With only two more weeks left of school, we are eagerly attempting (aka: in a panic) to nail down our summer plans. While I normally prefer advanced detailed planning, we’ve needed some time to adjust to life as a family of four (plus, I’m still waiting for spring to arrive…seriously, how short was our spring?!). So, as we countdown the days until summer (officially, June 21st), here are some of our last minute preparations to find summer camps in NYC.
NYC Summer Camps
The one set of plans we made sure to book in advance was a few weeks of summer camp at Bash’s school. We’re hoping this is an easy transition for Bash as it’s a familiar environment and he gets to meet some of next year’s teachers. Bash has been home sick this week, giving me a dose of reality around what it’s like to simultaneously care for 2 kids for an extended period of time (ok, for more than 2 days in a row!). After that eye opener, I’ve been desperately researching NYC summer camps with availability as I’m going to need Bash occupied for longer. While we may extend his school’s program a few extra weeks, I also like the idea of using summer to try new programs. Below are a few camps we are exploring that we have either taken classes at or come highly recommended by friends:
NYC Elite Gym (UWS, UES, Tribeca): Bash has loved these gym classes and we couldn’t be happier with his coach and seeing how Bash has progressed. NYC Elite has very flexible summer camp programs (half-day for preschoolers), which can be customized for 2/3/5 days per week. While the facilities are geared towards gymnastics, summer camp broadens the experience across gymnastics, dance, arts and crafts, and storytime. As of 5/30, there was still availability.
The Art Farm NYC (UES): Recommended by teachers at Bash’s school, this camp offers full and half-day options for preschoolers and registration can be done on a per-week basis. From live animals to swimming, this camp has a lot to offer! As of 5/30, there was still availability.
Chelsea Piers (Chelsea): This multi-sport complex offers a host of sport-specific camps (for preschoolers, they offer either gymnastics or ice skating). Since Nick and I are both avid ice hockey players, we’re leaning towards a week or two of ice skating lessons. As of 5/30, there was still availability.
Broadway Dance Center (UWS): If you’re in the market for a summer of “Fame”, BDC offers a fun camp for those little dancers. (Full and half-day options available for preschoolers). Bash is really into breakdancing (which he saw once at Fisherman’s Wharf in San Francisco), so it’s either this or we’ll be spending a lot of time with the buskers in Central Park! As of 5/30, there was still availability.
A Few Additional Options: Based on recommendations from friends, a few additional considerations include:
- Book Nook (UWS / Tribeca): 6 week session focused on literacy
- Children’s Museum of Manhattan (UWS): Both parent/child (up to 24 months) and drop-off programs (3 – 4 year olds)
- 92nd Street Y Camp K’Ton Ton (UES): 6 week camp hosted by the 92nd Street Y Nursery School
- Camp Mohawk (Westchester): Our friends recommended this day camp in White Plains that provides transportation from the city
Are you as excited for summer as we are? Do your kids spend time at camp or do they prefer lots of unstructured playtime? What are your favorite NYC camps / classes?
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