Preschool camps
These cozy starter camps are a nice alternative to humdrum day care.
ArtsCetera Summer Un-Camp
Ideal for tykes who are new to the camp experience—or not so keen on structure—this low-commitment, less-than-half-day program exposes youngsters to a wide range of creative activities and lets them focus on what they like best. In their time at “un-camp,” little ones create collages, sing songs, learn about puppetry and complete planting projects. The season culminates in the “un-camporee,” a day where kids show off what they’ve learned to parents. This year, un-campers will build a Recycled City of the Future, while learning about creative ways to help our planet. 212 Smith St between Baltic and Butler Sts, Cobble Hill, Brooklyn (718-643-6817, artscetera.com). Camp runs July 9–Aug 10, one to four days per week, 1–3:30pm. One day $65, drop-ins $75; discount after registering for five days. Ages 3½ to 5.
Ballet Hispanico Preschool Summer Dance Camp
Children gain an understanding of and appreciation for different Latin American cultures by taking part in classes including creative movement, percussion and a Latin American storytime with dance interpretation. Snack time features authentic Latin American specialties. 167 W 89th St between Columbus and Amsterdam Aves (212-362-6710, ballethispanico.org). Camp runs June 11–29, Mon–Fri 9am–noon. One-week session $330. Ages 3 to 5.
Blue Dolphin Summer Camp: Transformers
Preschoolers get plenty of personal attention here—the camper to counselor ratio is six to one. Little ones sample arts and crafts, music, gym, storytelling and other activities designed to introduce them to camp life. Occasionally participants will head off campus for nature walks or visits to local bowling alleys and petting zoos. 69-26 Cooper Ave at 69th Pl, Glendale, Queens (718-847-6470, bluedolphin
summercamp.com). Camp runs June 27–Aug 19, Mon–Fri 9am–4pm. $230 per week until June 1, thereafter $245, with a two-week registration minimum. Round-trip transportation is $50. Ages 3 to 5.
Camp Apple Seeds
At this popular play space's summer sessions, children are exposed to subjects such as cooking, science, construction and crafts through a number of interactive activities. Each day starts with playtime in the center's gym and ends with an art project, so tykes get a chance to exercise both their minds and bodies. Programs range from two to twelve weeks, from two to five days a week. Apple Seeds, 10 W 25th St between Broadway and Sixth Ave (212-792-7590, appleseedsnyc.com). June 11–Aug 31, Mon–Fri 9am–noon. Two-week session $1,250 (five days a week), $1,040 (four days a week), $810 (three days a week), $580 (two days a week). Ages 3 to 4.
Camp Chaverim
The littlest campers cook, get messy with crafts, frolic in the rooftop playground’s sprinklers and participate in outdoor activities. Older kids go on field trips, and learn from visiting specialists who teach specific topics such as yoga and science. All children participate in a weekly Shabbat celebration, and celebrate themed “Wacky Wednesdays.” Early Childhood Learning Center at the Temple Israel, 112 E 75th St between Park and Lexington Aves (212-249-9489, templeisraelnyc.org). Camp runs June 4–July 27; Tue–Thu 9–11am (two-year-olds); Tue–Thu 9am–noon or Mon–Fri 9am–noon (three-year-olds); Mon–Thu 9am–1:15pm, Fri 9am-12:10pm (four-year-olds); Mon–Thu 9am–2:15pm, Fri 9am–12:10pm (five-year-olds). One-week session $475–$700; discounts available for multiple weeks. Campers sign up for a minimum of two weeks. Ages 2½ to 5.
CBE Kids Preschool Day Camp
Access to Prospect Park and a heated indoor pool ensure that little campers have plenty of places to burn off excess energy. Besides engaging in outdoor activities, the kids will also make music, engage in art projects and take community walks. Special events like puppet and magic shows sweeten the deal, as do weekly trips for four- and five-year-olds. Congregation Beth Elohim, 274 Garfield Place between Prospect Park West and Eighth Ave, Park Slope, Brooklyn (718-768-3814, ext 210; congregationbethelohim.org). Camp runs July 2–Aug 17, Mon–Fri 9am–3pm or 9am–12:30pm; Tue–Thu 9am–3pm or 9am–12:30pm. Full season $2,415 (five full days), $1,945 (three full days), $1,625 (five half days) $1,150 (three half days); one-week session $475 (five full days), $380 (three full days), $320 (five half days), $225 (three half days). Ages 3 to 5.
Day Camp at the Jewish Community Center
Campers of all ages dabble in artistic and athletic activities, but while the older set (ages 5 to 6) heads off campus for cultural excursions and to pursue specialized elective classes, such as karate, drama or cooking, the younger group (ages 3 to 4) takes weekly trips to nearby Tecumseh Playground and enjoys a more general curriculum. All participants must be potty-trained and have previous experience at a separation program. JCC in Manhattan, 334 Amsterdam Ave at 76th St (646-505-4430, jccmanhattan.org). Camp runs June 25–Aug 16; Mon–Fri 8:40am–4pm (five- and six-year-olds), Mon–Fri 8:50am–2pm (four-year-olds), Mon–Fri 9am–1pm (three-year-olds). Eight-week session $4,300–$4,775, four-week session $2,500–$2,800; price depends on age. Ages 3 to 6.
Gym Kids At Work Summer Camp
After honing their motor skills with a gymnastics lesson, tykes head to Hudson River Park for a lively outdoor music session. Little ones bop to guitar licks, play with a giant parachute and make their own tunes using percussion instruments. Gym Kids, 149-155 Christopher St between Greenwich and Washington Sts (347-622-1009, abcgymkids.com). Camp runs June 20–Aug 25, Mon–Thu 9:30am–noon. $180 per week (two days) or $360 per week (four days). Ages 2 to 4.
¡Hola! A Playgroup in Spanish
This program offers Spanish immersion classes, which include culture exploration, music, art, storytime and plenty of outdoor play. Both native and non-native speakers are invited to aprender español! Simple studios, 134 W 29th St between Sixth and Seventh Aves (917-648-5006, holaplaygroup.com). Camp runs June 25–Aug 3, Mon–Fri 9am–2pm. Two-week session $900. Ages 3 to 6.
Kidville Summer Camps
The camps at this posh play space immerse tots in arts and crafts, athletics, music and hands-on projects. There are also days with special themes, and weeklong specialty camps with such titles as Fairy Princess and Superhero Training. Visit kidville.com for locations. Specialty camps run June 4–Sept 7; times vary. One-week session $435–$545. General-interest camp runs May 7–Aug 24, Mon–Fri 9am–noon. 16-week session $10,800, 12-week session $8,100, eight-week session $5,400, two-week session $1,500. Ages 3 to 5.
Little Olympians Program
Peewees tackle sports fundamentals while also learning about sportsmanship, leadership and teamwork. Throughout the week campers will sample a variety of athletics, such as soccer, T-ball, basketball and volleyball. John Jay High School, 237 Seventh Ave at 5th St, Park Slope, Brooklyn (718-748-7084, campolympiany.com). Camp runs July 9–Aug 9, Mon–Fri 9am–3:30pm. One-week session $185. Ages 4 to 7.
New Town
Little ones enjoy a rooftop playground, run through the sprinklers (also on the roof), learn about science and get messy with art projects. The activities will all center on a to-be-determined theme. A few times each week, the campers receive swim instruction from the Y’s aquatic staff. 14th Street Y, 344 E 14th St between First and Second Aves (212-780-0800, 14streety.org). Camp runs June 28–Aug 16, Mon–Fri 9am-4pm or 9am–1pm. $1,090–$3,110, depending on length of session. Ages 3½ to 6.
92nd Street Y’s Camp K’Ton Ton
In the posh, air-conditioned facilities of the 92nd Street Y’s Nursery School, licensed teachers and assistants guide children in art, music and outdoor games. The 92nd Street Y’s aquatics department supervises campers during swim sessions in the building’s pool. 92nd Street Y, 1395 Lexington Ave at 92nd St (212-415-5532, 92y.org). Camp runs in a single six-week session, June 25–Aug 3; Mon–Fri 9am–noon (three-year-olds), 9am–1pm (young four-year-olds), 9am–2pm (mid-four-year-olds), 9am–3pm (older four-year-olds and five-year-olds). $4,900–$5,800. Ages 3 to 5.
On Our Way
Parents and caregivers stick around for a half hour of hanging out on the rooftop playground. Then, having waved goodbye to their parents, children engage in two hours of indoor art activities, music, movement, storytime and snack. 14th Street Y, 344 E 14th St between First and Second Aves (212-780-0800, 14streety.org). Camp runs June 25–Aug 15, two days per week. Mon, Wed 9:30am–noon or 2:30–5pm; Tue, Thu 9:30am–noon. Eight-week session $1,200. Ages 2½ to 3½.
Park Explorers’ Early Explorers Camp
Tykes cultivate a love of nature by observing ants and worms in the park, hunting for the Hungry Caterpillar, collecting nature objects and creating art inspired by the great outdoors. When they’re not exploring, campers partake in trips around the borough, playground time and on-site gymnastics lessons. Eighth Ave between 6th and 7th Sts, Park Slope, Brooklyn (718-788-3620, parkexplorers.com). Camp runs June 28–Aug 31, Mon–Fri 8:30am–4pm. Eight-week session $2,795, seven-week session $2,590, six-week session $2,280, five-week session $2,000, four-week session $1,720, three-week session $1,350, two-week session $920, one-week session $475. Ages 4 to 5.
Poppyseed Pre-Nursery Camp
This camp requires that parents stay with their children. Alongside Mom and Dad, tots play in the mini gym, participate in sing-alongs and storytimes, craft art projects and embark on field trips to nearby attractions, such as a bakery, a park or a firehouse. Poppyseed Pre-Nursery, 424 West End Ave at 81st St (212-877-7614, poppyseedprenursery.com). Camp runs May 29–July 26; Tue–Thu (two or three times per week) 9–10:50am, 11:10am–1pm, 1:20–3:10pm or 3:30–5:20pm. Nine-week session $1,260–$1,890, five-week session $700–$1,050, four-week session $560–$840. Ages 8 months to 4 years.
Queens Zoo Kinderzoo
Little cubs spend the week discovering what animals eat and exploring animal colors through crafts and hands-on activities. Queens Zoo, 53-51 111th St at 53rd Ave, Flushing Meadows–Corona Park, Queens (718-271-7361, queenszoo.com). Camp runs June 25–29, Aug 27–31; Mon–Fri 9am–1pm. One-week session $275. Ages 4 to 5.
Queens Zoo Toddler Time Camp
These short-and-sweet sessions give toddlers a chance to meet the critters of the zoo as well as their caregivers. Expect movement, music and crafts, in addition to quality time with live animals. Queens Zoo, 53-51 111th St at 53rd Ave, Flushing Meadows–Corona Park, Queens (718-271-7361, queenszoo.com). Camp runs July 2, 3, 5 and 7 10:30–11:30am. $110. Ages 2 to 3.
The Studio School: Morning Fun
Kids paint, make music and frolic in the sprinklers, as well as cook and listen to stories during this camp experience for wee ones. The Studio School, 117 W 95th St between Columbus and Amsterdam Aves (212-678-2416, studioschoolnyc.org). Camp runs June 18–22, July 2–13; Mon–Fri or Tue–Thu 9am–noon. One-week session $450–$742. Ages 2 to 3.
Summer Breeze Day Camp
With experienced teachers offering guidance, babes try out arts and crafts, music, cooking, sports and gymnastics. In the afternoon pee-wees explore the great outdoors city-style, during water play and playground visits. York Avenue Preschool, 1520 York Ave at 80th St (212-861-7732, gymtime.net). Camp runs June 11–Aug 17. Mon, Wed, Fri 9am–noon; Mon–Fri 9am–noon; or Mon–Thu 9am–2pm, Fri 9am–noon. Five-week session $1,950, one-week session $675 (full day) or $600 (half day); campers must register for at least two consecutive weeks. Ages 2½ to 5½.
Summer Days Camp at 74th Street Magic
Each week tykes explore a new theme, such as “Barnyard Buddies,” “Take Me Out to the Ballgame” or “Blast Off to Space,” through songs, stories, science projects and crafts. Plus campers get to romp around, engage in water play and practice gymnastics in the facility’s air-conditioned gym. The program also offers flexible scheduling: Families can sign up for anywhere from three to five days a week and pick between full and half days. 74th Street Magic, 510 E 74th at York Ave (212-737-2989, 74magic.com). Camp runs June 4–Aug 17; Mon–Thu 9am–3pm, Fri 9am–noon; Mon–Fri 9am–noon; or choose any three full days a week (except Fri) or any three half days a week. Four full days and one half day per week $695, four full days per week $645, three full days per week $575, three half days per week $375. Minimum of two-week sign-up required. Ages 2½ to 6.
Summer Friends Preschool Camp
Alongside children their own age, preschoolers sample an array of age-appropriate activities ranging from stretch sessions with Karma Kids Yoga to animal meet-and-greets with the Nature Company. Youngsters also get a healthy dose of creative movement, drama and music, and participate in field trips and art projects. 222 E 16th St at Rutherford Pl (212-979-5035, friendsseminary.org). Camp runs June 11–Aug 3, Mon–Fri 9am–noon (age 3), 9am–2pm (age 4), 9am–2:30pm (age 5). One-week session $660 (age 3), $740 (age 4), $770 (age 5), with prorated prices July 2–6. Ages 3 to 5.
Super Soccer Stars Summer Camps
At these mini-camps, preschoolers get an introduction to the sport of soccer. The "Indoor Mini Camp" option provides two and a half hours of art and soccer (kids also get a snack), while the "Fun in the Sun" option includes two hours of outdoor soccer play. Check website for locations in Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens, Bronx, New Jersey, Westchester, Fairfield County and in the Hamptons (212-877-7171, supersoccerstars.com). Camp runs May 29–Sept 1. Times and prices vary depending on location. Ages 2 to 5.
Trevor Day School
Teachers from Trevor Day School guide children through arts and crafts, phys ed, drama, movement, music and sing-alongs. Campers also get to play on the school’s rooftop playground—equipped with kiddie pools for summer—and in Central Park. 11 E 89th St between Fifth and Madison Aves (212-426-3300, trevor.org). Camp runs June 25–July 27; Mon–Fri 9am–noon (three-year-olds), 9am–2pm (four-year-olds), 9am–3pm (five- and six-year-olds). $1,050–$4,825, depending on age and number of weeks. Ages 3 to 6.
Village Preschool Center Merry-Go-Round
Each day the West Village learning center gives tykes a chance to rotate through five types of activities. Campers get their fill of art, science, music and movement, indoor playtime in the air-conditioned “Playtrium” and surprise ventures—which could incorporate anything from cooking and drama to taking nature walks and watching performances. Village Preschool Center, 136 W 10th St between Greenwich Ave and Waverly Pl (212-645-1238, villagepreschoolcenter.com). Camp runs June 25–Aug 10; days and times vary. One-week session $225–$550, depending on hours and number of days. Ages 3 to 5.
Vital Children's Theatre
Pint-size players have a hand in every aspect of production during this drama program. They'll learn musical numbers, design sets, make costumes and even apply their own stage makeup. When the session wraps up, campers perform in a talent showcase. St. Michael's Church, 225 W 99th St between Amsterdam Ave and Broadway, second floor (212-579-0528, vitaltheatre.org). Camp runs July 16–Aug 24, Mon–Fri 9am–noon. One-week session $325 through May 18, thereafter $375. Ages 4 to 6.
Wiggles and Giggles Summer Camp
Tots improve their social skills at this drop-off camp, which includes storytime, gym class, art and science projects, and outdoor activities. Wiggles and Giggles Playhouse, 875 W 181st St at Riverside Dr (212-543-2393, wigglesgigglesplayhouse.com). Camp runs June 18–Aug 17, Mon–Fri 9–11:30am (age 2), 9am–12:30pm or 9am–3:15pm (ages 3 to 6). One-week session $210–$350, one-day session $45–$75. Ages 2 to 6.
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