Academic camps

American Museum of Natural History: Astrophysics Camp
Starstruck kids can unlock the mysteries of the universe, learn how to build and test rockets and hear how scientists gather information from planets and moons millions of miles away. The Rose Center at the American Museum of Natural History, 5 W 81st St between Columbus Ave and Central Park West (212-769-5200, amnh.org). Camp runs Jul 5–9 (ages 7 to 9), Jul 12–16 (ages 9 to 11), Jul 19–23 (ages 11 to 13); Mon–Fri 9am–4pm. One-week session $450. Ages 7 to 13.

American Museum of Natural History: Evolution Institute
Kids will have access to the museum’s fossil halls, genetics lab and world-famous collections to study evolution. Campers will learn how the study of evolution is used to help track illegal wildlife hunting, monitor the spread of the H1N1 virus and identify endangered species. Application required. American Museum of Natural History, Central Park West at 79th St (212-769-5200, amnh.org). Camp runs Jun 29–Jul 9, Mon–Fri 9am–4pm. Must apply by Apr 28. Two-week session $945. Ages 12 to 14.

American Museum of Natural History: Fossils and DNA
This weeklong educational adventure starts with early primates and eventually introduces campers to the first hominids. Along the way kids will learn about DNA and fossil evidence. The Hall of Human Origins, American Museum of Natural History, Central Park West at 79th St (212-760-2500, amnh.org). Camp runs Jul 19–23 (ages 7 to 9), Jul 26–30 (ages 9 to 11), Aug 16–20 (ages 11 to 13); Mon–Fri 9am–4pm. One-week session $450. Ages 7 to 13.

American Museum of Natural History: Lizards and Snakes
Go behind the scenes of the museum’s Lizards & Snakes: Alive! exhibit. During the week campers will pay a visit to Central Park as well as other local habitats to learn more about the feeding habits, movement and mythology of these creatures. American Museum of Natural History, Central Park West at 79th St (212-769-5200, amnh.org). Camp runs Aug 2–6 (ages 9 to 11), Aug 16–20 (ages 7 to 9); Mon–Fri 9am–4pm. One-week session $450. Ages 7 to 11.

American Museum of Natural History: Polar Expedition
Take a virtual icy excursion to this frozen continent to learn about Antarctica. Kids take a look at the strategies that have kept explorers alive in extreme weather and study the life forms that call the harsh terrain home. American Museum of Natural History, Central Park West at 79th St (212-769-5200, amnh.org). Camp runs Aug 2–6 (ages 7 to 9), Aug 16–20 (ages 9 to 11); Mon–Fri 9am–4pm. One-week session $450. Ages 7 to 11.

American Museum of Natural History: Robotics
Kids get a crash course in robotics as they learn computer programming and teamwork using Lego Mindstorms’ robotics kits and computers. Kids will design, build and program their own robots. American Museum of Natural History, Central Park West at 79th St (212-769-5200, amnh.org). Camp runs Jun 21–25 (ages 11 to 13), Jul 12–16 (ages 9 to 11); Mon-Fri 9am–4pm. One-week session $450. Ages 9 to 13.

American Museum of Natural History Sampler
Little ones who are too young to traipse off to camp can still benefit from this sampler, which combines the highlights of some of the museum’s other camp offerings, like Astrophysics, Silk Road, and Lizards and Snakes. American Museum of Natural History, Central Park West at 79th St (212-769-4200, amnh.org). Camp runs Jun 29–Jul 1, Tue–Thu 9am–1pm. $350. Ages 5 to 6.

American Museum of Natural History: Silk Road
Artsy kids learn how to make paper from pulp, spin silk from cocoons and dye fabrics with indigo as they explore the cultures, food and music along the Silk Road. American Museum of Natural History, Central Park West at 79th St (212-769-5200, amnh.org). Camp runs Jul 12–16 (ages 7 to 9), Jul 19–23 (ages 9 to 11); Mon–Fri 9am–4pm. One-week session $450. Ages 7 to 11.

American Museum of Natural History: Virtual Worlds
Campers design, animate and program realistic simulations of ecosystems, then step back in time and investigate the past in 3-D. American Museum of Natural History, Central Park West at 79th St (212-769-5200, amnh.org). Camp runs Aug 9–13, Mon–Fri 9am-4pm. One-week session $450. Ages 12 to 14.

ArchiCamp
Lots of kids have doodled a house or skyscraper at the kitchen table, but if yours want to transform those sketches into real-life structures, send them to ArchiCamp. In the morning campers learn about an architectural principle and then apply it to a miniature building project. In the afternoon they trot outside to examine a building or neighborhood that exemplifies the concept they’re learning about. 44 E 32nd St at Park Ave South (718-768-6123, archikids.org). Camp runs Jul 12–Aug 7, Mon–Fri 9am–5pm. One-week session $485 plus one-time $20 registration fee. Ages 9 to 13.

Bank Street Summer School
In air-conditioned classrooms younger campers (ages 4 to 8) spend their days working on visual arts projects, swimming, taking Spanish immersion and science classes, and playing games. In the Upper Camp, for ages 8 to 14, students specialize in a subject of interest. During the first two-week session, campers can choose from courses in robotics and animation, chess, sports or travel (this option includes cultural day trips and a two-night stay in Washington, D.C.). The second session, which is five weeks long, features programs in theater, film, sports, science, studio art and travel (this time, campers spend four nights in Vermont and three nights in Hershey, Pennsylvania). The August session, which is just over a week, includes classes in Mandarin, flamenco, chess, fashion and photojournalism. All campers participate in American Red Cross swimming lessons. 610 W 112th St between Broadway and Riverside Dr (212-875-4705, bankstreet.edu/camp). Camp runs Jun 14–Aug 6, Mon–Fri 8:30am–3pm, with extended care until 6pm for an additional fee. Two-week session $1,120–$3,500 depending on length of day and camper’s age. Ages 4 to 14.

Brooklyn Cultural Adventures Program
In their daily activities—including visits to two cultural institutions, where the kids receive hands-on lessons in the arts and sciences— campers explore the year’s camp theme (“Wild in the City”) and learn how humans and nature adapt to each other in urban environments. Heart of Brooklyn, 789 Washington Ave between Lincoln Pl and St. Johns Pl, Crown Heights, Brooklyn (718-638-7700, ext 10; bcap.heartofbrooklyn.org). Camp runs Jul 6–Aug 13, Mon–Fri 9am–3:30pm in two-week sessions. July 6-16 $600; July 19-30 and Aug 2-13 $650. Ages 7 to 12.

Camp Intrepid
Each week at this camp-aboard-an-aircraft-carrier is themed around one of the countries visited by the Intrepid during its years of service. Campers learn about the customs and cultures of different nations, make (and eat) international foods, learn about astronomy, create inventions and study the marine life of the Hudson River. 1 Intrepid Sq, Twelfth Ave at 46th St (646-381-5166, intrepidmuseum.org). Camp runs Jul 5–Aug 27, Mon–Fri 9am–5pm. One-week session $450. Enroll by Apr 1 for a 15–25 percent discount. Ages 6 to 13.

Camp Tevah for Science & Nature
Children go on twice-weekly field trips to nature-themed destinations like the Maritime Aquarium in Norwalk, Connecticut, the Liberty Science Center and the Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge. Back at camp, kids take part in dissecting, solar cooking, birding and fishing. They also get to play in the campground’s lake and pool and on the athletic fields. At the end of the session, children attend an overnight. Henry Kaufmann Campgrounds, Rockland County, NY (212-415-5573, 92y.org). Camp runs Jun 29–Aug 6, Mon–Fri 8am–5pm. Single six-week session $4,500. Free bus transportation provided round-trip to and from the 92nd Street Y. Bus transportation from other Manhattan locations $125 for the summer. Ages 8 to 11.

Carmelo the Science Fellow at the Cosmic Cove
Science teacher Carmelo Piazza (known to giggly kids as “Carmelo the Marshmallow”) leads campers in indoor and outdoor experiments, encouraging them to ask questions and work in groups with their peers. In one session children delve into “grossness” by conjuring artificial mucus; in another they study the ocean and build take-home aquariums. Additional topics include “Root for the Shoot” (botany) and “Pollution Is Not the Solution” (ecology). Click here for a Q&A with Carmelo. 300 Atlantic Ave between Hoyt and Smith Sts, Boerum Hill, Brooklyn (718-722-0000, carmelothesciencefellow.com). Camp runs Jul 5–Aug 27, Mon–Fri 9am–3pm. One-week session $395. Ages 5 to 11.

China Institute’s Summer Program
In small classes, children learn to speak Mandarin by taking part in cultural-immersion activities such as martial arts, musical and theatrical performances, calligraphy lessons, storytelling and cooking sessions. China Institute, 125 E 65th St between Park and Lexington Aves (212-744-8181, chinainstitute.org). Camp runs Jun 28–Aug 6, Mon–Fri 9am¬–3pm or 9am¬–noon. Two-week session $1,200 (full day), $800 (half day). Ages 3 to 8.

ConstructionKids
Over the course of each weeklong session, campers learn to use real tools while working on a group construction project. Themes range from playhouses to go-karts, which the tots showcase at the end of each week in nearby Prospect Park. 495 Flatbush Ave between Empire Blvd and Lefferts Ave, Prospect-Lefferts Gardens, Brooklyn (646-529-9402, constructionkidsnyc.com). Camp runs Jun 14-Sept 3, Mon-Fri 9am–3:30pm. One-week session $400. Ages 5 to 10.

Cooking Academy at Claremont
Trained chefs help kids pick up the skills and techniques needed to run a kitchen. They also accompany campers on excursions to farmers markets, the Essex Street Food Market and the French Culinary Institute. The camp ends with a banquet lunch prepared by the mini-chefs; friends and family are invited. Claremont Preparatory School, 41 Broad St between Beaver and Exchange Sts (212-232-0266, ext 254; claremontprep.org). Camp runs Jun 28–Jul 2, Jul 19–Jul 23; Mon¬–Fri 8:30am–3:30pm. One-week session $695. Ages 10 to 14.

Curious Jane
Little ladies get to dabble in science and engineering. The brainchild of an industrial designer and all-girls educator, this camp explores weekly themes such as toy design, illustration and story arts, lab science and animal nature. •Berkeley Carroll School, 181 Lincoln Pl between Seventh and Eighth Aves, Park Slope, Brooklyn. Camp runs Jul 26 –Aug 20, Mon–Fri 9am–3:30pm; •Poly Prep Country Day School, 9216 Seventh Ave at 92nd St, Bay Ridge, Brooklyn. Camp runs Jul 6–30, Mon–Fri 9am–3:30pm; •Marymount School, 2 E 82nd St at Fifth Ave. Camp runs Jul 26–Aug 20, Mon–Fri 9am–3:30pm. To register, go to girlsdreamoutloud.com or call 800-883-2540. One-week session $375–$475; multiweek and friends & family discounts available. Mention Time Out Kids to receive $50 off per week. Discounts cannot be combined. The highest discount will be applied. Ages 7 to 12.

JCC University
Kids who already have their day-camp diploma get to move on to the next level at this college-themed program. Divided into two-week-long sessions, the camp allows kids to choose a major (choices range from storytelling to sciences) and a set of electives. Children participate in activities specifically tailored to their interests, plus swim lessons, field trips and other special events. 334 Amsterdam Ave at 76th St (646-505-4430, jccmanhattan.org). Camp runs Jun 28–Aug 19, Mon–Fri 8:50am–4pm. Two-week session $1,175. Ages 7 to 9.

Juguemos a Cantar
Wanna-be Doras and Diegos eager to expand their Spanish vocabularies beyond “uno, dos, tres” should sign up for a week at this camp. Children participate in the typical roster of activities—singing, crafts, outdoor playtime, field trips. Guiding them are Spanish language teachers, who reinforce grammar all day long. 438 Sixth Ave between 9th and 10th Sts, Park Slope, Brooklyn (917-453-1187, juguemos.org). Camp runs Jun 28–Aug 13 (ages 2–6), Aug 3–13 (ages 7–10); Mon–Fri 9:30am–12:30pm (Ages 2 and 3), 9am–3pm (ages 4 to 10). One-week session, half day $241; full day $414. Ages 2 to 10.

Launch Math Achievement Centers
The ten-camper-max enrollment at these math and science camps guarantees your little ones will receive special attention as they partake in a variety of hands-on learning experiences. The Aspiring Astronaut camp for pre-K kids offers an introduction to geometry and basic math facts through games like musical chairs and scavenger hunts. Older campers choose from several themed camps, ranging from video-game design to rocket science, where math is meant to be fun, never frustrating. 173 W 81st St between Columbus and Amsterdam Aves, lower level (949-528-6240, launchmath.com). Camps run Jun 14–Sept 3, Mon–Fri 9am–3:30pm. One-week session $545 ($350 for pre-K camp). Ages 5 to 13.

Level Up! Bootcamp
Instead of spending the summer playing video games, kids get off the couch and learn how to design them. With the help of professional game designers, children work together to create a final design that centers on a social or global issue—and doubles as a social-action campaign. Global Kids, 137 E 25th St between Third and Lexington Aves, second floor (levelupbootcamp.org). Camp runs Jul 26–30, Mon–Fri 9am–5pm. $1,000. Ages 16 to 18.

LIU Brooklyn Summer Camp
Well-rounded kids can dabble in a mix of academics, athleticism and arts during this summer experience. Academic workshops include classes in game development, robotics, basic science and languages (take your pick from Spanish, Hebrew and English) and are complemented by creative programs like comics for kids and Project Runway kid. On top of the artsy and academic offerings, campers can swim, and play baseball, basketball and soccer. LIU Brooklyn Summer Camp, 1 University Plaza between Flatbush and DeKalb Aves, Fort Greene, Brooklyn (718-488-1362, childrensacademy.liu.edu). Camp runs Jul 6–16, Jul 26–Aug 6, Aug 9–20; Mon–Fri 9am–noon (ages 3 to 6), 9am–4pm (ages 7 to 12). One-week session $275 (half day), $550 (full day). Ages 3 to 12.

Neighborhood History Camp
Looking to expose your child to country life without an hour-long bus ride? This one-of-a-kind program might fit the bill: It’s housed in midtown’s little-known Mount Vernon Hotel Museum, constructed as a carriage house in 1799 and opened as a pastoral getaway for downtown Manhattanites in 1826. Hotel guests used to swim in the East River and eat turtle soup—today’s campers do not. Instead, they wander through the site’s period rooms and garden, tackling 19th-century craft projects and games along the way. Older campers (ages 9 to 12) take architectural tours of the city and go on field trips. 421 E 61st St between First and York Aves (212-838-6878, mvhm.org). For ages 6 to 8, camp runs Jul 19–23, Mon–Fri 9am–noon. Through Mar 31: One-week session $150. As of Apr 1: One-week session $175. For ages 9 to 12, camp runs Jul 12–16, Mon–Fri 8:30am–3pm. Through Mar 31: One-week session $225. As of Apr 1: One-week session $250. Ages 6 to 12.

On the Spot: Improvisation
This workshop introduces campers to the art of improv, with potentially hilarious results. The Irondale Center, 85 South Oxford St between Lafayette and Greene Aves, Fort Greene, Brooklyn (718-488-9233, irondale.org). Camp runs Jul 12–16, Mon–Fri 9am–3pm. $500. Ages 8 to 14.

OSH Garden Explorers
Garden educator Bruni Torras introduces youngsters to the world of plant life at the historic Old Stone House. Kids can nurture their green thumbs by exploring the foliage around them, visiting community gardens, shopping at farmers’ markets and preparing seasonal vegetarian dishes. Budding gardeners round out their experience with related art and creative writing projects. 3rd St between Fourth and Fifth Aves, Park Slope, Brooklyn (718-768-3195, theoldstonehouse.org). Camp runs Jul 5–30, Mon–Fri 9am–3pm. One-week session $550. Ages 8 to 11.

Piece Makers
This two-week intensive program gives students a chance to build an original show from scratch. Along the way they’ll learn many of the exercises and games used by the Irondale’s professional company. The workshop concludes with a public performance and pizza dinner for family and friends. The Irondale Center, 85 South Oxford St between Lafayette and Greene Aves, Fort Greene, Brooklyn (718-488-9233, irondale.org). Camp runs Jul 19–30, Mon–Fri 9am–4pm. Two-week session $800. Ages 8 to 14.

Story Improv
Aspiring improvisation artists reenact a different story each day in this camp that’s all about training kids to think on their feet. The Irondale Center, 85 South Oxford St between Lafayette and Greene Aves, Fort Greene, Brooklyn (718-488-9233, irondale.org). Camp runs Jul 6–9, Tue–Fri 9am–3pm. Four-day session $245. Ages 5 to 8.

The Studio School: Inside Out
Big kids pursue visual and performing arts as well as architecture, science and sports at this camp. After time in the studio, campers spend afternoons swimming and conducting field research for ongoing projects that might involve taking photos, visiting the Conservatory Garden or studying animal behavior at the zoo. Camp ends with a public exhibit of their hard work. The Studio School, 117 W 95th St between Amsterdam and Columbus Aves (212-678-2416, studioschoolnyc.org). Camp runs Jun 14–Jul 23, Mon–Fri 9am-4pm, Two-week session $900. Ages 6 to 10.

The Summer School at 82nd Street Academics
Campers start each day practicing math and language skills through lessons based on the NY State Learning Standards; teachers assign homework for each evening. In the afternoon, the fun begins: Tots participate in superhero-themed hands-on activities. Parents receive monthly progress reports on their child’s development. 81-10 35th Ave at 82nd St, Jackson Heights, Queens (718-446-0559, 82ndst.com). Camp runs Jul 6¬–Aug 27, Mon–Fri 9am–4pm. Eight-week session $1,869. Ages 5 to 12.

Thalia Kids’ Book Club Camp
Avid readers can quench their thirst for the written word at this Book Club Camp specially designed for young literary fiends. Activities include meeting with authors, writing workshops, book discussions and field trips. Among many special experiences last summer, campers met Brian Selznick (author-illustrator of The Invention of Hugo Cabret) and learned how to report by interviewing people at a local diner with a New York Times journalist. Symphony Space, 2537 Broadway at 95th St (212-864-1414, ext 206; symphonyspace.org). Camp runs Aug 2–13 (ages 9 to 12), Aug 16–20 (ages 13 to 15), Mon–Fri 9am–4pm. One-week session $650. Ages 9 to 15.

General interest camps

Commuter camps

Arts camps

Sports camps

Academic camps

Special needs camps

Preschool camps

Teen camps

Sleepaway camps

Open houses

What to ask camp directors