Grab a basket full of Easter eggs at the hunt at Benner's Farm. Photo courtesy of the farm
27 Easter Egg Hunts on Long Island
Hang with the animals when White Post Farms re-opens for the season this weekend. Photo by Gina Massaro
Egg Hunts, Spring Festivals, and More Things To Do on Long Island this Weekend
The Easter Bunny is the main attraction at these Long Island brunches and events.
Meet the Easter Bunny at Bunny Brunches and Easter Bunny Pictures on Long Island
Summer camp is a great way for kids to make new friends and learn new skills
GUIDE
Long Island Summer Camp Guide
Close to 500,000 tulips and other spring bulbs will bloom at Waterdrinker Family Farm & Garden. Photo courtesy of the farm
Best Spring Festivals on Long Island for Families
Get off Long Island and explore Governors Island.
27 Spring Day Trips from Long Island for Families
Host an affordable birthday party at Whimsical Vine Party Hall. Photo by Chofit the Man to Call via Pexels
Inexpensive Birthday Party Room Rentals on Long Island
The dinosaurs at Jurassic World Live Tour are larger than life. Photo courtesy Feld Entertainment
19 Best Things To Do on Long Island March 2023 with Kids
The Flower Show returns to Hicks Nurseries this month. Photo courtesy of Hicks Nurseries
Free in March: Best Things To Do on Long Island with Kids
Babies 2 and younger can pet the goats, alpacas, and ponies for free at Fink’s Country Farm.
12 Free Places to Play on Long Island with Babies and Toddlers
Enjoy the engaging exhibits at the Long Island Children's Museum. Photo courtesy of LICM
14 Family-Friendly Museums on Long Island
Keep the kids busy at Applebee's with games on a tableside tablet. Photo by Anne Caminiti - Momee Friends of Long Island www.momeefriendsli.com
Long Island Restaurants with Fun Entertainment for Kids
GUIDE
Spring Fun Guide for Long Island Kids
Photo of Liddle Bites play space in Long Beach by Lisa Fogarty for Mommy Poppins
GUIDE
Guide to Indoor Play Spaces for Long Island Kids
Find free fun for Long Island kids at the free play space at the Broadway Mall. Photo courtesy the mall
GUIDE
Free Fun Things to Do with Long Island Kids
Igloo dining is available at Harbor Mist Restaurant.
Outdoor Dining on Long Island: Where to Eat in an Igloo, Greenhouse, and More Family-Friendly Setups
The Ausable Chasm has been described as the Grand Canyon of the Adirondacks and it's one of our top 100 things to do in New York State with kids. Photo by Anna Fader
100 Things To Do in New York State with Kids Before They Grow Up
A day at Sunken Meadow State Park can feature playground games, a walk on the beach, and more. Photo by Kimberly Chacon
The Best Children's Playgrounds on Long Island
The Vanderbilt is a great place to explore on a rainy day. Photo by Kristen Markel
Indoor Activities for Kids: 25 Things To Do on Long Island on a Rainy Day
GUIDE
Guide to Classes for Long Island Kids
Grab the brass ring and get a free ride at Greenport's carousel. Photo by Jaime Sumersille
Top Attractions in Long Island: Best Things to See and Do With Kids
These boredom-busting activities turn a stuck-at-home day into a lasting memory.
75 Indoor Activities for Kids on a Rainy Day
Hit one of Long Island's beautiful beaches for playtime in the sand, surf, or on the playground.
100 Things To Do on Long Island With Kids Before They Grow Up
Creating a baking soda volcano is a classic science experiment for kids. Photo by Sara Marentette Nighswander
64 Easy Science Experiments for Kids to Do at Home
The Vanderbilt is a great place to explore on a rainy day. Photo by Kristen Markel
Indoor Activities for Kids: 25 Things To Do on Long Island on a Rainy Day
GUIDE
Family Day Trips and Weekend Getaways for Long Island
Ready to move? Check out these top Long Island towns for families.
GUIDE
Moving Guide: Best Long Island Towns for Families
GUIDE
Boredom Busters for Kids

Free & Affordable Summer Camps on Long Island

At Long Island's Y camps, campers build friendships. Photo courtesy of the YMCA
At Long Island's Y camps, campers build friendships. Photo courtesy of the YMCA
2/27/23 - By Jaime Sumersille

Looking for the best summer camps on Long Island? Read on for our roundup of 10 great picks that won't break the bank. 

For kids on Long Island, summer is 10 weeks that make the rest of the year worth enduring. For moms and dads, these two months stretch out like a lazy highway, waiting to be filled with activity before your home becomes a whining zone of boredom.

Summer camps can be a significant investment, but some Long Island summer camps are actually quite affordable, and others offer scholarships and financial aid.

Here is our list of the most affordable summer camp programs on Long Island. Find more summer camp resources in our Guide to Summer Camps. 

OUR LATEST VIDEOS

Camps 'R' Us offers a safe, fun, and affordable camp experience. Photo courtesy of Camps 'R' Us
Camps 'R' Us offers a safe, fun, and affordable camp experience. Photo courtesy of Camps 'R' Us

Affordable Summer Camps Across Long Island

Camps 'R' Us

Multiple Locations
Camps 'R' Us is a long-running, family-owned day camp offering children ages 3 to 13 a summer spent enjoying the outdoors with organized activities and free play, plus tons of electives. Register for 2-5 days per week; half-day sessions and sibling discounts are available. A counselor-in-training program is also offered.  READ MORE

YMCA of Long Island Summer Camps

Multiple Locations
The YMCA of Long Island offers a range of programming, no matter your child's age or interest. Its camps teach sportsmanship and teamwork while building self-expression. YMCA summer camps build self-confidence, lasting relationships, and provide plenty of active fun.  READ MORE

Boys And Girls Clubs Of America

Multiple Locations
Boys and Girls Club camps are available for kids ages 6-15. The six-week program's themes include sports, outdoor activities, tech projects, arts and crafts, dance, and field trips. Kids can register for one week or the whole summer but must be members of the club.  READ MORE

Nassau County Police Activity League Camp

Multiple Locations
NCPAL offers day camps at affordable pricing. Day camps are full-day, 5 days a week. Activities include judo, art, music, STEM, dance and more. Campers can sign up for 3, 4 or 5 week sessions. READ MORE
Make friends and have fun at Oasis LIU's summer day camp. Photo courtesy of the camp
Make friends and have fun at Oasis LIU's summer day camp. Photo courtesy of the camp

Affordable Summer Camps in Nassau County

Center for Science, Teaching and Learning (CSTL)

Rockville Centre
The Center for Science, Teaching, and Learning is a nonprofit dedicated to science and STEM education. In addition to hands-on exhibits, CSTL offers engaging programming from school break and summer camps to birthday parties, field trips, and discovery programs for all ages. READ MORE

Oasis Day Camps - Long Island

Brookville
Oasis' LIU Campus runs programs from June through August. Early drop-offs, late stays, and transportation are available for an extra fee. A two-week commitment is required, and discounts are available for early registrants and returning families. A Teen Travel program offers plenty of engaging outings for the oldest campers. READ MORE

Nassau County Summer Recreation Camp

Wantagh
Hicksville
This full-day camp runs Monday through Friday for approximately six weeks. In addition to 45 minutes of swim time in the park's pool complex, each day children will participate in arts and crafts, board games and multiple sports.This affordable camp fills up quick, so register early. Camp is located at Wantagh Park or Cantiague Park. READ MORE
Make lifelong friends at the Cornell 4H Camp at Peconic Dunes. Photo courtesy of the camp
Make lifelong friends at the Cornell 4H Camp at Peconic Dunes. Photo courtesy of the camp

Affordable Summer Day Camps in Suffolk County

Cornell 4H Camp - Peconic Dunes

Southold
This sleepaway/day camp in Southold is located on the Long Island Sound. Accommodations are screened cabins. Activities include archery, arts and crafts, farm-to-table cooking, and more.  READ MORE

Hidden Pond Day Camp at The Rinx

Hauppauge
Hidden Pond Day Camp has been providing unforgettable summers since 1992. Each day, campers swim twice and go ice skating. HPDC's other programming builds the four C's: creativity, critical thinking, collaboration, and communication. READ MORE
Sessions at upstate Frost Valley are 2 weeks long. Photo courtesy of the camp
Sessions at upstate Frost Valley are 2 weeks long. Photo courtesy of the camp

Affordable Sleepaway Camps Near Long Island

Frost Valley YMCA Camp

Claryville, New York
Frost Valley YMCA offers day camps as well as sleepaway camps with specialty camps including horse and farm camps, teen adventure camps, and camps for kids with special needs. Activities at the standard day camp include arts and crafts, sports and games, hiking, climbing, swimming, and soaring on the flying squirrel zipline. Bus transportation is available from several locations in Sullivan and Ulster Counties.   READ MORE

Places featured in this article: