Children in green shirts gardening at the New York Botanical Garden with a greenhouse in the background.

10 Animal & Nature Camps Near NYC

These animal and nature summer camps around NYC promise a wild time! We're asking parents to recommend their picks for the best local summer camps where kids can explore the outdoors, learn about the environment, and get up close with animals. Check the map to find one near you.

If your kid has gone to a nature, zoo or animal summer camp in NYC, please share your personal review below to help fellow parents.

Find more parent-recommended options for all interests on our New York summer camp guide.


 
    trailblazers.org

    Trail Blazers Summer Camps

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    Trail Blazers promotes experiential learning through outdoor adventure programs. Day camps include hands-on science experiments, group challenges, team building, nature exploration, art, and lots of outdoor play! Trail Blazers also offers several overnight camp options.

    Montague, NJ
    statenislandmuseum.org

    Staten Island Museum Earth Camp

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    Calling all adventurous kids! The Staten Island Museum's Earth Camp leads campers on an exploration of local wetlands and woodlands to learn about plants and animals. The young naturalists will build science skills while observing habitats and recording daily observations in a field journal.

    Staten Island, NY
    thenatureplace.com

    The Nature Place Day Camp

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    Located on 200 acres in Rockland County, the Nature Place's summer programs highlight nature exploration and outdoor play. Days at the The Nature Place Day Camp include nature exploration, hiking, gardening, swimming, and more. Transportation is available.

    Chestnut Ridge, NY
    Wildlife Conservation Society

    New York Aquarium Summer Camp

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    During your time at the New York Aquarium's summer camp, your child will encounter many marine animals-sharks, sea lions, otters, fish. Camp activities include hands-on projects and experiments, animal encounters, exhibit visits, and beach exploration.

    Brooklyn, NY
    brooklynnaturedays.com

    Brooklyn Nature Days Summer Classes

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    Connect to the natural world with summer camp at Brooklyn Nature Days. With a focus on learning through unstructured free play outdoors, Brooklyn Nature Days offers classes and camps. Kids will explore different locations in Prospect Park using tools, recycled materials and art supplies. Older children also learn mapping, compass skills, and learn more detailed plant and animal identification.

    Brooklyn, NY
    Photo by Michael Stewart © Brooklyn Botanic Garden

    Brooklyn Botanic Garden - Garden Adventures

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    This children's summer program at the Brooklyn Botanic Garden incorporates planting, harvesting, science experiments, and nature art projects. Campers will take home fresh veggies, cook with produce from the garden, and learn about the creatures that live there, including worms, pollinators, and fungi.

    Brooklyn, NY
    prospectparkzoo.com

    Prospect Park Zoo Summer Camp

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    Sign your animal lover up for camp at the Prospect Park Zoo and enjoy a nature and animal filled summer at the zoo! Campers can help feed the animals, play games, create crafts, and learn about animals and their habitats.

    Brooklyn, NY
    Wildlife Conservation Society

    Central Park Zoo Summer Camp

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    The Central Park Zoo offers lots of opportunities to explore animals and science. All campers engage in hands-on activities and animal encounters.

    New York, NY
    Wildlife Conservation Society

    Bronx Zoo Summer Camp

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    The Bronx Zoo offers opportunities for kids to connect with animals and nature. Camp includes animal encounters, science and learning investigations, art projects, and games.

    Bronx, NY
    © Robert Benson Photography

    New York Botanical Garden Summer Camp

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    Spend the summer exploring the Botanic Garden's plant collection, forest, wetlands, and technology during one of the Garden's summer camp options. Camps include Summer Science Camp, Green Thumbs Gardening Camp, and Summer Field Science Camp.

    Bronx, NY
    Wildlife Conservation Society

    Queens Zoo Summer Camp

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    Campers at the Queens Zoo will discover and learn about animal habitats, diets, adaptations that help animals to survive, and more through up-close animal encounters, visits to exhibits, and hands-on activities.

    Corona, NY
    alleypond.org

    Alley Pond Environmental Center Summer Programs

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    The Alley Pond Environmental Center, a nonprofit environmental education organization located in Alley Pond Park, holds several summer classes and camps for kids. Children will enjoy nature walks, stories, crafts, and meet live animals. Older kids will delve into local ecosystems, participate in survival games, learn basic botany, and go on hikes.

    Oakland Gardens, NY

Primary photo:   The New York Botanical Garden © Robert Benson Photography

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