The Best 25 Exciting New Jersey Summer Day Camps Kids Will Love (2026 Guide)
Summer can feel like a long runway. Some kids want nonstop action, others want paint, nature, and calm. The good news is New Jersey has day camps that fit every kind of kid.
This list focuses on day camps, not sleepaway. To keep planning simple, the picks are grouped by Northern, Central, and Southern New Jersey. Camp details can change quickly, especially for summer 2026, so confirm dates, pricing, and transportation on each camp’s site before you register.
If you’ve been searching for nj day camps, nj kids day camps, or a new jersey kids summer camp that feels like a great match, this guide is built to help fast. You’ll get what each camp is like, what makes it stand out, and who it’s best for.
Northern New Jersey: big-energy NJ kids day camps near lakes, climbing, and creative studios
North Jersey day camps often pack a lot into one day, think waterfront time, sports fields, art rooms, and special events. If your child wants options (or you’re juggling work schedules), focus on camps with strong facilities and consistent routines.
Jeff Lake Day Camp (Sussex County): waterfront adventures with room to explore
In Stanhope, this camp centers around a large lake, with water activities that can include kayaking, sailing, and paddleboarding, plus a ropes course and multiple pools. What sets it apart is the sheer amount of outdoor space and the “pick your pace” feel across one big campus. It’s best for water-loving, high-energy kids ages about 3 through mid-teens, learn more on the Jeff Lake Day Camp website (their site also posts summer 2026 dates and example tuition).
Willow Lake Day Camp (Lake Hopatcong area): classic camp fun in a more compact setting
Located in the Lake Hopatcong area, Willow Lake is known for a traditional day camp mix, think swim time, sports rotations, and arts and crafts. The differentiator is that familiar “classic camp” rhythm without feeling overwhelming. It’s a strong fit for first-time campers and families who want a well-rounded schedule, see Willow Lake Day Camp details.
Steve & Kate’s Camp (Hobokwen, Jersey City, Montclair: kid-led days that build confidence
Steve & Kate’s runs a self-directed model where kids choose how they spend the day, often from options like coding, maker projects, crafts, baking, and sports. The special sauce is flexibility, kids can switch activities when they’re ready, which builds independence. It’s a great match for curious kids who like choices, and for families who don’t want a rigid schedule. See Steve & Kate's details
YWCA Northern NJ day camps (Dumont, Weehawken, Hoboken): community-based, practical, and fun
YWCA camps offer age-appropriate games, theme weeks, and add-ons that may include leadership or enrichment tracks depending on the location. The differentiator is the community feel and practical logistics for families who want a reliable camp day. It’s best for elementary-age kids and parents who need a straightforward plan, start with the YWCA Northern NJ summer camp page.
New Jersey Audubon nature camps (Lorrimer Sanctuary, Scherman Hoffman Wildlife Sanctuary, Cape May, NJ Nature Center): hands-on nature all day
At a nature center setting like Lorrimer Sanctuary, camp days can focus on trail hikes, outdoor exploration, and wildlife learning that feels playful, not like school. The big difference is that nature is the main event, not an add-on between sports blocks. It’s best for animal lovers, hikers, and kids who’d rather explore the woods than compete on a field. See New Jersey Audubon details
YMCA Camp Mason (Northwest NJ day options): outdoorsy days with a trusted name
YMCA day programs connected to Camp Mason often highlight classic camp structure, with options that can include swimming, sports, and outdoor skills (offerings vary). What’s special is the YMCA approach to staff training and routines that help kids settle in quickly. It’s best for kids who like traditional camp days and making new friends. See YMCA Camp Mason details
The Craig School summer program (Mountain Lakes): supportive days for kids who learn differently
This program is designed for students with learning disabilities, with structured activities and support that can include skill-building and social growth. The differentiator is specialized staff and a setting built for support, not just supervision. It’s best for families who want a day-camp experience with extra guidance and predictable structure. See Craig School Summer Program
Harbor Hills Day Camp (Mendham area): big facilities with a polished camp day
Harbor Hills is a North Jersey option families often consider when they want a large day camp with many program areas and a full-day schedule. What makes it stand out is the “everything is here” feel, which helps kids stay engaged even if they get bored easily. It’s best for elementary and middle school kids who want variety and a lively camp community, learn more at Harbor Hills Day Camp.
Camp Riverbend (Warren): river-side adventure plus ropes, sports, and creative time
Set near the river in Warren, this camp mix can include outdoor adventure, ropes elements, swimming, sports, and arts. The differentiator is the nature setting paired with challenge-based activities that keep older kids interested. It’s best for energetic campers who like a structured day and visible progress, like learning a new skill. See Camp Riverbend details
Central New Jersey: the best new jersey kids summer camp picks for variety, electives, and easy weekly scheduling
Central Jersey has a sweet spot for busy families: lots of camps offer weekly enrollment, elective choices, and clear age groupings. If your child is the type who wants to “do camp” one week and “do art” the next, you’ll want places that rotate activities well.
Black Bear Lake Day Camp (Millstone): a big menu of activities for kids who want choices
In Millstone, Black Bear Lake is known for a wide activity list, families often ask about options like archery, horseback riding, laser tag, pottery, fishing, yoga, and swim time. What makes it special is the build-your-own feel across the day, so kids can chase what they’re into. It’s best for strong-willed kids who want a say in their schedule, and parents who want a camp that can adapt. See Black Bear Lake Day Camp details
Frogbridge Day Camp (Monmouth County area): high-production fun with strong age grouping
Frogbridge runs like a “camp campus,” with multiple activity zones that can include pools, fields, and arts spaces. The standout is the polished organization and thoughtful age grouping, which helps big days feel smooth. It’s best for kids who love spirit days, team games, and a loud, happy camp community, see Frogbridge Day Camp for tours and open house info.
Oak Crest Day Camp (Somerset County): a dependable traditional day camp with transportation options
Oak Crest is a traditional-style camp families choose for consistent routines and convenience. Days can include classic sports and games, crafts, and supervised swim time when offered, plus theme days that break up the week. It’s best for younger campers who do well with a predictable schedule, and for working parents who value logistics. See Oak Crest Day Camp details
LakeView Day Camp (East Brunswick): friendly, family-run camp energy with a full activity mix
In East Brunswick, LakeView offers a full day camp mix that can include outdoor play, sports rotations, and creative activities. The differentiator is the more personal vibe compared to mega-camps, kids often feel known quickly. It’s best for elementary and middle school kids who do better when staff learn their personality, see LakeView Day Camp for their posted camp season dates.
Cedarbrook Day Camp (Somerset): elective-based days that keep kids engaged
Cedarbrook is known for elective-style choice as kids get older, with age-based groups and a “freedom of choice” approach built into the day. What makes it special is that kids get real ownership while the schedule still has structure. It’s best for kids who get bored easily and love rotating activities, visit Cedarbrook Day Camp for group and program descriptions.
Camp Middlesex (Middlesex County College area): a simple weekly day camp that feels familiar
This style of community-based weekly camp tends to focus on the basics done well, arts and crafts, games, themed activities, and outdoor play. The differentiator is flexibility, many families use it as a “plug-in week” between vacations or sports commitments. It’s best for elementary kids who like routine and low-pressure fun. See Camp Middlesex Day Camp details
Pine Grove Day Camp (Wall Township): creating life skills
One of those rare places where summer feels bigger, brighter, and a little more magical for every child who walks through the gates. Spread across a beautiful wooded property, the camp blends classic outdoor fun with modern, kid centered programming—think swimming in sparkling pools, creative arts, adventure courses, sports fields, nature exploration, and theme‑day excitement that keeps campers buzzing with anticipation. Pine Grove special is structured enough for kids to feel secure, yet flexible enough for them to explore, try new things, and build confidence at their own pace. It's an ideal fit for children who thrive in an active, outdoor environment and love variety—kids who want to swim one moment, climb a ropes course the next, and finish the day with a creative project or spirited camp game. See Pine Grove Day Camp details
SPARK Day Camp (Middletown): a choose-your-fun day with big facilities
SPARK is built for kids who want variety, with program areas that can include pools, athletics, arts, STEAM, archery, climbing walls, and high-energy events like Color War. The standout is the big-campus vibe and specialty spaces that keep weeks from feeling repetitive. It’s best for kids who like trying new things, from PreK through teens, check SPARK Day Camp for electives.
Southern New Jersey: day camps with woods, wildlife, and creative programs that still feel like summer
South Jersey camps often blend woods, open space, and hands-on themes. That can mean nature hikes in the morning and ceramics after lunch, or swim blocks paired with big group games. Since locations and transportation matter more down here, it’s smart to ask early about bus routes and extended-day coverage.
JCC Camps at Medford (Medford): classic camp community featuring inclusivity and Jewish values
In Medford, JCC-style day camp programming often includes pools, lake time, and multiple activity areas spread across a wooded campus. What makes it special is the strong community feel, many kids return year after year and feel like they “belong” fast. It’s best for kids who love group games, swim time, and a welcoming environment. See JCC Camp details
Tall Pines Day Camp (Williamstown): a full-feature day camp with ropes, arts, and sports
Tall Pines also serves families in the Williamstown area. Offerings can include adventure elements (like ropes or zipline-style features), arts, cooking, and athletics, plus some water activities as available. The differentiator is having lots to do in one place, which reduces the “I’m bored” mid-summer slump. It’s best for kids who want packed days and parents who want a one-stop option. See Tall Pines Day Camp details
Liberty Lake Day Camp (Bordentown area): confidence-building electives and leadership tracks
Liberty Lake, near Bordentown, emphasizes community and growth alongside summer fun, with electives and older-camper tracks that can build leadership. What’s different is the focus on independence over time, so returning campers often “level up” each summer. It’s best for families looking for a long-term camp home from early elementary through teen years, start at Liberty Lake Day Camp.
Great Times Day Camp (Waterford Works area): long-running local favorite with classic summer fun
Great Times Day Camp is a South Jersey option with the traditional mix families expect, sports, games, activities, and theme days (confirm the exact lineup for 2026). What makes it special is its long-running local reputation and clear parent resources like tours and camp portals. It’s best for families who want a classic day camp close to home, visit Great Times Day Camp.
Girl Scout Camp Inawendiwin (Tabernacle Burlington County area): nature days with confidence building
Girl Scout day camp programs can include outdoor skills, hikes, and hands-on activities with an emphasis on teamwork and supportive leadership. The differentiator is the confidence-building focus, kids practice independence in a structured way. It’s best for outdoorsy kids who like group activities, see Girl Scout Camp Inawendiwin details.
New Jersey Audubon Nature Center of Cape May day camp (Cape May County): wildlife-focused summer days
In Cape May County, Audubon day camps tend to center on nature exploration and learning about local wildlife in a coastal setting. The standout is the setting itself, kids can connect camp memories with real places they visit year-round. It’s best for animal lovers, beach-town families, and kids who prefer nature over competitive sports. See Cape May Audubon Day Camp details
Tall Pines Day Camp (Williamstown): high-energy adventure with ropes and more
Tall Pines in Williamstown markets a large activity menu, often including adventure elements alongside athletics and arts. The standout is getting ropes-style features in a day-camp format, so kids can go home tired in the best way. It’s best for thrill-seekers who still want their own bed at night, explore Tall Pines Day Camp for current program details.
South Jersey’s Best Summer Camp (Vorhees): structured activities with extended-day convenience
This South Jersey option is geared toward families who want a clear, structured day with a wide set of activities and practical hours like early drop-off and late pick-up. What makes it special is the convenience-first setup paired with a fun rotation of programs. It’s best for elementary-age kids who like trying different activities and parents who need dependable coverage, see South Jersey’s Best Summer Camp details.
Conclusion: how to pick the right NJ day camp for summer 2026
The “best” camp is the one your child will actually enjoy, and the one your family can manage week after week. Before you commit, take one hour this week and do a quick reality check:
- Narrow by drive time (and bus routes if offered).
- Match your kid’s personality (sports, arts, nature, STEM, or a camp that offers more support).
- Ask about counselor ratios and swim safety, including how swim tests work.
- Confirm hours, extended-day options, and transportation details.
- Look for weekly enrollment if you need flexibility.
If you can, tour the camp or attend an open house. Spots move early, so it’s smart to register sooner rather than later for summer 2026.
