Budget-Friendly Midwinter Break Camps for NYC Kids

Artists and experts teach together at ACT Holiday Vacation Camps.
Artists and experts teach together at ACT Holiday Vacation Camps.
2/5/20 - By Stephanie Ogozalek

Midwinter recess always seems to be the black-sheep break: It sneaks up on you, and you have no idea how to handle it once it arrives. Here are our top budget-friendly Midwinter Break camps, and good news for procrastinators: They still have openings. If you need more options, check with local museums, play spaces, and after-school centers as many offer coverage.

If you're able to take a few days off and spend quality time with the kids, be sure to check out our list of 35 Fun Things To Do Over Midwinter Break.

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Score a goal at ACT Holiday Vacation Camps.

ACT Holiday Camp – Morningside Heights

Cathedral Church of St. John the Divine, 1047 Amsterdam Avenue at 112th Street
Tuesday, February 18-Friday, February 21; 9:30am-4pm, extended hours available for an additional fee
$60 per day plus materials fees
Ages 5-11
This popular neighborhood program offers art projects, cooking, sports, games, and free play right underneath the iconic Cathedral or on the lovely grounds, weather permitting. Expect different themed days and the possibility of a field trip or two.

RELATED: February GoList: The Best Things To Do With NYC Kids


Aviator Sports has a variety of camp options. 

Aviator Sports and Events Center – Marine Park

Floyd Bennett Field, 3159 Flatbush Avenue
Monday, February 17-Friday, February 21; 9am-5pm, extended hours available for an additional fee
$80 per day
Ages 5-13
Kids can have all kinds of athletic fun at this massive Brooklyn facility. Ice-skating, rock climbing, soccer, basketball, gymnastics, arts and crafts, and film screenings are just a sampling of what's on tap. Lunch and a light snack are provided.

Brooklyn Arts Exchange – Park Slope

421 Fifth Avenue near 8th Street
Tuesday, February 18-Friday, February 21; 9am-3pm, extended hours available for an additional fee
$125 per day
Ages 5-11
Each day, campers explore different disciplines, including dance, music, theater, tumbling, and visual arts. 

RELATED: Free Spring Break Stem Camps in NYC Now Accepting Applications


Shoot hoops at Greenwich House Camp,

Greenwich House – Greenwich Village

27 Barrow Street near Seventh Avenue South
Tuesday, February 18-Friday, February 21; 8:30am-4:30pm, extended hours available for an additional fee
$90 per day
Ages 5-13
A community institution, Greenwich House's camp features artistic activities, field trips, games, and sports.

Kings Bay Y at Windsor Terrace – Windsor Terrace

1224 Prospect Avenue between Fifth and Sixth Avenues
Tuesday, February 18-Friday, February 21; 8am-6pm
$75 per day
Ages 4.5-13
Campers enjoy a pajama day and a trio of field trips during this week-long camp at the local Y. Register by the day or for all four days.

RELATED: Day Trip Destinations: 6 Great Midwinter Break Getaways


The Mark Morris Dance Center runs camps for beginners, up to advanced level teens. Photo by Florianne Jalac

Mark Morris Dance Center Camp – Fort Greene

3 Lafayette Avenue
Monday, February 17-Friday, February 21; 9:30am-3pm, extended hours available for an additional fee
$360 per week
Ages 6-12
Aspiring dancers explore various movement styles. Participants don't need to be enrolled at the Mark Morris Dance Center to participate, but if your child enjoys it, sign up for the email list to be alerted when spring recess sessions go on sale.

RELATED: 40 Free Activities for NYC Kids to Enjoy in February


Improve your chess game at NYChessKids Camp. 

NYChessKids Camp – Chelsea

191 Seventh Avenue at 21st Street
Monday, February 17-Friday, February 21; 9am-4pm
$85 per day
Ages 4 and up
Chess players of all levels, even beginners, are welcome at this program where kids hone their skills, attend lectures and, of course, play lots of games. You don't need to be a master to enjoy: My son has attended NYChess Kids camps several times, and he always has a blast and improves his game to boot.

Riverdale YM-YWHA – Riverdale

5625 Arlington Avenue near Netherland Avenue
Monday, February 17-Friday, February 21; 9am-5pm, extended hours available for an additional fee
$70 per day
Ages 5-10
This is another great Y camp offering themed activities, specialty classes, and swimming. The Riverdale Y keeps your kids entertained with lots of physical fun, plus stimulating Lego Robotics, arts and crafts, and a field trip to Chelsea Piers location in Stamford, Connecticut, for a day of active fun.

Find other February break activity ideas in our Winter Fun Guide and our Indoor Activity Guide.

Photos courtesy of the camps

A version of this post originally published in February 2014; it has since been updated. Katie Nave Freeman contributed additional reporting.

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