Free and Affordable Summer Camps in Westchester and the Hudson Valley

Aspiring artists love the 3-hour workshops at MADE Art Studio in Mamaroneck,

Fun summer camp options abound in Westchester and the Hudson Valley, from traditional day camps to STEM-focused programs to a variety of sports camps. But no matter your child's interests, camp can be a pricey proposition. If you're looking for especially budget-friendly options, we’ve rounded up a selection of the most affordable day camps in the area.

For this 2024 list, we've capped the cost at $500 per week, but most of these are well below that. Many of these camps offer half-day sessions as well as early-bird or sibling discounts. Plus, there are often options for financial aid or scholarships. Even if you don’t see that information listed, you can always ask to see if it’s a possibility.

For even more options, check out our Summer Camps Guide for Westchester & Hudson Valley Kids, or search our Camp Directory

Baltimore with Kids: 50 Best Things to Do in Baltimore, MD

Kids can take an immersion tour or have an aquarium sleepover at the National Aquarium.  Photo by Chris Mattle

Baltimore, Maryland is an incredibly kid-friendly and walkable city full of history, culture, and fun. The famous Inner Harbor offers the impressive National Aquarium, the fantastic Port Discovery Children's Museum, family-friendly restaurants, museums and science centers, and more. And the city is heaven for transportation lovers, with train museums and boats galore.

Baltimore's proximity to our nation's capital doesn't hurt, either. With only about 40 miles separating Washington, DC from Baltimore, it’s easy to visit both cities in one weekend.

Here is our list of 50 fun things to do in Baltimore with kids, including family-friendly Baltimore hotels and restaurants. Check out our Family Travel Guide for even more fun cities to visit across the US and beyond.

19 Birthday Party Places in Brooklyn for Toddlers and Preschoolers

Celebrate your special little ones birthday with a party at Little Lola & Tots. Photo courtesy of Little Lola & Tots

When it comes to birthday party places in Brooklyn, local tots have plenty of choices. Entertaining the under-age-5 crowd, plus a small army of their closest friends (and parents), can be tricky. Lucky for us, the borough of Brooklyn is filled with perfect birthday party places to please the diverse interests of enthusiastic toddlers and preschoolers.

Animals, arts and crafts, and even just tumbling around for a few hours are all options at these birthday party places in Brooklyn for preschoolers and toddlers. Read on for our list of 19 top toddler birthday party places in Brooklyn, and find even more birthday party inspiration in our NYC Kids' Birthday Party Guide. You can also use our directory to find more venues, plus party entertainers and supplies.

21 Fun Indoor Birthday Party Places for Kids in DC, Maryland, and Northern Virginia

Rev up your engines for a high-speed go-kart birthday party. Photo courtesy of K1 Speed

For DC kids celebrating birthdays in the winter, chances are they'll be having their birthday party indoors. But Washingtonians know the weather in DC can be unpredictable in any season. Luckily, the area is chock full of indoor birthday party places perfect for kids of all ages.

From indoor playgrounds to art studios to fun museums, there's no shortage of spots in and around DC to have some indoor birthday fun. Read on for 21 fun indoor birthday party places in DC, Northern Virginia, and Maryland for toddlers through teens.

For even more inspiration, check out our Kids' Birthday Party Places Guide for DC, where you'll find great birthday party ideas for everyone from preschoolers through teens.

30 Top Birthday Parties for Toddlers and Preschoolers in Atlanta

Have a themed birthday party at We Rock the Spectrum for all children. Photo courtesy of the venue

Throwing a toddler birthday party is special, memorable, and let's be honest, chaotic! Your own preschooler is energetic enough and now you're tasked with entertaining their equally enthusiastic friends (and parents). Fortunately, many Atlanta birthday party venues for toddlers and preschoolers make the process easy. 

Atlanta toddler birthday spots have something for every interest and budget when it comes to epic birthday celebrations. And best of all, most of these Atlanta birthday spots allow parents to relax while the staff sets up, cleans up, and most importantly, keeps kids busy. Read on for our toddler birthday party favorites and find even more birthday party inspiration in our Birthday Party Guide for Atlanta Kids!

Fun Indoor Birthday Party Places for Kids on Long Island

Celebrate with a themed birthday at Sippy Cups. Photo by the author

Looking for the best indoor party places on Long Island? Check out our picks spanning Suffolk and Nassau counties. 

As the mom of a November baby, finding a great birthday party spot can be tricky because of the temps and forecast. We've found, though, that choosing indoor party places means you never have to worry about the weather ruining the special day. 

Read on below for our list of the top Long Island indoor party spots for kids of all ages–from babies, toddlers, and preschoolers to grade schoolers and even hard-to-please tweens and teens. 

For more birthday party ideas, check out our Birthday Party Guide for Long Island Kids and our list of Long Island's Top Birthday Party Places.

19 Laser Tag and Paintball Arenas in New Jersey

Scale obstacles and hide behind barriers at the Funplex, which has locations in Mt. Laurel and East Hanover.

New Jersey laser tag and paintball venues both feature running, hiding, and shooting at your opponents. Kids will race through rough outdoor terrain to avoid the harsh splat of incoming paint pellets, or dart from cover to cover in a darkened arena trying to dodge laser beams.

Teens, tweens, and older kids will feel the rush of competition as their teams try to stay alive in the game. Both are great for older kids' birthday parties or family outings.

Most paintball venues allow players age 10 and up, while laser tag is appropriate for children as young as 5 or 6. Check websites for age limits, drop-in hours, party packages, equipment rentals, and reservations. 

Check out our Guide to Indoor Play Spaces for New Jersey Kids for more great indoor play spots. 

Extreme Sports and More Thrilling Activities for Kids in Westchester and the Hudson Valley

Soaring high above the Hudson is part of the thrill at Spins Hudson. Photo courtesy of Spins Hudson

Little daredevils don't have to go far to experience extreme sports. We've rounded up 11 destinations for extreme sports in Westchester and the Hudson Valley where families can experience a thrilling adventure ranging from skydiving to ropes courses, go-kart racing, ax-throwing, and more.

Read on for our top picks for extreme sports destinations for kids nearby, and find more fun things to do in our Guide to Sports Centers, Gyms, and Fun Zones.

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