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Free and Cheap Summer Camps in New Jersey for Kids

At Tenafly Nature Center Camp, kids experience the natural world. Photo courtesy of the nature center
At Tenafly Nature Center Camp, kids experience the natural world. Photo courtesy of the nature center
2/18/24 - By Laurie Rein

After a busy school year, kids deserve a stress-free summer of adventure, and now's the time to explore summer camp options. We've rounded up 17 summer day camps in New Jersey that are easy on the wallet but heavy on summer fun. Many of these affordable summer camps let you register by the week or even the day, so you don't have to commit to an entire summer. Other options, like 3-day weeks and half-day summer camps, help to keep costs down. Before- and after-care is available at some of these inexpensive summer camps in New Jersey as well.

The following are some of the most affordable summer camps in New Jersey, and as a bonus, booking soon might help you score cost-saving early bird specials. For more on summer camps in New Jersey, bookmark our Guide to Summer Camp in New Jersey and our New Jersey Summer Camp Directory, where you can search for summer camps by age, interest, and town. 

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Learn archery at the YMCA of Greater Bergen County's summer day camp. Photo courtesy of the YMCA
Learn archery at the YMCA of Greater Bergen County's summer day camp. Photo courtesy of the YMCA

Affordable Summer Camps in Northern New Jersey

YMCA of Greater Bergen County - Summer Camps

New Milford
Ages 5-17
With summer day camp programs full of activities like crafts, sports, STEAM, and swimming, plus a sleepaway camp for kids entering third grade through teens, the YMCA of Greater Bergen County has something for everyone.  READ MORE

Meadowlands-Area YMCA Summer Camp

East Rutherford
Ages 3-11
Register for one week or all 10 at this YMCA summer camp, which offers a different program every session. The traditional Camp Meadowlands features crafts, sports, and music. Specialty summer camps include Brainiac Academy, Travel Camp, and Camp Rex. Preschoolers can enroll in a Summer Seedlings Camp with a play-based focus. READ MORE

East Orange YMCA Summer Camp

East Orange
Ages 3-15
East Orange YMCA offers summer camp groups divided by age. Options include Early Adventures, New Discoveries, Explorers, and Counselors-in-Training. Summer campers receive breakfast, lunch, and snacks daily.  READ MORE

Newark YMCA Summer Day Camp

Newark and Jersey City
Ages 4-13
This weekly program provides a well-rounded summer camp experience with activities like art, sports, science, and technology. Before- and after-care options are available, as well as field trip and swim lesson add-ons. These summer camp sessions are booked by the week. READ MORE

Boys & Girls Club of Wayne Summer Camps

Wayne
Ages 5-14
Stay cool in the air-conditioned summer camp facility at the Wayne Boys & Girls Club with activities like crafts, computers, and games, plus off-site swimming. Field trips, such as bowling and golf, are planned. READ MORE

YMCA Camp Mason

Hardwick
Ages 5-14
Whether you’re looking for a traditional overnight camp, day camp, ranch camp, adventure trips, or a counselor-in-training program, Camp Mason has something for every camper from ages 5-14. Day campers participate in trips, talent shows, and weekly theme days. READ MORE

Tenafly Nature Center

Tenafly
Ages 4-13
Tenafly Nature Center is a non-profit nature preserve located in Bergen County, New Jersey. For over 60+ years, TNC has nurtured an appreciation for nature and has been a leader in open-space preservation and environmental education for the community and beyond. TNC stewards nearly 400 wooded acres of trails, forest, pond, streams and wetlands that serve as an oasis and enable visitors to connect with nature in the country’s most densely populated state. TNC is located in northern New Jersey, just five miles north of the George Washington Bridge. Trails are open one hour after... READ MORE

Schiff Nature Preserve Summer Program

Mendham
Ages 6-13
Campers explore the great outdoors, discovering nature and wildlife along the way at this weekly camp. Activities include hiking, nature games, stream exploration, tie dye and more. READ MORE

The Gateway Family YMCA

Rahway, Elizabeth and Union
Ages 6-13
Summer camp at the Gateway Family YMCA boasts sports, swimming, science, crafts, and outdoor adventures that challenge kids to take risks and try new adventures. Summer camp sessions are booked weekly for 9 weeks.  READ MORE
Dance and sing at Camp College at Mercer County Community College. Photo courtesy of the camp
Dance and sing at Camp College at Mercer County Community College. Photo courtesy of the camp

Affordable Summer Camps in Central New Jersey

Camp College at Mercer County Community College

West Windsor
Ages 6-16
Send your kids to college for the summer! Campers ages 6-16 can choose from more than 70 programs, including arts, sciences, sports, cooking, robotics, digital arts, and more. Summer camp sessions run weekly. READ MORE

YMCA Camp Yomeca

East Brunswick
Ages 5-15
This well-rounded day camp features age-appropriate activities including sports, dance, drama, cooking, arts and crafts, swimming, sports, and much more. Before- and after-care is available. READ MORE

Branchburg Sports Complex - Camps, Classes, Parties

Branchburg
Ages 5-15
This massive indoor facility features three turf fields, four batting cages, a multi-level play maze, an arcade, and a huge laser tag arena. Choose from various party themes to celebrate your active child. BSC offers a variety of specialty sports camps and educational enrichment camps for kids year-round.  READ MORE

Fernbrook Farms Camps

Chesterfield
Ages 3-14
Fernbrook Farms is one of NJ’s top nature camps, engaging campers by exploring the complex interconnectedness of the natural world on a 230-acre farm. Through hands-on choice activities, campers are inspired to pursue their natural curiosities in the creek, meadow, pond, forest, and more. Vacation-day camps are also offered throughout the school year. READ MORE
Hit the pool for swim lessons at Camp Sacajawea. Photo courtesy of the camp
Hit the pool for swim lessons at Camp Sacajawea. Photo courtesy of the camp

Affordable Summer Camps at the Jersey Shore & in South Jersey

Camp Sacajawea

Farmingdale
Ages 3-15
At the Girl Scout-run Camp Sacajawea, young girls and boys are well-cared for, happy, and engaged. Campers discover the wonders of nature, try new things, make friends, and more. Campers spend their summer outdoors, exploring while developing positive self-esteem, leadership skills, and social skills. READ MORE

Discovery Kids Nature Camp

Cape May
Ages 5-12
The New Jersey Audubon Society hosts this nature camp by the shore. Weekly themes include I'm Like a Bird, Splish Splash and Jitterbug. Sessions run for half-days only. READ MORE

Cedar Run’s Let's Go Wild Summer Camp

Medford
Ages 3-14
Kids go wild for this nature-themed summer camp at the Cedar Run Wildlife Refuge. Half- and full-days are available, and each week focuses on a new topic. The fun includes hiking, games, crafts, and more. After-care is available. READ MORE

Camp Amity Acres

Barnegat
Ages 3-12
Camp Amity Acres offers a variety of safe, enriching outdoor summer camp experiences for girls and boys ages 3-15, helping them develop positive self-esteem, leadership skills, and social skills, all while having the time of their lives. READ MORE

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