Spring is here, which means that before you know it, it’ll be summer…and your kids (whether they spent the year in-person or remote) will be out of school. Lucky for New York City kids, the city offers a ton of super cool—and safe—summer camp options for 2021. From soccer and STEAM programs to theater arts and swimming, we’ve got the scoop on the 10 best summer camps for New York City kids. Trust us, your littles will thank you for signing them up for these summer camps!
1. The Art Farm Summer Camp
The Art Farm
What: The Art Farm NYC Summer Day Camp is a unique experience unlike anything else you will find in New York City. Each day, children interact with live animals with either a hands-on animal science lesson or a visit to the indoor petting zoo—both will engage your child in the care and compassion of all living creatures. Also included: a patio garden, farm-to-table cooking lessons, art classes, music sessions and sports.
Where: 312 East 95th Street (Trevor Day School), Manhattan
Best for: Ages 3-11; sessions are tailored to fit each age group’s needs.
Sign up here.
2. Asphalt Green Summer Day Camp
Asphalt Green
What: Asphalt Green Summer Day Camp builds character, confidence and community in a safe environment. Summer fun is reimagined with social distancing measures in place. Children express themselves through swim, sports, arts and innovative programming. Plus, the camp fosters a supportive community that encourages each camper to be creative, get active, explore interests, and step out of his or her comfort zone. Learn more about their safety procedures here.
Where: Upper East Side (555 East 90th Street) and Battery Park City (212 North End), Manhattan
Best for: Ages 4.5-15
3. Manhattan Fencing Youth Camp
Manhattan Fencing Center
What: Manhattan Fencing’s summer day camps consist of fencing games, proper footwork, coordination, conditioning, and development of proper skills and technique. Campers learn fencing history and fun facts, plus touch upon sports psychology and team competition. In addition to fencing, camps offer add-on options of chess and dance which help develop the mental game and footwork needed to foil your opponent on and off the strip. Students are taught by a coaching staff consisting of national, international and Olympic coaches.
Where: 15 West 37th Street, Floor 2, Manhattan
Best for: Ages 7-16
4. Manhattan Youth Downtown Day Camp
Manhattan Youth Downtown Day Camp
What: The Manhattan Youth Downtown Day Camp Junior Division program (grades K-3) is designed to pique the interests of campers while challenging them to try new things in art, athletics, STEAM and aquatics. Creating opportunities for successful participation in activities, while building positive social relationships with other campers and staff, is what the camp experience is all about. Older kids (grades 4-8) can try the Senior Division program—it’s designed to offer a variety of activities, giving consideration to campers’ preferences. Creating opportunities for successful participation while building positive social relationships with other campers is a top priority.
Where: 120 Warren Street, Manhattan
Best for: Grades K-3 (Junior Division) and 4-8 (Senior Division)
5. Marlene Meyerson JCC Manhattan Day Camp
JCC Day Camp
What: Day Camp @ the JCC is located at the Marlene Meyerson JCC Manhattan on the Upper West Side. Activities include aquatics, sports, arts, music, yoga, cooking, outdoor experiences and more. Visit their website to learn more about COVID-19 health and safety procedures. Looking for a country day camp experience for your child? Try Camp Settoga, a JCC camp in Pomona, NY, for campers ages four to 12.
Where: 334 Amsterdam Avenue, Manhattan
Best for: Ages 3-6
6. Martial Arts Family Studio Little Stars Theatre Camp
Adobe Stock/Africa Studio
What: Join the MAFS Playroom this summer for their week-long Little Stars Theatre Camp. Taught by New York City actors, your little stars will cultivate the physical and emotional skills needed to excel in musical theater performances. Each week works towards a camp showcase with numbers from different Broadway musicals including Matilda, Frozen and Wicked. Your child is sure to find their confidence and charisma as they prepare for their big moment in the spotlight!
Where: 290 Mulberry Street, Manhattan
Best for: Ages 5-8
7. Martial Arts Family Studio Taekwondo Summer Camp
Martial Arts Family Studio
What: Sign up for a summer camp accelerated advancing belt program for children ages six to 12—it’s specifically designed to accelerate the process of achieving a yellow belt within four weeks of intense and detailed training. Your child will begin their taekwondo journey with a solid foundation and basic understanding of the art while having lots of fun.
Where: 290 Mulberry Street, Manhattan
Best for: Ages 6-12
8. 92Y Camp Yomi
92Y
What: With more than 60 years of experience, Camp Yomi campers experience a blend of athletic, artistic and educational activities at a 50-acre campground in Rockland County. Staffers aim to make campers feel safe and secure, both emotionally and physically, so they can develop and grow, while taking safe risks, learning through trial and error, building creativity, and developing resilience—all in an atmosphere of warmth and fun. Your child’s health and safety are always the top priority. Camp Yomi follows the American Camp Association, CDC and NYS guidelines to implement the highest level of sanitary and social distancing guidelines for summer 2021.
Where: 44 Henry Kaufmann Rd., Orangeburg, NY
Best for: Ages 5-18
9. Super Soccer Stars
Super Soccer Stars
What: Super Soccer Stars is New York City’s #1 youth soccer program for over 20 years. They use the ball as a vehicle to help children not just improve their soccer skills, but also develop self-confidence, teamwork and socialization skills. Highly trained, certified coaches work in small groups using an age-specific curriculum, providing each player with individual attention. Choose from FUNdamentals, Advanced Training or Amazing Athletes multi-sport options. There are weekly classes and half-day camps. Private sessions also available—coaches come to you. Super Soccer Stars kicks it safely, following local and CDC guidelines for safe play. Use promo code “NYCSOCCERMN” to save $20.
Where: More than 30 locations across New York City
Best for: Ages 2-12+
10. YMCA of Greater New York Summer Day Camp
YMCA
What: Parents can trust the YMCA to give their kids an enriching and high-quality camp experience this summer at day camps and specialty camps in all five boroughs—out of the house and off screens. The Y’s day camps for all ages and interests will lead to a summer of fun, friendships and adventure!
Where: Locations across all five boroughs
Best for: Ages 3-15
