School is ending and summer is officially here! If it’s just sinking in that you have not booked enough camp or other activities to keep your kids busy this summer, don’t panic. Camps have been filling up quickly this year as many people emerge from pandemic hibernation, but there are still plenty of camps with availability to keep your kids engaged and having fun and socializing while you enjoy a few peaceful summer moments to yourself… or at least make progress on that never-ending to do list.
Camp providers are trying to provide as many options as possible to keep things flexible during this transitional time, so there are both in person and virtual options available at many of our favorite local camps this summer. And, as usual, the variety and creativity of camp themes and types is a little overwhelming! In case you need a little help narrowing it down, we have have rounded up some of our favorite camps with available spots…for now. If any of these camps look like the right fit for your kid(s), make sure to reach out to confirm availability and book your spot as soon as possible.
And if you need more options, don’t forget to check out our Virtual Camp Expo directory of featured summer camps.
Brooklyn Robot Foundry
IN PERSON + VIRTUAL – In person and virtual summer camps where kids can build cool robots and participate in creativity and engineering activities. In addition to robot-building, kids participate in games, crafts, socializing and movement breaks. Sign up for full weeks or single days of in person camp or half-day morning/afternoon sessions of virtual camp. Ages: 6-9 (in person); 6-12 (virtual) / Dates: June 28th – September 3rd, 2021/ Location: Online + In Person (Atlantic Avenue, Brooklyn) / Cost: $625 + $75 materials fee per week (in person); $300 + $75 materials per week (virtual) – Single day rates available.
CINEMAKIDZ
IN PERSON + VIRTUAL – Kids take the lead in completing their own film and media projects while learning fundamentals of storytelling, cinematography, editing, and other media arts. Choose from over 14 age-appropriate camp themes at week-long camps online or in person in Brooklyn and Manhattan. In addition to virtual camps, they currently have availability in outdoor-only classes in Prospect Park and in-person camps at the Pine Street School in Manhattan. Ages: 5-15 / Dates: June 7 – August 20, 2021 / Location: Downtown Brooklyn, Lower Manhattan, Outdoor-only @ Prospect Park / Cost: $500-650 per week (in person); $500 per week (outdoor only) – A Child Grows discount: $35 off every week of summer camp: ACG-vip
Smith Street Maternelle
Smith Street Maternelle
IN PERSON – French Immersion Summer Camp for kids to engage in French language learning through play, art, music, storytelling, and science experiments. Open to all levels from beginners to fluent French speakers. Kids absorb new French vocabulary and concepts every day while having fun and exploring new forms of creative expression. Register for one week or up to six weeks at a time. Ages: 2-7 / June 28th – Aug 6th, 2021 / Locations: Carroll Gardens and Gowanus / Cost: $500 per week (mornings only for ages 2-4); $700 per week (full day) – Early Drop off and Extended Day options available.
The Tiny Scientist
IN PERSON + VIRTUAL – Fun and educational in person and online summer programs for kids to participate in hands-on science activities. Choose from fun weekly themes like Candy Chemistry, Toy Lab, Superhero Science Squad, Planetarium Imaginarium, Crazy Kitchen Chemistry, Super Sleuths, and more. It looks like they only have in-person camp availability at their Williamsburg location now. Ages: 4-10 / Dates: June 28th – September 3rd, 2021 / Location: Online + In person (Prospect Heights, South Slope, Williamsburg) / Cost: $600 per week or $140 per day (In Person); $240 per week (online)
Young Judaea Sprout Brooklyn Day Camp
IN PERSON – Hebrew dual-language camp for children (Pre-K to 5th grade) with a diverse community built on Jewish values, a connection to Israel, and the Hebrew language. Kids learn important skills like teamwork and relationship building while participating in activities like instructional swimming, robotics, sports, cooking, art and more. No previous Hebrew experience required. Ages: PreK-5th Grade / Dates: June 28th – August 13th, 2021 (4 sessions) / Location: Red Hook / Cost: $605 per 1 week session (Session 1); $1,260 per two-week session (Sessions 2-4). Multiple session discounts available.
TREASURE TRUNK THEATRE
IN PERSON + VIRTUAL – In person theater camps take place outdoors in parks all over Brooklyn this summer, while immersive virtual camps will be offered online in small groups. Campers learn dance choreography, act out stories, work on art projects, and more. Choose from age-appropriate and fun weekly themes for in person and virtual camps. Flexible registration options available. Ages: 3-6 & 6-8 / Dates: June 7th – September 10th, 2021 / Location: Online + In Person (Parks in Brooklyn Heights, Carroll Gardens, Fort Greene, Park Slope, Prospect Heights, Williamsburg) / Cost: $240-600 per week
NEW YORK AQUARIUM CAMP AND WILDLIFE CAMP ONLINE
IN PERSON + VIRTUAL – Nature camps allow kids to learn all about animals in person or online this summer. The NY Aquarium camp still has limited availability for 1st-2nd Graders to explore the NY Aquarium in person and investigate the ocean like marine biologists in small groups. Wildlife Camp Online also has spots available for campers to enjoy up-close animal encounters and deep dives, meet wild animal keepers and scientists, and connect with the natural world. Ages: PreK-8th Grade / Dates: June 28 – September 3 / Location: NY Aquarium (Coney Island) + Online / Cost: $600 per week (Aquarium); $150-275 per week (Wildlife Camp Online) – Member prices available.
Brooklyn Game Lab
IN PERSON + VIRTUAL – In person game-playing camps take place at one of their Labs (with daily outdoor time in the park) or entirely outdoors in Prospect Park. Online Dungeons & Dragons programs are also offered with an optional Writers’ Workshop add-on for kids who want to write fantasy fiction. Ages: 6-13 (in person); 7-16 (online) / Dates: June 28th – September 3rd / Location: Online + In Person (Park Slope & Prospect Park) / In Person Cost: $595 per week (traditional); $545 per week (outdoor) / Online Cost: $360 per week (D&D only); $595 per week (D&D + Writer’s Workshop) – Daily rates & multi-day discounts available.
Child’s Play NY
Child’s Play NY
IN PERSON – Theater camps with a focus on dramatic play where kids can work collaboratively and creatively. Camps themes include superheroes, mythology, and space as well as sessions inspired by Harry Potter and Minecraft, and the Wizard of Oz. Limited availability in the Brooklyn Heights location (waitlist only except for week 7/26-7/30), but they have available spots for ages 3-5 and 4-6 in Carroll Gardens and ages 4-6 in Fort Greene. Ages: 3-11/ Dates: July 26 – September 3, 2021 / Location: Brooklyn Heights, Carroll Gardens, Fort Greene/ Cost: $400 per week (half days); $700 per week (full days)
Creatively Wild Art Studio
IN PERSON – Summer art camp in the Creatively Wild Art Studio for kids and teens to explore painting, drawing, mixed media, collage, found object art, 3D works (using recycled materials), cartooning, doodling, manga art, and more. Art projects are designed around fun themes and outdoor time is included in full camp days. They also offer Stop Motion Animation Camps for kids and teens and Toddler Art Camp. Ages: 4.5-8 (kids); 9-16 (teens); 22 months – 3.5 years (toddlers) / Dates: June 14 – September 10, 2021 / Location: DUMBO / Cost: $695 per week or $150 per day (full day); $95 per half day
THE GEEK FOREST
SPLAT CAMP
IN PERSON – Summer camp that focuses on everything “weird, gross, and cool.” Kids participate in creative projects that blend art, play, and STEM activities with weekly themes like Intergalactic Explorers, Things with Wings, Midsommer Halloween, Bling, and Demigod Delight. The week-long camp ends with a party to celebrate and share camper creations. Campers also participate in outdoor activities, movement, and more. Ages: 4-10 / Dates: July 5th – August 6th, 2021 / Location: Downtown Brooklyn / Cost: $595 per week
Starlight Preparatory Summer Academy
IN PERSON – Accelerated academics and STREAM (Science, Technology, Reading, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics) Summer Academy is committed to preventing the “summer slide” as well as learning loss due to pandemic school closures. The interactive lessons are combined with comprehensive literacy curriculum and reading program that will help kids retain and enhance reading skills over the summer. Ages: 5-10 / Dates: July 12th – September 3rd, 2021 / Location: 4426 18th Avenue, Brooklyn / Cost: $300 per week
NYC Guitar School
NYC Guitar School
IN PERSON + VIRTUAL – Immersive music camps for kids and teens in guitar, songwriting, music production, and more. With the guidance of an expert coach, in-person campers play music with a band in a fully equipped rehearsal space and perform in a virtual show for family and friends. Virtual camps include small-group learning, independent practice, and coaching from NYC Guitar School instructors via video conference and cloud-based digital audio work spaces. Ages: 8-17 / Dates: July 5th – August 13th, 2021 / Location: Funkadelic Studios (Manhattan) / Cost: Varies
Textile Arts Center
Textile Arts Center Summer Camp
IN PERSON – Each week of Summer Camp includes an in-depth project using fiber and textile techniques while kids (ages 5-10) also explore online textile exhibitions and local textile artists. Campers get to try out printing, felting, sewing, weaving, and dyeing with both natural and synthetic dyes at the Textile Arts Center and take daily walks to Prospect Park (weather permitting). Tweens (11-14) can also take Summer Classes with weekly field trips to Prospect Park. Ages: 5-14 / Dates: July 12th – August 20th, 2021 / Location: Gowanus / Cost: $535 per week
Dancewave – (IN PERSON) Creative dance camps and week-long intensives for kids of all ages. Ages 3-6 are introduced to the fundamentals of ballet, modern, and choreography. Ages 7-9 dance and develop an original musical composition using props, costumes, and scenery to be performed at the end of the week. Week-long dance intensives also offered for ages 11-18+ in August. Ages: 3-18 / Dates: July 12 – August 27, 2021/ Location: Downtown Brooklyn / Cost: $225-$700 per week
Goose Grease House – (IN PERSON) Summer art workshops immerse young artists in history and art while simultaneously creating art. Their creative workshop themes include The Titanic, Folk Art, Japanese Woodcuts, The Harlem Renaissance, Narnia, and more. Each week-long workshop includes daily hands-on building, outdoor playtime, lunch outside at the park, and free time in their studio. Ages: 5-12 / Dates: July 5th – August 20th, 2021 / Location: Williamsburg, Brooklyn / Cost: $550 per week
Imagine Camp – (IN PERSON) Workshop Middle School hosts summer camp for kids to “dream, design, and make personal passion projects.” The first week focuses on woodworking and making; the second week focuses on creative writing and dramatic performance. The camp is inspired by the middle school’s innovative project-based curriculum for art, technology, and entrepreneurship. Every camper receives one-on-one mentoring on their passion project. Ages: 7-11 / Dates: August 9-20, 2021 / Location: Prospect Lefferts Gardens / Cost: $150-700 per week
THESE CAMPS WERE CHOSEN BY OUR EDITORS AND INCLUDED AT NO COST, BUT SOME CAMPS HAVE CHOSEN TO SPONSOR THEIR LISTINGS AFTER SELECTION. *We have added additional camps to this list who are current advertisers upon request. Please note that we often know these camps through recommendation, but we don’t have personal experience with all of them. We cannot guarantee statements listed here or that the camps follow the safety precautions stated. Please check for yourself!