10 Things American Children Do Every Summer That Surprise Brits

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Every summer, American kids get up to a bunch of activities that might really surprise folks from Britain. From special camps to wide-ranging road trips, these traditions shape their sunny season in ways that are quite different from a typical British summer. Let’s take a look at some of these unique American summer staples and see just what makes them so special.

1. Summer camps

Summer camps are a big deal in America. Unlike anything you might see in the UK, these camps can range from anything like sports and science to arts. Kids usually spend a week or more, diving into activities, making friends, and learning new skills. It’s a great way for them to break from regular school routine and explore their interests deeply. This tradition not only keeps them active but also builds a lot of character and independence as they manage a few days away from home.

2. Little League tournaments

Little League baseball is another classic American summer activity. Starting in the spring and peaking in summer, communities gather to watch kids compete in baseball tournaments. This can be a surprise for Brits as the scale and seriousness with which these tournaments are taken can be akin to professional events, with uniforms, scheduled practices, and significant local fandom. It’s a community event where sportsmanship and team spirit are at the forefront.

3. Fourth of July parades

The Fourth of July, or Independence Day, is marked by vibrant parades across the country. These aren’t just small-scale walks; towns and cities host large parades with floats, marching bands, and lots of flags. It’s a full-on celebration of American history and pride, which can be quite a spectacle for someone from the UK, where national celebrations tend to be more subdued.

4. State fairs

State fairs are massive events held in various states across America, showcasing local agriculture, crafts, and competitions. They’re like a giant outdoor party with rides, games, food stalls, and even live music. For kids, it’s an exciting way to spend a summer day, and quite different from anything found in the UK, where fairs on this scale are uncommon.

5. Lake vacations

Vacations to a lake are a quintessential part of summer for many American families. Kids spend days swimming, boating, and just chilling by the water. It’s a relaxed pace of life that contrasts with the often busier, more structured holidays that British kids might be used to. Plus, the sheer number of accessible lakes in the U.S. makes this a more common escape.

6. Cross-country road trips

With the vast landscapes of America, cross-country road trips are a favorite summer adventure. Families pile into cars and explore different states, seeing everything from monuments to national parks. This freedom to roam so widely and the scale of these trips can be quite surprising for someone from the UK, where you can drive across the country in a matter of hours.

7. Backyard pools

Backyard pools in America are a staple of summer fun. Many homes have their own pools, and kids enjoy countless hours splashing around and cooling off from the heat. This is a bit different in the UK, where cooler summers and less space mean fewer private pools.

8. Sleepaway camps

Sleepaway camps take the summer camp experience up a notch with kids spending weeks at a time living in cabins or tents, away from home. They get to engage in a variety of activities, from hiking to canoeing. The independence and immersive nature of these camps can be quite unlike the more day-based summer activities common in the UK.

9. County fairs

Similar to state fairs but on a smaller scale, county fairs bring communities together. They have livestock competitions, local food, and crafts. It’s a celebration of community and rural life which can be quite novel for someone from a more urban-centric UK.

10. Visiting national parks

Finally, visiting national parks is a major summer activity for American families. These parks cover millions of acres across the country, offering stunning natural beauty and a chance for kids to learn about the environment. This grand scale and focus on natural preservation are often more pronounced than British country parks or nature reserves.