There are hundreds of specialized educational camps and programs offered for kids nationwide, ranging from science camps to debate camps to foreign language camps. NASA offers a summer camp called "Summer of Innovation" that is specifically for middle school kids. SOI pairs up with local community organizations to bring activities and experiences to over 6,000 middle school kids a year. The activities focus on science, technology, engineering and math (also called STEM), and help kids keep using these skills throughout the summer.
Summer camps offered through local organizations, such as a local YMCA or community center, can be another way to get middle school kids out of the house during the summer months. These camps normally run through the entire summer during normal working hours, and take participants on field trips, to swimming lessons, on trips to different parks throughout the area and allow them opportunities to continue to hang out with friends in a supervised environment.
In addition to summer camps, some area community centers also offer specialty classes that have shorter durations than summer camps. These include music camps, drawing classes, computer classes, cheer camps, dance camps and sports camps. The latter camps might also be sponsored by your child's school. Ask the school secretary for more details. If you cannot find any public classes being offered for something your child is interested in, look into private lessons, if possible.
The U.S. is full of national and state parks with developed campgrounds that can be used for tent and RV camping; most have some kind of rest room while others have full electrical and water hook-ups for your RV. Taking a camping trip gives the entire family an opportunity to get out, exercise, have fun together and experience the outdoors. Depending on your level of experience and the area you're camping in, you can also try fishing, hiking, kayaking, canoeing, swimming and roasting marshmallows. Campsite fees vary widely.