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The 20 Best Summer Programs in Brooklyn, NY for 2026

ByCharlene Farwell April 5, 2024July 22, 2026

Brooklyn is a vibrant borough of New York City that offers an abundance of high-quality summer programs for children and teens. From academic enrichment to sports camps, arts immersion to community service, Brooklyn has something to match every interest and fulfill every summer goal.

As a Higher Education Reform Expert based in the USA, I have researched and compiled this expert guide to the 20 best summer programs in Brooklyn for 2024. These programs provide enriching summer experiences focused on learning, growth, and fun.

1. Berkeley Carroll School Summer Programs

Highly-rated independent K-12 school located in Park Slope, Brooklyn
Offers summer programs for ages 3 – 14 focused on academics, arts, athletics
Specific summer offerings include coding camps, sports clinics, creative writing, and more
Strong emphasis on individualized instruction and experiential learning
Renowned teaching staff with experience tailoring curriculum to support students‘ talents and interests

Berkeley Carroll School has been providing exceptional education in Brooklyn for over 130 years. Their summer programs carry on this tradition of quality and inspire a lifelong love of learning.

2. Brooklyn Robot Foundry STEM Camps

STEM-focused camps teaching coding, robotics, design thinking, and problem solving
Hands-on projects using LEGO Mindstorms, Arduino, 3D printing, and more
Curriculum developed by professional engineers and teachers to be engaging and challenging
Fun competitions and games incorporating teamwork and critical thinking
Flexible offerings including full-day, half-day, and week-long intensives

Brooklyn Robot Foundry takes a kid-centric approach to technology education that emphasizes creativity and collaboration. Their STEM camps equip students with 21st century skills.

3. BAMkids Summer Film Camp

Filmmaking camps hosted by the renowned Brooklyn Academy of Music
Students write, direct, and star in their own short films and animations
Professional filmmakers provide hands-on instruction and mentorship
State-of-the-art media labs with HD cameras, editing software, and more
Public screening at BAMcinématek for families and friends to view campers’ films

For budding filmmakers, BAMkids Summer Film Camp provides a one-of-a-kind opportunity to gain real film production experience and have their work celebrated on the big screen.

4. Brooklyn Arts Exchange Youth Theater Summer Intensives

Progressive youth theater program located in the heart of Brooklyn since 1967
Summer intensives focused on acting, playwriting, directing, and production
Supportive environment focused on ensemble, community, and self-expression
Past summer productions include original adaptations of Hamlet, Peter Pan, and Alice in Wonderland
Public performances showcase students’ achievements and build confidence

Brooklyn Arts Exchange empowers young people to find their voice through transformative theater arts education. Their summer intensives unlock creativity and build life skills.

5. Brooklyn Game Lab Video Game Design Camp

Learn to code and develop video games using professional game development software
Work in small teams to brainstorm, design, and program original games
Experienced instructors guide students through the game design process
Campers get to take home video games they have created on a flash drive
No prior coding experience necessary; beginning through advanced coding abilities accommodated

For kids and teens interested in the world of video game design, Brooklyn Game Lab offers the perfect balance of fun and enriching STEAM learning. Campers build digital creation skills while fueling their imaginations.

6. Brooklyn Explorers Nature Immersion Camp

Outdoor nature camps led by environmental educators and naturalists
Explore Brooklyn’s vibrant parks, gardens, beaches, and wildlife habitats hands-on
Age-specific programming from toddlers through teenagers
Activities mix science, art, adventure and sustainability concepts connected to nature
Emphasis on curiosity, confidence, leadership, and stewardship

Brooklyn Explorers makes summer screens-free and green, replacing tech time with meaningful nature discoveries that build knowledge and character.

7. Brooklyn Friends School STEAM Camp

Progressive Quaker independent school located in vibrant Downtown Brooklyn
Half and full day themed STEAM camps for ages 4-14 focused on science, technology, engineering, arts and math
Hands-on investigations that unlock academic subjects through creativity and collaboration
Dedicated focus on social emotional learning and confidence building
Led by experienced BFS teachers on the school’s leafy campus

Brooklyn Friends School takes an whole child approach to STEAM learning that is project-based, integrated across disciplines, and intrinsically rewarding for young minds.

8. Downtown Brooklyn Youth Martial Arts Summer Camp

Martial arts and ninja training for ages 5-12
Build confidence, discipline, and strength
Learn karate, jiu jitsu, kung fu, and parkour
Play games and activities inspired by American Ninja Warrior
State-of-the-art obstacle training equipment

This martial arts summer camp provides kids with fun physical challenges that develop fitness, focus, empowerment and friendship.

9. Maker Park Radio Summer Camp

Hands-on media production camps held in unique collaborative workspace
Programs available for ages 5-17 focused on podcasting, radio production, media literacy
Learn interview techniques, storytelling, creative writing, vocal performance
Produce real radio segments and podcasts
Instructors are professional journalists, radio producers and media educators

At Maker Park Radio campers unlock their creative potential through radio broadcasting and podcast projects that amplify their perspectives.

10. BKLYN Clay Studio Summer Camp

Ceramics studio offering camps focused on pottery, sculpture and clay exploration
Expert guidance on wheel throwing, hand building, glazing, and firing methods
Age-specific programming from elementary through high schoolers
Field trips to galleries and opportunities to display projects
Located in vibrant artist community with beautiful open studio space

BKLYN Clay Studio summer camps are designed to foster creativity, patience and persistence through the versatile medium of clay. Campers gain technical skills while finding their own unique means of artistic expression.

11. French Dual Language Summer Camp

Immersive French language and Francophone cultural experience for ages 4-10
Native French and fluent instructors facilitate language acquisition through play
Music, dance, art and games en français
Culinary workshops focused on French cuisine
Locations in Brooklyn Heights and Cobble Hill

This French summer camp gently nudges young learners beyond “bonjour” and “au revoir” to pick up vocabulary and gain appreciation for the French-speaking world through engaging activities en français.

12. 92Y Sports & Swim Camp

Premier JCC sports and swim camp for kids ages 3-16 located on the Upper East Side
Bus transportation provided to/from 6 Brooklyn locations
Structured mornings focused on skill development, game play and sportsmanship
Free swim in Olympic regulation pools each afternoon
Hot lunch included along with all sports equipment and supplies

92Y Sports & Swim Camp brings professional instruction combined with summer fun for Brooklyn youth right to their neighborhood. Kids gain confidence in athletics and swimming while making new friends.

13. Brooklyn Conservatory Of Music Summer Workshop

Musical theater and jazz-focused summer programs for ages 6-18
Students split time between instrumental workshops, ensemble classes and staging rehearsals
Production electives in costume & prop design, dance, stage management
Climaxes in a full-scale theater production at the BAM Fisher theatre
Taught by professional NYC musical directors, choreographers and musicians

For youth passionate about being center stage, the Brooklyn Conservatory Of Music Summer Workshop offers intensive training in musical theatre culminating in a live theatrical performance.

14. SciTech Kids STEM Camp

Premier STEM camp network with Brooklyn location at Poly Prep Country Day School
Hands-on activities exploring science, technology, engineering and math concepts
Theme-based curriculum focused on aviation, amusement park physics, Minecraft design
Taught by trained STEM educators; low student-teacher ratio
Integrated guided play opportunities to enrich social skills development

SciTech Kids has reimagined STEM education for the 21st century using an inquiry-based methodology that gives young learners tools to creatively solve meaningful problems.

15. Mustard Seed School Farm Camp

Christian school offering farm-based day camp for ages 5-12
Learn about plants, animals, farming, cooking and ecology
Feed chickens, build bug houses, care for berry patches and vegetable gardens
Explore Prospect Park, botanical gardens and natural areas
Weaving, pottery and other nature-inspired arts and crafts

Mustard Seed Farm Camp nurtures curiosity about the natural world and fosters stewardship toward the environment based on biblical principles of creation care.

16. Brooklyn Game Ensemble Video Game Design Camp

Build narratively-driven video games that promote diversity, equity and inclusion
Learn character and environment design, dialogue systems, sound effects, emotional story arcs
Use Twine platform for text-based and Ren'Py for visual novel games
Discuss topics like representation, ethics and constructive feedback in gaming
Taught by professional indie game creator Dr. Carolyn Jong

Brooklyn Game Ensemble guides campers to thoughtfully expand video game narratives through development workshops focused on empathy, critical thinking and social progress.

17. Brooklyn Arts Council Cultural Adventures Camp

Culturally-enriching field trip intensive hosted by community arts nonprofit
Campers ages 6-12 explore NYC’s vibrant cultural destinations and neighborhoods
Past trips include museums, gardens, studios, performances, historic sites
Hands-on workshops with teaching artists build related skills and knowledge
Culminates in an exhibition of camper projects showing summer adventures

Through immersive arts and culture expeditions across the city, Brooklyn Arts Council ignites curiosity and makes summer magic for local youth.

18. Bricks 4 Kidz Lego Camp

STEM learning using LEGO® bricks to teach concepts in science, tech, engineering and math
Project-based activities aligned with architecture, space exploration, amusement parks
Challenging designs incorporate motors, gears, batteries, remote controls
Emphasis on problem-solving, critical thinking and teamwork skills
Experienced instructors ensure creativity and engagement

Bricks 4 Kidz transforms summer playtime into hands-on learning that builds confidence in STEM abilities, fine motor skills and social emotional intelligence.

19. Brooklyn Volunteers Environmental Stewardship Camp

Spend summer outings restoring and beautifying Brooklyn parks, gardens and natural areas
Build planter boxes, weed areas, mulch trees, harvest crops
Learn about plant biology, soil ecology and environmental science concepts
Field experts teach land stewardship practices
Instill passion for community service and green spaces

Brooklyn Volunteers helps campers make friends and make change by actively working to improve local shared spaces that connect people to nature.

20. Brooklyn Railway E-Sports Summer Academy

Intensive training for passionate teen gamers inspired by the idea of competitive gaming as a team sport
Physical conditioning, playbook analysis, positional strategy sessions
1-on-1 gameplay critique and tournament review analysis
Media training focused on brand-building, sponsor relationships and interviews
Team bonding events with pro E-Sports athletes
Showcase event battles rival NYC schools’ E-Sports teams

The Brooklyn Railway E-Sports Summer Academy takes teen gaming to the next level, instilling professionalism, purpose and vision to help talented youth progress on their path to competitive excellence.