When the school year wraps up, parents everywhere face the same summer puzzle: how to give kids a break without letting the days dissolve into endless screen time and snack negotiations. Enter day camp: the magical middle ground where long days turn into muddy sneakers, art projects, inside jokes, and stories.
Day camp is where kids get to move, make, explore, and try things they wouldn’t otherwise. It’s where friendships deepen, confidence sneaks up on them, and days feel full in the best possible way. For parents, it’s the peace of mind that comes from knowing your child is engaged, cared for, and actually thriving, and right in your neighborhood or near, the options are as dynamic as the city itself. There truly is something for every kid, whether it is an indoor or outdoor day camp- these programs keep curiosity sharp, all while paving the way for an unforgettable summer.
Manhattan
62 Chelsea Piers, NYC
212-336-6846
601 Dean Street, Brooklyn
camps-bk@chelseapiers.com sports.chelseapiers.com/new-
Discover an unforgettable summer at Chelsea Piers Camps in Manhattan and Brooklyn! Weekly enrollment from June through August. Dive into the excitement with diverse camps like gymnastics, ninja, multi-sport, and more. Each location offers a unique sports lineup, guaranteeing a tailored experience for every camper. Unleash your child’s potential in a dynamic, safe, and fun environment. Join them for an extraordinary summer of growth, friendship, and athletic exploration. Enroll early and save!
ESF Summer Camps Riverdale Country School
5250 Fieldston Road, Bronx, NY Sacred Heart Greenwich
1177 King Street, Greenwich, CT
1-800-529-2267
admissions@esfcamps.com
ESF Summer Camps brings children of all ages good old-fashioned fun, hands-on learning, time-honored traditions, and MAXJOY, offering camps for children rising from preschool through 10th grade. Their thoughtfully designed programs engage, challenge, and inspire campers through Traditional Day Camp, Multi-Sports Camp, Tennis Camp, and Specialty STEAM Camps, all in a safe, supportive, and fun-filled environment. Traditional Day Camp features age-appropriate activities including swim instruction, sports, creative arts, and outdoor play. Multi-Sports and Tennis Camps welcome athletes of all abilities, building skills, confidence, and teamwork. Specialty STEAM Camps spark curiosity, creativity, and critical thinking. Each day balances exploration, play, and personal growth, helping campers build friendships and memories at Riverdale Country School in the Bronx, NY, and Sacred Heart Greenwich in Greenwich, CT.
nypreschoolandkidsclub.com/activities/summer-camp
NY Preschool & Kids Club’s extraordinary summer camp for ages 2.5-6, blends learning and fun for the ultimate summer camp experience. With immersive, nature-based education, dynamic adventures in our state-of-the-art gym spaces, and creative activities woven throughout each day, campers foster exploration, curiosity, and a connection with nature, all while having a blast. Their multi-modal, child-led approach is designed to foster school readiness and support whole-child development in an engaging, hands-on environment. Camp Kids Club is running at all15 locations across Manhattan, Brooklyn, and Long Island City from June 1–Sept. 6 with half, full, and extended-day options that fit every families’ schedule. Spaces are limited—learn more & register today!
263 West 86th Street, NY, NY
347-709-4149
info@playonstudios.com
Play On! Studios offers theater day camps on the Upper West Side that are guaranteed to give kids a summer full of acting, music, and fun they won’t soon forget! Young actors will rehearse and perform in a full production, work with professional NYC actors/teaching artists, build up their skills in a nurturing, non-competitive environment, and play lots of drama games! A welcoming camp atmosphere is perfect for beginners and also more experienced actors. Creative Drama Camp is perfect for kids entering grades K-5. Spots are limited, so sign up today!
Psst… check out these Amazing Westchester Day Camps!
139 W. 91st Street
212-932-6849
seth.goldberg@trinityschoolnyc.org
trinityschoolnyc.org/our-programs/summer-camp
The Trinity Discovery Day Camp provides an opportunity for campers to be kids again. Our campers get to engage with each other while swimming, playing tennis, chess, golf and much more. Campers will have pool parties on Fridays and of course, ices everyday! Session #1: Monday, June 15th – Thursday, June 18th (No camp June 19th) Session #2: Monday, June 22nd – Friday, June 26th Session #3: Monday, June 29th – Thursday, July 2nd (No camp July 3rd) Session #4: Monday, July 6th – Friday, July 10th Session #5: Monday, July 13th – Friday, July 17th Camp runs from 8:30am – 3pm.
Usdan Summer Camp for the Arts
185 Colonial Springs Road, Wheatley Heights, NY
631- 643-7900
questions@usdan.org
For parents seeking a summer day camp for kids K-12 that builds confidence, nurtures creativity, and prioritizes emotional well-being, Usdan Summer Camp for the Arts sets the standard. Founded in 1968, Usdan combines top-tier arts education with classic camp fun on a 140-acre campus in Long Island. Students spend their days discovering who they are through classes in music, theater, dance, visual art, writing, nature, and chess, guided by professional artists and educators. Usdan offers 4- and 8-week sessions for students currently in grades K–12, and a 1-week Recreational camp for grades 2–8. Bus transportation from Long Island, Manhattan, Brooklyn, and Queens is included in tuition. Inquire about merit scholarships and how to book a campus tour today!
Queens
2 IU Willets Rd., Roslyn, LI
516-365-7760
info@buckleycamp.com
Buckley Day Camp offers a one-of-a-kind summer experience on a beautiful 30-acre campus. With four heated pools, a fully air-conditioned facility, and a wide range of activities, it creates an environment where children thrive through fun, friendships, and adventure. Staying intentionally small by design, the camp focuses on each individual camper and provides exceptional customer service for every family. With door-to-door transportation, chef-prepared meals, towel service, and more, no detail is overlooked. From its renowned drama program to organic gardening to sports clinics taught by certified coaches, there is something for everyone at Buckley. Families are invited to discover the Buckley difference, where every camper is known and cared for. Follow on Instagram @BuckleyDayCamp.
354 Lakeville Rd, Great Neck, LI
516-466-8422
info@cmsgn.com
This Montessori summer camp offers a unique blend of fun, exploration, and educational activities designed to inspire and engage children in ways that align with their natural development. Guided by the principles of the Montessori method, this camp creates a rich environment where young children can discover the joy of learning through hands-on experiences. Throughout the camp, children will participate in a variety of carefully planned activities that foster independence, self-confidence, and problem-solving skills. From outdoor play and nature exploration to creative arts and practical life skills, every day this camp offers children opportunities to explore and grow at their own pace.
33-16 79th Street Jackson Heights, NY
718- 335-6363
info@gardenschool.org
Garden Summer Camp is run by highly trained staff, industry experts, and professional educators who are dedicated to ensuring each camper has a safe and enriching experience. To ensure your child gets the attention they need, their camp maintains low camper-to-teacher ratios and offers age-based programs. At Garden’s Summer Camp, your child will build confidence, make new friends, discover new talents, and have lots and lots of FUN! Registration is now open for children 2 -12 years.
215-15 Northern Blvd., Bayside
718-224-1760
bayside@tlechildcare.com
thelearningexperience.com/centers/bayside
Summer Sessions for infants through preschool, TLE makes early education and daycare joyful, engaging, and fun so children are happy to learn, play, and grow. The 3K/4K students will learn socialization and problem-solving skills and progress academically through our hands-on learning approach. Students will also have the opportunity to visit our private playground and imaginative play areas throughout the facility. TLE characters bring learning to life. Children love learning from characters—and studies show that it’s highly effective, especially in preschool and early education. Enroll today for our summer sessions and Day Care. Ask about the available private tour dates in February!
216-01 Union Turnpike, Bayside, Queens
718-360-1886
contactus@magicdaycamp.com
Magic Summer Day Camp is a privately owned summer day camp that has successfully operated for more than 40 years. Conveniently located in Bayside, Queens, Magic Day Camp provides door-to-door transportation to families all over Queens at no additional cost. They also offer summer camp options for kids in New Hyde Park, Elmont, Valley Stream, Floral Park, and Garden City. Magic Summer Day Camp has given generations of children ages 4-16 a safe, rewarding environment to explore new and enriching experiences that foster both mental and physical growth. Sibling discounts are available, and 2-8 Week sessions are available from July-Aug. With swimming, exciting trips, sports programs, dance programs, parks, state-of-the-art facilities, celebrations, and incredible summer days, “every day is truly magical!”
Summer at The Kew-Forest School
119-17 Union Turnpike Forest Hills, NY
718-551-3123
summer@kewforest.org
Summer at The Kew-Forest School is designed to feel like the best parts of summer and school, without the pressure. Running from July 6 through August 14, 2026, the full-day program (9:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m., with early drop-off and extended care available) welcomes children entering Kindergarten through Grade 6 for days filled with learning, movement, and creativity. Campers build skills in reading, writing, and math, then balance it all out with arts and crafts, dance, drama, STEM, martial arts, swimming, and field trips. Families can choose from two-, four-, or six-week sessions, each with a playful theme, including Camp Olympics, Superheroes Unite, and Space Is the Place. Curious parents can check it out at an Open House on April 11 or May 21, and early planners can score a $50 discount by enrolling before April 30.
33rd Avenue & 215th Pl, Bayside, NY( In: Crocheron Park)
718-229-3037
info@worldofdiscovery.org
Dive into the ultimate summer experience at World of Discovery Day Camp, where every child is revered. Conveniently located in Bayside, Queens, the diverse program includes everything from aquatic adventures and sports competitions to nature hikes and cultural arts. The campers not only enjoy a summer filled with excitement but also develop important life skills in a friendly and inclusive environment. Be part of a summer of exploration and discovery. W.O.D. believes every child is special and unique in the way they develop mentally and physically. With all the demands and pressures on children today, the staff believe the skills taught can make a difference throughout their personal lives and take this task seriously. Each child is challenged gently and patiently while encouraged to master the skills taught.
