Spending time at summer camp is a kids chance to enjoy their vacation doing fun activities while learning something valuable, especially in New York. The Empire State has a plethora of amazing programs ranging from those focusing on sports, STEM, adventure, spirituality and much more.
There are long-standing sleepaway camps that have received different generations of families, but there are also those that focus on a more educational approach. No matter what you’re looking for your child, you’ll find it with any of the following choices.
Campers can spend time outdoors in the fresh air while learning skills to help them grow as individuals. We included options close to New York City and other large cities in the state.
Best Summer Camps In New York
#1 – Camp Ma-He-Tu
Camp Ma-He-Tu is an affordable sleep-away camp for girls ages 7 to 15 and was founded over 80 years ago in 1937! The camp is just 40 miles north of New York City in a beautiful, natural setting on picturesque Lake Kanawauke in Harriman State Park – near Bear Mountain.
The young women there enjoy an exciting mix of traditional camp activities focusing on individual growth, teamwork, and empowerment! Ma-He-Tu is a small camp (only 110 campers during each session) that provides a personal camping experience for every girl and enables campers to learn new skills and make life-long friends in a supportive and nurturing environment.
They offer three 2-week sessions, which can be combined for a total of 2, 4, or 6 weeks at camp! Each session is only $1650 – and there are several discounts available – making it one of the most affordable overnight camps out there.
It’s one of the top sleepaway camps for girls in New York and an excellent choice for parents who live in New York City and want a camp within driving distance. Check out their website to sign up for an Open House this spring.
#2 – iD Tech NY Camps
iD Tech offers STEM camps in different New York university campuses throughout the state. Camps are found in Stony Brook University, Adelphi University, and Manhattanville College. Parents can choose between sleepaway and day camp options.
Kids can join classes in things related to coding, robotics, and game design. With instructors from some of the top universities, your child will be in good hands learning from the experts. They follow the American Camp Association guidelines and are certified in CPR.
Classes are held in small groups with ten students at most to ensure everyone gets the proper attention. They use all the newest software to ensure your child is learning with the latest tech. Their day camps are an excellent way for your child to further their education during the school break.
#3 – Summer Discovery At Cornell
Summer Discovery offers summer pre-college enrichment programs at prestigious universities in New York. Students can explore courses and programs in subjects including business, coding, medical school prep, and leadership in the Ideagen Future Global Leaders Academy.
In courses like the Career Accelerator: Med School Prep, students build a foundation in the practical application of the technical and personal skills necessary to succeed as a medical professional. Action-based simulations led by experts will expose students to the daily work life of a medical professional, including suturing, dissection, trauma response, and clinical diagnostic simulations, and case studies.
The Inc. Magazine Young Entrepreneurs program is also offered and teaches high school students to create a business idea from scratch with the help of top business industry leaders. There is also the Future Global Leaders Academy for students to build their leadership skills.
Summer Discovery programs help teenagers gain real-world insight into their potential career fields through hands-on projects and guidance from industry experts. The in-person programs run on average 2 to 3 weeks during the summer months of June and July. Students stay at the campus, where they reside in double rooms.
#4 – Usdan Summer Camp for the Arts
Usdan is a summer arts camp located in Long Island, New York. The day camp offers bus transportation from across Long Island, as well as Manhattan, Queens, and Brooklyn. The camp is suitable for children ages 5 to 18 years old and looking to grow as artists in a supportive and welcoming environment.
Usdan is the perfect place for creative children to explore their passions, experience nature, and build connections with children and adults who share their interests. There are two sessions, each varying in length — an 8-week session and two 4-week sessions with different start and end dates.
Campers are taught by highly qualified instructions, including actors, painters, directors, musicians, dancers, and other artistic professions. At Usdan, students encounter a diverse community of artists, learn artistic skills, explore new ideas, all while having fun enjoying the typical camp experience on Usdan’s 140-acre wooded property.
#5 – Wildlife Camp Online
Wildlife Camp Online allows your camper to enjoy exclusive behind-the-scenes looks at the animals and exhibits at all five of our NYC parks! Your campers will enjoy up-close animal encounters on land and under water, meet wild animal keepers and scientists, and connect with the natural world!
They’ve built upon the collaborative nature of virtual camp to provide even more opportunities to participate in cool science, take conservation action, and of course, have FUN in an active learning environment.
#6 – Camp Eagle Hill
In 1963, sixty campers enjoyed Camp Eagle Hill for the first time. Since then, campers have found it a top spot to spend their summer vacation in New York while building successful relationships with new friends.
The camp has many facilities, including two pools, a huge gym, a gymnastics pavilion, and a large double looped go-kart track. There are also indoor areas where kids can enjoy their time if there are any sudden weather changes.
Regardless of the age of your kids, they can find a suitable activity that suits them. There are currently two counselors for every seven kids to guarantee that your kids receive the proper attention.
Don’t forget to buy a camp trunk to organize your things.
#7 – Iroquois Springs
Founded in 1931, this overnight camp, located in Rock Hill, is where your kids can find peace and independence. The real magic of this camp is the people who make your kids feel safe and welcomed, Mark and Laura Newfield, the owners and highly experienced Camp Directors.
You can have a virtual tour of the camp before you sign up to have a clear idea of what your kids can enjoy and experience. They offer a wide array of things that your child can participate in, ranging from all types of sports and fun activities.
Iroquois Springs hosts approximately 500 children between the ages of 7 and 16 over the summer. With a superb location surrounded by the beauty of nature, you can rest assured you’re children will enjoy their summer discovering and participating in new things.
#8 – Camp Lakota
This camp has a variety of activities that suit dynamic kids for long hours of unlimited fun. Kids can enjoy several aquatic sports to beat the high temperature and gain confidence while experiencing the ultimate joy in entertaining water activities. They can try zip-lining, gymnastics, arts, dance, horseback riding, and theater.
Founded in 1924, Camp Lakota is close to Masten Lake providing a fun environment for activities. It creates a safe environment where kids can make friends, have fun, and find new interests. Things will never get boring at Camp Lakota because campers can choose from three different activities every day. This gives them the chance to do something they like while also finding new things.
#9 – Camp Hilltop
At Camp Hilltop, your children will have a great time meeting other kids that can become lifelong friends. There’s a wide range of activities that involve arts, outdoor adventure, water sports, and many other things.
Kids who love animals will have the time of their lives practicing trail riding and cleaning their horses. All of this is done in a campus that’s right by the Catskill Mountains.
Let your kids explore a unique talent by exploring their circus art classes. There’s a particular program for first-time campers to help them mingle and fit in. Camp Hilltop provides a range of 2 week all the way up to 8 week camp sessions. Campers can expect delicious meals three times a day from the camp chefs.
#10 – Camp Echo
Camp Echo is located 90 minutes away from New York and opens doors to independence and self-confidence as kids spend time indulging in new and fun activities that will help build their characters. At this sleep-away camp, each camper is placed in a cabin with other children based on their hobbies and interests, ensuring making friends is a lot easier.
Each summer, campers between the ages of 7 and 15 attend Camp Echo. The camp has more than 200 acres of fields and wooded trails that kids can explore with other campers, which makes for life-lasting memories. There are full summer options along with shorter one month camps.
It has large facilities including everything from baseball fields to swimming pools and basketball courts. You can stay in cabins with 11 other campers and through shared experiences campers will build strong friendships.
#11 – Camp Walden
Walden is a co-ed overnight summer camp offering everything under the sun for summertime fun! From athletics to arts, to aquatics, to adventure, Walden has it all. Fun is at the heart of a Walden summer, and they incorporate it into all they do. Their exceptional programs and facilities, including their stunning spring-fed lake, give campers endless opportunities to grow their confidence and skills.
Walden’s highly experienced specialists work with campers to promote skill-building, teamwork, friendship, and fun. At Walden, they continuously encourage campers to take on challenges, explore new interests, and develop talents. Camp Walden provides a summer of fun and a lifetime of memories. Walden campers can enjoy a half summer or a full summer experience.
Here are more other camp guides for neighboring states: Rhode Island, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania