The 19 best summer camps in New York City
Summer camps in NYC offer a wide range of exciting activities for children and teenagers. These camps provide a great opportunity for young individuals to learn new skills, make new friends, and enjoy the warmth of summer in a fun and safe environment. From sports camps to arts and crafts camps, there's something for every child in NYC's vibrant summer camp scene.
- 1. Legacy Harlem Summer Camp
- 2. Oasis Day Camp Downtown
- 3. Lavner Summer Camps
- 4. New York Aquarium Education Department
- 5. McBurney YMCA
- 6. Camp Half-Blood
- 7. Asphalt Green - Upper East Side campus
- 8. The 14th Street Y
- 9. West Side YMCA
- 10. Mill Basin Day Camp
- 11. Manhattan Beach Summer Camp
- 12. Caedmon Discovery Camp
- 13. Steve & Kate's Camp - Upper East Side
- 14. Downtown United Soccer Club
- 15. 92Y Camps
- 16. Oasis Children's Services LLC
- 17. MakerState STEM Summer Camp & STEM Makerspaces
- 18. iCAMP Tribeca - STEAM Summer Camp
- 19. iCAMP UWS - STEAM Summer Camp
1. Legacy Harlem Summer Camp

2. Oasis Day Camp Downtown

3. Lavner Summer Camps

4. New York Aquarium Education Department
Largest aquarium in the world-famous Central Park Zoo

The summer camp program is well-organized and engaging, providing a positive experience for attending children. Among the various activities, the sea lion show and the new shark exhibit were standout highlights that were especially enjoyed by the kids.
The educators at the summer camp are knowledgeable and skilled at keeping children engaged in the activities. The camp combines entertainment and education effectively, making for a fun and enriching experience for the children. My child thoroughly enjoyed their time at the camp. The sea lion show and the new shark exhibit were particular favorites, providing a memorable and exciting experience for all the campers.
5. McBurney YMCA
Historic building with modern amenities

The summer camp at McBurney YMCA provided a memorable experience for my children. They had the opportunity to meet new friends and develop their abilities through the diverse range of activities offered. The camp counselors were not only approachable but also demonstrated a high level of professionalism.
My child particularly enjoyed the sports and arts programs at the camp. The camp was well-organized, which made for a smooth and enjoyable experience. Based on my family's positive experience, I highly recommend the McBurney YMCA summer camp to others.
6. Camp Half-Blood
Demigod training center in a magical world.

Nico Di Angelo and Juliana Leurini, also known as Banana, have had distinct experiences at camp. Nico finds the camp to be an interesting place, with various activities such as Capture the Flag and the Rock Wall. He notes the diverse group of people, but mentions that there are no other children of Hades besides him. Nico does, however, express a growing curiosity about a certain individual from the Apollo cabin, the head of his cabin who is a medic and a Star Wars fan.
Juliana Leurini, on the other hand, has undergone more intense experiences, having been claimed and making friends with some of the Hecate kids. She mentions Nico and Solace's tendency to sneak out during Capture the Flag games. Juliana has been on two quests; one to the Acropolis with her Ares friend Mari and Hypnos kid Ash, and another when she was returning to camp from home and got attacked by the Chimera. Despite her desire for more training, she seems to be adjusting well to the unpredictable life of a demigod.
7. Asphalt Green - Upper East Side campus
State-of-the-art facilities and programs for all ages

Asphalt Green is a well-managed sports and fitness facility in New York, with a particularly efficient camp program. The staff, including Pat King, are commended for their quick and clear communication. The facility boasts a state-of-the-art multi-level Fitness Center, regulation AstroTurf field, steam and sauna, two gymnasiums, indoor and outdoor running tracks, basketball courts, a snack/juice bar, and two outdoor parks.
Additionally, Asphalt Green features a pool and a rooftop terrace overlooking the East River. The facility is organized and well-maintained, providing a comfortable and enjoyable experience for all users. The staff's attentiveness and organization make it a standout among athletic facilities in the area.
8. The 14th Street Y
Community-oriented programs for all ages

Summer Camp at 14Y offers a wide range of fun-filled activities for toddlers, including daily swimming. The counselors and staff are dedicated to providing a nurturing environment and attend to the emotional needs of each child. This camp proved to be an excellent choice for my toddlers, as they were able to enjoy various activities while also feeling loved and cared for.
One particular activity that stood out was the 'Baby Belugas' swim class. As a parent, I can confidently say that this class was an amazing experience. It not only provided a great opportunity for my child to learn swimming but also created a special bonding time for us. I highly recommend this summer camp and the 'Baby Belugas' swim class to anyone looking for a loving and engaging environment for their toddlers.
9. West Side YMCA
Historic building with modern amenities

Kinder Camp is a program designed for children who will be starting kindergarten in September 2024. The camp aims to support the transition to kindergarten by providing structured activities that help build social and emotional skills in a nurturing environment. The camp is run by the YMCA and focuses on creating a fun and supportive atmosphere for children.
At the YMCA Summer Day Camp, each day is filled with new and exciting activities. Campers participate in a variety of traditional camp activities that promote physical fitness, creativity, and experimentation. These activities may include physical games and sports, arts and crafts projects, and science experiments. The camp also hosts theme days, which provide opportunities for campers to engage in silly and light-hearted activities. Overall, the camp aims to create a fun and engaging experience for all campers.
10. Mill Basin Day Camp
Variety of activities

Mill Basin Day Camp is a top-tier summer camp in Brooklyn, catering to campers from the tri-state areas and Queens. The camp offers a wide range of exciting activities, making it a thrilling haven for adventure-seeking children. With a strong focus on enriching the lives of young campers, Mill Basin Day Camp provides a safe and nurturing environment for personal growth and development.
Working at Mill Basin Day Camp is a rewarding and fulfilling experience, as indicated by 34 reviews. Staff members have the opportunity to impact children's lives positively, while also enjoying a dynamic and supportive work environment. The camp's commitment to excellence extends to its hiring process, as they seek dedicated and passionate individuals to join their team. Overall, Mill Basin Day Camp offers a unique and valuable experience for both campers and staff alike.
11. Manhattan Beach Summer Camp

12. Caedmon Discovery Camp

13. Steve & Kate's Camp - Upper East Side

14. Downtown United Soccer Club

Great soccer players are not born, they are made. Even Cristiano Ronaldo and Megan Rapino had to start somewhere, right? If you see greatness in your child (or if they just like to kick the ball), Downtown United Soccer Club is a place where they will thrive. Day camp offers a full-day option for older campers and a half-day option for younger campers. Having more than 25 years in the market means they know how to teach children skill work, ball control, coordination and movement.
15. 92Y Camps

92 And it's a classic choice when it comes to sending your child to camp in New York. Campers will be transported to their beautiful 50-acre campgrounds in Rockland County for a summer full of activities that will make even adults jealous. Horseback riding, martial arts, robotics, wall climbing, filmmaking and cooking are among some of the activities available to campers. Rockland County is six miles from the Bronx, so children can be scheduled to be picked up at a city bus location.
16. Oasis Children's Services LLC

17. MakerState STEM Summer Camp & STEM Makerspaces

18. iCAMP Tribeca - STEAM Summer Camp

19. iCAMP UWS - STEAM Summer Camp
