Free and Cheap Summer Camps in NYC for Kids

Registration is now open for the reasonably priced summer camps at YMCA locations in NYC.

Finding summer camps in NYC can be especially stressful for your family's finances, and while we want our children to have a fun, rewarding, and safe experience, we don't want to dig into our retirement fund to pay for it. New York City families are lucky because free and cheap summer camps abound all across the five boroughs, where arts and education funding subsidizes some excellent New York City summer camps so all children can enjoy fantastic summer camps in Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens, the Bronx, and Staten Island.

Read on for all our picks for free and affordable summer camps in NYC for preschoolers, elementary, elementary school-aged kids, pre-teens, and teens . Find more summer camps in New York City, including preschool summer camps, great sleepaway summer camps in the Northeast, and STEM summer day camps in our Summer Camp Guide and NYC Camp Directory, where you can search for summer camps in NYC by type, age, and neighborhood.

Indoor Obstacle Courses, Ninja Warrior Training, and Aerial Arts Facilities in NJ

Kid will test their skill and agility at High Exposure. Photo courtesy of High Exposure

New Jersey is home to many indoor ninja-style obstacle courses and aerial arts gyms where little acrobats and ninjas can hone the skills they've seen on TV. That's perfect for kids who are obsessed with American Ninja Warrior and want the thrill of climbing warped walls, or junior acrobats hoping to twirl in the air like circus performers in The Greatest Showman!

These indoor adventures will get your kids climbing, vaulting, swinging, and balancing. 

Find more active spots in New Jersey for kids in our Guide to Indoor Sports Centers, Gyms, and Fun Zones. If you'd rather stay in, we've also got fun at-home ideas to get kids moving like these 25 exercise games

Indoor Swimming Pools in NYC with Day Passes

Asphalt Green has a pair of campuses with beautiful indoor pools.

It's easy to find a swimming pool in NYC during the summer months when there are plenty of FREE swimming pools to visit, but if you're looking for year-round options or less-crowded waters, the possibilities are more limited. We've rounded up the best indoor swimming pools in NYC offering day passes, from private pools to off-the-beaten-path community spots. All are kid-friendly and welcome families for swimming and other water fun.

Read on for our top picks for indoor swimming pools in NYC, and find more options for family fun in our NYC Kids Guide to Indoor Play Spaces and Fun Zones.

Free & Affordable Summer Camps in Philly 2025

Kids get to explore nature at Morris Arboretum Camp. Photo courtesy of the arboretum

Looking for a stellar summer camp experience in Philadelphia without breaking the bank? Look no further! We've found lots of summer camps near Philly that are free or budget-friendly. There are plenty of options this year, from STEM camps and nature programs to art classes, with half-day and full-day options available. Check out our list of free and affordable kid camps near Philly as you plan a memorable summer for your little ones.

For more summer camps in Philly be sure to bookmark our Summer Camp Guide and our Camp Directory, where you can search for summer camps by type, age, and town. Summer, here we come!

Top Things To Do on a Maldives Vacation With Kids: Everything You Need To Know!

A  shallow, crystal-clear Maldives lagoon is the perfect place for kids to swim.

As far as beach trips go, a Maldives vacation has it all—heavenly views, uncrowded beaches, a year-round tropical climate with warm water, culture, delicious food, and an abundance of activities to suit every interest and age level. If you want to unplug from your day-to-day and spend uninterrupted, quality time with your family in paradise, the Maldives is your trip. It's an experience your family will remember for the rest of their lives. 

We've gathered our best tips for the perfect Maldives vacation with children. We’ve also narrowed down the top things to do in the Maldives with kids, as well as our picks for the best family-friendly Maldives resorts and Maldives hotel options. It may take a minute to reach Asia’s smallest country, but once you’ve landed in the Maldives, we can almost guarantee you won't want to leave.

Find more bucket-list vacation options, from the Galapagos Islands to an African safari, in our International Family Travel Guide

Best Winter Birthday Ideas for Kids in NYC

Kick off a birthday celebration with roller skating at Xanadu Roller Arts. Photo by the author

When the chill of winter sets in, it's harder to find kids' birthday party places in NYC. If the thought of sugared-up kids invading your apartment turns you off, consider these winter birthday party ideas. Winter is the perfect time to turn your birthday celebrations into a magical seasonal experience. Whether you’re looking for great indoor birthday party places or want to embrace the adventure of a seasonal outdoor gathering, these winter birthday party ideas in NYC offer endless possibilities for creating a memorable day.

Once you've nailed down a location, visit this list of the best birthday party themes for every age and our NYC Kids Guide to Birthday Parties to find more party planning help.

Get the Inside Scoop on the Atlanta History Center, Where Families Discover Atlanta's Past, Present, and Future

Atlanta History Center's new Goizueta Children’s Experience allows kids to experience the city through play, exploration, and storytelling. Photo courtesy of Atlanta History Center

Bring the family, especially young kids, to the Atlanta History Center, a mainstay for tourists since 1990. The 33-acre campus, located in the heart of Buckhead, offers Atlanta visitors and natives alike a fun-filled day of exploration, learning, and beauty. With multiple indoor exhibits, the Swan House museum, gorgeous gardens, and the new Goizueta Children's Experience, the Atlanta History Center will entertain families for hours. Read on to see our favorite exhibits for kids at this top-rated Atlanta museum!

Check out our Museum Guide for Atlanta Families, which includes the Center for Puppetry Arts and World of Coca-Cola. If you’re looking for fun indoor spots where kids can really unleash, refer to our Top Indoor Playgrounds and Play Spaces in Atlanta.

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