
👉 Best for: Kids who love nature, adventure, and unplugged outdoor fun
🏊 Merrimack Valley YMCA Programs
📍 Locations in Andover, North Andover, Methuen & Lawrence
The YMCA offers April vacation week programming and childcare-style camps across multiple local branches. Programs typically include:
- Sports & gym games
- Arts & crafts
- Swim time
- Group activities and themed days
👉 Best for: Flexible, reliable full-day care with a mix of activities
🏃 North Shore YMCA Camps (Haverhill / Georgetown / Groveland)
📍 Haverhill, Georgetown, Groveland
Local YMCA programs in your area include:
- Timberbrook Camp (Georgetown – Penn Brook School)
- Elm Program (Groveland – Bagnall School)
- Haverhill YMCA Camps
Programs typically feature:
- STEAM activities
- Arts & crafts
- Sports & games
- Swimming and team-building activities
👉 Best for: Convenient neighborhood camps with structured daily fun
⚽ Sports & Active Camps
⚽ Viking Sports April Vacation Camp
📍 North Shore & Greater Boston locations (short drive from Merrimack Valley)
A high-energy, multi-sport camp where kids rotate through:
- Soccer, basketball, baseball
- Capture the flag & group games
- End-of-week tournament
👉 Best for: Kids who want to stay active all day
🎨 Creative, STEM & Specialty Programs
🧠 Girl Scouts of Eastern MA Vacation Programs
📍 Regional locations (easy access from Merrimack Valley)
Daily themed programs like:
- Engineering & STEM challenges
- Fantasy & creative play
- Animal and nature exploration
👉 Best for: Hands-on learners and creative kids
🍳 Local Enrichment Example (North Andover Area)
🍴 Cooking Camps (Taste Buds Kitchen – North Andover area)
📍 North Andover
⏰ Half-day options
Cooking camps (seasonally offered during school vacations) often include:
- Hands-on baking and cooking
- Age-based groups (younger & older kids)
- Take-home creations
👉 Best for: Kids who love to cook and create in the kitchen
🌳 Flexible & Drop-In Activities (Great for Mixing It Up!)
If you don’t need a full-week camp, here are great local activity ideas:
🎳 Indoor Fun Options
- AMC Methuen movies
- Bowling & arcade centers (Tewksbury area nearby)
🌲 Outdoor Adventures
- Harold Parker State Forest (Andover)
- Local playground tours (great for Boxford, Middleton & Georgetown families)
🏊 YMCA Drop-In Programs
Some YMCA branches offer:
- Open swim
- Family events
- Short-term vacation week programs
🌼 Tips for Planning Your Week
✔️ Register early — local camps fill fast
✔️ Mix full-week camps with 1–2 “free days” for family outings
✔️ Check for extended day options if needed for work schedules
✔️ Look for multi-town options (many programs draw from all Merrimack Valley towns)
✨ Final Thoughts
From outdoor adventure at Camp Evergreen to local YMCA camps in Haverhill, Georgetown, and Groveland, there are so many great ways to keep kids busy, learning, and having fun this April vacation.
Whether your child loves sports, nature, science, or creativity, there’s something nearby for every interest—and every schedule.
