Amerikick Summer Skills Camp
The program teaches kids the core values of martial arts: discipline, respect, focus, motivation and physical fitness. Every week, children explore a new culture and a new sport. One week, they could be learning about China and practicing acrobatics; in another, they may study Puerto Rico and beef up their kickboxing skills. •529 Fifth Ave at 15th St, Park Slope, Brooklyn (718-768-8200, amerikick.com/brooklyn); •5815 Fifth Ave at 58th St, Sunset Park, Brooklyn (718-567-7860, amerikick.com/brooklyn). Camp runs Jul 6–Aug 28, Mon–Fri 8:30am–2pm. Extended hours (until 6pm) $15 per day, or $60 per week. Before Apr 1: One-week session $195. After Apr 1: One-week session $300. Ages 5 to 12.
Asphalt Green
Children are divided into three age brackets: peewee (for tots entering kindergarten and first grade), junior (for kids entering the second and third grades) and senior (for rising fourth-, fifth-, sixth- and seventh-graders). Music and arts and crafts are on the bill of weekly activities, but the camp takes full advantage of its venue’s top-notch athletic facilities. On a typical day, campers receive swim instruction and work up a sweat playing soccer, basketball, baseball and softball. 555 E 90th St between York and East End Aves (646-981-2384, asphaltgreen.org/camp). Camp runs Jun 29–Aug 14, Mon–Fri 8:30am–4:30pm. Pre-camp service begins at 7:30am and after-camp service runs until 6:30pm (for an additional fee). $3,000–$3,995 depending on length of session and camper’s age. Ages 4 to 13.
BASKETBALL CITY’S SUMMER CAMPS
Current and former professional basketball players, as well as high-school and college coaches, take campers under their wing and help them improve their dribbling, shooting and passing skills. On a typical day kids warm up with drills, play full-court league games, compete in friendly contests and sometimes even listen to lectures on the sport. Call for location and dates (718-786-4242, basketballcity.com). Camp runs Mon–Fri 9am–4pm. One-week session $400. Ages 7 to 17.
Brooklyn fencing center
According to the director of this specialized summer program, children who are convinced they don’t like sports often find fencing to be an exception to the rule because it’s a mental game as much as a physical one. Campers begin the day with an athletic warm-up, followed by fencing exercises, matches, footwork lessons and tactical analysis of videotaped bouts. On some days they also receive short private lessons. Brooklyn Fencing Center, 62 4th St at Hoyt St, second floor, Carroll Gardens, Brooklyn (718-522-5822, brooklynfencing.com). Camp runs Jul 20–Aug 28, Mon–Fri 10am–3pm. One-week session $400. Applications accepted beginning in April. Ages 7 to 18.
Camp Chelsea piers
Super athletes with gung ho enthusiasm choose any of 12 sports (options include rock climbing, bowling, soccer, volleyball, kickball, basketball, gymnastics and even ice skating) or diversify their summer by signing up for a smattering of one-week sessions. The camp’s greatest draw is its unparalleled facility (within Manhattan, at least). Eleventh Ave at 23rd St (212-336-6846, chelseapiers.com/camps). Camp runs Jun 22–Sept 4. Call for hours and pricing. Ages 3 to 17.
Crossover sports Academy
Campers engage in a full day of sports, with emphasis on baseball, basketball, Wiffle ball, capture the flag, dodge ball, soccer and flag football. Though kids will leave having experienced “winning” and “losing,” the camp prides itself on its noncompetitive atmosphere, which nurtures both experienced athletes and novices. 320 E 20th St between First and Second Aves (866-468-8072, crossoversportsacademy.com). Camp runs Jul 13–24, Aug 3–7; Mon–Fri 8:45am–4:30pm. One-week session $450. Ages 7 to 14.
LIC Kids Camp
Kids get a chance to exercise their minds and bodies with martial arts, gymnastics, arts and crafts, music, yoga and creative movement classes. Campers can attend part-time (three classes per day) or sign up for a full day of six classes, broken up by storytelling, lunchtime and outdoor playing. 5-02 50th Ave at 5th St, Long Island City, Queens (718-392-5437, lickids.com). Subway: 7 to Vernon Blvd–Jackson Ave. Camp runs Jun 29–Sep 4; Mon-Fri 9am–noon or 9am–6pm. Two week minimum. $450-$4800, depending on the number of sessions purchased. Ages 2 1/2 to 9; campers are grouped by age: 2 1/2 to 3 1/2, 4 to 6, 6 1/2 to 9.
Forest Equine Center
Horseback riding isn’t just for the suburban gentry. At this camp, your savvy urban babe gets to saddle up too. Each camper grooms his horse and learns about its body and movements, then hops on and learns how to control the animal’s speed and direction. Once they’ve proven basic ability, children ride trails through Forest Park. Experienced riders improve their skills through lessons. 88-11 70th Rd at Metropolitan Ave, Forest Hills, Queens (718-263-3500, forestequinecenter.com). Three-week session $1,425. Call for dates and age range.
New York city summer Sailing camp
In this program, children receive lessons, race one another along the Hudson and plan their own sailing trips. Campers will learn to trim sails, tie knots and man the helm aboard a variety of modern boats. Instructors who are certified by the American Sailing Association and the U.S. Sailing Association ride along. 79th Street Boat Basin, Riverside Park, W 79th St at the Hudson River (212-518-4604, atlanticyachting.org). Camp runs Jun 15–Aug 28, Mon–Fri 9am–3:30pm. Two-week session $2,190. Ages 9 to 15.
New York Giants Youth Football Camp
Just like their Superbowl heroes during training camp, children here run, throw, catch, defend and form blocks. Exercises are led by some big guns in the sport: college coaches and, yes, former members of the New York Giants. Aviator Sports and Recreation, Hangar 5, Floyd Bennett Field, Mill Basin, Brooklyn (877-226-9919, prosportsexperience.com/giants). Camp runs Jul 6–10, 9am–3pm. One-week session $435. Ages 6 to 14.
92ND STREET Y SPORTS CAMPS
Children with a zest for all things athletic, and a penchant for watching professional sports on TV, are in luck. At this camp, young baseball players are instructed by former Mets outfielder Shawn Green; soccer stars take part in a premier program, and hoops enthusiasts shoot with former NBA All-Star Jamal Mashburn. A recreational swim is also included in the daily mix. Call for dates, location and price (212-415-5573, 92y.org). Ages 7 to 12.
RANDALL’S ISLAND SPORTS CAMP
If you’re raising little athletes or just want your child to learn the basics of a sport, consider this new program. Children can choose to participate in softball, soccer, field hockey, golf, tennis, baseball or lacrosse. If they can’t pick just one, they can enroll in the outfit’s MultiSport Camp. Randalls Island (212-427-5689, randallsislandsportscamp.com). Camp runs Jun 8–26, Jul 13–17, Aug 17–21; Mon–Fri 9am–4pm. One week paid in full by May 1 $375, one week paid after May 1 $400. Optional transportation (from Upper East Side or Upper West Side) $100 per week. Ages 7 to 14.
Slam Summer camp: Streb trapeze academy
Kids who dream of joining the circus can opt for one of four camps: Circus (ages 7 to 13), Little Kid Action (ages 4 to 6), KIDACTION Intensive (ages 7 to 13) and Personal Best (ages 8 to 13). In each program, campers jump on trampolines and learn acrobatics and aerial tricks—including how to maneuver hoops and stilts. They also learn about the sound and technical design components of a circus routine. While campers display a range of gymnastic abilities, most are curious, natural climbers with energy to spare. 51 North 1st St between Wythe and Kent Aves, Williamsburg, Brooklyn (718-384-6491, streb.org). Camp runs Jun 29–Jul 24. Call for times. One-week session $250–$550 depending on camper’s age and length of day. Ages 3 to 13.
General interest camps | Commuter camps | Arts camps | ![]() Sports camps | Academic camps |
![]() Special needs camps | ![]() Preschool camps | ![]() Camp gear | ![]() Open houses | What to ask camp directors |