If you’re a Long Island parent, you know—summer camp isn’t just childcare, it’s where lasting memories are made and can range dramatically in cost and commitment.

Whether you’re looking for something academic, structured, outdoorsy, budget-friendly, or hyper-local, this guide breaks down some of the most popular camps across Long Island—with age ranges, estimated costs, locations, and highlights for what makes each one unique.

🎓 Ivy League Day Camp

📍 Smithtown

 

• Ages: Toddlers through Grade 10
• Estimated Cost: $$$–$$$$ (typically ~$4,000–$8,000+ for full summer)
• Best For: Families wanting a structured, high-end camp + academics blend

Highlights:

• Strong mix of academics, athletics, and arts
• On-site facilities + specialty programs (swim, performing arts, STEM)
• More “polished” feel vs. traditional outdoor camps

👉 Think: country club meets summer camp.

🌊 Camp Alvernia

📍 Centerport

• Ages: 3–14
• Estimated Cost: $$–$$$ (~$2,500–$5,500 depending on weeks)
• Best For: Families who want a classic outdoor, waterfront camp experience

Highlights:

• Located right on the harbor (huge draw 🌊)
• Sailing, swimming, field sports
• One of the oldest camps in the country with deep tradition

👉 Feels like a throwback summer—in the best way.

🎨 Camps ‘R’ Us

📍 Multiple Long Island locations

• Ages: 3–8th grade
• Estimated Cost: $–$$ (~$1,500–$4,000 depending on duration)
• Best For: Families looking for a more affordable, flexible option

Highlights:

• ACA-accredited and widely available
• Mix of sports, arts, STEM, and social activities
• Great “starter camp” for younger kids

👉 Solid, dependable, and budget-friendly.

🏕️ YMCA Summer Day Camp (Huntington & beyond)

📍 Multiple locations across Long Island

• Ages: 3–15
• Estimated Cost: $–$$ (~$300–$600/week)
• Best For: Families wanting flexibility + strong community feel

Highlights:

• Weekly sessions = super flexible scheduling
• Includes sports, arts, swimming, and trips
• Often one of the most affordable reputable options

👉 Great option if you don’t want to commit to a full summer.

🌿 Sea Stars (Cornell Cooperative Extension)

📍 Northport

 

• Ages: Typically elementary–middle school
• Estimated Cost: $$ (~$300–$700/week)
• Best For: Kids who love nature, marine life, and hands-on learning

Highlights:

• Run through Cornell Cooperative Extension
• Focus on marine science + environmental education
• Very North Shore, outdoorsy vibe

👉 Perfect for future marine biologists (or kids who just love the beach).

🏀 Elwood Day Camp

📍 Elwood

 

• Ages: Elementary–middle school
• Estimated Cost: $–$$ (~$500–$2,000 depending on program length)
• Best For: Families looking for a local, no-frills community camp

Highlights:

• Often school- or district-based
• Emphasis on sports, games, and social interaction
• Convenient for Elwood-area families

👉 Easy, local, and familiar.

🏫 Harbor Country Day School Summer Camp

📍 St. James

• Ages: Preschool–middle school
• Estimated Cost: $$$ (~$2,000–$5,000+)
• Best For: Families wanting a private school-style summer experience

Highlights:

• Blend of learning + play
• Smaller groups, structured environment
• Great for kids already in (or considering) private school

👉 Feels like school—but way more fun.

⚽ Smithtown Booster Club Summer Camp

📍 Smithtown

• Ages: Elementary–high school (varies by sport)
• Estimated Cost: $ (~$100–$500 per session)
• Best For: Kids focused on sports + skill building

Highlights:

• Run through local athletics programs
• Sport-specific options (soccer, baseball, etc.)
• Shorter sessions = great add-on to other camps

👉 Ideal for the sports-obsessed kid.

💡 How to Choose the Right Camp (Quick Parent Cheat Sheet)

When clients ask me this locally, I always say it comes down to 3 things:

• What is your child’s personality and needs? (structured vs. free-play)
• What does your Summer calendar look like? (full summer care vs. weekly flexibility vs. vacations)
• What is your budget?

Because across Long Island, camps can range from a few hundred dollars… to the cost of a luxury vacation.

📍 Local Insight (From a Huntington Mom + Advisor)

Often times, I see families

• Pairing a full summer camp (like Alvernia or Ivy League)
  ➡️ with a few specialty weeks (sports or Sea Stars)

This will give your kids variety without burnout but, for our family we pair 5 weeks of structured camp with all the incredible, free amenities Long Island has to offer during the Summer. 

• Strawberry picking
• Sandy beach lunches
• Mini hiking trails
• Library (aka Air Conditioning!)
• Mornings at the playground
• Farmers Markets
• Checking off all the State parks!! This is an annual Summer staple!

And then escape to Cape Cod for a week to visit my family and create more core memories.