As you look ahead to warmer months, just because the kids are out of school doesn’t mean they have to stop learning and growing. NYC kids are fortunate to be able to take advantage of the wide array of summer programs and activities available in and around the city. Whether they’re eager to perfect their jump shot or have decided they want to build their own robot, there’s a summer program out there to engage delight city kids of all ages and interests.
IN THE CITY
The 14th Street Y is teaming up with programming partners Amas Musical Theatre, MCC Theater, and the Red Fern Theatre Company to create a Teen Theater Summer Camp. From June 29-July 10 and July 13-24, students entering grades 6-12 can learn from musical theater, acting, and theater for social justice experts. Classes will include physical theater, script analysis, and training for high school theater auditions. The program will conclude with a student performance in their Off Broadway Theater for family and friends. No experience necessary. 14streety.org
All ages, from toddlers to tweens, will enjoy the diverse summer programs Adults & Children in Trust has to offer. ACT engages children with socially-enriching activities including sports and games, outdoor art, field trips, theater workshops, camping trips, picnics, and more. actprograms.org
Brooklyn Heights’ Montessori School’s A Montessori Summer is an exciting summer program for children ages 3.5-14. The program emphasizes outdoor activities, and each week takes the students on a day trip away from campus. Typical outings include museums, the aquarium, the beach, the park, a wildlife preserve, and the botanical gardens. A Montessori Summer is the perfect place for campers to enjoy and share new experiences and a rich variety of activities including swimming instruction, athletics, visual and performing arts, and outdoor adventures. bhmsny.org/programs/summer
New York City kids ages 5-14 will love the variety of activities available at All-City Sports & Arts Camp. Supervised by award-winning staff, children can swim and play tennis, soccer, basketball, softball, capture the flag, and much more. The 55-acre campus on Roosevelt Island includes several fields, a gymnasium, a beach volleyball court, and a beautiful indoor swimming pool. advantagetennisclubs.com
- Gate Hill
Arsenal Soccer Schools are returning to New York on Randall’s Island (June 15-19 and June 22-26) and several other US locations this summer. The week-long camps—offered in both day (ages 6-16) and sleepaway (ages 10-16) options—will give sporty boys and girls the chance of a lifetime to “Learn to Play the Arsenal Way.” Coached by qualified and skilled instructors, the camps will employ the same training philosophies that actual Arsenal coaches use with the legendary British “football” team across the pond. playthearsenalwayusa.com
Summer Day Camp at Asphalt Green gives kids ages 4-13 the chance to work on progressive skill development with expert sports instructors. Join the camp on the Upper East Side’s 5.5-acre campus or in Battery Park City at its new 52,000-square-ft campus. Campers uptown and downtown will get the ultimate sports camp experience, combining swimming, sports, cultural arts, and more! asphaltgreen.org
Summer camp at the Art Farm In The City is all about the petting zoo, animal science classes, field trips, and more. For ages 3-8, the program combines animal care/nature, the arts, and sports with offerings like cooking, swimming, soccer, science experiments, and outdoor playground time. Themes change on a weekly basis and campers can register by week. Early drop-off and extended care are also available. theartfarms.org
Summer at Avenues: The World School will offer students in grades pre-K-12 a fun and educational curriculum focusing on language immersion (Chinese or Spanish) or math. Additionally, the week-and-a-half camp “Make a Musical” program gives kids in grades K-5 the opportunity to produce and perform their own mini-musical theater show with help from the NYC theater creation company, Three Legged Chair. avenuesnyc.org
For nine weeks over the summer, Brooklyn-based Aviator Sports and Events Center provides kids with a plethora of exciting activities to partake in. Programs are tailored to suit your child’s interests, abilities, and age, offering plenty of adventures for campers ages 3-13. Offerings include swimming, gymnastics, rock climbing, arts and crafts, ice skating, dance, theater, and team-building sports. aviatorcamps.com
Summer sessions at Ballet Academy East are available for children of all ages from 18 months to 19 years. Classes for younger dancers include a variety of different activities that work as an introduction to many different styles of dance. balletacademyeast.com
Kids ages 4-14 can learn, discover, and simply have fun at Bank Street Summer Camp. The program uses the city’s vast resources to create a diverse group of offerings such as Spanish immersion, nature exploration, swimming, musical theater, cooking, science, film writing and directing, chess, scavenger hunts, sports, and other games. bankstreet.edu/summer-camp
The Berkeley Carroll School in Park Slope is home to several super summer programs. Ages 3-9 can enroll in the school’s Children’s Classic Day Camp, which includes activities such as music, swimming, games, and field trips. BCS also offers specialty camps that focus on one specific activity (Swim Camp, Volleyball Camp, Basketball Camp, Music Academy). Half-day pricing is available for the Classic Day Camp. berkeleycarroll.org
Book Nook NYC makes reading a cultural and enjoyable experience for little ones with their “Summer Journey Around the World” camp. Each week, children ages 2-5 will “travel” around the world by reading stories from different culturally-rich nations, creating authentic art, listening to native music, and sampling international cuisines. Teachers introduce foreign languages through counting and vocabulary exercises, and also provide campers with passports and props to get the full effect. booknooknyc.com
The music, dance, and theater programs at the Boys and Girls Harbor Conservatory combines classical arts training with the culture of Harlem. The Conservatory is an essential part of the Harbor’s education philosophy, using the arts to enhance the educational experience. theharbor.org
The Caedmon School’s Discovery Camp takes full advantage of the fun and educational sights and scenes that New York City has to offer. With five camp groups for ages 2-12 and specific, age-appropriate field trips, the five boroughs become an exploratory playground for curious kids. Children will get to experience NYC icons like the Empire State Building and Coney Island, as well as the Liberty Science Center and Ripley’s Believe It or Not! caedmondiscoverycamp.org
For 10 weeks over the summer, Camp Applause gives children entering grades K-11 a chance to hone their skills and get in touch with their theatrical side. Taught by professional actors, Camp Applause offers classes such as singing, acting, dance, costume and set design, and improv in addition to theater games and appearances by Broadway stars.
applauseny.com
A wide range of educational and enrichment activities make for an unforgettable summer at Camp Henry Day Camp. With affordable options for children ages 5-13, daily activities include arts and crafts, music, drama, sports, and swimming, in addition to museum visits, amusement park trips, bowling, and other adventures around NYC. Early drop-off and late pick-up are available for an additional fee. The six-week program is also offered as weekly sessions with various family and referral discounts. henrystreet.org
From ice skating to golf, soccer, and bowling, Chelsea Piers offers 16 specialty summer sports camps for kids ages 3-17. Every day, children get the chance to try an activity that’s outside of their core sport. Other fun and educational activities include Harbor Cruises aboard a US Coast Guard-certified vessel and appearances by professional athletes. Plus, campers enrolled in the Urban Adventure program make visits to off-site locations and also get the chance to kayak, stand-up paddleboard, and sail on the Hudson. chelseapiers.com
Designed and tailored for different age groups ranging from 3-14, the Children’s Summer Program at the China Institute offers instruction of Chinese language and culture in an exciting and interactive environment to students of all proficiency levels. Language instruction is led by experienced Chinese language teachers and centers upon themes designed to inspire learning, participation and engagement. Additionally, children will participate in various cultural activities, such as calligraphy, Chinese sports, theater, arts and crafts, storytelling, and cooking. Friday field trips to many of New York City’s cultural institutions will give your child a chance to enjoy the summer sun. Enrollment is on a first-come first-serve basis. Materials and snacks are included. chinainstitute.org
Columbia Grammar and Preparatory School (CGPS) Summer Day Camp is the perfect place for ages 4-8 to soak up some summer fun this year. CGPS’s air-conditioned facility houses a 60-ft indoor pool and its campus boasts three playgrounds for plenty of outdoor exercise. Activities include daily instructional and recreational swimming, arts and crafts, sports, team games, water play, and more. Three-week and six-week sessions are available. cgps.org
Perfect for younger kids ages 2-5.6, Columbus Pre-School provides a summer camp program that features a different theme every week (think Animal Kingdom or Planes, Trains, and Automobiles) via interactive arts and crafts, stories, cooking, block building, and more to enhance children’s social, emotional, physical, and intellectual growth. The camp, which runs from June 8 to August 28, also offers a few specialized activities including swimming, creative arts, and gymnastics. columbuspre-school.com
Summer Science Camp at the Corlears School, designed for children ages 3-5, celebrates the science of nature during their three two-week sessions. Campers explore animal and plant habitats, learn about composting, watch birds in Central Park, and engage in science-related art and music. Kids also get free-play time outside. The school also offers specialty camps for ages 5-11. corlearsschool.org
Children can craft, paint, sculpt, design, and decorate at The Craft Studio’s Day Off of School mini-camp. Great for ages 3 and up, the studio also offers summer afternoon programs in July and August, in which kids can take part in crafting and games. On Fridays, snacks and juice are served to start the weekend off right. craftstudionyc.com
This summer, the Convent of the Sacred Heart will host Creative Arts & Athletics summer camp! Creative Arts & Athletics gives ages 6-15 the ability to immerse themselves in the visual and performing arts, technology, and sports in a safe and comfortable environment. 6 and 7 year-olds can enroll in the Start Program, which enables participants to try several activities including Zumba, flag football, sculpting, painting, and yoga. The Choice Program, for ages 8-15, allows kids to choose seven activities to pursue during the camp’s four-week session. creativeartsnyc.org
The Dalton School offers campers several different options for kids of all ages, including an expansive day camp filled with music, art, sports, and theme days as well as an exhilarating Sports Camp, and Tiger Camp for campers ages 6-11. Campers will also get to participate in age-appropriate field trips. Flexibility is honored at Dalton, as both full and half-day programs are available, as well as pro-rating. dalton.org/camp
Discovery Programs has three age-appropriate camps for children ages 2-10. Campers ages 2-3 enjoy art, gym, movement, and sprinkler and rooftop play along with songs, stories, and games. Ages 3-4 enjoy similar activities, with the addition of science and cooking. Campers 5-10 engage in performing arts including theater, dance, music, gymnastics, and art. Ages 7-11 can also register for Parkour Camp, which focuses on obstacle training through the use of running, jumping, vaulting, and climbing. discoveryprograms.com
Drake Bennett Summer School provides kids with the fundamental skills needed to prepare them for the new school year. The 20-day sessions during July and August include classes such as multisensory literacy, multisensory math, science lab, drama, art, and sports. A hot vegetarian lunch is provided in addition to five daily recess periods and chess and puzzle time. Different tracks are offered for varying levels of ability. drakebennett.org
The range of activities and sports is extensive and customized for different age groups at Dwight Summer Day Camp: Discovery Camp (ages 4-8), Sports Camp (ages 6-12), Adventure Camp (ages 9-12) and Spark Camps (specialty camps for ages 4-12). Programs include 2D and 3D art, game design, circus arts, music, movement/dance, yoga, swimming, fencing, basketball, volleyball, baseball, soccer, gymnastics, tennis, and more. The camp offers age-appropriate day and overnight trips and an indoor swimming pool. dwightsummercamp.org
If you’re looking for a great half-day camp, East Side Tae Kwon Do is offering specialty programs like Ninja, Far East Movement, Samurai, and Forms Unleashed for ages 5 and older. Little ones will learn safe fighting techniques and physical movement in addition to Eastern arts such as calligraphy, origami, and Zen gardening. eastsidetaekwondo.com
EBL Coaching, an organization that provides kids with one-on-one tutoring, is offering two three-week summer sessions: one for children in grades pre-K-5, and another for grades 6-12. The program for younger children builds skills in reading, writing, spelling, vocabulary, study skills, and sensory math, while older learners focus on subjects like test-taking, studying, organizational strategies, and note-taking. For both courses, EBL Coaching provides individual assessments, goals, and progress reports. eblcoaching.com
Educational Alliance Preschool has a summer session for children ages 2-5 that introduces little ones to studio arts such as photography, sculpting, and painting; creative movement such as yoga, gymnastics, and martial arts; as well as culinary arts, sensory exploration, music, and outdoor play. edalliance.org/camps
Whether your child is an athlete, artist, or amateur scientist, ESF Camps has a camp for everyone! ESF at Riverdale Country School offers several different, specially-targeted experiences for kids ages 4-15, including Performing Arts Camp, Tennis Camp, and Technology Camp. Each program focuses on particular activities and goals, with tons of activities from swimming, break-dancing, and circus class to robotics and songwriting. esfcamps.com
Why pick one sport when you can go to camp and play a variety? Fastbreak Kids offers an outdoor sports program for flag football, baseball, and soccer, and an indoor program where kids can play basketball, dodgeball, and gaga (Israeli dodgeball). This camp is offered on a weekly or daily basis for ages 5-9 and runs from June 8-August 31. fastbreakkids.com
Fieldston Outdoors gives kids entering grades K-7 a wide range of activities to choose from, including art, swimming, yoga, music, and more. For the child that loves the outdoors, this day camp offers a special focus on the environment. community.ecfs.org/summer
At the French Institute Alliance Francais’ Summer Day Camp programs, kids of all ages will be able to explore everything that French culture has to offer and improve their language skills. The programs include à petits pas for ages 1-4; Mini Fun in French for ages 3-4; Summer Fun in French for ages 5-10; Immersion Classes for Teens for ages 11–17; and Cultural Discoveries for ages 11-14. fiaf.org
Kids looking to enhance their academic prowess can enroll at Fusion Academy for summer tutoring and test prep. Offering customized schedules and a one-on-one learning environment for students of all ages (from Kindergarten to college), Fusion Learning Center is staffed with qualified, practicing teachers in all subject areas including chemistry, biology, algebra, calculus, English, writing, and more. Students can sign up for a specific subject or fundamental math, reading, or writing skills enhancement. Fusion also has a Get-Ahead Program in which students get a head start on textbook reading to enhance familiarity. fusionacademy.com
For up to five days a week from July 6 through September 6, Gymboree Play & Music will run Gymbo Jet-Setter Bubble Camp for children ages 3-5. Little ones will explore how children in different parts of the world learn and play. From literature and pre-writing to numbers and scientific exploration, the program’s offerings will help kids master the concepts needed for successful school-age learning. gymboreeclasses.com
Gymtime Rhythm & Glues offers three summer camps—gymnastics for girls, sports for boys, and Summer Breeze day camp for toddlers. The gymnastics camp is offered for ages 5 and up, and additional activities during the day include yoga, cooking, art, music, and outdoor activities. At the sports camp, boys will learn the fundamentals of gymnastics, yoga, Tae Kwon Do, and take part in organized sports. The Summer Breeze campers (ages 2-4) will get the opportunity to explore everything Gymtime has to offer. This includes activities in the gym, kitchen, library, and outdoors. gymtime.net
The Handwork Studio offers kids 3-16 creative, educational ways to learn the tradition of needle arts and machine sewing from the likes of professional artists, instructors, and skilled teachers. The camp’s New York locations are at Friends Seminary in Manhattan and Brooklyn Craft Company in Greenpoint. thehandworkstudio.com
The Harlem School of the Arts offers a summer of fun in the arts for children ages 4-12. At ARTScape Summer Day Camp, campers enjoy a variety of classes in five different art forms: music, dance, theater, visual art, and musical theater. Weekly trips to NYC’s cultural destinations and afternoon activities highlight its three two-week sessions. Each session culminates with a showing for campers and their families. Its dedicated staff returns year after year to help campers develop their skills in the arts, all while making lifelong memories. hsanyc.org
Enroll your budding scientist in Hollingworth Science Camp at Columbia University’s Teachers College! Children in grades K-4 will learn about botany, the human body, geology, power and energy, and more through hands-on experiments led by Teachers College graduate students. tc.columbia.edu
HudsonWay Immersion School’s Summer Camp allows ages 2-12 to visit Mandarin Chinese or Spanish speaking countries without leaving NYC! Each week, children will get to experience a different location (Beijing, Shanghai, Costa Rica) through its architecture, food, art, music, and performing arts. This language immersion summer program is open to continuing HudsonWay Immersion School students as well as newcomers. Half-day sessions in Mandarin Chinese are available for ages 2-3 only. hwis.org
HYPOTHEkids, a 501c3 organization, is a K-12 STEM education initiative of Harlem Biospace. The 10 week Summer Science Program, taught by Columbia University-affiliated faculty and students for children in grades K-6, lays the foundations for studying biomedical engineering, structural design, and green energy. hypothekids.org
For students in grades pre-K-4, the International School of Brooklyn offers French and Spanish Language Immersion programs. Through hands-on and creative activities, students of all language levels advance their skills in group sizes of 12-15 children and 2-3 teachers. Weekly themes include fairy tales, starry night, science, around the world, and superheroes. isbrooklyn.org/enrichment/isbsummer
Join Jodi’s Gym camp for mornings of non-stop fun! Kids ages 3-5 will run, jump, tumble, balance, stretch, sing, create, move, and groove all under the supervision and care of the gym’s well-trained and certified staff. Come experience the joys of gymnastics, music, and art, a mix that your child is sure to love. Jodi’s Gym camp is offered all summer long, from June 1 to September 4, with flexible scheduling that allows you to register for the days and weeks that work for you. jodisgym.com
Budding artists ages 4.5 and up will keep their creative juices flowing all summer long at Kids At Art. Offerings for summer fun include half-day, full-day, and week-long workshops. The choice is yours! kidsatartnyc.com
Kids At Work has a gentle separation program for ages 2.3-3.5 that will take place Monday, Wednesday, and Friday mornings from June through the first week of September. Little ones are never required to sit during art sessions, which also include hands-on science and sensory projects. Once a week, campers will take part in soccer and yoga activities with partners Super Soccer Stars and Karma Kids Yoga. Plus, weekly trips to the playground and other outdoor adventures round out the interactive fun. kidsatworknyc.com
At Kids In Sports, campers ages 2.5-4 will spend 3.5 hours each day at Temple Israel playing different sports and participating in various activities including arts and crafts and story time. A sports program is offered for ages 4-7 at the All Souls Church, and includes other activities such as cooperative learning games and relay races. Kids In Sports also offers an outdoor sports program on Randall’s Island for ages 4-9 with accommodations for rainy days and heat waves. kisnyc.com/camps
The Kings Bay Y summer program offers beautiful outdoor facilities on a country-like campus in Bay Ridge, Brooklyn. Daily swim instruction, hot meals, and field trips are available for campers ages 6-15, as well as preschool summer camp, summer day camp, basketball camp, swim camp, Hebrew Dual Language camp, and an inclusion program for special needs. kingsbayy.org
Owned and run by Scott Heifetz, a real rocket scientist, Launch Math & Science Centers run exciting and educational one-week camps on the Upper West Side and in Tribeca for children ages 4-12. The 2015 summer season includes Rockin’ Robotics and Scratch Programming & Gaming, as well as plans for half-day programs for the littlest campers. While the programs are educational, the emphasis is always on the fun, hands-on projects that kids get to bring home at the end of the day. launchmath.com
At their traditional day camp program for children age 3 through grade 4, Leman Manhattan offers campers swim lessons, soccer, tennis, basketball, karate, yoga, woodworking, outdoor play on their rooftop playground, and a daily lunch prepared by chefs trained at the French Culinary Institute. Additionally, Leman offers weekly workshops for grades 4-9, in which kids can enjoy playing basketball, honing their culinary skills, and working in the visual and performing arts. lemanmanhattan.org
During the summer, girls who are potty trained up to age 5 can attend Let’s Dress Up’s special programs. Little fairytale fans will be able to dress up like princesses and other favorite characters as well as attend tea parties, participate in crafts, play games, and enjoy pretend play with friends! Though each session is four days long, parents can also sign up their children on a single-day basis. letsdressupct.com
The younger set, ages 2-6, can enjoy weekly themed arts and crafts, science, cooking, and story time at MAGIC Activity Center Summer Days Camp. With flexible schedules and half- and full-day options, MAGIC’s programs build upon the nursery school experience with outdoor play on a private rooftop playground and gymnastics in their state-of-the-art gym. This summer, campers will learn about different countries through various hands-on activities. 74magic.com
This summer, the Mandell School is offering a couple of summer camp options. Junior Explorer Camp, for ages 3-5, is a half-day program where little adventurers can travel the globe without leaving the Upper West Side. Each week is dedicated to a specific country’s (Mexico, the US, India, Australia, France, and China) culture, which campers will learn about via cooking, music, and movement classes. Ages 5-10 should check out Cool Creations Camp, a seven-week STEM program which allows campers to tackle a new project each week. Children can build a rocket, develop their own video game, program a robot, design an amusement park, and much more. The camp will also mix in traditional camp activities like swimming, field trips, and sports to give kids a well-rounded summer. mandellschool.org
Both Junior (grades K-3) and Senior (grades 4-8) day camps are offered through Manhattan Youth’s Downtown Day Camps program. Activities are tailored to age groups and interests, and with an array of art, aquatic, and athletic programs as well as electives and field trips, campers are immersed, engaged, and energized while they learn and play. manhattanyouth.org
Marymount Summer is a five-week day camp offering programs for children ages 3.5-14. With 20 years of experience providing summer fun, the camp offers different programs for different ages. World Cultures Camp is offered to children ages 3.5-5, Cabaret to those entering grades K-1, Inventors and Explorers Camp for children in grade 1, Drama Camp for grades 2-7, Summer STEAM Camp for grades 2-5, i2 (Innovation and Invention) Camp for grades 5-8, a new Summer Sports Clinic for those in grades 3-6, and afternoon programs for children ages 7-14. marymountsummer.org
In June and July, Morningside Montessori School is hosting their typical programs with a twist: it’s the Summer of Science! This year’s sessions will provide the same fantastic facilities and programs like a rooftop playground, yoga, music, soccer, and both indoor and outdoor activities. This year, however, each of the three, two-week courses will have a unique earth science focus. One will teach children about the water cycle, another is all about mountains, and the third introduces young scientists to watersheds and stream tables. The program is for children ages 2.5-5.5. morningsidemontessori.org
At the Upper East Side’s National Academy School of Fine Art, children ages 5-17 will be given the opportunity to sharpen their imagination, creativity, and drawing and painting skills through summer classes and camps. Portfolio prep guidance will also be provided. nationalacademy.org
The New Victory Theater offers three kids’ weeks during the summer: Puppetry Kids, Theater Kids, and Circus Kids. From July 13-17, Puppetry Kids will explore object, Bunraku, and shadow puppetry. The Theater week, which takes place July 20-24, will allow kids to explore all different aspects of theater, from acting to improv. During the week of July 27, the Circus Kids will learn clowning, juggling, dance, and more! All kids’ weeks are for ages 7-11. newvictory.org
This summer’s campers at the New-York Historical Society’s Camp History will explore what life was like in NYC in 1900. This one-week camp in August is offered for kids in grades 6-8. nyhistory.org
This year, Summer Day Camp at New York Kids Club is dedicated to Storyland Adventures! Campers will delve into classic books such as Horton Hears a Who! and James and the Giant Peach. Children ages 2.5-6 will participate in related thematic activities including gymnastics, creative movement, karate, science, cooking, art, and yoga. nykidsclub.com
Notre Dame School’s summer camp program offers a variety of specialized courses suited for girls in middle and high school. It’s a four-week program that meets four days per week, and girls can register for morning, afternoon, or full-day sessions. The camp provides young girls with the opportunity for guided instruction in their preferred interests, whether it’s English, math, web design, science, or the New York City experience. cheznous.org/ndsummer.php
- Oasis Day Camps
Oasis Day Camps are located throughout the city in different boroughs, and each site offers different opportunities. As a whole, the camps offer three different summer experiences: a program for ages 3-5, a traditional summer camp for children ages 5-11, and a Teen Travel program for kids going into grades 7-9. Activities include arts, outdoor education, swimming, sports, and team building. oasischildren.com
Budding ballerinas and dancers of all kinds can attend Peridance Dance Camp for two weeks of instruction. Ages 6.5-10 can take ballet, modern, jazz, tap, African dance, hip-hop, salsa, choreography, and dance history. Other offerings include a new Morning Movers camp for ages 3.5-6 and, in June, Creative Camp, during which ages 5-8 can learn three different dance styles each day for a week. peridance.com/summerprogram.cfm
Planet Han, a Mandarin Chinese program for kids of all backgrounds, has several summer offerings for children in different age groups. From June 8 to August 14, parents can choose from the following brackets: the babies to 3-year-old group classes; the 2.5- to 4-year-old Immersion Preschool Alternative; or the 4- to 10-year-old Immersion Summer Full Day Camp. planethanchinese.com
The Riverside Park Conservancy collaborates with different camp providers to give your little athletes, ages 4-16, a summer of sports and fun. The cost, which is measured by week, goes to helping to improve the park, and to the care and improvement of recreation areas throughout the waterfront property. riversideparknyc.org
Robofun Summer Camp is available to kids entering grades K-6 with options for full and half days. The courses are open to all children at different levels, and cover topics including LEGO robotics, game design, and stop motion animation, and parents get to see their children’s works of genius every Friday! robofun.org
Rodeph Shalom School offers summer fun for the littlest adventurers—those entering a Threes program, pre-K, or Kindergarten. The Reform Jewish school offers a rooftop playground, two indoor play spaces, three heated pools with certified swim instructors, daily art projects, and much more. rodephsholomschool.org
Royal Athletic Swimming School is dedicated to providing the highest level of swimming instruction, helping swimmers develop essential aquatic skills and students to up their athletic prowess—all while building confidence in a fun environment. Beginner, intermediate, advanced-1, advanced-skill, and team levels are all offered. royalswim.com
For the best in summer dance programs, families should consider the School at Steps’ classes. Catering to all age groups, from 2-18, the educational options range from beginner technique classes for younger kids to an intensive training program for dedicated students wanting to become professional dancers. School at Steps covers a range of genres, including ballet, jazz, tap, modern, hip-hop, and theater dance. stepsnyc.com
SciTech Kids’ summer program is geared for kids ages 4-15 and gives them the opportunity to explore science themes such as landscape architecture, flight, 3D printing, marine biology, and energy. Most mornings are spent in Central Park exploring the ecosystem, and the afternoons are filled with everything from sports and music to arts and crafts. Lunch, snacks and all scientific supplies are included. sci-techkids.com
Shooting Stars NYC’s 2015 Summer Dance Intensive will focus on developing the well-rounded dancer. Dance Styles included in the program are Hip-Hop, Street Jazz, Stunt work, Contemporary, Ballet, Kick-line, and Acro. Through an exploration in these styles dancers will improve technique, endurance, flexibility, and core strength. In preparation for the 2015-16 dance season, all competitive team members must participate in at least two weeks of the Summer Intensive. However, membership on a dance-team is not a prerequisite! shootingstarsnyc.com
Sonnet Repertory Theatre’s Summer Camp provides interested young actors with the opportunity and means to flourish under the guidance of trained instructors and acting coaches. Week One: Finding Our Voices (ages 6-8) allows children with OT, PT, and ST needs to interact and express themselves in creative ways. Week Two: Kids Collaborative (ages 9-11) lets kids create a shared project through the use of musical theater, the spoken word, visual art, or media. Week Three: Acting Intensive (ages 12-14) is an acting intensive built around master classes led by Broadway actors and casting directors and agents. At the end of the week, campers will present their work in an “audition-style” setting. sonnetrepertorytheatre.org
Offering John McEnroe Tennis Academy coaches and directors along with 20 courts, SPORTIME Randall’s Island hosts a premier tennis camp for kids ages 5-10. The venue also has a sports camp with activities like basketball, Ultimate Frisbee, flag football, kickball, softball, Pilates, yoga, and even a slip-and-slide. sportimeny.com
Sprout Brooklyn, opening this June in Red Hook, Brooklyn, is the new day camp outpost of Camp Young Judaea Sprout Lake. At this dual language camp, campers will spend half of the day immersed in the Hebrew language while participating in activities such as swimming, cooking, and sports. Sprout Brooklyn’s holistic approach to Jewish and Israel education and child development combines skill-building in sports, the performing arts, crafts, and nature, with experiential Jewish programming and Hebrew. cyjsproutlake.org/daycamp
Steve & Kate’s Camp at World Class Learning Academy is unique in that it allows parents with children in grades pre-K-7 to enroll for an entire summer or purchase day passes that can be used whenever camp is in session (no prior notice need be given and parents are refunded for unused passes)! Campers are given options of what they what to focus on (music, fashion, bread-making, animation, dance, coding) and all camp supplies are provided, including lunch and snacks. steveandkatescamp.com
SummerDay at Trevor Day School is a five-week program for ages 3-6. Located on the Upper East Side, the day camp uses its rooftop playgrounds as well as playgrounds in Central Park for trips, free play, and group activities. trevor.org
Super Soccer Stars is offering a wealth of programs this summer, including outdoor flexible drop-in classes, weekly sessions, indoor mini-camps for ages 2.5-5, Fun in the Sun Camp for children ages 3-5, and Kick It! Day Camp for kids ages 6-12. supersoccerstars.com
Camps hosted by TADA! Youth Theater focus on musical theater skills and play building for kids ages 4-14. Taught by two teaching artists, the programs also cover associated themes such as theater games, comedic improv, and dramatic play. Children can master cool dance moves, sing their hearts out, create original musicals, learn Broadway and Off-Broadway numbers, and produce their own shows, all in preparation for showing off their hard work to family and friends at the very end of camp. tadatheater.com
TEKintellect serves children in grades K-8 with a Common Core Standards-based curriculum summer camp at four different locations in NYC: Upper West Side, Upper East Side, Lower East Side, and Union Square. Kids learns scientific principles through a fun, hands-on, multi-sensory approach, while building mechanized models of carousels, cranes, dune buggies, conveyor belts, windmills, and more. tekintellect.com
Located in Kips Bay and on the Upper West Side, Tennis Innovators offers full-day and half-day sessions. Not only will kids get their daily dose of tennis instruction—including drills in coordination and stroke development, but there are other outdoor fields for soccer, basketball, and baseball, too! tennisinnovators.com
TLB Music, formerly known as Three Little Birds Music, is a studio and playroom specializing in teaching kids and parents the wonders of music, art, instruments, orchestra and more. The talented teachers at their summer program are familiar with more than 20 instruments, and encourage kids to dance, bounce to the rhythm, and play music along with them during classes. TLB also offers drama and art programs! tlbmusic.com
Upper Valley Summer Camp provides summer programs during July and August. Children ages 2-6 learn through active play and exploration at the camp’s state-of-the-art Green Facility. Camp includes field trips to museums, learning how to ride a tricycle, puppet shows, and a climbing wall. uppervalleypreschool.org
The Summer Enrichment Program at Winston Preparatory School provides students with the opportunity to participate in programs aimed to enhance academic skills. Students are enrolled in four academic courses each day. The summer staff consists of reading specialists, special education instructors, and speech and language pathologists from Winston’s full-time faculty. The summer program is unique in that it gives parents a chance to create an academic program specifically matched to their child’s needs. winstonprep.edu
- YMCA
Serving kids 3.5-16 years old, YMCA Summer Day Camp operates out of 20 branch locations throughout New York City. With offerings ranging from Kindercamp for little ones to dedicated sports (basketball, soccer, tennis, and gymnastics) and arts camps, children can enjoy active and creative pursuits all summer long. Counselors may also bring campers to offsite facilities such as local parks and schools. ymcanyc.org
OUTSIDE THE CITY
At 92Y’s Camp Yomi (ages 5-9), campers experience a blend of artistic, athletic, and educational activities. There are also fun, hands-on science and history activities with Liberty Science Center and Children’s Museum of Manhattan experts! Other offerings include: swimming, zip-line, climbing wall, ceramics, digital photography, robotics, and gaga. Sports are taught by Super Soccer Stars, Baseball Center NYC, Fly Yoga Arts, and top equestrian and golf professionals. Yomi Seniors (ages 10-12) choose electives and go on an end-of-summer overnight trip. 92Y also offers camps for ages 3-5 and 12-14. 92y.org
Badger Day Camp is an ACA-accredited, service-driven camp providing door-to-door supervised transportation, daily hot lunch, towel and swimsuit laundering service, a superior counselor-to-camper ratio, flexible scheduling, and a wide variety of summer activities including swimming, nature programs, arts and crafts, music, sports, drama programs and lots more! It is located in Larchmont, NY, and strives to encourage campers, ages 3-12, to accept new challenges and have positive attitudes. badgersportsclub.com
Beth Sholom Day Camp, which is located in Roslyn Heights, NY, lets kids ages 3-14 try new things, build friendships, and discover their passions. Activities include sports, swimming, arts and crafts, music, and more! This summer program also keeps campers entertained with weekly special events with themes like Olympics and Carnival. Plus, this summer, Beth Sholom will offer before and after-camp care! Parents that need morning supervision for their kids before the camp day begins, and/or supervision in the afternoon, can take advantage of this program. bethsholomdaycamp.com
Breezemont Day Camp in Armonk, NY, is geared toward campers between the ages of 3 and 15. Junior Camp (for ages 3, 4, and entering Kindergarten) allows little ones to participate in activities like jewelry making, ceramics, fishing, instructional and recreational swim, sports, and more. Children enrolled in Breezemont’s Upper Camp (entering grades 1-8) are also able to choose an additional activity which interests them. Lunch and snacks are provided. breezemontdaycamp.com
Located just 19 miles outside of the city on a 25-acre campus in Nassau County, Buckley Country Day Camp offers kids eight weeks of fun in the sun. Whether your child is into swimming, baseball, LEGOs, gymnastics, science, woodworking, cupcake decorating, or outdoor adventures, there is truly something for everyone. Buckley provides door-to-door transportation, lunch, snack, a t-shirt, camp photos, and towel service for ages 18 months to 15 years. buckleycamp.com
Everything at Camp Ramaquois revolves around one word: Fun! Located in Pomona, NY, Ramaquois strives for a safe, unique environment that forges friendships and provides campers with ample leadership opportunities. With seven activity periods each day ranging from graphic design to hockey, campers get a chance to learn new skills as well as brush up on old ones. The water activities program boasts a 5-acre lake equipped with a water trampoline, as well as eight pools, and over 60 Red Cross-certified lifeguards. ramaquois.com
Located in Chatham, NJ, Centercourt Athletics Club offers campers ages 3-11 the opportunity to spend action-packed summer days on the grounds of the Northeast’s premier tennis and sports facility. It is the ideal setting for children to grow and learn while enjoying days filled with tennis, swimming, and other fun activities. centercourtclub.com
Let you child’s imagination soar at Challenge Camps’ picturesque 18-acre campus in Rye, NY. Activities are drawn from the worlds of technology, sports, math and science, history, gaming, arts and crafts, photography, and performing arts—from computers, robots, and architecture to fashion design, music, cooking, and more. challengecamps.com
For active adventures including go-karts, zip-lines, waterslides, rock climbing, ropes courses, and gaga, kids ages 4-14 can sign up for Corbin’s Crusaders. In addition to their unique offerings, the summer camp hosts more traditional sports like baseball, basketball, soccer, tennis, lacrosse, golf, and swimming. Located on a 10-acre property in New City, NY—about 25 minutes from Manhattan—Corbin’s includes door-to-door, counselor-monitored bus service and a mostly year-round staff of seasoned professionals. corbinscrusaders.com
Day Camp in the Park, located on over 500 acres of nature preserve in Rockland County’s Harriman State Park, offers sports, arts, nature activities, games, water activities, and special events to campers ages 4-15. Located just 30 minutes away from New York City, this is a “camper’s paradise.” daycampinthepark.com
Family-owned and operated for over 50 years, Deer Mountain Day Camp sits on 25 acres in Rockland County and surrounds a spring-fed lake. Age-appropriate programs are available to campers ages 3-15 and include crafting, scuba diving, mountain biking, Rock Band, and everything in between. Older campers have the option to attend several exciting day and overnight trips. deermountaindaycamp.com
The mission of Dwight Englewood Summer Connections program is to engage children in grades pre-K-12 through enrichment in academics, explorations in the arts, adventures in sports, information about healthy living, instruction in leadership development, and connections to the global world in an academics-based summer experience. d-e.org
Elmwood Specialties Camp strikes a balance between a specialty camp and a traditional day camp, making it ideal for children entering grades 5 or 6. Campers develop a passion, hone their skills, and discover new interests. Children are able to focus on a particular interest (such as baseball, tennis, cooking, or guitar) and still have ample time to try new activities. Every afternoon concludes with traditional camp activities and free swim. This program is designed to enhance participation, skill development and fun! Transportation is provided from Manhattan. elmwoodspecialties.com
Calling all future athletes! Future Stars has locations in Westchester and Long Island to challenge the aspiring Michael Jordans, Derek Jeters, and Williams sisters. Campers are put into age- and level-appropriate groups that allow them to enhance skills and make new friends in the process. fscamps.com
Gate Hill Day Camp is where many NYC kids ages 3-15 spend their summers. With a large heated pool complex, an amazing outdoor adventure program, and 33 acres of magnificent mountainside at their fingertips, campers can choose from activities like zip-lining, rock climbing, archery, fencing, martial arts, gymnastics, ceramics, cooking, gaga, and a wide array of sports. The camp’s nature program offers everything an outdoorsy child could want, from hiking and fishing to vegetable and herb gardens, and a mini-farm with goats, chickens, rabbits, and sheep. gatehilldaycamp.com
Serving ages 2.5-11, Hampton Country Day Camp operates in East Hampton and offers campers just about any activity you can think of: swimming, performing and creative arts, dance, and much more. The staff brings their energy as well as their activity expertise, making it an environment where kids can thrive doing what they love. New for 2015: The camp will launch its brand-new Sports Academy, offering participate in baseball, basketball, soccer, and more for ages 7-11. hamptoncountrydaycamp.com
Hamptons Music Sessions is a premiere summer day camp in East Hampton for kids in grades 2-12 offering classes in piano, strings, winds, guitar, voice, and composition and songwriting. The program gives students the creative freedom to compose their own original pieces. hamptonsmusic.org
NYC children ages 5-12 can enjoy the great outdoors and explore the world around them in a safe and fun environment at The JCC Day Camp @ Pearl River. Campers can expect all of the great staff, coaches, and programming from The JCC in Manhattan, including instructional and general swimming, tennis, volleyball, basketball, kickball, soccer, lacrosse, art, yoga, rock climbing, gaga, and more. camps.jccmanhattan.org
At Lawrence Woodmere Academy (LWA), campers ages 2-15 can enjoy traditional sports like tennis, soccer, baseball, and basketball alongside gaga, yoga, and aeroball (which uses a trampolining basketball system). Also on offer are cheerleading, martial arts, cooking, musical theater, and “Imagination Playground” (an overnight for kids in grades 4-5). This year, LWA has added Pilot Programs, one-week programs that focus on specific activities (golfing, surfing, moviemaking), to its summer offerings. lawrencewoodmere.org
For 80 years, Mohawk Day Camp has helped make unforgettable summers for children ages 3-14. On its 40 acres of sports fields, farm, heated pools, craft and hobby areas, tennis courts, and more, campers can enjoy an environment of inclusiveness and exploration. Beyond the traditional sports, Mohawk offers circus skills, cheerleading, rocketry, doll making, songwriting, and guitar lessons. campmohawk.com
Mount Tom Day Camp is all about sports and the arts for ages 3-14. Activities include basketball, softball, baseball, soccer, volleyball, kickball, gaga, archery, horseback riding, and more. During choice time, kids can also take part in rugby, cricket, squash, and lacrosse. There are also ample arts offerings, including music, drama, dance, crafts, t-shirt art, and cooking; and, during choice time, kids can engage in magic, cartooning, ballroom dance, yoga, jewelry making, and Zumba. mounttomdaycamp.com
Located in Rockland County, the Nature Place offers unique activities like Earth art, farming, and archery, among several others. They take swimming very seriously, too, providing colored wristbands to differentiate swimmers of different abilities, and using the buddy system. thenatureplace.com
The Neil Klatskin Day Camp at the Kaplen JCC on the Palisades in Tenafly, NJ, offers programs at different levels depending on your child’s age and needs. The camp prides itself on strengthening your child’s Jewish identity, and hosts young Israeli adults on the staff each summer. klatskindaycamp.com
New Country Day Camp offers activities from cooking, martial arts, and arts and crafts to pioneering, sports, or science and technology. Though it’s a traditionally Jewish day camp, children of all backgrounds entering grades K-8 are encouraged to participate. The camp provides bus transportation from North Brooklyn and downtown Manhattan to its Staten Island grounds. 14streety.org/newcountry
For four decades, Southampton Summer Day Camp has provided recreational and cultural activities for ages 3-14. The Bucks County, PA, grounds include heated swimming pools, a riding corral, a zip-line, and sports areas, in addition to an infirmary and dining facilities. Transportation is provided, or parents can drive their kids during regular camp hours and receive a rebate for each camper. hampyowl.com
Located just 25 miles north of the George Washington Bridge in Ringwood, NJ, Spring Lake Day Camp has natural beauty close to the city. With a 5-acre spring-fed lake, tall pines, athletics facilities, and a state-of-the-art heated pool complex, Spring Lake offers campers ages 4-15 awesome waterslides, amazing zip-lines, and climbing walls. Other activities include archery, boating, Go-Karts, discovery science workshops, recording studio sessions, fishing, fitness classes, golf, martial arts, horseback riding, photography, and ropes courses. sldc.com
At Taft Summer School, young scholars will find a platform on which they can expand their education. Whether students in grades 7-9 are looking for a preview of boarding school life, students in grades 10-12 want to hone their academic skills, or teens want to take SAT prep courses, this independent, educational environment is a fantastic resource. The summer school lasts from June 28 to August 1, and provides both 100- and 200-level classes, academic reports (including grades and topics covered), and residential life. New in 2015: A golf program for golfers pursuing a high school or collegiate level program. taftschool.org/summer
- Woodmont Day Camp
Of the many active offerings at Woodmont Day Camp, city kids seem to especially love Go-Karts, archery, and the zip-line! Campers ages 3-15 spend their summer days outdoors enjoying baseball, basketball, soccer, tennis, flag football, fishing, boating, hiking, and more. Yoga, dance, science, arts and crafts, ceramics, jewelry, cooking, music, theater, fencing, rocketry, and magic are also on the activities menu. Attendees can even select an elective they really enjoy and participate in it for an hour each day for one week. woodmontdaycamp.com
