New York Botanical Gardens

Summer and school break camps at the New York Botanical Garden offer a nature-immersive, hands-on camp experience that stands out from more traditional NYC programs. Designed for kids from PreK through 8th grade, these camps are rooted in science, gardening, and outdoor exploration, using the Garden’s 250-acre campus as a living classroom. Campers spend much of their day outside—exploring forests, wetlands, and gardens—while participating in activities like nature walks, experiments, crafts, and environmental discovery.

During the summer, families can choose from several themed programs tailored by age and interest. Younger campers (PreK–K) join Nature Camp, which focuses on sensory play, outdoor exploration, and early science concepts through activities like bug hunts and creative play. Elementary-aged kids can enroll in Science Camp or Green Thumbs Gardening Camp, where they rotate through hands-on experiments, art projects, and gardening experiences in spaces like the Edible Academy. Older campers (grades 7–8) can take part in Field Science Camp, a more advanced program where they collect data, study ecosystems like the Bronx River, and get a behind-the-scenes look at real scientific work.

For school breaks (winter and spring), NYBG offers shorter, week-long camps that mirror the same philosophy in a condensed format. Programs like Cool Science Camp and seasonal Nature Camps introduce kids to topics like plant adaptation, seasonal changes, and basic scientific principles through experiments, crafts, and guided exploration—often paired with visits to indoor spaces like the conservatory during colder months. Across all sessions, camps run full-day (typically 9 a.m.–3 p.m.) with optional extended care, and maintain a low staff-to-camper ratio and outdoor-first approach, making them a strong fit for parents looking for a structured but nature-focused alternative to traditional city camps.

Year-round

‍Summer Camp

‍July 6 - August 21, 2026

2900 Southern Blvd

Bronx, NY 10458

School Break Camp
$450/5-day week, $355/4-day week

‍Summer Camp
$1,485/month

Find your program and register here.

718.817.8181

childed@nybg.org

‍Contact Us Form

What Parents Like‍

• Families consistently praise the unique outdoor setting, with kids spending meaningful time in nature rather than indoors—something many NYC parents say is hard to find. (1)
• Many reviews mention that the camp fosters curiosity and environmental awareness, especially for kids interested in science or nature. (2)
• Staff and educators are often described as knowledgeable, warm, and engaging, helping kids feel comfortable exploring new topics. (1)
• Parents appreciate the structured but not overly rigid format, with a balance of guided activities and exploration time. (3)

‍What Parents Think Could Be Improved‍

• Cost is one of the most common considerations—families note that NYBG camps are on the higher end price-wise compared to city-run or nonprofit options. (1)
• Some parents mention weather dependency, since much of the camp is outdoors—very hot or rainy days can impact the experience. (2)
• Occasional feedback mentions that younger kids may need time to adjust to the outdoor-heavy, less playground-style environment. (3)

‍Our Take

‍NYBG camps stand out as a premium, nature-first option in NYC, with parent feedback consistently emphasizing the quality of the environment and programming. For families looking to get kids outdoors and engaged in hands-on science, it’s a clear standout—especially compared to more indoor or sports-focused camps.

That said, the experience is specialized, not generalist. It’s best suited for kids who are curious about nature and comfortable spending most of their day outside. For parents, the biggest considerations tend to be cost, commute, and weather, but for the right child, this camp offers a genuinely unique and enriching summer experience.