Learn from our past mistakes: summer seems far away, but it’s coming up fast. Which means it’s time to start thinking about and looking at camps, if that’s part of your plan for keeping the kids busy. Not only do camps fill up, but booking early can also get you some discounts on price. The good news is, no matter what your kid is into, there’s a camp for it in NYC. Soccer and ice skating, arts and movie making, rock exploration and rock band performances—whether your child has a creative soul or is a bundle of energy, you’re sure to find something to love in this list. We only wish we could sign up for all of them!
Free and Budget-Friendly Summer Camps in NYC
Not surprisingly, some of the camps to fill up first are the free or more affordable ones. Information for Summer 2022 is still forthcoming in most cases, but you can see an overview in our story on free and affordable camps here. (We'll be updating it as information becomes available.)
NYC also has yearly free STEM camp programs. Registration isn't open yet at the time of this writing, but keep an eye on this page for information.
General Day Camp
YMCA
The YMCA is the quintessential NYC summer camp. If you're looking for a general camp that has a good mix of physical activity and personal expression, you'll probably find it at the Y. And with many locations around the city, you can find a spot that's convenient for you. Each location has different types of camps on offer, which generally have the same types of activities as a regular camp but with a heightened focus on a specific sport or activity, like swimming, sports, dance, robotics, and more.
Ages: Varies by location
Locations: Many locations around NYC
Camp dates: Jul 5-Aug 26
Fees (starting at): Varies by location
Online: ymcanyc.org
Oasis Day Camp
A classic summer day camp in the city, Oasis prides itself on its affordability. Oasis operates camps in Central Park, East Village, Bayside, Queens, Long Island and Westchester. Kids ages three to 15 enjoy sports, games, crafts, drama, and more for the bulk of the day outside (although there are indoor facilities as well).
Gantry Kids & Teens
Gantry Kids is a camp that focuses on physical activity and fun, hoping to heal minds through active bodies. Campers will get to ride scooters and bikes in many locations, play outdoors, do some gardening, go on field trips to more outdoorsy places like Governors Island, and generally spend fun time away from their screens.
Ages: 6-11
Locations: 10-19 46th Rd. (Long Island City)
Camp dates: Jun 28-Sep 2
Fees (starting at): $580 per week
Online: gantrykids.com
Steve and Kate's Camp
The camp experience at Steve and Kate's is entirely up to each individual child. Campers get to choose what they want to do from a huge range of activities including sewing, stop-motion animation, theater, crafts, and more. Mistakes are celebrated and trying new things is encouraged! You can buy day passes or a full month pass for 30+ days, and if you end up not using all the days you paid for you'll be automatically refunded, no strings attached.
Ages: 4-12
Locations: East Village, Cobble Hill, Chelsea, Upper East Side
Camp dates: Jun 20-Sep 2
Fees (starting at): $119 per day or $3,570 for a full summer
Online: steveandkatescamp.com
Camp Settoga
A day camp affiliated with the Marlene Meyerson JCC Manhattan, Camp Settoga operates on a lush 21-acre facility in Pamona, NY. (Kids are picked up by air-conditioned bus from areas throughout Manhattan, and it's about a 30-minute ride from the GW bridge.) It's a day camp with an overnight camp feel, with all the bells and whistles like pools, a rope course, elective activities, and more. New for the 2022 season are improvements like two new basketball courts, new tennis courts, a 12-hole mini-golf course and new amphitheater.
Ages: 4-12
Locations: Pomona, NY, with pickup from Chelsea, Upper West Side, Upper East Side, Harlem and elsewhere
Camp dates: June 28-Aug. 18, with sessions 4-8 weeks
Fees (starting at): $5,565 for four weeks and up
Online: campsettoga.org
Richmond County Day Camp
This Staten Island-based camp is a place where every child is nurtured and good friends are made. Campers are led by trained supervisors and staff through activities designed to build confidence and self-esteem. The campus is huge, and camp events include hikes, field trips, bowling, carnivals, and more. That's on top of everyday activities like swimming and water slides, various sports, yoga, fencing, a game and art space, and more.
Ages: tbd
Locations: 6581 Hylan Blvd. (Staten Island)
Camp dates: Jul 5-Aug 26
Fees (starting at): $1,850 for 2 weeks
Online: sites.google.com
Nature Camps
In addition to the nature-centric camps below, the city has many opportunities for kids this summer! Check with your local garden, zoo or marine center/aquarium for special summer programs.
We have a list of NYC’s forest schools, some of which are also holding special events in the summer.
Trailblazers
There's so much to explore all around us, and Trailblazers camp makes it their mission to help kids discover the wonder around them. Campers will discover their environment through science experiments, challenges and games, team-building exercises, nature walks, art, and music. Kids will have outside time every day — as their website states, "there is no such thing as bad weather, just inadequate clothes!" The camp is built around kids' creativity and allows exploration and curiosity to take center stage.
Ages: 4-10
Locations: Brooklyn Bridge, Prospect Park, Riverside Park, Morningside Park
Camp dates: Jun 28-Aug 27, varies per location
Fees (starting at): $560
Online: trailblazers.org
Riverdale Stables
The Riverdale Stables horse riding camp is returning for 2022, though details are still tbd. The stables have an indoor ring, 85 stalls, and access to trails in Van Cortlandt Park. A recreation room is on standby in case of bad weather and for additional activities like games and arts and crafts. This camp is open to riders who can already walk and trot with a horse and all riders have to be evaluated to attend. If your child isn't quite there yet, the stables also have classes that can help them get up to speed before the camp.
Ages: tbd
Locations: Van Cortlandt Park
Camp dates: tbd
Fees (starting at): tbd ($825 per week in 2021)
Online: riverdalestables.com
Music/Rock Band Camps
Replay Music Studios
Does your child dream of being a rock star? At this camp, kids for bands of 6 (or fewer) members then learn, rehearse, and perform together! Bands will work on improving their instrumental or vocal skills, and on collaborating with each other. Kids will have a chance to play cover songs and even write their own original works. There's an option to add a private lesson before camp for an additional fee.
Ages: 8-18
Locations: Music Makers NY at 260 W 36th St. (Midtown)
Camp dates: Jun 20-Aug 19
Fees (starting at): $595 for 5 days
Online: replaymusicstudios.com
Manhattan School of Music
Kids at this camp will experience the world of instrumental music in a professional setting. Instruction is available in classical music, musical composition, jazz singing, musical theater, and more. Trained teachers and professionals will help bring out kids' talents and improve their skills on their instruments, voice, or acting. Attendees will also get crucial skills training, like audition techniques, musical theory, and more. Camp culminates with a fully produced performance (including sets and costumes for the musical theater crowd).
The extended deadline for this camp was January 31 but late applications are still being considered. This program has a mandatory covid vaccination policy.
Ages: 8-17
Locations: 130 Claremont Ave. (Morningside Heights)
Camp dates: Jul 5-29 for musical theater, Jul 11-29 for all other
Fees (starting at): $2,940 for 3 weeks+$75 application fee
Online: msmnyc.edu
NYC Guitar School
The NYC Guitar School summer camps are perfect for kids who are interested in making music and performing. Several options are available, including an intro camp for absolute beginners to guitar playing. The Rock Band camp is an intensive learning experience where kids will learn, practice, and perform for a live Facebook and YouTube audience. For a more in-depth experience, kids can spend two weeks working in a band, and get their songs professionally recorded at the end of all their hard work. If you prefer a remote option, the Guitar School is also hosting a virtual music production camp (for ages 12-17), which will teach teens how to record and produce their own work.
Ages: 8-17
Locations: Midtown and Astoria (Queens)
Camp dates: 1 and 2 week sessions Jul 5-Aug 12
Fees (starting at): $400 for one week
Online: nycguitarschool.com
Willie Mae Rock
Rock on with at the Willie Mae Rock Studio, where campers can try their hand at songwriting and guitar playing, as well as the electronics and software used in music-making. Each day will include activities designed to explore creativity and get hands-on with new experiences. Kids will also get to play different instruments, and create a finished work by the end of the session. This camp strives to empower girls, and is only open to girls and gender-expansive youth.
Ages: 10-17
Locations: 540 President Street, Suite 2H (Gowanus)
Camp dates: Jul 11-22, two sessions
Fees (starting at): $100 for a week, full and partial scholarships available
Online: williemaerockcamp.org
General Sports Camps
Aviator Sports
Aviator Sports has a huge and impressive range of sports gyms and fields. Camp will take kids on an athletic adventure through gymnastics, parkour, ice skating, rock climbing, golf, swimming, soccer, pedal-carting, and more. Campers spend time outside and inside an air-conditioned space, and field trips are planned.
Ages: 4-15
Locations: Floyd Bennett Field 3159 Flatbush Ave.
Camp dates: Jun 28-tbd
Fees (starting at): $590 per week+$35 administration fee
Online: aviatorsports.com
Kids in the Game
You can choose between general camp and sports + swim camp at Kids in the Game. Both focus on physical activity and physical and mental growth. At the sports + swim camp, campers will receive lessons through Physique Swimming and learn how to swim correctly from experts. Camp will utilize the indoor gym, outdoor basketball court, baseball fields, playground, and on-site pool for a well-rounded and active experience. Programs for the regular camp vary by location, but some perks include field trips to places like Governors Island and various museums, as well as themed camp weeks.
Ages: 4-13
Locations: Riverdale, Inwood, Upper East Side, Upper West Side, East Village, Greenpoint, and Park Slope
Camp dates: Jun. 27-Aug. 19
Fees (starting at): $485 per week with full-summer registration; rate varies by location.
Online: kidsinthegame.com
Chelsea Piers
Chelsea Piers is well known for its sports programming, and for good reason. This summer, kids can take advantage of the professional facilities to take part in various athletic activities. The camp features gymnastics, basketball, parkour and ninja warrior, hockey, ice skating, golf, and so much more. Programs are available for a wide range of ages, and campers are sure to find a sport that they fall in love with over the course of the summer. Sport-specific camps are also available if your little athlete already knows what sport they want to pursue. "Elite" camps are also open for kids who are experienced and competitively engaging in certain sports.
Ages: 3-17
Locations: Chelsea Piers at Pier 62 (Chelsea)
Camp dates: Jun 20-Sep 2
Fees (starting at): $515 per week
Online: chelseapiers.com
Asphalt Green
If your child is interested in a sport, there's a good chance they'll find it at Asphalt Green. This impressively robust sports camp includes time in an outdoor field playing baseball, soccer, and football, as well as indoor sessions playing basketball, swimming, circus arts, tennis, and kickball. During downtime, campers will make arts and crafts, LEGO robotics, creative writing, and more.
Ages: 4.5-15
Locations: Upper East Side, Battery Park City
Camp dates: Jun. 28-Aug 19
Fees (starting at): $5,900 for 4 weeks
Online: asphaltgreen.org
Specialty Sports Camps
Advantage Tennis Club
Help your kids stay active this summer with a tennis camp! Kids are taken through drills, taught tennis playing skills, and spend plenty of time on the courts receiving expert instruction. In addition to tennis, games, and activities, afternoons are spent swimming.
Advantage Sports also has a general Day Camp if you'd rather not focus on tennis exclusively, which features sports, art, lessons, and field trips. Plus, early drop off and late pick up are available at no additional cost!
Ages: 7-17 for tennis, 4-14 for general day camp
Locations: Manhattan Plaza Racquet Club, Roosevelt Island Racquet Club
Camp dates: Jun 13-Sep 2
Fees (starting at): $595 per week
Online: advantagetennisclubs.com
Homerun Baseball Camp
Run by passionate coaches, this camp introduces kids to baseball. Effort, passion, cooperation, and self-confidence are valued above doing well, though (of course) kids will also receive individualized instruction in how to play the sport well. Camp slots are limited this year in an effort to keep the group smaller, so register early to snag a spot.
Ages: 4-12
Locations: Parade Grounds in Prospect Park
Camp dates: Jun 27-Sep 2
Fees (starting at): $500 per week (plus a 50% discount for siblings)
Online: homerunbaseballcamp.com
Super Soccer Stars
At Super Soccer Stars, kids learn how to work together as they hone their soccer skills. Held at over 10 locations around the NYC metro area, this camp generally lasts three hours (though full-day camps are also available). Each child will be coached and allowed to learn at their own rate. In addition to soccer camps, a number of places are also offering soccer and art options, as well as multi-sport camps.
Ages: 2.5-16
Locations: Many locations around NYC (as well as Hamptons, Long Island, and Westchester)
Camp dates: Jun 27-Sep 2
Fees (starting at): $330 per week
Online: soccerstars.com
MMA New York City's Karate Camp
Martial arts is all about fitness and confidence, and kids will find both at the karate summer camp of Modern Martial Arts of NYC. Each day at camp, kids will receive training from an expert instructor and learn karate with an emphasis on safety and inner strength. Campers will also get a chance to try various padded weapons training, like Japanese sword-fighting, nunchucks, staff and stick-wielding, and more. There will be demonstrations for parents throughout the summer, to show off their progress. Besides being active, kids will also get a chance to let their creativity shine through arts and crafts projects like tie-dying, LEGO building, ninja mask making, and even lightsaber crafting. There are field trips planned as well, including various museums and attractions, and more.
Ages: 5-12
Locations: Upper East Side, Upper West Side, Tribeca, and Astoria
Camp dates: Jun 27-Sep 2
Fees (starting at): $789 per week
Online: mmanewyorkcity.com
Camps for Active Kids
The Movement Creative
Held entirely outdoors in and around Central Park, this is a good option for kids with tons of energy to burn. Campers will run, climb, and tumble around the park with close instruction from highly trained and experienced coaches, learning to move their bodies and improving their parkour skills with each step. Each week starts with the basics and adds steps one at a time to make it easy for anyone to learn the moves through progressions. If class can't be held outdoors for any reason (inclement weather, closures), it will take place online. Note that a N95/KN95 or surgical mark is required to attend camp — cloth masks, neck gaiters, or bandanas won't be accepted.
Ages: 7-18
Locations: Central Park (Colombus Circle entrance)
Camp dates: Jul 5-Sep 2
Fees (starting at): $990 per week, lower prices available for those in need of financial aid
Online: themovementcreative.com
Locals Surf School
Surf's up, dudes and dudettes, and your kids could be catching the waves or doing kick-flips this summer, with the help of Locals Surf School. Featuring a program that includes both surfing and skateboarding lessons, this summer camp is a good one for kids who love adventures and hitting the beach. You can be sure your child will get individualized attention: Classes are three kids to one instructor. This camp welcomes all skill levels, even if a child's never been surfing or skating before. All equipment is included in the fee, including surfboards, wetsuits, skateboards, and protective gear. Kids will also take part in games and learning exercises as part of their camp experience.
Ages: 5-15
Locations: Beach 91st St. Skatepark (Rockaway Beach)
Camp dates: Jun 27-Sep 2
Fees (starting at): $885 per week
Online: localssurfschool.com (sports) and localssurfschool.com (skate clinics)
Cooking Camps
Sur la Table
At Sur la Table, kids and teens will get expert instruction to become better chefs and gain confidence in the kitchen. Campers will engage in every part of the cooking process, from prep to plating. Days are themed, so one day kids might be kneading pizza dough for their pizzeria experience, and the next they'll be folding dumplings for their faux Chinese restaurant. Classes are 2-2.5 hours long and groups are split by age, 7-11 and 12-17. You can also check what's on the menu for each week before you make a choice — note that each program has its own menu, so menus are repeated a few times during the summer.
Ages: 7-17
Locations: 306 West 57th Street (Midtown)
Camp dates: Jun 6-Aug 19
Fees (starting at): $249 per week
Online: surlatable.com
Taste Buds Kitchen
This half-day (three hour) cooking camp is perfectly adapted for different ages. The youngest kids (4-8 years old) will learn how to mix, measure, and work safely through cooking stories and games, 9 to 13-year-olds will learn more advanced cooking techniques, hone knife skills, learn how to read recipes and use the burner safely, and clean up after themselves, and 13 to 17-year-olds will be treated to adult-level skills and recipes, advanced knife skills, food styling, and recipe creation. Regardless of age, all campers will make three recipes per day, featuring a mix of savory and sweet.
Kids over 10 can apply to become Counselors-in-Training and, if picked, can stay for a full day and get 20% off their session. You can sign your child up for a full week or per day. There are also online summer courses available with vegetarian recipes!
Ages: 4-17
Locations: 109 West 27th St. (Chelsea)
Camp dates: Jun 27-Sep 2
Fees (starting at): $115 per day
Online: tastebudskitchen.com
Art Camps
Greenwich House
This well-rounded camp features activities to engage small bodies and minds. With a focus on STEAM activities, Greenwich House will have kids drawing, painting, taking photos, making animations, and putting on plays. The camp will also engage creative minds through coding, architecture, science, and engineering projects, and get them moving through games, sports, and even cooking.
Ages: 6-14
Locations: 27 Barrow Street (Greenwich Village)
Camp dates: Jul 5-Aug 26
Fees (starting at): $600 per week+$20 supply fee
Online: greenwichhouse.org
Playday
At this arts and crafts camp, kids are encouraged to explore different mediums and express themselves creatively and uniquely as only they can. Taking place in fully-equipped art studios, campers will learn skills like patience, collaboration, composition, and storytelling through many different art forms, including drawing and painting, stenciling, animation and cartooning, bookmaking, clay character creation, and many more. Camp sessions encourage self-expression and confidence in little creators of any level.
Ages: 5+
Locations: Cobble Hill, Long Island City, and Hoboken
Camp dates: tbd
Fees (starting at): $135 for a half day
Online: playday.com
The Craft Salon
If your kids love to make things with their hands, they'll find a home at The Craft Salon. Here, kids can try their hand at drawing, sewing, clay, collage, weaving, macrame, and so much more. Group sizes are kept to a maximum of 10 kids, and covid vaccination proof is required to participate.
Ages: 8-13
Locations: 338 E 5th St #2B (Kengsington)
Camp dates: Jun 28-Aug 26
Fees (starting at): $500 per week
Online: thecraftsalonstudio.com
Role Play, Gaming & Fantasy Camps
Camp Half-Blood
Camp Half-Blood is well known for its adventurous structure, using the power of imagination and role-play to learn and grow. Each camper becomes a Demigod and embarks on a quest to become a fully-fledged hero! Demigods will take on quests, train their (foam) sword-fighting skill, forge their own armor, battle magical monsters, and weave epic tales. Throughout their adventures, kids will learn about mythology and heroes of legend from different cultures like Odysseus, Beowulf Mulan, and Boudica. Most importantly, these emerging heroes will learn how to find the confidence inside to become real legends.
Ages: 2nd-5th grades
Locations: Prospect Park, Central Park, Inwood Park, Alley Pond Park (Queens), Clove Lakes Park (Staten Island)
Camp dates: Jun 13-Aug 19
Fees (starting at): $525 per week
Online: camphalfbloodbklyn.com
Brooklyn Game Lab
This year, the Brooklyn Game Lab has two options: indoor and outdoor, or fully outdoor. The fully outdoor camp will have kids playing word games and taking part in physical activities using props like frisbees, hoops, cones, beanbags, and balls. Kids will also engage in mock adventures and "battles" using foam weapons and their imaginations.
The combination indoor and outdoor camp will also use tabletop games and board games to get kids thinking critically and strategically, as well as working together. Campers will also get a chance to discuss game design and craft their own games.
Ages: 6-13
Locations: Prospect Park
Camp dates: Jun 27-Sep 2
Fees (starting at): $595 per week
Online: brooklyngamelab.com
STEM Camps
Brooklyn Robot Foundry
Introduce kids to robotics at an early age at the Brooklyn Robot Foundry, where campers will build a themed robot (themes will be announced at a later date). No experience is necessary! The camp also includes games, crafts, and plenty of activities to get kids moving, including trips to the nearby park. Only kids 5-10 who are fully vaccinated can attend this camp, and online programs are also available for kids ages 6-12.
Ages: 5-10
Locations: 98 4th St. (Gowanus)
Camp dates: Jun 28-Sep 2
Fees (starting at): $165 + $20 materials fee for single day, and $625 + $75 materials fee per week
Online: brooklynrobotfoundry.com
Nory
Upon entering a Nory camp for the week, kids are given a quest. This might be a realistic one (how do you design a classroom that's easier to navigate for the blind?) or a more outlandish one (can you invent a robot that runs on "magic"?). Each camp week is then focused on learning about the topic, asking questions, and getting hands-on with various materials and skills from wiring RFID chips to woodworking. Mistakes are celebrated as steps toward success and students are encouraged to be inquisitive, resilient, and empathetic (Nory's three core values).
Ages: 3-12
Locations: Various locations around NYC
Camp dates: Jun 27-Sep 2
Fees (starting at): $500 for half-day per week, $800 for full-day per week
Online: nory.co
The Geek Forest's Summer of Steam
Does your child love Roblox or Minecraft? The Geek Forest will get them excited to design and code their own creations in the game world. Other programs get kids more hands-on with engineering and robotics through Battle Bots and LEGO. Besides these, the camp also has tabletop design and play lessons, explorations of webcomics, bookbinding, urban planning, and other awesome STEM topics to engage and educate.
Ages: 6-12
Locations: 122 Bedford Ave. (Williamsburg)
Camp dates: Jul 4-Aug 26
Fees (starting at): $550 per week
Online: thegeekforest.com
Voxel Academy
Summer camp at Voxel Academy lets kids explore cutting-edge tech with expert instructors as they create a hands-on, inquiry-based learning experience. (And they get to take the project home with them.) Weekly camp topics include 3D printing, Minecraft and Roblox projects, VR, engineering and modding and more. Kids also take breaks and go outside, so they are not on screens all day. As of this writing, sessions are on sale.
Ages: 7- 14
Locations: 134 Atlantic Ave., Cobble Hill
Camp dates: Jun. 27-Sept. 2
Fees (starting at): $775 and up
Online: voxelacademy.org
Drama Camps
Cinema Kidz
Is your child a film director in the making? With this camp, they might just be. Cinema Kidz teaches kids about film and animation and sends them on a journey to make a film from start to finish. Campers are involved in the film-making process at every step of the way, from planning and storyboarding the idea, to filming, directing, and editing the film. Kids are encouraged to get hands-on with equipment and tech to learn through trying new things and even through making mistakes. Participants will leave the camp with filmmaking knowledge, as well as a finished project to share.
An online option is available, as well.
Ages: 5-15
Locations: Prospect Park, 202 W 97th St. (Upper West Side), Pine Street School (Lower Manhattan), BAM (Brooklyn),
Camp dates: Jun 20-Aug 26
Fees (starting at): Inquire for price
Online: cinemakidz.com
Treasure Trunk Theatre
The Treasure Trunk Theater is all about the joy of creating theater art. Campers will take part in dances and games, listen and sing along to music, and stretch their imagination as far as it can go. Kids will also learn theater skills and terms, and practice drama and theater arts every day in all its different forms. At the end of each day, photos and videos will be shared with parents so you can share the joy of your kids' performance. And it's fine if your kid isn't all that dramatic: Educators are skilled at helping these petite performers find confidence and celebrate their unique selves.
Ages: 3-8
Locations: Various locations, including Cadman Plaza Park, Prospect Park, Carroll Park, Fort Greene Park, and more
Camp dates: Jun 6-Sep 9
Fees (starting at): $316 per week or $90 per class
Online: treasuretrunktheatre.com
Child's Play
Let kids get their wiggles out by channeling them into characters on stage! Child's Play is a place where kids can hone their drama skills through performances. Guided by theater artists trained in early childhood education, kids get a chance to create stories and characters, make music videos, and play theater games. Each camp session ends with a movie that shows off all the work put together by the campers. Themes for the weeks include unicorns and dragons, circus adventures, superheroes, ocean adventures, and more.
Ages: 3-11
Locations: 193 Columbia St. (Cobble Hill)
Camp dates: Aug 1-Sep 2
Fees (starting at): $400 per week
Online: childsplayny.com
Maker Camps
The Yard by Play:groundNYC
The Yard by Play:groundNYC is a truly self-guided, mixed-age experience. Kids have free reign in a junkyard full of tools, building materials, fine art and handcrafting materials. Campers of all ages can work together or separately, and each child can decide what to do with their time, whether they want to explore the hidden treasures in the Yard, make artworks and structures, or simply enjoy their time outdoors. Daily excursions will introduce children to other areas of Governors Island.
Ages: 1st-6th grades
Locations: Governors Island
Camp dates: Jun 20-Sep 2
Fees (starting at): $620 per week
Online: play-ground.nyc
KoKo NYC
KoKo NYC offers two camps. In the Soap Box Workshop, kids will plan, build, and test gravity racers using found objects and building materials. Once the vehicles are assembled, they'll take part in the South Slope Derby, racing down the street to the cheers of family, friends, and neighbors.
At the Mini Destroy + Construct camp, kids will use real tools to take apart old technology like printers and blenders to see how they work, They'll then design and build their own inventions and art based on what they learned from the "destroy" phase of the camp. The camp is specially designed for 5-7 year olds and is based in trust and safety, allowing kids to use real tools in a controlled and safe environment.
Ages: 5-7
Locations: South Slope, Gowanus
Camp dates: Jun 20-Aug 26
Fees (starting at): $650 per week
Online: kokonyc.org (Destroy + Construct) and kokonyc.org (Soap Box Workshop)
Language Immersion Camps
International School of Brooklyn
The ISB aims to fill children with a sense of wonder at the world around them, all while teaching Spanish and French through play and immersion. Groups of no more than 15 kids will be accompanied by 2-3 counselors and guided through exploration of various topics in the natural world all around them, from tiny tardigrades, bugs, and rodents, to mighty raptors, predators, and trees. Each week will focus on a different theme, and introduce STEM concepts and activities in your choice of language. The program accommodates children at all levels of French and Spanish mastery, helping beginners learn new vocabulary and honing the skills of more advanced speakers.
Ages: 4 years old through 5th grade
Locations: 477 Court St. (Gowanus)
Camp dates: Jul 5-Aug 5
Fees (starting at): $520
Online: isbrooklyn.org
French Institute: Alliance Française (FIAF)
The FIAF summer camp is inspired by the Tour de France, and will take campers on a journey through French language and culture. Guided by the world-famous bicycle race, kids of all language levels from complete beginners to native speakers will be introduced to the rhythms and sounds of the French language. Kids will learn about each area of the Tour de France, while also partaking in camp staples like games, movement activities, art, cooking, yoga and more. Older campers in their teens will receive age-appropriate instruction focusing on topics relevant to them, like fashion, wildlife, and the environment.
Online instruction is also available in the summer (for ages 1-20!), with lessons lasting 45-90 minutes.
Ages: 3-18 (online 1-20)
Locations: 22 East 60th St. (Lennox Hill)
Camp dates: Jun 20–Sep 2
Fees (starting at): $419 half-day per week, and $789 full-day per week
Online: fiaf.org
Juguemos
Get the kiddos interested in Spanish culture and heritage at this camp, where instruction is done exclusively in Spanish for younger kids and in Spanish and English for older campers. Activities will center around nature, animals, food, music, art, and dancing, all drawing from Spanish-speaking countries around the world. Kids will engage with the outdoors through movement and exercise, nature exploration, structure play, and various workshops designed to develop various skills and improve confidence.
Ages: 2-6
Locations: Prospect Park at 3rd St. entrance
Camp dates: Jun 27-tbd
Fees (starting at): $720 per week (2 and 3 days a week options are also available)
Online: juguemos.org
Collina Italiana
This thoroughly immersive program is serious about teaching kids Italian. In addition to entertaining games, music and dancing, campers will become acquainted with the language through vocabulary study, textbooks and workbooks, as well as flashcards and other educational activities. Every aspect of the program is designed to include Italian, including art, reading and writing, history, geography, and science. Outdoor play is also included at the nearby playground and Central Park (located only a few blocks away). Groups are limited to only six kids, so everyone will be sure to get the individualized attention they need.
An online option is available but it's only an hour-long in the mornings.
Ages: 3-10
Locations: 1556 Third Ave. at 87th St., Suite 602-603 (Carnegie Hill)
Camp dates: Jun 20-Sep 1
Fees (starting at): $140 per 2 days at 2 hrs, full-day is $390 per 2 days, $80 per two days
Online: collinaitaliana.com
Pusteblume NYC
This camp combines German and Spanish immersion with art, science, astronomy, marine biology, and more. Each week is themed around a different topic and campers will explore them in-depth. This year's lineup includes planning and carrying out science experiments, observing and analyzing the natural world, digging for dinosaur fossils and making dino puppets, and learning all about space (among other topics). You choose the instruction language, Spanish or German, when you sign your child(ren) up for camp.
Ages: 2-9
Locations: 244 West 14th St. (West Village)
Camp dates: Jul 5-Aug 26
Fees (starting at): $476
Online: pusteblumenyc.org
CCBG NYC
At this camp, kids can learn the Chinese language while getting immersed in the culture. Campers will learn about Chinese mythology, fables and legends, and partake in cultural activities like Chinese chess, calligraphy and cooking. In addition, outdoor activities will be held like running, sports, and various field trips. Kids are split into groups of 4-5 per teacher, by their Mandarin skill level, then taught either mostly in Chinese (for lower levels) or completely in Chinese (for more advanced speakers).
An online option is available for a much lower price if you're interested but can't make it out to the camp locations.
Ages: 5-14
Locations: K-Town and Park Slope / Gowanus
Camp dates: Jul 5-Aug 26
Fees (starting at): $675 per week, $70 per week for online option
Online: ccbgnyc.com
Kibbutznik at Marks JCH
Get kids in touch with their Jewish roots at this Russian-language immersion Jewish summer camp. Days are full of interactive activities that introduce kids to Jewish and Russian culture through literature, media and art. The camp will also feature themed weeks, covering topics like fashion, Russian food, music, theater, science, Macciabah, and more. Swimming is also offered twice a week.
Ages: 3-8
Locations: Hannah Senesh Community Day School at 342 Smith St. (Carroll Gardens)
Camp dates: Jun 28-Aug 12
Fees (starting at): $550 per week
Online: jchparkslope.org
—Yuliya Geikhman
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