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Free & Affordable Summer Camps on Long Island

At Long Island's Y camps, campers build friendships. Photo courtesy of the YMCA
At Long Island's Y camps, campers build friendships. Photo courtesy of the YMCA
2/27/23 - By Jaime Sumersille

Looking for the best summer camps on Long Island? Read on for our roundup of 10 great picks that won't break the bank. 

For kids on Long Island, summer is 10 weeks that make the rest of the year worth enduring. For moms and dads, these two months stretch out like a lazy highway, waiting to be filled with activity before your home becomes a whining zone of boredom.

Summer camps can be a significant investment, but some Long Island summer camps are actually quite affordable, and others offer scholarships and financial aid.

Here is our list of the most affordable summer camp programs on Long Island. Find more summer camp resources in our Guide to Summer Camps. 

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Camps 'R' Us offers a safe, fun, and affordable camp experience. Photo courtesy of Camps 'R' Us
Camps 'R' Us offers a safe, fun, and affordable camp experience. Photo courtesy of Camps 'R' Us

Affordable Summer Camps Across Long Island

Camps 'R' Us

Multiple Locations
Camps 'R' Us is a long-running, family-owned day camp offering children ages 3 to 13 a summer spent enjoying the outdoors with organized activities and free play, plus tons of electives. Register for 2-5 days per week; half-day sessions and sibling discounts are available. A counselor-in-training program is also offered.  READ MORE

YMCA of Long Island Summer Camps

Multiple Locations
The YMCA of Long Island offers a range of programming, no matter your child's age or interest. Its camps teach sportsmanship and teamwork while building self-expression. YMCA summer camps build self-confidence, lasting relationships, and provide plenty of active fun.  READ MORE

Boys And Girls Clubs Of America

Multiple Locations
Boys and Girls Club camps are available for kids ages 6-15. The six-week program's themes include sports, outdoor activities, tech projects, arts and crafts, dance, and field trips. Kids can register for one week or the whole summer but must be members of the club.  READ MORE

Nassau County Police Activity League Camp

Multiple Locations
NCPAL offers day camps at affordable pricing. Day camps are full-day, 5 days a week. Activities include judo, art, music, STEM, dance and more. Campers can sign up for 3, 4 or 5 week sessions. READ MORE

Apple Camp

Multiple Locations
If your kid can't let go of the screen for outdoor excitement, why fight it? This FREE camp is a two-hour session at your local Apple store where kids learn how to create a comic book on an iPad. This isn't a drop-off opportunity, however: Apple makes it very clear that all campers must have a parent or legal guardian on-site for the duration of Apple Camp. With free wifi and often a Starbucks within eyeshot, of course, that's not much of a sacrifice. Ages 8-12. READ MORE
Make friends and have fun at Oasis LIU's summer day camp. Photo courtesy of the camp
Make friends and have fun at Oasis LIU's summer day camp. Photo courtesy of the camp

Affordable Summer Camps in Nassau County

Center for Science, Teaching and Learning (CSTL)

Rockville Centre
The Center for Science, Teaching, and Learning is a nonprofit dedicated to science and STEM education. In addition to hands-on exhibits, CSTL offers engaging programming from school break and summer camps to birthday parties, field trips, and discovery programs for all ages. READ MORE

Nassau County Summer Recreation Camp

Wantagh
Hicksville
This full-day camp runs Monday through Friday for approximately six weeks. In addition to 45 minutes of swim time in the park's pool complex, each day children will participate in arts and crafts, board games and multiple sports.This affordable camp fills up quick, so register early. Camp is located at Wantagh Park or Cantiague Park. READ MORE
Make lifelong friends at the Cornell 4H Camp at Peconic Dunes. Photo courtesy of the camp
Make lifelong friends at the Cornell 4H Camp at Peconic Dunes. Photo courtesy of the camp

Affordable Summer Day Camps in Suffolk County

Cornell 4H Camp - Peconic Dunes

Southold
This sleepaway/day camp in Southold is located on the Long Island Sound. Accommodations are screened cabins. Activities include archery, arts and crafts, farm-to-table cooking, and more.  READ MORE

Hidden Pond Day Camp at The Rinx

Hauppauge
Hidden Pond Day Camp has been providing unforgettable summers since 1992. Each day, campers swim twice and go ice skating. HPDC's other programming builds the four C's: creativity, critical thinking, collaboration, and communication. READ MORE
Sessions at upstate Frost Valley are 2 weeks long. Photo courtesy of the camp
Sessions at upstate Frost Valley are 2 weeks long. Photo courtesy of the camp

Affordable Sleepaway Camps Near Long Island

Frost Valley YMCA Camp

Claryville, New York
Frost Valley YMCA offers day camps as well as sleepaway camps with specialty camps including horse and farm camps, teen adventure camps, and camps for kids with special needs. Activities at the standard day camp include arts and crafts, sports and games, hiking, climbing, swimming, and soaring on the flying squirrel zipline. Bus transportation is available from several locations in Sullivan and Ulster Counties.   READ MORE

North Shore Holiday House

Huntington, New York
North Shore Holiday House is a non-profit organization offering FREE sleepaway camps to girls ages 7-15. Younger campers, ages 7-11, can attend for two weeks; older campers, ages 12-15, are invited to enjoy a one-week session. All campers enjoy traditional summer camp activities, including swimming, performing arts, sports, and yoga. Life skills like financial literacy are also offered. To qualify, families must meet the USDA requirements for free or reduced lunch.  READ MORE

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