The best preschool summer camps for NYC kids

Thanks to the fantastic Wildlife Conservation Society-backed zoos (and aquarium) in NYC, families have the opportunity to see animals from across the globe without leaving the city. The Bronx Zoo—as well as the Central Park Zoo, Prospect Park Zoo, Queens Zoo and the New York Aquarium—all invite kids to learn about numerous species through hands-on summer programs. Offerings are slightly different for each location, but youngsters are guaranteed to get up close with all sorts of creatures, explore cool exhibits, conduct science experiments and learn from the zookeepers. Campers of all ages (starting at 12 mos) get to visit exhibits, solve animal mysteries and enjoy the fun. All ages.

This mega camp—with various locations in NYC and the surrounding area—provides days filled with art, swimming, dancing and more. The Early Start Imagination Camp's stress-free environment (held in Oasis' Central Park location) allows children to try new activities, meet friends and have tons of fun! Ages 3–5. 

Little campers are treated to a wide array of activities—sports, music, performances and more. Even better? Tinky tykes get a chance to participate in outdoor activities on the awesome rooftop playgrounds. Tiny Campers Music Class, $30 per class with a minimum of two consecutive weeks required • My Special Person and Me, $205 per two-day classes with a minimum of two consecutive weeks required • Beginning Campers, $205 per three-day classes with a minimum of two consecutive weeks required • Option A, $550 per three-day classes with a minimum of three weeks required • Option B, $730 per five-day classes with a minimum of three weeks required • Option C, $770 per five-day classes with a minimum of two weeks required • Option D, $825 per five-day classes. Ages 18 mos–5 years.

Children spend the day exploring nature and science through hands-on art projects, romping around a playroom stocked with soft mats and gym equipment and frolicking in the outdoor courtyard. Campers are split up by age, providing appropriate activities for each from dress-up and storytelling for the little ones to science classes and swim lessons for the older children. Other daily adventures may take youngsters to famous NYC attractions. Ages 2–12.

Court 16 offers both full-day and half-day camps for toddlers, kids and tweens with a ratio of one instructor to five children (needless to say, everyone gets personalized attention). Participants will practice their skills on five indoor USTA-sanctioned 36" tennis courts built specifically for child athletes, plus they'll enjoy plenty of great activities off the court, too, including arts and crafts, table tennis and fun guest speakers. Ages 3–11.

Learning a new language is joyeux at French Institute Alliance Française's (FIAF) NYC and New Jersey camps! Children at any skill level will find a lot to love through traditional classes and exciting programs, such as à Petits Pas Classes (ages 2–4), Mini Fun Day in French (ages 3–4) Immersion Classes for Teens (ages 11–17) and more. This provides the perfect opportunity for campers to test out their vocabulary. Très bien! Ages 1–17.

The 200-acre camp is perfect for exploring the great outdoors. Kids get their hands dirty roaming and working in the farmland, gardens, fields and ponds—plus they master valuable farm skills such as harvesting crops and taking care of cute little chickens. Art projects, noncompetitive sports, hiking, music and a hilarious storyteller further round out the experience. Farm and Garden Days offer your children even more opportunities to help with the harvest and animal work. Ages 4–16.

The teachers at Taste Buds Kitchen help children create scrumptious, sweet and savory dishes. Each day camper learns a new skill thanks to themes such as Culinary Cocoa and Tasty Tales. Campers are guaranteed to bring home many new kitchen techniques. Ages 4–17.

This serene Hudson Valley retreat center in Rhinebeck lets your kids enjoy age-based activities ranging from “Little Forest People,” where little ones commune with gnomes and faeries, and Rock Music Camp and Super Soccer Stars for the older crowds. Lodging options include tents, dorms and private family rooms. The normally vegetarian menu incorporates meat and fish, and special kids’ options for family week. All ages.