Finally, the sun is shining and we are able to get out and about in this glorious city. A big thanks to all the lovely mummies who came to our Mum & Bub playdate in Central Park last week, the kids had a ball running around in the morning sunshine and the mums had a good chance to chat and make new friends. Look out on the AWNY Mums & Dad facebook page for details on the next catch up which will be at Pier 13 in Hoboken, NJ.
I thought I would cover SUMMER CAMP this month as many of us have kids who will need to be kept entertained over the long summer break, and we don’t have the luxury of a backyard pool or local beach to visit like we do back in Australia!
Planning summer camp can be a bit daunting. There are so many options – even kids as young as 2 years can be involved in a camp activity. Camp choices range from sport, cooking, dance, STEM, art … and the list goes on. if you can imagine it there’s a camp for it! Most of your preschools or Daycares will offer a summer program for little ones (at an additional fee of course – it is New York City after all!) These are a good way to keep your preschoolers entertained over the summer and really does not feel like much of a change to your current routine. If your current preschool does not offer a summer program you can check out the following.
NY Kids Club, Equinox – For kids only, Kidville, Book Nook,
For kids 5 years and older the search begins…. my kids have been doing the summer camp thing for a few years now. We like to mix it up and do a few different camps over the summer and a few weeks at home doing our own thing – this also has the added benefit of making the summer a bit more affordable as most camp options are not cheap. Below are a few my kids have tried out.
Chelsea Piers- New York’s ultimate sports playground, for big kids and little kids. offering 16 different sports camp options located in Chelsea on the Hudson River. It is a great set up – lots of professional coaches, equipment and space (though you do pay a premium to enjoy all that prime NYC space!) They also offer transport and before and aftercare.
Riverside Parks– Taking advantage of the lovely park space, courts and fields along the Hudson River on riverside park between 96th -110t street, this is a more affordable camp option for kids aged 4-14. Sport options include basketball, soccer, tennis, baseball, flag football. Half day options from $375per week or full day from $500 per week.
Kids in the Game – A multi-sport option – every day your kids play a different sport and participate in different activities including art, craft, dance. They also go on a couple of offsite field trips (for example, Yankees stadium, Bronx Zoo, New York Aquarium etc.) Camp counselors at KING are former college athletes or fitness coaches … so no slacking off! Kids in the game have a few camp locations throughout the city and in Westchester and typically run $550 or so per week.
Broadway Dance Center– Offers classes for boys and girls to dance, run around and have fun. The Center welcomes dancers of all levels and caters to a variety of styles inc ballet, jazz, hip hop, musical theatre, tumbling/acrobatics, acting & breakdance, from ages 3-14 years. prices from $800 per week.
92Y– Well known on the Upper East Side as “the” place to go for camp and general sport activities. From gymnastics, dance, music, swim, adventure and arts programs there are plenty of choices at this East 92nd Street Jewish community centre. Prices vary depending on the activities but you should budget around $800+ per week (Welcome to the Upper East Side guys).
Downtown Day Camp – For kids aged 4-14, this camp offers a wide range of sports including aquatics, athletics, arts, and STEM. The Tribeca location has a pool and outdoor ball fields. Two weeks of camp run from $2095 and 6 weeks is around $4645.
YMCA– With 20 locations all over the 5 boroughs, ‘The Y” offers both, day camps and sleepaway camps. Each location may have a slightly different program given the facilities available at that location, In Manhattan, The Upper West Side, Harlem and Midtown East locations offer swimming, arts, many sports with rates starting at $485+ per week. Check the website for each locations individual programs.
Swim & STEM Camp – Physique & NORY- I love this concept for summer camp – swimming, soccer, & STEM activities. Basically, they offer swim and /or sport in the morning then STEM activities in the afternoon. They also do field trips. $900 per week.
TasteBuds – Cooking camp – a hands on cooking experience for kids aged 4 years – 17years. Located on W 27th, TasteBuds offers lots of half day options with different recipes every day (they typically do both a savory and sweet dish each day.) Morning and afternoon options are available (e.g., 10am -1pm or 1pm-4pm.) Daily rates start at approximately $100 depending on recipes / theme or $450+ for the week.
NYSC– You are probably familiar with ‘New York Sports Clubs’ as they have locations all over the 5 boroughs and in Westchester. Many of their locations offer some type of summer camp. Lots of sports based play plus arts and crafts. If you are at a location with a pool they will include swim time. The location on 63rd and Westend Ave has a pool. Full and half day programs are available and the rates are usually more affordable than other camp options – full week $380, half day $250 per week or a daily rate approx $79.
There are many many more options for camp, a great resource which lists nearly every camp in NYC is the Mommy Poppins website.
AWNY | Australian Women in New York 