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Find the Best Summer Day Camps in Albany, NY and Nearby

If you’re looking for the best summer day camps in Albany, NY and nearby for your kiddo, we’ve got you covered! Check out this list of local day camps and find the best place for your child to make friends, learn new things, and, of course, have a ton of fun.

Woodland Hill Montessori School - North Greenbush

Woodland Hill Montessori School's summer camp program provides an enriching experience for children ages 3 through 12. Their camp offers a combination of fun and educational activities that support creativity, curiosity, and personal growth.

From hands-on science experiments to art projects that focus on one's imagination, campers can engage in a wide range of activities that promote independence and social skills.

The Arts Center of the Capital Region - Troy

At The Arts Center of the Capital Region's summer camp, kids and teens are encouraged to express themselves freely and discover their own unique talents.

From painting and sculpture to photography and jewelry making, campers have the opportunity to explore a variety of artistic activities under the guidance of experienced instructors.

Albany Ninja Lab - Albany

At Albany Ninja Lab, kids get to enjoy over 12,000 square feet of obstacles to test their ninja abilities. Coaches will help children navigate through increasingly challenging ninja courses throughout their time at the facility.

Summer camps are offered as morning, afternoon or full day options. During school breaks, these camps are mornings only. Each camp runs from Monday through Friday (one-week sessions).

If you have an adventurous or athletic kid that seeks a challenge, Albany Ninja Lab may be the place for them!

JMU 4 Kids - Albany & Loudonville

One of the best aspects of JMU 4 Kids is the price. This day camp is very reasonably priced—$200 per week—and offers well-rounded programs for children ages 4-16.

The camp has four locations, two in Albany and two in Loudonville, which increases the convenience of sending your kids to this spot.

In the past, camp themes have included Day Camp, Sports & Fitness Camp, Science Camp, Laser Quest, and more. There is also a week-long Leadership Program where older kids can help mentor and lead younger campers under the supervision of adult head counselors.

Camps are packed with fun activities that vary based on the camp week and theme, but there’s always a focus on creativity, team-building, and project-solving skills.

Ndakinna Education Center - Greenfield Center

large group of campers standing near a wooden structure

Imagine your kids immersed in a wilderness adventure this summer. Ndakinna Education Center in Greenfield Center offers a range of summer programs that emphasize hands-on experiences, outdoor learning, Indigenous life principles, team building, character development, and natural world awareness.

Nestled on an 80-acre nature preserve, the center provides an ideal setting for children to explore, learn, and connect with nature in a fun and educational environment.

Ndakinna, meaning “Our Land” in Abenaki, specializes in outdoor education. The summer day camps include lessons in survival skills, hiking, kayaking, Native American games, and storytelling.

Camps are tailored by age and experience, ensuring an engaging and enjoyable atmosphere. With small groups of 8-10 for these 4-day camps, early registration is recommended each year.

Albany's Indoor Rockgym Climbing Clinics - Albany

Let your child channel their inner adventure-seeker at Albany's Indoor Rockgym's (A.I.R.) Summer Climbing Clinics! This gym offers summer clinics to help climbers of all ages and levels enhance their skills.

Kids ages 10 and up can enjoy fun-filled days learning basic techniques, safety information, knot tying, rappelling, and more. A.I.R. also allows campers to explore a unique caving system featuring half-mile tunnels and a 60-foot indoor zipline.

Participants will also learn valuable team-building skills as they work together to solve problems through climbing, caving, and other activities.

Each clinic runs five days and includes at least one all-day outdoor excursion for campers to put the skills they learned to the test.

Planet Parker - Wynantskill

Instill within your child a love of adventure at Planet Parker. This camp boasts 77 acres of fields, ponds, woods, and creeks—as well as an art studio, gym, science lab, and playground.

Each week at Planet Parker is themed, with the goal of encouraging a year-round love of learning in children. Past themes have included Planeteers, The Great Outdoors, Photography, Troll Huts and Fairy Houses, Guitar, and more.

You’ll definitely find a theme to pique your child’s interest during their summer-long camp schedule.

Bonus Overnight Camps in the Adirondacks

Looking for an overnight summer camp where your child can enjoy the great outdoors? Here are two recommended options in the Adirondacks!

Skye Farm Camp & Retreat Center - Warrensburg

Skye Farm Camp is a wonderful place where kids will learn new skills and make friends that will last a lifetime. Located in Warrensburg, they operate as a Christian summer camp for all youth ages 6-18.

The camp is on 400 acres of gorgeous land with views of Sherman Lake. There are a handful of camp favorites that will keep your kids occupied all day long. This includes swimming, volleyball, arts & crafts, basketball, and much more!

If you are searching for a summer retreat for your kid, Skye Farm Camp could be the perfect place. View the full list of summer programs on their website and secure your child's spot.

Eagle Island Camp - Saranac Lake

girls smiling in a sailboat with a counselor
Photo Credit: Nancie Battaglia

Eagle Island Camp is unique in that it offers an all-gender day camp as well as overnight camp for girls. If your child is interested in exploring the outdoors in a fun, traditional camp setting—think the Parent Trap—this is the spot.

With activities such as kayaking, canoeing, swimming, games, outdoor educational programs, and arts and crafts, it’s the ideal location for kids to disconnect from the digital world and build lifelong relationships and a deep appreciation for nature.

Check out more camps in the Capital Region >>

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