Looking to give the kids unforgettable summer memories while visiting New York State? Sign them up for summer camp! Whether your youngster is a nature lover, budding artist, outdoor adventurer, or future scientist, there’s sure to be a camp that suits their style. While the kids spend an action-packed day at camp, we’ve included some ideas to help you craft your own adventure exploring nearby spas, wineries, museums, and more at some of the state’s coolest destinations! Unleash summer fun for everyone in New York State and check out this list of 14 unique summer camps for kids.
DAY CAMPS
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Kids are sure to have a wild time at the Bronx Zoo Summer Camp! Campers will get to explore the 265-acre zoo, learn about animals, take part in fun activities, explore exhibits, and more. An array of themed weeks are available covering topics ranging from wildlife conservation to exhibit design to hands-on animal experiences. While the kids spend a day at the zoo, get to know The Bronx, home to amazing sports, art, history, nature, and food and drinks. The Bronx; June 9-August 29.
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Let your young artist’s creativity run free at the Guggenheim’s art camp! At this five-day camp, kids get to step out of their comfort zone and focus on building and improving their creative skills alongside educators. Campers will get to take a journey through the world of art with exciting themes like World of Sculpture, Art and Architecture, Symbol and Stories in Art, and the Art of Performance. Four weeks of camp are offered throughout July, each with two sessions, one for ages 5-7 and one for ages 8-11. As the littles enter their artist era, take the time to explore Manhattan and famous nearby attractions like Central Park and the Museum Mile, home to some of the City’s finest collections of art, history, design, and culture. Manhattan; July 7-August 1.
Nothing beats a summer day in the mountains! At the Mohonk Preserve Summer Camp, little explorers aged 4-13 will get to discover the wonders of nature across the preserve’s 8,000 acres. From hiking trails and pond studies to climbing adventures and wildlife observation, each day offers new thrills. With small group sizes and passionate educators, children engage in hands-on activities like crafting, storytelling, and imaginative play, all while learning about the environment. While the kids spend a day in nature, get a day pass or book a stay for the family at the all-inclusive Mohonk Mountain House, complete with an award-winning spa, 85 miles of hiking trails, farm-to-table dining, and more. Gardiner; July 1-August 21.
Got a future marine biologist on your hands? Make summer a splash at the Long Island Aquarium’s Summer Adventure Days. At this day camp, kids ages 3-16 will get to feed stingrays and sharks, meet penguins and owls, admire reptiles up close on a boat tour, and more! The aquarium offers a variety of themed sessions from Sea Squirt days, where kids ages 2-3 learn about animals using their five senses, to Junior Aquarist week, where teens get to see if they have what it takes to work in an aquarium. After setting the kids up for a day of aquatic adventure, head out to the Hamptons or Long Island Wine Country at Jamesport, Wolffer Estate, or Duck Walk Vineyards. Riverhead; June 23-August 15.
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Sign up your chef-in-training for a kids cooking camp at NY Kitchen! Day camps range from two to four days, where campers will spend the day learning about all things culinary and build on important skills like teamwork, attention to detail, and creativity. A variety of themed weeks are available where kids may bake delectable treats, learn about international dishes, create New York-sourced farm-to-table cuisine, and more. While the kids cook up a day of fun, experience the small town charm of Canandaigua, where you can take a relaxing lunch cruise aboard the Canandaigua Lady, pop into local shops, or unwind with a day at the Lake House on Canandaigua’s Willowbrook Spa. Canandaigua; July 8-August 21.
Get ready to spend a summer on the water with Sail Buffalo’s Junior Sailing Camp! Perfect for ages 8-17, this week-long summer camp is set on Buffalo’s beautiful Outer Harbor, where campers will be able to dive into the world of sailing. Experienced camp instructors will cover everything from steering to hoisting the sails to navigating around the harbor, plus camp also includes pizza parties, friendly races, graduation ceremonies, and more. After dropping off the kids, set sail on your own adventure in Buffalo, home to exciting events at Canalside and the renowned Buffalo AKG Museum. Buffalo; June 30-September 5.
Spark curiosity and creativity at the museum built for play! The National Museum of Play at The Strong Summer Camp offers a blend of learning and play, where each week features a unique theme and immersive experiences guided by museum professionals. Campers will dive into all kinds of topics ranging from STEAM (science, technology, engineering, art, and math) activities and game design to the wonders of the natural world. As the kids gear up for a day of play, why not get to know the vibrant City of Rochester and spend the week discovering pristine parks, a lively arts scene, epic festivals, and more. Rochester; July 7-August 1.
Abracadabra! Add a little magic to summer at the Amazing Kids Magic Camp. With two sessions, one in Binghamton and one in East Aurora, kids are sure to have a blast learning the art of magic, making friends, playing games, enjoying live shows, and more. Session one dives into the three parts that make up a magic trick, and session two explores the different types of magic from dinner table tricks to big stage illusions. Create your own magic and explore Binghamton, known as the “Carousel Capital of the World,” or soak up small town vibes throughout the local shops, restaurants, and bars in East Aurora. Binghamton and East Aurora; session one: August 4-8 and session two: August 11-15.
At Hudson Highlands Nature Camp, summer is a wild adventure! Nestled in the scenic woods of the Hudson Valley with campuses in Cornwall and Warwick, this camp invites kids ages 3-16 to unplug, get muddy, and discover the magic of nature. Each week brings a new theme like “Wild Wonders,” “Science Safari,” or “Bug Bonanza,” packed with hands-on science, nature hikes, critter encounters, crafts, outdoor games, and more. If the youngsters are spending a day at the Cornwall camp, the famed Storm King Art Center is right next door, where you can stroll through giant-sized outdoor sculptures. Afterward head into historic Newburgh to explore Washington’s Headquarters and a lively waterfront dining scene. The Warwick campus puts you just 10 minutes from the quaint, artisanal town, filled with local storefronts and restaurants. Cornwall and Warwick; June 30-August 22.
Get ready for a summer packed with adventure, creativity, and barnyard fun at North Wind Farm Day Camp in Canton! With seven action-packed weeks, each featuring a unique theme ranging from Barnyard Bonanza to Wizarding World to Wilderness Rangers, there’s something new to discover every week. For even more excitement, North Wind also offers three specialty camps: Outdoor Adventurers (ages 8+), which includes an unforgettable overnight camping trip, Chef Training Camp, where kids cook and sharpen their culinary skills, and a four-week Animal Showmanship program for hands-on experience caring for farm animals. After dropping off the kids, explore the idyllic Village of Canton, play a round of golf at Partridge Run Golf & Country Club or the St. Lawrence University Golf Course, or explore folk culture and living traditions of the North Country at the TAUNY Center. Canton; July 7-August 22.
Since 1952, Kiwi Country Day Camp has offered children ages 3-15 an memorable traditional camp experience surrounded by the natural beauty of the Hudson Valley. Campers enjoy a wide variety of activities and programs led by professional educators including competitive sports, twice-a-day swim lessons, adventure courses, and creative and performing arts. From scaling a 25-foot rock wall and flying down water slides to exploring ceramics, music, theater, and science, there’s something new to discover every day! Once the kids are immersed in camp thrills, immerse yourself in the picturesque hamlet of Carmel, home to a portion of the Appalachian Trail at Fahnestock State Park, the largest Buddha statue in the western hemisphere, and cozy B&Bs. Carmel; June 30-August 15.
SLEEPAWAY CAMPS
Nestled in the Adirondack wilderness, Double H Ranch, provides specialized programs and year-round support for children and families dealing with life-threatening illnesses. Campers will make memories to last a lifetime with classic summer camp activities like ziplines, archery, a high ropes course, camping, swimming, paddle boating, talent shows, and more! A team of trained staff and licensed medical professionals create a safe environment for adventure, where each camper’s differences are celebrated and their unique needs are met. Seven five-day sessions are offered throughout the summer and all programs are free of charge. While the kids have a blast at camp, enjoy lakeside splendor all week long in nearby Lake George with beaches, boat tours, and bites in town. Lake Luzerne; June 10-August 8.
DEC Summer Camps (Adirondacks, Catskills, Chautauqua-Allegheny)
A summer of adventure, education, and fun awaits at NYSDEC Summer Camps! Kids can spend a week surrounded by nature at one of the four camps, Camp Rushford (Caneadea), Camp Colby (Saranac Lake), Camp DeBruce (Livingston Manor), or Camp Pack Forest (Warrensburg), where they’ll get the opportunity to learn all kinds of outdoor skills. Experienced counselors will lead campers on an unforgettable adventure that includes classic summer camp activities alongside lessons covering everything from insect and flower identification to canoeing and archery! Plus, camp also includes day trips to nearby nature museums or lakes and one overnight camping trip. If the kids are spending a week at Camp Rushford, head over to Holiday Valley, where you’ll find a lush golf course, high ropes adventure course, a spa, and comfortable accommodations. In the Adirondacks, Camp Colby is located in Saranac Lake, perfect for parents looking for outdoor adventure, and Camp Pack Forest is near Lake George, packed with lakeside grandeur. Camp DeBruce is found in the Catskill hamlet of Livingston Manor, filled with charming boutiques and eateries, plus it’s the home of fly fishing. Various regions; June 29-August 15.
Reel in the fun surrounded by the beauty of the Catskill Mountains this summer at FUDR Canfield Fly Fishing Camp! Each year, this fun and educational camp promises unforgettable experiences, where expert guides teach kids ages 12-17 the art of fly fishing on some of the best trout rivers in the country. Campers will stay the week at French Woods Sports & Arts Center and spend the day getting to know the fly fishing basics, from learning how to gear up to fly casting and fly tying. After the kids head off to camp, go fishing for a great time in Hancock, known as “the Gateway to the Delaware River,” lined with local storefronts, restaurants, and bars. Hancock; June 29-July 6 and August 10-17.
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