General interest camps

Upper East Side Art Farm

Art Farm in the city
Little ones flock to this intimate camp for one thing: the resident animals. Once enrolled, kids do a lot more than pet bunnies. They also listen to stories, cook healthy meals, and play outside at either Carl Schurz Park or Asphalt Green. Full-day campers take twice-weekly Super Soccer Stars classes and go swimming at the Y. Each week’s activities center on a theme, such as the circus, rock & roll, or mad science. 419 E 91st St between First and York Aves (212-410-3117, theartfarms.org). Camp runs Jun 29–Aug 21; hours and days per session vary. One-week session $225–$600. Ages 3 to 8.

Camp Henry
Upon arriving each morning, campers are treated to breakfast—a major perk for busy parents. Kids then delve into a series of 60- and 90-minute activities, such as swimming, sports, arts, community service, scavenger hunts, performances and weekly field trips. At the end of July, children share what they’ve learned with their families at a special Parents Night. 301 Henry St between Grand and Montgomery Sts (212-254-3100, ext 278; henrystreet.org). Single session runs Jul 6–Aug 28, Mon–Fri 8:30am–5:30pm. Through Mar 12: $1,150. After Mar 12: $1,300. Ages 5½ to 13.

CAMP INTREPID
Are you ready to unleash your child’s inner science geek? Then send her to Camp Intrepid, where kids can create inventions, build model space shuttles, uncover mysteries from sunken ships and learn about the solar system during themed weeks. 1 Intrepid Sq, Twelfth Ave at 46th St (646-381-5166, intrepidmuseum.org). Camp runs Jul 6–Aug 28, Mon–Fri 9am–5pm. New campers: One-week session $450, eight-week session $3,500. Returning campers, through Feb 15: One-week session $375, eight-week session $2,800. Ages 6 to 13.

Columbia Grammar
Head teachers supervise campers in air-conditioned classrooms equipped with surefire kid-magnets: building-block areas, computers, a crafts center, a dress-up area and a library. When they’re not in “home camp,” kids run around two outdoor play areas featuring splash pools, sprinklers, climbing equipment, play houses, basketball hoops, picnic tables and Little Tikes ride-on cars. Daily arts, music and movement classes and cooperative games are also offered. In the on-site indoor pool kids can enjoy both instructional and free swim time. 26 W 94th St between Central Park West and Columbus Ave (212-749-6200, ext 225; cgps.org). Camp runs Jun 15–Jul 24, Mon–Fri 9am–3pm. Three-week session $2,100; six-week session $3,700. Ages 4 to 10.

A dalton summer
A seasoned teacher, bolstered by a number of young adults (often Dalton teens), guides small groups of campers in computer games, science experiments, art projects and recreational swimming in the school’s above-ground pool. Field trips are frequent, and “special days” include Sundaes on Mondays, Pajama Day, Costume Day and an all-camp BBQ. 53–63 E 91st St between Madison and Park Aves (212-423-5421, dalton.org/program/summer). Single session runs Jun 22–Jul 31; Mon–Thu 8:30am–3:30pm, Fri 8:30am–noon. $4,000. Ages 3 to 9.

Downtown day Camp
At the Manhattan Youth Center (and adjoining P.S. 234), campers stay busy by practicing karate, making ceramics and other crafts, competing in field sports, learning to drum and swimming in the facility’s private pool. All counselors are licensed teachers and/or school administrators, so parents can check any anxiety at the door. Manhattan Youth Center, 120 Warren St between Greenwich and Chambers Sts (212-766-1104, ext 234; downtowndaycamp.com). Camp runs Jun 29–Aug 21, Mon–Fri 9am–5pm. Early drop-off/late pick-up options available for additional fee. Three-week session $1,495, four-week session $1,895, seven-week session $3,050. Ages 5 to 12.

JUNIOR KEEPERS
If your kid is an aspiring zookeeper, he can begin his training at this four-day program put on by the Central Park Zoo. Children meet real zookeepers and help them prepare special treats for critters. The Zoo School, 830 Fifth Ave at 64th St (212-439-6583, centralparkzoo.com). Camp runs Jun 15–18; call for hours. $250. Ages 4 and 5.

KINDERZOO
Little animal lovers learn what differentiates mammals, birds, amphibians and reptiles from one another. The Zoo School, 830 Fifth Ave at 64th St (212-439-6583, centralparkzoo.com). Camp runs Jun 15–18; call for hours and prices. Ages 4 and 5.

Little red summer camp
Children gather in age-based groups for games, art, outdoor play, cooking, science, music and camper-directed (rather than counselor-led) projects. Additionally, all campers select age-specific electives—such as gymnastics, sports, Mandarin language, creative writing, clayworks, moviemaking or science—that meet daily for the duration of each session. Camp-wide field trips to the Central Park Zoo, Liberty Science Center, Children’s Museum of Manhattan and other child-friendly institutions are highlights. 272 Sixth Ave at Bleecker St (212-477-5316, ext 506; lrei.org). Camp runs Jun 22–Jul 31, Mon–Fri 9am–4pm or 9am–1pm. Two-week session $980 (full day), $610 (half day). Ages 3½ to 10.

Oasis
If you’ve ever roamed Central Park on a weekday in the summer, you’ve probably glimpsed Oasis campers—in matching T-shirts—cheering, running around or gobbling up their daily picnic. Each day begins with a camp-wide team-building cheer, plus morning announcements and shout-outs to campers with new accomplishments. Then campers disperse for four activity sessions in art, sports, outdoor education and swimming. Field trips to major city institutions—like the Bronx Zoo or the New York Hall of Science—occur weekly. Central Park, enter park from Central Park West at 96th St (718-596-4900, oasischildren.com). Camp runs Jun 29–Aug 21, Mon–Fri 9am–5pm. Two-week session $995. Ages 6 to 11.

POLY PREP SUMMER CAMP
Campers play on 25 acres of green space, where there’s plenty of room to run, jump and swim all day long. Daily camp activities include sports, dance, art and games. Summer highlights are Ice Cream Day, Camp Barbecue and a miniature Olympics. 9216 Seventh Ave at 92nd St, Bay Ridge, Brooklyn (718-836-9800, ext 3220; polyprep.org). Call for dates and prices. Ages 3 to 13.

WEEK OF WILDLIFE
During this week at the zoo, children get to explore every habitat in the animal kingdom and meet two of the zoo’s newest residents: the snow leopards. The Zoo School, 830 Fifth Ave at 64th St (212-439-6583, centralparkzoo.com). Camp runs Jul 13-–17, 9:30am–2:30pm. $280. Ages 6 and 7.

ZOO EXPLORER
If your kid pitches a fit every time a zoo trip ends, sign him up for five days of intense exploration of the Central Park Zoo. Campers get up close and personal with the zoo’s wildlife and hear lessons on conservation and other ways of helping their animal friends. The Zoo School, 830 Fifth Ave at 64th St (212-439-6583, centralparkzoo.com). Camp runs Jul 20–24, 9:30am–2:30pm. $280. Ages 8 and 9.

General interest camps

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Arts camps

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