Guide to Traditional Day Camps 2025

Camp is where children gain confidence, responsibility and independence, not to mention great new friends that can last a lifetime. Camp offers a safe and appropriate environment where they can learn new skills, experience decision making, and relish in the joys of summer! 

In and around New Jersey, we have many great options for general day camps or traditional day camps, many of which provide a broad general camp experience with an excellent array of activities. Many of these camps are located outside in the wooded mountains or among acres of recreational fields and nature grounds; many are equipped with water sports, maybe even a lake, full athletics capabilities as well as arts and stem programs. Others may be located in a school or college campus, and still provide a wide range of activities, including a nice mix of academics intermingled within a fun setting. You'll find a full staff ready to provide a safe and nurturing environment. 

Here are some of the best general day camp options for 2025.  Many are coming to the camp fairs. Don't miss out. Check out the camp directory listings to find out which fair they will be attending.

New Horizons Day Camp

New Horizons Day Camp is New Jersey's premier, fully customizable camp program! Your camper can experience something new, take a deep-dive into an existing interest, or mix-and-match 100+ activities to create THEIR perfect summer! Camp is located in Florham Park NJ. NewHorizonsDayCamp.com

Steve & Kate’s Camp

Since 1980, Steve & Kate’s Camp has put kids in charge. We have four locations in New Jersey for summer 2025! Campers choose from a variety of activities in real-time, including sewing, stop-motion, coding, sports & recreation, maker crafts, and more. As kids try, fail, and learn on their own, they learn to trust their own judgment, and tackle the challenges of the world with creativity and confidence. Families can buy any number of days, to use at any time–no weekly reservations required. Or, buy a Summer Pass, which covers the whole season. Either way, any unused Passes are automatically refunded at summer’s end. Camper ages 4-12. Lunch, snacks, and all hours (8am–6pm) included. Locations in Hoboken, Jersey City, Montclair, Princeton. SteveandKatesCamp.com

Gill St. Bernard's Summer Camp

GSB Summer Camp isn't just a place; it's a feeling! GSB Summer Camp is an ACA-accredited, co-ed camp designed for children ages 3-15. It's a classic summer camp that goes beyond the ordinary, providing campers with unique experiences that extend beyond traditional activities. In addition to fun and games, we focus on nurturing life and social skills, helping campers develop self-confidence and a strong sense of accomplishment and pride. Full summer June 23 - August 15, ACA accredited, located in Gladstone NJ. gsbschool.org

Girl Scouts of Northern New Jersey

Jockey Hollow Camp in Mendham, NJ
Lake Rickabear Camp in Kinnelon, NJ
Discover Girl Scout camps where girls in grades 1-11 thrive in the great outdoors. At our Jockey Hollow Camp in Mendham and Lake Rickabear Camp in Kinnelon you can go swimming, learn to cook, ride horses, zipline through the trees, try archery, explore nature, earn Girl Scout badges, make new friends, and more! One, two, or more weekly sessions. CIT program available. ACA accredited. gsnnj.org

YWCA Northern New Jersey Summer Camps

ACA accredited camp programs provide families with a high-quality summer camp experience at an intentionally affordable price for children 5-12 years old. YWCamps are the ideal place to make new friends, develop new skills, and build self-confidence. All of our activities incorporate language arts and math to support campers academically during the summer months. Program locations offer easy access to Bergen, Essex, Morris, and Passaic Counties. ywcanj.org

Eagle’s Landing Day Camp

Eagle’s Landing celebrates another amazing summer at camp and the best is yet to come! We are proud to call Eagle’s Landing home to so many campers from Central New Jersey. Summer enrollment is underway with returning and new families who will be joining us this summer. We hope you will join us for the summer of 2025! Feel free to call our camp office and we will answer any questions to help prepare you and your camper for the best summer experience possible! Come stop by the camp at any time, we love visitors! ACA accredited. Located in North Brunswick, NJ. EaglesLandingDayCamp.com

Gate Hill Day Camp

For campers ages 3-15, Gate Hill offers sports, swim, arts and other exciting activities — go-karting, zip lining, rock-climbing; a first rate, 33 acre facility, 4 heated pools, splash park, water slides and varied programs including unique programs for S.T.E.A.M., and early childhood campers, and included services like meals, transportation and more. Camp season runs 8 weeks. Offering flexibility for 4,5,6,7 week sessions. Our camp is located in Stony Point, NY and we’re ACA accredited. GateHillDayCamp.com

Camp Deeny Riback (JCC MetroWest)

Premier Jewish day camp in Morris and Essex counties (Flanders, NJ). Summer of fun June 23 - August 15. Choose 2,3,4,5,6,7 or 8 weeks of camp. For children ages 3 to entering 10th grade. Color war, camp musical, Israeli staff and boating on the Budd Lake. Participate in 25+ activities including fine arts, sports, adventure activities, and instructional swim. Bus transportation available. Note: Camp Friends Inclusion Program provides campers ages 3.5 years to 4th grade with different abilities the support in a traditional day camp setting. jccmetrowest.org

Day Camp in the Park

A camper’s paradise of summer fun 30 minutes from NYC in beautiful Harriman State Park. Campers get to experience the great outdoors while making memories and friendships that last a lifetime. Swimming, sports, arts & crafts, drama, music, dance, boating, and more! Children ages 4-13 are welcome. Located in Southfield NY, and ACA accredited. dcitp.com

DEAN Adventure Camps

DEAN Adventure Camps at The Lawrenceville School in Lawrenceville, NJ is a day camp offering enriching programs for children ages 5-15 that combine hands-on learning with summer fun. Build skills, develop character, and create lasting friendships. All inclusive camp experience with 30+ programs, full-day care from 8:00 AM to 5:30 PM, nutritious lunch, snacks, all materials and supplies included with registration fee. Discover, explore, achieve and navigate Summer 2025 in Central New Jersey! DEANAdventureCamps.com

Deer Mountain Day Camp

Traditional day camp for children ages 3-15. Take part in many activities such as sports, swimming, outdoor adventure, performing arts, fine arts, nature, and more! Campers will have a blast this summer! Nursery program and CIT program available. ACA accredited, located in Pomona, NY (Rockland County). DeerMountainDayCamp.com

Girl Scouts Heart of NJ Day Camps - The Oval 

The Oval in Maplewood is a traditional day camps for kids in kindergarten through grade 10. Adventure, excitement, and unforgettable memories await at Girl Scouts Heart of New Jersey summer camps! Our action-packed days are full of exploration, challenges, and fun! Unleash your creativity, make lifelong friends, and experience how curiosity meets courage. gshnj.org

Harbor Hills Day Camp

Why Harbor Hills? The moment you step on the grounds, you’ll know it’s the people, it’s the place, it’s the program. It’s people who really care. It’s a place where kids feel comfortable instantly. It’s the program designed to understand the uniqueness of each individual camper. We start the summer as friends and we end as family. Friends. Family. Camp. Transportation: We provide door-to-door transportation. Activities offered: Sports, Swim, Arts, Rock climbing and Ropes Course, Boating & Fishing, Horseback Riding, and Playgrounds! For campers in Pre-K to 8th Grade, ACA accredited, in Mendham NJ. HarborHillsDayCamp.com

HealthBarn USA Summer Camp

HealthBarn USA is the only camp where you can eat, plant, cook and play! We offer Summer Camp (ages 4-6, 7-9 and 10-13) and Summer Seedlings (ages 3-5) in Ridgewood, NJ. Our goal is to give campers the tools to build strong bodies and healthy minds. Campers learn to master organic gardening, culinary, nutrition and life skills - all while having a fun time! Each week offers campers a new wholesome experience to learn firsthand where their food comes from and why eating fresh is best for their bodies and the environment as well. HealthBarnUSA.com

Jeff Lake Camp

Camper ages 3 1/2 through 15 years of age, ACA Accredited, Traditional Day Camp in Stanhope NJ. A diverse range of activities tailored for every age and personality, making it an ideal spot for every camper. From arts and crafts to sports, fishing, performing arts, adventure activities, and a variety of opportunities typically found only at overnight camps, there's something for everyone. Campers will practice their skills in the comprehensive swimming program across five heated pools and explore the lake's exciting features—like an inflatable playground, paddle boats, kayaks, sailboats, and more—all with age-appropriate instruction to ensure safety and accessibility for every camper. The dedicated staff creates a safe, supportive environment where campers can connect with peers, embrace challenges, and learn new skills. JeffLakeCamp.com

Nature Place Day Camp

Embrace a summer of wonder at The Nature Place, a non-competitive summer day camp for children ages 4-16. For nearly 40 years, we've created magic with our campers on our beautiful 200-acre Rockland County, NY campus. Dive into nature with camping, hiking, swimming, and outdoor skills. Foster creativity through garden-to-table cooking, earth art, music, and African drum dance. Campers form lifelong bonds in a nurturing environment. With a dedicated staff and progressive programming, we prioritize exploration over a rushed schedule. Join us for a journey of discovery, personal growth, and cherished memories. Sessions are 4, 5, or 6 weeks. Unplug and connect with nature this summer at The Nature Place in Chestnut Ridge, NY. We are ACA accredited. theNaturePlace.com

Neil Klatskin Summer Camps

For campers ages 2+ to grade 9. Summer of outdoor adventure, friendship, and nonstop fun. A community guided by positive Jewish values and a commitment to giving kids the chance to be their best! Specialty camps, day camps, sports camps, dance camps, STEM camps. Campers enjoy a 21-acre property. 3 heated pools, water park, splash pad, sports fields, tennis, basketball, playgrounds, dance, theater, and more! Also offered: Special Services Summer Camps for children and teens with disabilities. CIT program available. Our camp is located in Tenafly NJ and is ACA accredited. jccotp.org

Ridgewood YMCA Camp Woods

Sun’s out, fun’s out! Our goal at Camp Woods is to encourage social development and teach interpersonal life skills aligned with the YMCA’s four core values: caring, honesty, respect, and responsibility—all while having FUN! Each week of camp boasts a different theme and is packed with field trips, special events, crafts, sports, and more!  RidgewoodYMCA.org

South Mountain YMCA Summer Day Camp

For children entering PreK-10th grade, South Mountain YMCA Day Camps in Maplewood NJ have everything to pique your child’s curiosity. Choose from traditional day camps to specialty camps offering basketball, golf, skateboarding, creative theater, or global arts. Our camps are designed for children to explore, discover, and challenge themselves. We focus on building self-esteem, confidence and social skills while highlighting health and wellness. MetroYmcas.org/south-mountain-ymca

West Essex Camps

Offering a wide variety of camps that provide educational, exciting and fun activities, but most importantly, build self-esteem, lasting friendships, and treasured memories. Summer Sprouts for 3-5 years, Pioneer Trails Day Camp for K-8 grades, Super Summer Day Camp for K-6 grades, Teen Adventure Camp for 7-9 grades, CIT for 9-10 grades. ACA accredited camp located in Livingston NJ. MetroYmcas.org/west-essex-ymca

The Work Family Connection Chatham Summer Camp

WFC has Summer Camp programs that your child will love, infused with enrichment, swimming, field trips, unique experiences and FUN! We offer activities ranging from arts & crafts to outdoor sports and more! Children kindergarten to grade 8 will have a safe and positive experience with memories to last a lifetime! TheWorkFamilyConnection

Looking for General Day Camps that also offer a mix of academics?

These are located at school campuses:

Bergen Community College's Kids and Teens Summer Learning Academy

Inspire your child’s intellect and uncover hidden talents at Bergen Community College this summer. Introduce your child to a new hobby or take their skills to the next level. Choose from six weekly sessions that run Monday through Friday. Full-day sessions will run from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., half-day sessions will run from either 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. or 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. Before and after care and lunch supervision are available. Enroll now. Space is limited!. ce.bergen.edu

Camp Middlesex at Middlesex College

For campers ages 5-17, we’re a general day camp located at Middlesex College in Edison NJ. There is nothing more rewarding than sparking children’s imagination and inspiring them to dream. Participate in a variety of creative and engaging activities including: Arts, Crafts, Cooking, Computers, Dance, Science, Sports, and Theater Camp. Middlesexcc.edu

The Elisabeth Morrow School Summer Exploration

Summer Explorations, the summer program of The Elisabeth Morrow School, run from June 23- August 1, 2025. Weekly options with half or full day programs for children ages 2 through grade 9. Summer Explorations is located on our beautiful 14-acre campus in Englewood, NJ. All enrichment classes and programs taught by certified, experienced educators. Lunch program and aftercare hours available. ElisabethMorrow.org

Essex County College Summer Youth Program

The Summer Youth Program is designed to promote a positive atmosphere for learning. Our program provides educational, social and cultural enrichment activities that play an integral part in the lives of the youth enrolled and includes classes in math, literacy, writing, phonics, STEM, art, fashion, sports, video gaming/coding, and more! Variety of 2 week programs for 6 weeks. Tuition includes breakfast, lunch, and field trips. For students entering grades 1-8. Camp located in Newark NJ. Essex.edu

Summer At Far Brook

Offering students from nursery to grade 10, high quality, meaningful experiences that are consistent with Far Brook School’s values, extending the school’s mission beyond the academic year. Programming will include fun and engaging multidisciplinary day camp programs, sports instruction, outdoor exploration, leadership development for our oldest campers, and unique week-long Master Classes taught by highly credentialed and knowledgeable camp staff, including Far Brook faculty. Far Brook is located in Short Hills NJ. FarBrook.org

Morristown Beard Day Camp

For camper ages 3 1/2 - 14, Morristown Beard Day Camp, a state-licensed and ACA accredited facility, located on a beautiful 22-acre campus, is designed to help children develop skills in sports, arts and crafts, drama, swimming and science. Our counselors work to promote good sportsmanship and self-confidence. Daily schedule is comprised of structured periods, with a flexible schedule on special events days. Morristown NJ location. mbs.net

Oak Knoll Summer Programs

Located on the beautiful 11-acre campus of Oak Knoll School in Summit, New Jersey, our summer programs offer excitement and fun for children ages 3-17. Online registration opens on January 15, 2025. Summer Adventures Day Camp offers swimming, fencing, science and nature, sports, arts, and more! Also available Kindergarten Ready Program, Middle and High School Academic and Enrichment Programs, and Summer Sports and Camps. OakKnoll.org

Wardlaw + Hartridge Summer Adventures

Wardlaw+Hartridge in Edison NJ offers a traditional day camp for students in PreK to 12th grade, specialty camps, sports camps, and creative arts camps. Mix and match different programs for a diverse and balanced summer. Summer Academic classes are for older campers who want to review concepts and stay ahead. whschool.org

Links to Find More Camps:
2025 Camp Guide eBook
Sleepaway Camps 2025 in and around NJ
STEM / STEAM Camps 2025 in and around NJ
Sports Camps 2025 in and around NJ
Performing Arts Camps 2025 in and around NJ
Academic Camps 2025 in and around NJ
Special Needs Camps in and around NJ