Plan some “double duty” days: keep the kids busy at camp while searching the ‘burbs
We get it. Touring towns with kids in tow can be challenging. That’s why summer and its endless choices of day- and week-long mini-camps can be an amazing way to check multiple boxes: your kids can start to get in the mix with future neighbors and classmates while you explore suburbia.
“If you’re interested in a certain town, signing your kids up for a local day camp is a win-win strategy,” says Suburban Jungle Strategist, Robin Hoberman. “While you’re getting familiar with the town and seeing if it’s the right fit for your family, your kids are having fun doing something they love.” And the best part? You can easily test drive a few camps in different towns you’re considering, as many offer options as short as a single half-day.
If you want to give the summer camp circuit a whirl, we’ve rounded up a few of our faves that offer flexible scheduling for a range of ages. And if you don’t see what you’re looking for? Just ask your Suburban Jungle Strategist (or schedule a kick-off call here!).
Greenwich, CT
While your kids are off having the best summer ever, you can spend your days getting the lay of the land in Greenwich. And trust us: there’s a lot of ground to cover, from the destination downtown with city-level shops and restaurants to museums, historic neighborhoods, recreational activities, and stunning beaches. With so much to do and see, you might just want to sign your kids up for multiple camp sessions to give yourself more time to explore.
Check out these mini camps:
Whether they’re learning how to somersault or perfecting their back handspring, Spirit Zone
Too’s summer camp is a week of fun for gymnasts and cheerleaders ages 3 to 18. If you’re not
ready to commit to a full week, day-long tumbling clinics are offered, too.
Summer Forest Days at Greenwich Botanical Center
Summer is about getting back to nature — and your kids can experience it all at Summer Forest
Days, an all-weather, outdoor enrichment program rooted in interest-led play and natural
exploration. Kids 3-8 spend their days hiking, climbing, playing in water, observing birds and
insects, building with rocks and natural materials, creating art with their discoveries, and letting
their imaginations run wild.
Mead Farm Summer Horsemanship Riding Program
Just down the road in Stamford, Mead Farm’s week-long horsemanship program gives kids 6
and up an immersive equestrian experience. Days of riding and horse care are rounded out with
games, arts and crafts, and (of course!) snack time.
Larchmont, NY
Larchmont may only be 1.1 square miles, but there’s a lot packed into this family-friendly community. Drop the kids at one of these popular mini camps, then head to Sunshine Coffee Roasters for a latte, window shop along Palmer Avenue, and chill out with an ice cream cone from Longford’s at Larchmont Manor Park.
Check out these mini camps:
This amazing art school lets kids choose from more than 90 studio art, digital art, and design experiences—everything from traditional watercolors and sketching to seriously innovative immersions in manga, digital graffiti, and acrylic pour painting. Full- and half-day camps are available all summer long for kids in kindergarten to 12th grade.
Larchmont’s French-American School of New York hosts a week-long French immersion camp (taught by native speakers!) for kids 3 to 11. Kids learn by doing activities that range from music, science, and arts and crafts to cooking and outdoor activities.
Horseshoe Harbor Junior Sailing Camp
Is this the summer your kid sets sail for a new adventure? The Horseshoe Harbor Yacht Club offers a summer day camp that teaches the basics of sailing to kids 9 through 15. They’ll learn boating safety and navigation while having a great time on the Long Island Sound.
Summit, NJ
If you’ve set your sights on Summit, drop the kids at one of these camps, then spend your day exploring the town on your own: shop along Springfield Avenue, relax on the Summit Village Green, or swing by Natale’s to pick up one of their famous Philly Fluff cakes.
Check out these mini camps:
Tiny dancers can practice their moves at the nationally-ranked Summit School of Dance’s summer dance camp. Campers are introduced to acrobatics, jazz, hip hop, lyrical, and other styles of dance, and they take a break from dancing every day to participate in fun activities like arts and crafts and choreographing their own routines.
Oak Knoll Summer Adventures Day Camp
Give your kids an old-school summer at Oak Knoll Summer Adventures day camp. Every fun-filled day is packed with music, arts, sports, and swimming on the beautiful 11-acre campus of Oak Knoll School. There’s a new theme every week, so it’s always fresh for returning campers.
Looking for a camp just for little ones? Cornerstone School hosts a STEAM-based day camp for kids 2-1/2 through pre-K, with themes like Lights, Bread, and Music. Sessions are designed to ignite curiosity, foster creativity, and create lasting memories. Kids spend lots of time on the school’s shaded playground and take walking field trips to explore the parks and neighborhoods of Summit.
Sea Cliff, NY
Sea Cliff may be a small village, but what it lacks in size, it makes up for in arts, culture, food, and community. Start your day with a cup of coffee at Daily Grind, then shop the locally-owned boutiques in town while your kids enjoy fun mini-camps in the area.
Check out these mini camps:
ClayNation offers an exciting creative adventure with unique themed art projects. Activities feature a diverse mix of mosaics, ceramics, canvas painting, clay modeling, woodwork, fiber arts, watercolor, guided drawing, and more! The studio provides full- and half-day camps throughout the summer, accommodating kids of all ages and skill levels.
If your child loves to act and embrace different characters, Jazz Hands Children’s Theatre minicamp is the perfect place to hone their skills. Here, they can make new friends, learn how to perform on the ‘big stage,’ and build confidence in a supportive, creative environment
Get ready for sports fun at LuHi Summer mini camps, where each session spans two weeks (more time for you to explore the area)! With a lineup including Baseball, Basketball, Fencing, Volleyball, Gymnastics, and more, something is exciting for everyone. Experienced coaches bring expertise and enthusiasm to every activity, ensuring two weeks packed with sports and smiles at LuHi!
Looking for a place to spend summer – and beyond? Schedule a FREE Suburbs Strategy session now.
