Hit one of the amazing beaches in NYC, by train, ferry, bike, or car. Photo by Sara Marentette
40 Things To Do in NYC Before School Starts
Task-tackling service Taskrabbit is able to take on tons of back-to-school projects you may not have even considered outsourcing.
25 Back-to-School Tasks You Didn't Know You Could Pay Someone Else to Do
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
Kids' classes like art lessons can help your NYC child grow and develop
GUIDE
Guide to NYC Classes for Kids
Enjoy the spacious shore and freshwater at Fahenstock State Park's Lake Canopus. Photo courtesy of I Love the Hudson Valley
Best Swimming Lakes near NYC You Need to Discover
Dreamery uses only the best all-natural milk and cream from local New York State creameries.
Best Cold Treats in NYC for Kids: Ice Cream, Ice Pops, and More
The Brooklyn Museum is a premier art museum, with floors of treasures and outdoor art, too.
Brooklyn Museum Guide For Kids - Everything You Need to Know Before Your Family Visit
The splash pad in Domino Park puts a smile on faces young and old. Photo by Jody Mercier
25 Top Sprinkler Parks and Splash Pads in NYC for Kids
Frolic in the Fountain of the Fairs, one of our 100 favorite free things to do this summer in NYC.
100 Free Things To Do in NYC this Summer with Kids
GUIDE
Ultimate NYC Kids Summer Vacation Guide
The Pier 6 Waterlab has been one of our favorite NYC splash pads since it opened in 2010. Photo by Sara M
Play Fountains in NYC Where Kids Can Get Totally Soaked
We've launched a partnership with Care.com to bring background-checked nannies and sitters to the Mommy Poppins Directory.
Find Trusted Babysitters and Nannies Now on Mommy Poppins–Powered by Care.com
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
Enjoy the Summer of Spongebob, courtesy of Nickelodeon Hotels & Resorts Punta Cana - and Mommy Poppins!
Your Ultimate Summer Starts with Our Nickelodeon Resort Giveaway, Deals, and Guide
Make a splash at Coney Island when you need to beat the heat in NYC. Photo by author
Heat Wave Hot List: 50 Cool Things To Do in NYC with Kids
Enjoy the popular Movies With a View series at Brooklyn Bridge Park in July and August. Photo by Etienne Frossard
Where to See Free Summer Movies in NYC for an Outdoor Movie Night
Noshing on a funnel cake on the Coney Island boardwalk is a sweet ending to an epic day of summer fun.
50 Things To Do This Summer in NYC: Summer Fun Guide
Coney Island's shores are easy to get to, and action packed from the rides to the waves. Photo courtesy of NYC Parks
Best NYC Beaches by Ferry or Train
See Isabella's flower-filled wonderland in real-life at the new Disney Encanto x CAMP experience at the Flatiron location.
Encanto's Casita Comes to Life at CAMP Fifth Avenue
GUIDE
Family Amusement Parks & Water Parks Guide
NYC school kids head back to school on Thursday, September 7, 2023, according to the newly released NYC public school calendar. Photo by Al De Ingeniis
2023-24 NYC Public School Calendar: New Holidays, Plus 2024 & 2025 Calendars
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
Enjoy a wild visit to the Philadelphia Zoo during a weekend getaway to the City of Brotherly Love. Photo courtesy of the zoo
13 Family-Friendly Weekend Getaways near NYC
Summer camps help kids develop social skills and have fun
GUIDE
NYC Summer Camp Guide
Lola and Tots offers is a drop-in play as well as membership-based childcare with co-working benefits.
19 Top Indoor Play Spaces in New York City
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
Eat on the rooftop at Fornino on Brooklyn Bridge Park’s Pier 6. Photo by Lisa Seibold-Winder
Best Outdoor Dining in Brooklyn at Family-Friendly Restaurants
Registration is now open for the reasonably priced summer camps at YMCA locations in NYC.
Free and Cheap Summer Camps in NYC for Kids
GUIDE
Guide to Kids' Birthday Parties in NYC
Get a Broadway-caliber serenade during a birthday dinner at Ellen's Stardust Diner.
Best Fun Restaurants for Kids' Birthdays in NYC
The Brooklyn Children's Museum offers three floors of rotating and permanent interactive exhibits perfect for warding off the rainy day blues. Photo courtesy of BCM
Indoor Activities for Kids: 35 Things To Do in NYC on a Rainy Day
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
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
These boredom-busting activities turn a stuck-at-home day into a lasting memory.
75 Indoor Activities for Kids on a Rainy Day
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
& Juliet turns Shakespeare's classic tale on its head with plenty of girl power. Photo courtesy of Matthew Murphy
Best Broadway Shows for Kids and Families
Discover the NYC-themed play space hidden inside the Toys
22 Free Indoor Places To Play in NYC
Photo courtesy of PLAY Greenpoint.
GUIDE
Indoor Play Spaces & Fun Zones in NYC
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
Hunting down pop-up public art displays is one of our favorite free things to do in NYC. Zaq Landsberg's Reclining Liberty is on display in Morningside Park through April 2022.
100 Free Things To Do in NYC With Kids
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
Top Attractions in NYC: Best Things To See and Do With Kids
Teach 'em to tie during downtime.
65 Life Skills to Teach Kids at Every Age
Kids can while away hours of a day with a set of watercolors and a stack of new paper for painting.
Crafts for Kids: 100 Awesome Art Projects
Hester Street Playground. Photo by Jody Mercier
GUIDE
Playgrounds & Parks NYC Guide
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
Find the NYC neighborhood that fits your family.
GUIDE
Moving Guide: Top NYC Neighborhoods for Families
Take a hike with your little one on a family day trip from NYC.
GUIDE
Family Day Trips and Weekend Getaways for NYC Kids
GUIDE
News & Openings in NYC
GUIDE
Boredom Busters for Kids

Best Winter and Spring Break Camps for NYC Kids and Teens

Chelsea Piers Camps offer a variety of programs from preschool camps to elite training, where children are able to pursue their passions and fuel their athletic potential. Photo courtesy of Chelsea Piers
Chelsea Piers Camps offer a variety of programs from preschool camps to elite training, where children are able to pursue their passions and fuel their athletic potential. Photo courtesy of Chelsea Piers
2/7/23 - By Jody Mercier

Find a great holiday camp to keep kids busy during spring break and other NYC school vacations. If kids need something to do, NYC school winter and spring break camps offer activities from STEM to sports, visual arts, performing arts, cooking, and more over school holidays. And, we haven't forgotten the Bronx, Queens, and Staten Island, we're sharing the best school break camps in all five boroughs below.

Be sure to check out our NYC Camp Guide for more options, and find more top NYC holiday camps in our directory.

Another reminder: It's always worth checking with your local play space or other neighborhood kid spot to see if it's offering programming. Be sure to click through to the camps' official sites for more details, including hours and pricing, and register ASAP.

OUR LATEST VIDEOS

Taste Buds Kitchen cooking camps are the perfect recipe for gaining kitchen confidence, learning essential cooking skills and making new friends. Photo courtesy of Taste Buds
Taste Buds Kitchen cooking camps are the perfect recipe for gaining kitchen confidence, learning essential cooking skills and making new friends. Photo courtesy of Taste Buds

Best General Interest Winter and Spring Break Camps in NYC

Park Slope Day Camp

Brooklyn
Ages 4-15
Park Slope Day Camp provides kids entering pre-K to 8th grade with a wide variety of activities, including traditional day camp, circus camp, travel camp, and sports academies. Plenty of time is spent outdoors in local parks. School break mini-camps are offered. READ MORE

NORY

Manhattan and Brooklyn
Ages 3-10
Children are makers and creators at Nory's holiday break and summer camps. Children can engage in woodworking, robot building, Roblox coding, and more. Questions are encouraged as kids build confidence and new skills. READ MORE

Taste Buds Kitchen Cooking Camps

Chelsea
Ages 4-13
Taste Buds Kitchen allows kids to get hands-on in its cooking camps. With delicious themes like All You Knead is Love, Around the World, Super Foodies, and Culinary Cocoa, children can join for a single day or the whole week.  READ MORE

YMCA of Greater New York Summer Day Camp

Citywide
Ages 5-12
With 70 sites throughout the five boroughs and summer programs for kids ages 1-17, there's a YMCA camp to fit your family. Choose from options like swim and specialty camps, traditional day camps, and sleepaway camps. School break camps are also offered. READ MORE
Fashion Class campers walk away with handmade garments and life skills. Photo courtesy of The Fashion Class School
Fashion Class campers walk away with handmade garments and life skills. Photo courtesy of The Fashion Class School

Visual and Performing Arts Winter and Spring Break Camps in NYC

BOLD Arts

Upper West Side and Upper East Side
Ages 5-10
BOLD Arts offers week-long summer camps. A different, thought-provoking theme centers each week's activities, including dance, music, and art projects. Every session ends with a child-centered performance where kids are the stars and the costumes, scenery, and performances are their own creations. READ MORE

The Fashion Class School Break & Summer Camps

Midtown West
Ages 6-12
At this boutique fashion camp, kids ages 6-12 learn to sew and make actual wearable garments, while also participating in fashion illustration and design classes. Each session features a different project and theme. READ MORE

Playday

Queens and Brooklyn
Ages 5+
This micro-chain of creative hubs offers a variety of creative classes in NYC for kids in a safe, small-group atmosphere with experienced, passionate art instructors. Camps are offered during school breaks and all summer long. You can also book a creative birthday party here. READ MORE

The Art Farm School Break Camp

Upper East Side
Ages 3-8
Campers can experience music, art, science, nature, games, cooking, and live animal science lessons in the petting zoo where children meet new animals every day. School break campers can attend for full- or half-days depending on your needs. READ MORE

TADA! Youth Theater

Chelsea
Ages 4-11
At this well-known performing arts program, seasoned theater pros teach kids the core elements of musical theater, including singing, dancing, and acting their way through popular Broadway hits and TADA's original productions. School break camps, summer camps, and classes are also available.  READ MORE

Creatively WILD Art Studio

Dumbo, Brooklyn
Ages 6-15
Creatively Wild Art Studio strives to provide an inspiring, artistic class experience to nurture and enrich kids' and adults' creative minds. Classes are offered for all ages and abilities in a gorgeous, light-filled, airy studio. Budding artists work with authentic professional art materials, dabble in techniques like color mixing, texture, and brushwork, and learn fun paint applications as well as explore non-traditional fun media like recycled object + 3D Art! The studio also hosts birthday parties, camps, and virtual classes.  READ MORE

Winter and Spring Break Sports Camps in NYC for Kids

Chelsea Piers Summer Sports Camp

Chelsea
Ages 3-13
Chelsea Piers features a variety of unique sports camps for kids, including gymnastics, ice skating/hockey, parkour, soccer, golf, and so much more. Half-day and full-day options, short weeks, aftercare, and more are offered. School break camps are also offered. READ MORE

Aviator Sports Day Camp

Floyd Bennett Field, Brooklyn
Ages 5-14
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

Asphalt Green Summer Day Camp

Upper East Side & Battery Park City
Ages 4-12
At Asphalt Green's pair of locations, kids participate in sports, arts, field trips, and daily swim time at state-of-the-art indoor and outdoor facilities, including sprawling fields and oversized pools to practice skills and build confidence. READ MORE

Fastbreak Sports - Camps

Upper East Side
Ages 3-14
Kids' Camp at Fastbreak goes way beyond basketball. Depending on your child's age and interest, kids are schooled in multiple sports, and camp sessions include field games, arts and crafts, and plenty more. Serious athletes can opt for its Elite Training Academy track. School break and summer camps are offered by Fastbreak.  READ MORE

SKATEYOGI - Camps

Williamsburg, Brooklyn
Ages 7-13
These small-group camps offer aspiring skateboarders ages 7-15 the chance to learn how to shred at three Brooklyn locations. Beginners can take advantage of complimentary rental gear as they learn the sport. A mini-camp is available for ages 5-7.   READ MORE

Places featured in this article:

About the Author

When asked to illustrate her dream job as a first grader, Jody drew a picture of a mom with one kid on each hip and another clinging to her leg. All these years later, that is her reality, raising three kids in New York City. Since that gig only pays in hugs and kisses, she has spent her professional career as a journalist covering health, fitness, sports, and parenting topics. She's currently the regional editor overseeing the Mommy Poppins NYC, New Jersey, Long Island, and Westchester sites and can be reached at jody@mommypoppins.com.

Recent Articles By :
Read more articles by Jody Mercier.