Does the summer camp search already have you stressed? Working parents and stay-at-home parents unite, there’s no need to panic just yet about what to do with your kids once school’s out for the summer. Ironically, it’s in the thick of winter, right now, that is the best time to start planning your child’s summer experiences – as New Jersey’s most popular summer camps start to fill up with repeat customers and parents eager to catch those early-bird deals.
If you’re new to the summer camp game and looking to narrow down your search a bit, take a peek at our guide of the top summer camps in New Jersey. From those that offer the whole nine yards of classic camp experiences like archery and human foosball, to cooking and pottery, or specialized camps focusing on one skill, you can’t go wrong with any of these that made NJMOM’s 2018 summer camp list. The best news of all? This list means summer’s coming! (Eventually.) And you’ll be totally ahead of the game.
New Jersey’s Top Summer Camps
Camp Riverbend Day Camp in Warren. via
Camp Riverbend Day Camp
The Breene family has run this camp for two generations, continuing traditions that make for your child’s most memorable summer to date. Riverbend offers a full range of team and individual sports instruction and play, arts and crafts, daily swimming lessons, nature appreciation, and more! Campers participate in clubs, cookouts, and special days with carnivals and entertainers. Door-to-door transportation is provided from parts of Hudson, Essex, Morris, Somerset and Union counties, making your family’s camp experience even easier.
For campers ages 3 to 14.
116 Hillcrest Rd, Warren, NJ 07059
Please call (908) 580-CAMP for more information or visit their website to register
Basking Ridge Country Club Golf Camp. via
Basking Ridge Country Club
Golfing is a life skill, so why not start ‘em young? At Basking Ridge Country Club, your kids can learn how to get a hole-in-one. Multiple sessions are led by PGA professionals at half- and full-day camps, which will include lessons on putting, chipping, full swing, and specialty swings. And if you really want your kids to have the competitive edge, Basking Ridge also offers sessions in the spring.
For campers ages 4 to 17
185 Madison Rd., Basking Ridge, NJ 07920
Please call (908) 766-8200 for more information or visit their website.
Spring Lake Day Camp
This ACA-accredited camp is a summer-lover’s dream destination. This 30-acre family-owned camp sits nestled between the majestic Ramapo Mountains, and features traditional full-day camp activities in addition to a shortened mini day camp option for little ones entering nursery school or kindergarten. Campers experience dozens of activities during their stay, including Sports, Visual and Performing Arts, Outdoor Adventure, Science, and Ecology.
For campers ages 3 to 15.
234 Conklintown Rd, Ringwood, NJ 07456
Please call (973) 831-9000 for more information or visit their website to register.
Camp Tuscaloosa
Summer fun since 1954 is what this South Jersey day camp offers. With days filled of archery, human foosball, dance, frisbee lacrosse, fog ball, special themed days, pickle ball, mini golf, and much more, it’s no wonder this camp has been in operation for over 60 years. As if these fun activities aren’t enough, Camp Tuscaloosa offers a three-tiered swim training program in their two CPO-operated swimming pools. Summer can’t come fast enough!
For campers ages 3 1/2 to 14.
400 S Chew Rd, Hammonton, NJ 08037
Please call (609) 567-3321 for more information.
Multi-Location:
Mad Science Summer Day Camp
Children have the opportunity to become junior scientists for the summer and embark on a series of science adventures. With almost 50 locations in New Jersey and Pennsylvania, Mad Science camps offer a daily combination of in-class discovery and outdoor games, coupled with a hands-on application science activities. Kids will total geek out when they discover cool chemical reactions, build rockets and launch them, try on spy equipment, and build their own working robot. Camps are available in either a Half Day or Full Day format, and many of their Camp Partner locations have before and after care available. Camp times and details vary by location. please click on the details for more information.
For children in Kindergarten to 5th grade.
Locations vary
Please call (609) 737-0313 for more information or visit the website here.
iD Tech Summer Camp
Summer is the perfect opportunity to perfect your tech skills or gain a completely new skill. iD Tech is the #1 summer tech camp for ages 7 to 18 and is offered at over 150 prestigious campus locations around the world, including Princeton University, Monmouth University, Rowan College, Seton Hall University, and more in New Jersey. At iD Tech, kids and teens of all skill levels discover coding, AI, machine learning, film, robotics, and game design, developing the in-demand skills needed to compete in the booming tech industry. Camp class sizes are small and a forward-thinking curriculum led by tech-savvy staff guarantee a hands-on learning environment.
For children ages 7-18.
Locations vary
Please call (888) 709-8324 for more information or visit their website here.
North Jersey:
Harbor Hills Day Camp in Mendham. via
Harbor Hills Day Camp
The extraordinary leadership team of Harbor Hills guides campers as they develop their skills across a wide range of subjects including Aquatics, Creative Arts, Performing Arts, Sports, and Outdoor Adventure. You can also enroll your child in Teen Adventure, where kids in seventh through ninth grades can explore the area around them through day trips and overnight trips.
For campers ages 3 to 17.
75 Doby Rd, Mendham, NJ 07945
Please call (973) 895-3200 for more information.
Lindgren Summer Camp
The beautiful wooded grounds of Lindgren offer the perfect setting for camp. Lindgren teachers, local elementary school teachers, and artisans make up the qualified team of educators and leaders. Each day, campers can choose which activities to participate in, including Organic Gardening, Nature, Woodworking, Stitchery and Beading, Expedition, Cooking, Swimming, and so much more.
For campers ages 3 to 11.
211 Irving Ave, Closter, NJ 07624
Please call (201) 768-3550 for more information.
Jeff Lake Camp in Stanhope. via
Jeff Lake Camp
This Sussex County camp features facilities normally seen only at overnight summer camps. 350 acres create a world of opportunities for children of all ages with a 50-acre lake, two water trampolines, water climbing wall and slide, stand-up paddle boards, sailing, windsurfing, kayaking, canoeing, paddle and row boats, and more. The fun continues with tennis courts, rope and climbing courses, sports fields, arts and pottery studios, and five heated pools!
For campers ages 3 to 15.
38 Jefferson Lake Rd, Stanhope, NJ 07874
Please call (973) 376-1962 for more information.
The Neil Klatskin Day Camp
Little ones can enjoy the outdoors while making friends and learning new skills at traditional day camp offered by Kaplen JCC on the Palisades. Children will be exposed to an array of subjects and activities, including Red Cross instructional swim, Tae Kwan Do, music, sports, ceramics, drama, Israeli culture, theme days, and exciting entertainment. In addition to the outstanding activities, this all-inclusive camp provides lunch, snacks, camp t-shirt, backpack, wet bathing suit bag, towel service, water bottle, weekly challah, and a camp picture.
For campers ages 3 to 7.
411 E Clinton Ave, Tenafly, NJ 07670
Please call (201) 567-8963 for more information.
New Horizons Day Camp
New Jersey’s premier inclusive day camp allows campers to customize their own schedule for a truly unique summer experience that allows little ones to explore their own interests. Activities in sports, science, technology, creative arts, performing arts, innovations, academic enrichment, and media change throughout the summer, making it impossible to tire of New Horizons’s special curriculum.
For campers K1 through 9th Grade.
235 Brooklake Rd, Florham Park, NJ 07932
Please call (973) 850-6640 for more information.
Willow Lake Day Camp in Hopatcong. via
Willow Lake Day Camp
Located on the north shore of Lake Hopatcong, this family-operated day camp encourages campers to, “Dream big!” A private spring-fed lake is nestled within the 35-acre campus, serving as the perfect location for boating and tubing. Counselors and leaders of Willow Lake Day Camp spend the summer encouraging campers to step outside of their comfort zone while helping them discover new abilities, develop character, and take healthy risks. There’s no shortage of fun with electives including fishing, golf, go-karting, zip lining, water sports, arts, and athletics.
For campers Pre-K through 8th Grade.
200 NJ-181, Lake Hopatcong, NJ 07849
Please call (973) 663-2732 for more information.
Juventus Academy Camp Hoboken
This Juventus Academy Camp in Hoboken (July 9-13) will develop your child’s soccer skills (or futbol, depending on who you ask) through their internationally renowned training method known as the Juventus Way. With official coaches from the Juventus Academy in Italy who will be teaching at the Hoboken summer camp, your child will receive first-hand knowledge from some of the world’s soccer elite. The Juventus methodology focuses on style of play, technical ability, tactical ability, mental factor, and emotional/social factor. At the conclusion of the camp, selected players will be invited to attend a live Juventus Training Experience at the Juventus Academy in Turin, Italy (March / April 2019).
For children ages 6 to 17.
1800 Sinatra Dr., Sinatra Park, Hoboken, NJ 07030
Please call (201) 562-4355 for more information or visit the website here.
Central Jersey:
Black Bear Lake Day Camp in Clarksburg. via
Black Bear Lake Day Camp
At Black Bear Lake, campers create their own schedules to explore existing interests and discover new skills. Group Choice is a fun daily activity that small groups choose with their counselors: volleyball, kickball, crafts, banner design, and flag football are just some of the choices! Free swim lets campers cool off each afternoon. Lunch at Black Bear Lake Day Camp is a fun, healthy experience, with only trans-fat free meals that are baked, never fried.
For campers ages 4 to 15.
457 Stagecoach Rd, Clarksburg, NJ 08510
Please call (609) 259-1777 for more information.
Oak Crest Day Camp
The program at Oak Crest Day Camp is intentionally designed to help your child build life skills and opportunities for success. Professionally trained staff act as positive role models to campers of all ages, and Oak Crest boasts that the special relationships formed between campers and counselors are unparalleled. Hot lunches, door-to-door transportation, and swim instruction are all included. Campers will discover age-appropriate activities including mountain biking, creative arts, and gymnastics. Older campers are invited to stay for twilight swims and campfires!
For campers ages 3 to 16.
92 Cortelyous Ln, Somerset, NJ 08873
Please call (732) 297-2000 for more information.
Frogbridge Day Camp
There are so many fun things to do at Frogbridge that parents are envious of their kids. The smallest campers of Tadpole Village experience pony rides and a separate age-designated swimming pool, while older campers partake in more elective courses and destination field trips once a week. Fun fact: Frogbridge is New Jersey’s only camp to offer full-service laundering, so parents don’t need to worry about doing the laundry every night after camp!
For campers Pre-K through 10th Grade.
7 Yellow Meetinghouse Rd, Millstone, NJ 08510
Please call (609) 208-9050 for more information.
LakeView Day Camp in East Brunswick. via
LakeView Day Camp
LakeView offers a spectacular traditional summer camp experience set on a breathtaking lakefront campus. The youngest campers will learn new skills through sports, arts, play, and swim with the most effective equipment. Teen campers get the most out of camper trips to destinations like Camelback Adventure Park or a Broadway show. They also offer overnight trips that will give your kids the ultimate experience. For all campers in between, the “Main Camp” fosters friendships that last a lifetime while promoting individual choice in activities such as adventure courses, Red Cross Instruction, and carnival festivities.
For campers Pre-K through 9th Grade
505 Riva Ave, East Brunswick, NJ 08816
Please call (732) 821-8933 for more information.
Allaire Country Day Camp
This summer camp’s location at GoodSports USA Complex makes for an 11-acre campus with 50,000 square feet of state-of-the-art indoor sports facilities, and dreamy outdoor features including an Olympic-sized swimming pool, kiddie pool, splash park, beach volleyball, volleyball, archery, regulation basketball court, and wiffle ball/kickball stadium. Round off a day of physical activity with arts and crafts, science projects, and themed activities, and don’t forget the destination day trips to the beach, aquariums, pro baseball games, theme parks, and more.
For toddlers through 10th Graders.
2903 NJ-138, Wall Township, NJ 07719
Please call (732) 681-4651 for more information.
Ivy League Day Camp
When parents of Ivy League campers were asked why they chose this particular day camp, responses included, “the attentiveness of the staff,” “warm, family-friendly atmosphere,” and “It’s a great, safe camp with lots to do.” Ivy League has been an ACA- accredited summer camp for over 40 years, and their refined program is proof. The facility’s expertise in childhood education makes for a safe summertime destination for little ones that parents can feel good about.
For 2-year-olds to 10th Graders.
140 Gordons Corner Rd, Manalapan Township, NJ 07726
Please call (732) 446-7035 for more information.
Rambling Pines Day Camp in Hopewell. via
Rambling Pines Day Camp
With over 225 acres of fields and woods, this family-owned summer camp has been a slam dunk since 1976. Heated swimming pools, air-conditioned indoor spaces, door-to-door bussing, and ropes courses are just some facility features that make the camp stand out. But don’t forget the daily Red Cross swim lessons, campfire cooking, ceramics, fishing, mountain biking, boating, outdoor skills instruction, and any sport you can imagine!
For campers Pre-K through 10th Grade.
174 Lambertville Hopewell Rd, Hopewell, NJ 08525
Please call (609) 466-1212 for more information.
New Jersey Circus Center
Don’t let your kids run away to the circus; instead, sign them up for it! New Jersey Circus Center in Morganville offers a 2-week summer performance camp, as well as single day camp options. Kids will learn from the center’s professional circus performers/coaches to balance safely on a static trapeze or walk on stilts and clown around. Their days will be filled with tumbling, acrobatics, and more. The 2-week camp will focus on learning new skills, growing as a team, and creating the show.
For children in 1st to 7th grades.
165 Amboy Road, #6701, Morganville, NJ
Please call (732) 705-3244 for more information or visit the website here.
Bee You Yoga Studio Summer Camp
Bee You Yoga Studio is a dedicated kids-only yoga studio in Manasquan offering Yoga & Art and Acro Yoga summer camp options. In this camp, kids will enjoy a nurturing, supportive, non-competitive atmosphere. They will stretch and energize their bodies and minds, learn creative expression, and practice working cooperatively in groups. Through yoga and art, children and tweens learn how to relax using self-calming techniques and practice mindfulness. Yoga practice also helps children to develop space orientation, body awareness, balance and a sense of harmony. Camps run 4 days per week (Monday through Thursday). Times and dates vary.
For children ages 3 to 10+.
74 Main St., Manasquan, NJ 08736
Please call (732) 722-7133 for more information or visit the website here.
Art Sparks Summer Camp
Find your inner spark with summer camp at Art Sparks in Hopewell. This summer day camp provides theme-based creative experiences during which children get to explore a variety of media ranging from acrylics and watercolors to printmaking and sculpture. Campers bring their own snacks and drink. Weather permitting, there may be outdoor time. The summer camp culminates with an art show in the first week of September; the studio is transformed into a gallery of work produced by the campers and guests can “meet the artist”. Regular camp hours are from 9:00AM to 12:30PM; extended day option from 12:30PM to 3:00PM is available for June 25-August 31 only.
For children ages 4 to 9.
33 Railroad Place, Hopewell, NJ 08525
Please call (609) 466-5437 for more information or visit the website here.
STEAM Works Studio Summer Camp
For children who lean a little left-brained, you will love STEAM Works Studio summer camp in Princeton which sparks creativity and interest in science, math, and arts through hands-on learning by “making”. The studio focuses on developing essential 21st century and STEAM skills like problem-solving, critical thinking, creativity and collaboration in a practical learning environment. Themed camp sessions include Little Doctors, Origami-tronics, World of Cells, Optics and Lasers, and much more. Camp staff is comprised of experienced professionals in the STEM industry, professional teachers and college students attending Drexel, NJIT, and Rutgers.
For children in grades PreK to 12th Grade.
135 Village Blvd., Princeton, NJ
Please call (844) 265-9880 for more information or visit the website here.
ARTS CAMPS at West Windsor Arts Council
ARTS CAMPS at West Windsor Arts Council are all taught by professional teaching artists. With camp topics ranging from filmmaking and theater to STEAM and creative writing/book arts, there is something to inspire every kid. There is a camper to staff ratio of no more than 5 to 1. Weather permitting, free play is offered outdoors along with a healthy snack and fresh fruit. Full-day camps are from 9:00AM to 3:00PM. Staff provide daily updates to parents and there are extended day and lunch options for full-day campers.
For children ages 5 to 14.
952 Alexander Rd., Princeton Junction, NJ 08550
Please call (609) 716-1931 for more information or visit their website here.
South Jersey:
Tall Pines Day Camp in Williamstown. via
Tall Pines Day Camp
The beautiful campus of Tall Pines Day Camp offers pedal karts on a private track, boating and fishing on the crystal-clear river, archery in the wooded areas, high ropes course, computers, woodshop, and so much more. They recently added a newly surfaced pool and upgraded ropes course – Tall Pines cares about quality. Delaware Valley wouldn’t be the same without this premier summer day camp.
For campers ages 4 to 14.
1349 Sykesville Rd, Williamstown, NJ 08094
Please call (856) 262-3900 for more information.
ESF Summer Camp
“Supercharge your summer” at ESF Summer Camp in Moorestown! ESF is more than just a day camp; they also offer mini camps for youngsters, sports camp, tennis camp, tech camps, senior leadership camps, Junior Business Academy, and specialty majors for campers looking for enrichment this summer. Children ages 4 to 8 can experience day camp the way mom and dad did when they were kids, taking part in daily swim, Zumba, science and nature, fitness and dance, archery, martial arts, and more.
For campers ages 3 to 14.
110 E Main St, Moorestown, NJ 08057
Please call (856) 235-5300 for more information.
Camp Dark Waters
Busted! We snuck in an overnight camp because this one is just too cool! For over 80 years, Camp Dark Waters has been providing unbelievably fun summers for boys and girls alike. This classic-style summer camp allows campers to form invaluable bonds with new friends and counselors while gaining independence and experiencing new activities. While each day’s schedule is structured, it allows for plenty of choices in activities, such as bridge-building, frisbee golf, drama games, fire building, language-learning, and more. Cozy up in your cabin each evening with campers and counselors before starting another day of fun the next morning!
For campers ages 7 to 16.
New Freedom Rd, Medford, NJ 08055
Please call (609) 654-8846 for more information.
Camp Creek Run in Marlton. via
Camp Creek Run
Through non-profit organization Project HEAL, children are encouraged to get close to nature through meaningful outdoors experiences that deepen their appreciation for the environment. This summer camp offers EcoStudies, arts and crafts, music, sports, outdoor adventure, and much more. Camp Creek Run’s traditional summer camp takes place on beautiful wooded nature trails, the sandy beach of a spring-fed lake, an Eco-Center, two swimming pools, vegetable and pollinator gardens, basketball courts, small farm sanctuary, volleyball courts, and more.
For campers ages 4 to 12.
199 Taunton Lake Rd, Marlton, NJ 08053
Please call (856) 596-4250 for more information.
Great Times Day Camp
This South Jersey summer camp has everything a summer-camp parent could ask for: bus service, a 59-acre campus, nutritious daily lunches, weekly trips, educational enrichment, and specialty programs. In addition to on-site activities including swimming, cooking, ropes courses, pony rides, woodworking, talent shows, and boating – Great Times campers always look forward to weekly trips like bowling, roller skating, Fourth of July family picnic, mini golf, movies, and ice skating.
For campers in Preschool and up.
223 Ehrke Rd, Waterford Works, NJ 08089
Please call (609) 567-2166 for more information.
What is your family’s favorite summer camp in New Jersey? We’d love to hear from you! Tag @njmom and hashtag #NJMOM for a chance to be featured.
