The Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade Balloon Inflation is an event unto itself. See the larger-than-life balloons come to life the night before the parade. Photo by Anthony Quintano/CC BY 2.0
See the 2024 Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade Balloon Inflation with Kids
Bring your skates and you can hit the ice for free at Bryant Park. Photo by Colin Miller
What's Open Thanksgiving Day in NYC: Best Things To Do with Kids
All aboard a festively decorated Polar Express train ride for some holiday magic and memories. Photo by Gwendolyn Tundermann
Polar Express Train Rides and Christmas Trains near NYC
See the Thanksgiving Day Parade in NYC with our insider's guide and tips!
GUIDE
Guide to Thanksgiving in NYC for Kids and Families
The Tianyu Lights Festival transforms the Citi Field parking lot into a magical holiday destination with larger-than-life lanterns and kid-friendly activities. Photo courtesy of the festival
Must-Do Christmas Events and Holiday Activities in New York City for Kids
Many organizations throughout New York City are offering free turkey giveaways, plus full, hot Thanksgiving dinners this season. Photo by John McCarten for the New York City Council
Where To Find Free Turkey in NYC This Thanksgiving
Celebrate Thanksgiving with Leuca. Photo courtesy of the Noho Hospitality Group
26 Restaurants Open on Thanksgiving in NYC
Experience the magic of the Tianyu Lights Festival at Citi Field this holiday season. Photo courtesy of the festival
21 Best Things To Do in NYC November 2024 with Kids
Lightscape at the Brooklyn Botanic Garden has become an enchanting holiday tradition for many families. Photo courtesy of the garden
Holiday and Christmas Events in NYC to Book Now!
GUIDE
NYC Fall Day Trips Guide: Orchards, Farms, Festivals, and Kid-Friendly Getaways 2024
Canstruction is free and open to the public at Brookfield Place through Monday, November 11. Photo by Heidi Lee
39 Free and Fun Things To Do in NYC this November with Kids
Join Jack Skellington, Sally, and Zero on a walk of wonders at NYBG's The Nightmare Before Christmas Light Trail. Photo by Ally Noel
Fall Bucket List for Kids: 35 Top Things To Do in NYC this Fall
Classics, like Tom Turkey, and newbies alike take flight in the 98th annual Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade 2024.
Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade 2024: Where to Watch, What's New
The 2024-2025 NYC public school calendar is out, and students return to school on Thursday, September 5.
Here's the NYC Public School Calendar for 2024-2025
Visit the 180 Pool at the Crystal Springs Resort. Photo courtesy of the resort
14 Family-Friendly Weekend Getaways near NYC
Climb on platforms dangling from ropes at Hester Street Playground. Photo by Jody Mercier
NYC's Best Playgrounds: 21 Parks Worthy of a Subway Schlep
Diving into the sprinkle pool at the Museum of Ice Cream is a great way to cure rainy day blues. Photo by Jody Mercier
47 Fun Indoor Activities in NYC for a Rainy Day
Kids' classes like art lessons can help your NYC child grow and develop
GUIDE
Guide to NYC Classes for Kids
Explore modern humanity through all-new world-wandering exhibitions at Mmuseumm.
Weird, Wacky, and Wonderful Under-the-Radar Museums in NYC that Kids Love
Hell's Kitchen is a cool coming-of-age piece loosely based on Alicia Keys' life story. Photo by Marc J. Franklin
Best New Broadway Shows This Season Plus Can't-Miss Classics for Families
The Peninsula New York rolls out the red carpet for kids—and their grown ups!
Family-Friendly Hotels in New York City with Perks for Kids
For an only-in-NYC experience, head to the Top of the Rock to enjoy the view. Photo by Jody Mercier
Best Attractions and Things To Do near NYC that are Kid-Friendly
Summer camps help kids develop social skills and have fun
GUIDE
NYC Summer Camp Guide
Tea Around Town combines a sumptuous meal with a unique view NYC landmarks! Photo by Jody Mercier
25 Best NYC Tours for Families: From Boat Rides to Free Walking Tours and More
Twinkle Playspace in Williamsburg offers action-packed fun for kids of all ages.
21 Top Indoor Play Spaces in New York City
The American Museum of Natural History's blue whale is an NYC icon, and the entire museum is one of the best children's museums in NYC. Photo by R. Mickens/courtesy of AMNH
Best Museums for Kids in NYC: Children's Museums and Family-Friendly Museums in NYC
Free activities for Kids in NYC include the Children's Museum of the Arts, which has pay-what-you-wish Thursdays from 4-6pm. Photo courtesy of the museum
GUIDE
Free Things To Do in NYC with Kids
GUIDE
Guide to Kids' Birthday Parties in NYC
Registration is now open for the reasonably priced summer camps at YMCA locations in NYC.
Free and Cheap Summer Camps in NYC for Kids
There's always a cool new piece of public art to see and interact with in NYC. Photo by Jody Mercier
101 Free Things To Do in NYC with Kids
The Maritime Aquarium at Norwalk has 75 animal exhibits and is home to more than 7,000 animals. Photo courtesy of the aquarium
Best Aquariums to Visit from the NYC Metro Area with Kids
Get a Broadway-caliber serenade during a birthday dinner at Ellen's Stardust Diner.
Best Fun Restaurants for Kids' Birthdays in NYC
Photo courtesy of PLAY Greenpoint.
GUIDE
Indoor Playgrounds, Play Spaces, and Fun Zones in NYC
See the skyline from a whole new vantage point on the Roosevelt Island Tram. Photo courtesy of NYCGo
100 Things To Do in NYC With Kids Before They Grow Up
Get a birds eye view of the skyline from the Edge observation deck at Hudson Yards. Plan a visit near sundown to watch the city lights come to life. Photo by Jody Mercier
3 Days in NYC with Kids: Ultimate Itinerary by a Local Mom
Feed a crowd with extra large, classic, New York-style pizza slices without breaking the bank. Photo by Jody Mercier
NYC on a Budget: Cheap Things To Do and Money Saving Tips for Families
These boredom-busting activities turn a stuck-at-home day into a lasting memory.
75 Indoor Activities for Kids on a Rainy Day
The Met offers pay-what-you wish admission at all times to New Yorkers and kids always attend for free. Photo by Jody Mercier
Free Museums and Free Museum Days in NYC for Kids
No visit to NYC is complete without an up-close encounter with the Statue of Liberty. Photo by Jess Laird
40 Best NYC Attractions to Do with Kids Right Now
Teach 'em to tie during downtime.
65 Life Skills to Teach Kids at Every Age
Take a hike with your little one on a family day trip from NYC.
GUIDE
Family Day Trips and Weekend Getaways for NYC 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
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
Hester Street Playground. Photo by Jody Mercier
GUIDE
Playgrounds & Parks NYC Guide
Kids can while away hours of a day with a set of watercolors and a stack of new paper for painting. Photo by Sara Marentette
Crafts for Kids: 100 Awesome Art Projects
Suncatcher_Liz Baill @creativishmom
GUIDE
Boredom Busters for Kids

Best Summer Camps in Brooklyn

BHMS opens the doors in late June to welcome campers to A Montessori Summer. Photo courtesy of the camp
BHMS opens the doors in late June to welcome campers to A Montessori Summer. Photo courtesy of the camp
2/28/20 - By Drew Kristofik

So, you're looking for a new summer camp and, naturally, you want the best for your child. "Best" is, of course, a relative term. Without putting too fine a point on it, "best" could describe the one that best fits your financial picture. Or has great counselors. Or culminates in a rock concert. Or gives kids lots of water time. Maybe when you close your eyes and think "Best Summer Camp," you envision one where your child is spirited away for a day of fun on a little cloud, while you sleep in (that's my idea of best, anyway, and I am still looking). Believe it or not, our list of the best Brooklyn summer camps includes picks for almost all of those scenarios.

While "best" is a bit subjective, Brooklyn has tons of excellent options when it comes to summer fun. So, think of this as a little tasting platter. Excellent options in a sea of delicious dishes. Check our Directory for many more and be sure to visit our Summer Camp Guide for other top picks.

Read on for the big reveal. Here are 21 Brooklyn summer camps that just might provide the best fit for your family.

OUR LATEST VIDEOS

Hit the road with Backpacks and Binoculars. Photo courtesy of the camp
Hit the road with Backpacks and Binoculars. Photo courtesy of the camp

Traditional Summer Camps in Brooklyn

BHMS Preschool Camp

Ages 3.5-14 | Brooklyn Heights
Brooklyn Heights Montessori School opens its doors in late June to welcome campers to A Montessori Summer. This rich program offers swimming instruction, athletics, visual and performing arts, cooking, and outdoor adventures. Younger campers can enjoy a half-day option in its Stepping Stones program. READ MORE

Backpacks & Binoculars

Ages 4-12 | Fort Greene / Boerum Hill / Prospect Heights
The World Explorers' Backpacks and Binoculars Summer Camp Program offers splash ground and pool visits, field trip days, and themed excursions. Aftercare is available upon request. READ MORE

Beansprouts Nursery School & Summer Camp

Ages 2-10 | Park Slope
The Beansprouts summer camp program features theme weeks, field trips for older campers (including swim lessons), and an outdoor art studio. READ MORE

BCAP Summer Camp

Ages 7-12 | Prospect Heights
BCAP Summer Camp is an award-winning day camp for kids ages in grades 2-7. During each two-week summer section, Adventurers visit two institutions on the Cultural Campus each day, exploring an annual theme through games, experiments, creative arts, and exploration. READ MORE

Brooklyn Friends Summer Camp

Ages 4-12 | Brooklyn Heights
Brooklyn Friends Summer Camp offers three sessions of engaging theme-based activities led by teaching artists. In addition to theme-based specialized activities, all campers participate in core summer camp elements each session, including swimming, cooking, sports, yoga, and more. An arts-based camp is available for children in grades 3-7. READ MORE
Brooklyn Boulders Summer Adventure Camps develop big-hearted, open-minded kids with a serious amount of determination. Photo courtesy of the camp
Brooklyn Boulders Summer Adventure Camps develop big-hearted, open-minded kids with a serious amount of determination. Photo courtesy of the camp

Sports Summer Camps in Brooklyn

Brooklyn Boulders - Summer Camp

Ages 5-12 | Gowanus
The summer camp program at Brooklyn Boulders is offered in week-long increments and introduces kids to climbing and individual goal-setting while integrating classroom-style learning in a climbing environment. READ MORE

Brooklyn Bridge Fencing - Summer Camp

Ages 10-18 | Dumbo
Brooklyn Bridge Fencing is a full-day, fun, and safe fencing camp for older children, tweens, and teens—from complete beginners to those who want to improve their existing skills. READ MORE

Aviator Sports Day Camp

Ages 3-14 | Sheepshead Bay
Aviator's summer day camp offers traditional activities, including arts and crafts, drama, science, and swimming, plus unique specialties including ice skating, rock climbing, and more—all within its 175,000-square-foot sports complex. School break camps are also offered.  READ MORE

Camp Maritime

Ages 7-15 | Sheepshead Bay
Set sail for summer fun during Camp Maritime's summer camp program. Hands-on learning is the focus and lifelong sailors teach kids about local waterways and watersports while building confidence, self-discovery, and growth. A low camper-to-counselor ratio allows for plenty of 1-on-1 instruction. READ MORE
Cumbe is an immersive cultural summer camp for children ages 3-8. Photo courtesy of the camp
Cumbe is an immersive cultural summer camp for children ages 3-8. Photo courtesy of the camp

Artistic Summer Camps in Brooklyn

Alamander Camp

Ages 4-11 | Clinton Hill
Each session of Alamander Camp begins with a springboard topic. Younger campers draw inspiration from a material, like cloth, wood, or clay. Older campers explore themes including comic books, tiny worlds, and flea market. Every week includes daily park trips and lots of time for free play. READ MORE

BAX | Brooklyn Arts Exchange - Camps

Ages 5-11 | Park Slope
BAX's Summer Arts Program draws from its year-round education programs to provide young artists with opportunities to explore different forms of art and performance each week (including visual art, circus, dance, theater, tumbling, media, and music). Kids can even learn how to produce podcasts. READ MORE

Automatic Studios

Ages 8-14 | Vinegar Hill
Automatic Studios is a technical moviemaking program that gives kids the opportunity to be part of a creative team and experience working on a real movie set. In the unique movie arts program, students learn the art of movie making through hands-on experience. READ MORE

Brooklyn Music Factory

Ages 4-12 | Gowanus
Brooklyn Music Factory joins forces with Brooklyn Boulders for a unique—and totally rocking!—camp experience. At Brooklyn Music Factory's summer camp, kids join bands and spend days songwriting in fully equipped studios. They also enjoy free time daily at neighborhood parks and rock-climbing at Brooklyn Boulders. On Fridays, friends and family are invited to a celebratory gig—where all the bands play their original songs. READ MORE

Cumbe: Center for African and Diaspora Dance - Camps

Ages 3-8 | Bed-Stuy
Cumbe introduces kids to the joy and vitality of dances, songs, and rhythms of Africa and its diaspora in the Caribbean, Latin America, and the U.S. Camp sizes are small so teachers can get to know your child. At the end of each two-week session, campers and instructors put on a show demonstrating all they have explored. READ MORE

The Painted Cloud - Camp

Ages 4-12 | Williamsburg
The Painted Cloud offers in-person sessions on a weekly basis that include community-minded art projects, drawing, and outdoor play with sprinklers. Campers are divided into two groups depending on age. READ MORE
Summer sessions at Brooklyn Robot Foundry are an amazing way for kids entering grades K–7 to learn engineering, coding, circuitry, and more. Photo courtesy of the camp
Summer sessions at Brooklyn Robot Foundry are an amazing way for kids entering grades K–7 to learn engineering, coding, circuitry, and more. Photo courtesy of the camp

Academic Summer Camps in Brooklyn

Bonjour NY Manhattan & Brooklyn French Camp

Ages 4-11 | Boerum Hill
Campers are immersed in the French language, outdoor experiences, and loads of summer fun! The focus is on building confidence, friendship, and language skills through fun and engaging activities linked to weekly themes. READ MORE

City Growers - Summer in the Soil Urban Agriculture Camp

Ages 5-12 | Sunset Park
Summer in the Soil Urban Agriculture Camps combine greening, growing, cooking, green arts, STEAM, and youth development activities for a summer of exploration and growth. From roots to fruits to compost pile, campers examine where their food comes from and why it matters, plus have lots of fun. READ MORE

MakerState STEM Summer Camp

Ages 6-14 | Park Slope
This virtual camp features live hands-on instructor-led projects for kids ages 6-14, focusing on art, game design, coding, Minecraft engineering, Lego building, Roblox, and more. Two daily sessions are offered all summer, and you can sign up for a week of daily sessions or by the day. READ MORE

Camp Pixel: Studios

Ages 7-11 | Brooklyn Heights
Camp Pixel Studios are a mix of “traditional” summer camps and one-of-a-kind project-based STEM camps. Each session, campers age 7 to 13 can choose a technology theme, like building an escape room or developing a video game, while enjoying sports, field trips, and more. READ MORE

Brooklyn Robot Foundry

Ages 5-12 | Boerum Hill & South Slope
Summer Circuits at Brooklyn Robot Foundry are full-week programs that run Monday through Friday and feature fun themes that rotate throughout the summer. These weeks can be taken in any combination or order, but individual themes should not be repeated. Students make and take home a different robot project each day.   READ MORE

Places featured in this article:

Brooklyn Heights Montessori School
Alamander Camp at Brooklyn Free School
Upper West Side: West End Collegiate Church, 245 W 77th St, New York, NY 10024 (77th & Broadway)
Brooklyn Robot Foundry - Gowanus