Treat mom to a special Mother's Day brunch this year. Photo by Elsa Simcik
Best Mother's Day Brunch in Northern New Jersey
Mommy Poppins is set to host its first Family Travel Fest on Saturday, May 31 at the Atlantic Center.
Register for Travel Fest for a Chance to Win a Dreams Resorts & Spas Vacation!
Enjoy a thrilling Mother's Day with your kids at Casino Pier. Photo courtesy of the venue
14 Things To Do on Mother's Day in New Jersey
GUIDE
Summer Camps Guide for New Jersey Kids
Enjoy fun on the farm during Alstede's Easter and Springtime Festival. Photo by Rose Gordon Sala
43 Best Spring Festivals and Fairs in New Jersey this April and May for Families
Edelman Fossil Park has life-size replicas of some of your favorite dinosaurs and sea creatures.
Edelman Fossil Park: What to Know About Visiting South Jersey's New Dinosaur Museum
DreamWorks Water Park at American Dream Mall is a great place to have wet-and-wild fun this spring. Photo by Gina Massaro
37 Spring Bucket List Ideas for Kids in New Jersey
The Wildwoods International Kite Festival takes to the skies on Memorial Day weekend. Photo courtesy of the festival
Best Things To Do in New Jersey May 2025 with Kids
The Essex County Cherry Blossom Festival is full of springtime family fun. Video by Andre Sala
  VIDEO
New Jersey's Essex Cherry Blossom Festival is a Must-See Spring Event
Enjoy the blooming daffodils at Reeves-Reed Arboretum on a day trip this spring. Photo courtesy of the arboretum
30 Spring Day Trips from New Jersey for Families
Admission to the Cohanzick Zoo in Bridgeton is completely free. Photo by Lisa Warden
100 Free Things To Do in New Jersey with Kids
The Rainforest Cafe has two family-friendly restaurants in New Jersey. Photo courtesy of Rainforest Cafe
Themed Restaurants in New Jersey for Family-Friendly Interactive Dining
The Battkeship New Jersey is an amazing hands on experience for families. Photo by Lisa Warden
Best NJ Children's Museums in South and Central Jersey
Romp with the triceratops and other dinos at Field Station: Dinosaurs in Leonia. Photo by Janet Bloom
Ultimate New Jersey Bucket List: 100 Things To Do with Kids in NJ
Cruise in the Playmobil Fire Truck during your trip to Toys
Top Free Things To Do Indoors in New Jersey: Free Places to Play Indoors
Get drawn into the art at the Morris Museum next time you're looking for indoor activities for kids in New Jersey. Photo by Kaylynn Chiarello Ebner
40 Things To Do Indoors in New Jersey on a Rainy Day
Attractions at Morganville's Play Big Zone include arcades games and a 2,000-square-foot obstacle course.
20 Best Kids' Indoor Playgrounds and Play Spaces in New Jersey
GUIDE
Guide to Indoor Play Spaces for New Jersey Kids
At Genius Gems in Millburn, kids under 2 get in free with an older sibling.
Budget-Friendly Indoor Play Spaces in New Jersey: Drop-in Play for $25 or Less
Hang out with the giant hippos at Camden's Adventure Aquarium. Photo by Kaylynn Chiarello Ebner
The Best New Jersey Zoos and Aquariums to Visit with Kids
New Jersey kids can find free fun climbing the pirate ship at the free Garden State Plaza Westfield mall. Photo by Mommy Poppins
GUIDE
Guide to Free Fun Things To Do with NJ Kids
The accessible playground at Watsessing Park works for children of all abilities. Photo by Margaret Hargrove
Best Playgrounds in New Jersey Worth the Drive
Pet baby goats on a visit to Brookhollow's Barnyard in Boonton. Photo by Kaylynn Ebner
Meet the Animals at these New Jersey Petting Zoos and Animal Farms
Beyond the casinos, Atlantic City is an all-ages playground, with Island Waterpark, boardwalk amusements, beach access, and more fun.
Atlantic City with Kids: 34 Top Things To Do in Atlantic City, NJ
The Funplex has two New Jersey locations for families to explore and enjoy.
Best Family Fun Centers & Indoor Amusement Parks in New Jersey
Palmer Square is a great place to relax in the heart of Princeton. Photo courtesy of Palmer Square
22 Best Things To Do in Princeton, NJ, with Kids
At a Bach to Rock birthday party, kids can sing karaoke or record their own CD.
18 Top Birthday Party Places in New Jersey for Kids
Help your kids develop their creative side with art classes
GUIDE
Guide to Classes for New Jersey Kids
Nickelodeon Universe is one of the can't-miss destinations at American Dream Mall in East Rutherford, New Jersey. Photo courtesy of the venue
  VIDEO
Visiting American Dream Mall in New Jersey: 26 Fun Things To Do and Tips For Your Visit
Bounce, climb, and jump at BounceU in Paramus, one of our top indoor play spaces in northern New Jersey.
Top Indoor Playgrounds and Play Spaces in Northern New Jersey
Boonton's
Easy Waterfall Hikes in Northern New Jersey for Kids
Cheesequake State Park in Middlesex County offers hiking, fishing, swimming, boating, and much more. Photo by Ali Chandra
Great Day Trips to New Jersey State Parks and Forests
The Camden Children's Garden offers free admission for children under 2.
Free Admission for Kids at 50+ Top New Jersey Family Attractions
Cruise in the Playmobil Fire Truck during your trip to Toys
Top Free Things To Do Indoors in New Jersey: Free Places to Play Indoors
Hop aboard a stagecoach for a ride back in time at Wild West City, one of New Jersey's top attractions.
Top Attractions in New Jersey: Best Things To See and Do With Kids
Creating a baking soda volcano is a classic science experiment for kids. Photo by Sara Marentette Nighswander
67 Easy Science Experiments for Kids To Do at Home
Teach 'em to tie during downtime.
65 Life Skills to Teach Kids at Every Age
These boredom-busting activities turn a stuck-at-home day into a lasting memory.
75 Indoor Activities for Kids on a Rainy Day
GUIDE
New Jersey Amusement Parks and Water Parks Guide

Top Summer Day Camps in New Jersey

Jeff Lake Day Camp in Sussex County is set on a 50-acre lake where activities include water trampolines, canoeing, and stand-up paddleboarding.
Jeff Lake Day Camp in Sussex County is set on a 50-acre lake where activities include water trampolines, canoeing, and stand-up paddleboarding.
5/9/24 - By Laurie Rein

It's definitely not too early to start exploring New Jersey's summer day camp options, even if summer still feels like a lifetime away. The Garden State is home to many awesome summer day camps that offer a wide variety of activities within one campground. Traditional offerings at these camps include sports, swimming, and arts, while some even include zip lines, laser tag, cooking, gymnastics, and rope courses.

Read on for the top summer day camps in New Jersey, many of which see entire generations of families pass through, and find more New Jersey summer camps in our Camp Guide. 

 

OUR LATEST VIDEOS

Apple Montessori Camp offers daily swim lessons with Red Cross-certified instructors. Photo courtesy of the camp
Apple Montessori Camp offers daily swim lessons with Red Cross-certified instructors. Photo courtesy of the camp

Summer Day Camps in Northern New Jersey

HealthBarn USA Camp

Ridgewood
Ages 3-13
Something's cooking at this garden-to-fork summer camp. Housed in the beautiful Irene Habernickel Family Park, campers as young as three through teens get hands-on experience with gardening and cooking, while enjoying nature hikes and more seasonal fun in the great outdoors. Full and half day holiday camps are available during school breaks.  READ MORE

Gain Ville Learning Center

Rutherford and Ho-ho-kus
Grades PreK-12
Gain Ville provides language immersion instruction in French, Italian, Arabic, and Spanish, plus comprehensive ESL programs, for children grades PreK-12. All classes and camps are taught by native-speaking instructors and infused with cultural activities and traditions. READ MORE

Harbor Hills Day Camp

Mendham
Ages 3-13
Harbor Hills campers experience all the excitement of summer camp, including sports, creative arts, performing arts, aquatics, and outdoor adventures, with overnight trips for teen campers.  READ MORE

Jeff Lake Day Camp

Stanhope
Ages 3-15
The scenic 50-acre lake features water trampolines, a climbing wall and slide, stand-up paddleboards, sailing, windsurfing, kayaking, and canoeing. The 350-acres of dry land includes tennis courts, rope courses, sports fields, art studios, and heated pools. READ MORE

Meadowbrook Country Day Camp

Long Valley
Ages 6-12
Meadowbrook offers an innovative and exciting day camp program focused on youth development for grades 1-6. Adventures include sports, boating, creative and performing arts, and an aquatic complex. READ MORE

New Horizons Day Camp

Florham Park
Ages 5-15
At New Horizons Day Camp, campers can choose from a variety of activities in the fields of sport, science, technology, creative arts, performing arts, innovations, academic enrichment, and media. READ MORE

Palisades Country Day Camp

Closter
Ages 2-8
PCDC offers daily instructional and recreational swim, daily electives, and weekly themed activities and special performances. PCDC has six crystal blue heated pools, a splash park, a nature center, arts and crafts activities, plus ceramics and sports.  READ MORE

Apple Montessori Schools - Camps

Multiple Locations
Ages 2-12
Campers enjoy educational adventures through music, art, sports and STEAM projects, plus swimming and splash pads in select locations.   READ MORE

Camp Riverbend

Warren
Ages 3-15
Situated on 30 acres of riverfront property along the Passaic River, Camp Riverbend offers a full range of team and individual sports, arts and crafts, daily swimming lessons, an adventure course, cooking, nature exploration, and more.  READ MORE

Spring Lake Day Camp

Ringwood
Ages 3-16
Spring Lake Day Camp spreads across a 30-acre campus that includes a five-pool complex, a 5-acre lake with zip line, two hockey rinks, baseball and soccer fields, a gymnastics pavilion, an indoor dance studio, a ropes course, a climbing tower, and more.  READ MORE

Steve & Kate's Camp - NJ

Montclair
Ages 4-12
Steve & Kate's summer camp empowers your kids to make their own choices, setting them up for a fulfilling and creative future. Activities include baking, sewing, crafting, media lab, sports, karaoke, and so much more.  READ MORE

Tamarack Day Camp

Randolph
Ages 3-15
Tamarack's mission is to create a unique atmosphere that allows campers to develop skills in a variety of activities while gaining life skills. Facilities include an Olympic-sized pool, pro-turf sports complex, creative arts studio, skate park, and ropes course.  READ MORE

Willow Lake Day Camp

Lake Hopatcong
Ages 3-15
Willow Lake offers young sports enthusiasts a variety of athletic activities, like basketball, soccer, gymnastics, martial arts, tennis, archery, pedal karts, and more. Water sports, arts, zip lines, and special events round out the fun. READ MORE

Fairview Lake YMCA Camps

Blairstown and Stillwater
Ages 3-14
Fairview Lake YMCA camps, located in northwest NJ, has programs for everyone, including two traditional camp options. Lake in the Woods Day Camp is in Blairstown, while Blue Mountain Day Camp is in Stillwater Township. READ MORE

YMCA Camp Mason

Hardwick
Ages 5-14
Whether you’re looking for a traditional overnight camp, day camp, ranch camp, adventure trips, or a counselor-in-training program, Camp Mason has something for every camper from ages 5-14. Day campers participate in trips, talent shows, and weekly theme days. READ MORE
Black Bear Lake Camp in Millstone Township lets campers create personalized schedules. Photo courtesy of the camp
Black Bear Lake Camp in Millstone Township lets campers create personalized schedules. Photo courtesy of the camp

Summer Day Camps in Central New Jersey

Black Bear Day Camp

Millstone
Ages 3-15
Situated on a 5-acre lake, Black Bear Lake Camp offers a progressive program. Black Bear campers create their own daily schedules, with options like sports, fine arts, cooking, science, drama, laser tag, and frolicking in a water park.  READ MORE

Frogbridge Day Camp

Millstone
Ages 3-15
Frogbridge has an amusement park feel, with 86 acres of boating, tubing, go-karts, bumper cars, inflatables, trampolines, laser tag, and more. Plus, there are four heated pools, air-conditioned indoor facilities, and an ice cream parlor. READ MORE

Gill St. Bernard's School - Hi Hills Camps

Gladstone
Ages 3-17
Combine academics and sports with day camp activities. A camper can take a science enrichment camp in the morning and then enjoy the afternoon swimming and playing with friends.  READ MORE

JCC Camp Ruach

Bridgewater
Ages 3-15
Located on 14 beautiful acres, Camp Ruach offers flexible day programs for preschoolers to ninth graders, plus LIT (leadership in training) and special ed options. Activities include swimming, ropes courses, karate, theater, dance, cooking, zip line, mini golf, and archery. Teens can hit the road at travel camp. READ MORE

LakeView Day Camp

East Brunswick
Ages 3-15
LakeView's impressive array of activities includes zip lines, a rock wall, archery, go-karts, trampolines, ceramics, drama, robotics, and creative play. Four heated pools, lake activities, sports, and special events round out the fun. READ MORE

MCCC Camp College

West Windsor
Ages 6-13
Camp College has academic programs, both virtual and in-person, plus Sea Camp, golf, visual arts, and more for nine fun weeks. READ MORE

Oak Crest Day Camp

Somerset
Ages 3-15
Oak Crest campers experience a range of adventures, from the soccer field to the climbing tower, in the ceramics studio, and on the stage in the camp show. READ MORE

Rambling Pines Day Camp

Hopewell
Ages 3-17
This family-owned camp offers a variety of activities, including swimming, art, dance, gymnastics, computers, boating, ceramics, tennis, archery, horseback riding, and an adventure course.  READ MORE

Camp Sacajawea

Farmingdale
Ages 3-15
At the Girl Scout-run Camp Sacajawea, young girls and boys are well-cared for, happy, and engaged. Campers discover the wonders of nature, try new things, make friends, and more. Campers spend their summer outdoors, exploring while developing positive self-esteem, leadership skills, and social skills. READ MORE
Performing arts take center stage at Rolling Hills Country Day Camp. Photo courtesy of the camp
Performing arts take center stage at Rolling Hills Country Day Camp. Photo courtesy of the camp

Summer Day Camps in South Jersey and the Jersey Shore

Allaire Country Day Camp

Wall
Ages 2 1/2-14
Located at the 11-acre GoodSports USA complex, this camp's outdoor facilities include pools, a splash park, archery, basketball courts, gaga ball, and a kickball stadium. The climate-controlled indoor space houses astroturf fields and activity rooms. READ MORE

Rolling Hills Day Camp

Freehold
Ages 3-16
Fun, friendship, and growth are the cornerstones of a Rolling Hills summer. The enthusiastic and nurturing staff, top-notch facilities, and incredible range of activities create every imaginable possibility for summertime fun. READ MORE

Tall Pines Day Camp

Williamstown
Ages 4-14
Summertime fun at Tall Pines includes sports like swimming and soccer, performing arts, crafts, cooking, rope courses, boating, fishing, zip towers, and more.  READ MORE

Camp Tuscaloosa

Hammonton
Ages 3 1/2-14
Established 70 years ago, this South Jersey camp includes swimming, archery, crafts, team sports, cooking, gaga ball, science, mini golf, and much more. Campers can also look forward to special theme days. READ MORE

Places featured in this article:

Camp College at Mercer County Community College

About the Author

Laurie Rein
Laurie Rein is passionate about finding fun (especially free!) activities for her twin daughters. Before joining Mommy Poppins New Jersey, Laurie worked in the television industry, with roles as an NBC page, copywriter, affiliate liaison for The Rosie O'Donnell Show, and research manager for CBS.
Recent Articles By Laurie Rein:
Read more articles by Laurie Rein.