The Bronx Zoo comes to life after dark during its annual Holiday Lights event. Photo by Terria Clay/courtesy of the Bronx Zoo
Holiday Lights, Christmas Carousel, and More Things To Do in NYC this Weekend with Kids
The Holiday Train Show at the New York Botanical Garden is a must-see holiday destination in NYC. Photo courtesy of the New York Botanical Gardens
Must-Do Christmas Events and Holiday Activities in New York City for Kids
The Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade Balloon Inflation is an event unto itself. See the larger-than-life balloons come to life the night before the parade. Photo by Anthony Quintano/CC BY 2.0
See the 2025 Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade Balloon Inflation with Kids
See the Thanksgiving Day Parade in NYC with our insider's guide and tips!
GUIDE
Guide to Thanksgiving in NYC for Kids and Families
Classics, like Tom Turkey, and newbies alike take flight in the 99th annual Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade 2025.
Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade 2025: Where to Watch, What's New
Many organizations throughout New York City are offering free turkey giveaways, plus full, hot Thanksgiving dinners this season. Photo by John McCarten for the New York City Council
Where To Find Free Turkey in NYC for Thanksgiving Dinner 2025
Meet Santa aboard The Polar Express chugging along the Morristown and Erie lines. Photo courtesy of the Morristown and Erie Railway
Polar Express Train Rides and Christmas Trains near NYC in 2025
See your favorite characters come to life at the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade balloon inflation. Photo by Eugene Gologursky/courtesy of Macy's.
24 Best Things To Do in NYC with Kids November 2025, According to Mommy Poppins Editors
Enjoy a cozy, French-style Thanksgiving meal at Le Rivage. Photo by Evan Sung
25 Restaurants Open on Thanksgiving 2025 in NYC
Lightscape at the Brooklyn Botanic Garden has become an enchanting holiday tradition for many families. Photo courtesy of the garden
NYC's Coolest Christmas Events to Book Now Before They Sell Out in 2025
GUIDE
Holidays in NYC: Ultimate Guide to Christmas, Hanukkah, & Seasonal Fun
Volunteer to help feed families in New York this Thanksgiving.
Best 2025 Thanksgiving Volunteering Opportunities for Families in NYC
Canstruction is free and open to the public at Brookfield Place through Monday, November 10. Photo by Heidi Lee
34 Free and Fun Things To Do in NYC November 2025 with Kids
Kids as young as 14 can apply for an eco-focused internship at Alley Pond Park in Queens. Photo courtesy of the Alley Pond Environmental Center
Best Museum Programs in NYC for Teens
The 2025-2026 public school year for NYC kids starts on Thursday, September 4.
Here's the NYC Public School Calendar for 2025-2026
Get ready for back to school with all the right supplies, classes, and tips.
GUIDE
Back-to-School Guide 2025-2026
See the skyline from a whole new vantage point on the Roosevelt Island Tram. Photo courtesy of NYCGo
Ultimate New York City Bucket List: 100 Things To Do in NYC with Kids Before They Grow Up
Stranger Things: The First Shadow plays at the Marquis Theatre and gives the popular Neflix show a prequel. Photo by Matthew Murphy and Evan Zimmerman
Best Broadway Shows for Kids and Families in 2025
The Ausable Chasm has been described as the Grand Canyon of the Adirondacks and it's one of our top 100 things to do in New York State with kids. Photo by Anna Fader
Ultimate New York Bucket List: 100 Things To Do with Kids in NY State
Diving into the sprinkle pool at the Museum of Ice Cream is a great way to cure rainy day blues. Photo by Jody Mercier
47 Fun Indoor Activities in NYC for a Rainy Day
Vinland Playground got a fresh upgrade in Bay Ridge. Photo by NYC Parks/Daniel Avila
Jaw-Dropping New Playgrounds in NYC to Explore with Kids Now
Summer camps help kids develop social skills and have fun
GUIDE
NYC Summer Camp Guide
The Peninsula New York rolls out the red carpet for kids—and their grown ups!
Family-Friendly Hotels in New York City with Perks for Kids
Climb on platforms dangling from ropes at Hester Street Playground. Photo by Jody Mercier
NYC's Best Playgrounds: 21 Parks Worthy of a Subway Schlep
There's always a cool new piece of public art to see and interact with in NYC. Photo by Jody Mercier
100 Free Things To Do in NYC with Kids
Brooklyn's Flying Apple offers action-packed fun for kids of all ages.
24 Best Kids' Indoor Playgrounds and Play Spaces in NYC
Discover the NYC-themed play space hidden inside the Toys
27 Free Things To Do Indoors in NYC: Free Places To Play Indoors on Cold and Rainy Days
Photo courtesy of PLAY Greenpoint.
GUIDE
Guide to Indoor Playgrounds and Play Spaces in NYC
Free activities for Kids in NYC include the Children's Museum of the Arts, which has pay-what-you-wish Thursdays from 4-6pm. Photo courtesy of the museum
GUIDE
Free Things To Do in NYC with Kids Guide
Visit the 180 Pool at the Crystal Springs Resort. Photo courtesy of the resort
14 Family-Friendly Weekend Getaways near NYC
Explore modern humanity through all-new world-wandering exhibitions at Mmuseumm.
Weird, Wacky, and Wonderful Under-the-Radar Museums in NYC that Kids Love
Kids' classes like art lessons can help your NYC child grow and develop
GUIDE
Guide to NYC Classes for Kids
For an only-in-NYC experience, head to the Top of the Rock to enjoy the view. Photo by Jody Mercier
Best Attractions and Things To Do near NYC that are Kid-Friendly
Tea Around Town combines a sumptuous meal with a unique view NYC landmarks! Photo by Jody Mercier
25 Best NYC Tours for Families: From Boat Rides to Free Walking Tours and More
The American Museum of Natural History's blue whale is an NYC icon, and the entire museum is one of the best children's museums in NYC. Photo by R. Mickens/courtesy of AMNH
Best Museums for Kids in NYC: Children's Museums and Family-Friendly Museums in NYC
GUIDE
Guide to Kids' Birthday Parties in NYC
Registration is now open for the reasonably priced summer camps at YMCA locations in NYC.
Free and Cheap Summer Camps in NYC for Kids
The Maritime Aquarium at Norwalk has 75 animal exhibits and is home to more than 7,000 animals. Photo courtesy of the aquarium
Best Aquariums to Visit from the NYC Metro Area with Kids
Get a Broadway-caliber serenade during a birthday dinner at Ellen's Stardust Diner.
Best Fun Restaurants for Kids' Birthdays in NYC
Get a birds eye view of the skyline from the Edge observation deck at Hudson Yards. Plan a visit near sundown to watch the city lights come to life. Photo by Jody Mercier
3 Days in NYC with Kids: Ultimate Itinerary by a Local Mom
Feed a crowd with extra large, classic, New York-style pizza slices without breaking the bank. Photo by Jody Mercier
NYC on a Budget: Cheap Things To Do and Money Saving Tips for Families
These boredom-busting activities turn a stuck-at-home day into a lasting memory.
75 Indoor Activities for Kids on a Rainy Day
The Met offers pay-what-you wish admission at all times to New Yorkers and kids always attend for free. Photo by Jody Mercier
Free Museums and Free Museum Days in NYC for Kids
Kids can while away hours of a day with a set of watercolors and a stack of new paper for painting. Photo by Sara Marentette
Crafts for Kids: 100 Awesome Art Projects
No visit to NYC is complete without an up-close encounter with the Statue of Liberty. Photo by Jess Laird
40 Best NYC Attractions to Do with Kids Right Now
Teach 'em to tie during downtime.
65 Life Skills to Teach Kids at Every Age
GUIDE
NYC Kids Summer Guide: 728 Best Festivals, Deals, Activities & Free Things to Do
Take a hike with your little one on a family day trip from NYC.
GUIDE
Family Day Trips and Weekend Getaways for NYC Kids
Creating a baking soda volcano is a classic science experiment for kids. Photo by Sara Marentette Nighswander
67 Easy Science Experiments for Kids To Do at Home
Hester Street Playground. Photo by Jody Mercier
GUIDE
Playgrounds & Parks NYC Guide
Suncatcher_Liz Baill @creativishmom
GUIDE
Crafts for Kids Guide: Thousands of Craft Ideas

Free and Affordable Summer Camps in Connecticut 2025

Make the most of summer in Connecticut with these free and affordable summer camps for 2025. Photo courtesy of Windsor Summer Fun Camps
Make the most of summer in Connecticut with these free and affordable summer camps for 2025. Photo courtesy of Windsor Summer Fun Camps
2/9/25 - By Jennifer Coe

There's no need to break the bank with our picks for the top free and affordable summer camps in Connecticut! Can you believe it's time to sign your kids up for summer camp?  The end of the school year is coming and Connecticut parents don't want to see their kids glued to the television set all summer. We have scoured the internet to find a selection of summer camps that families might be able to fit into their budgets in Hartford, Litchfield, Fairfield, and New Haven counties.

Connecticut has all kinds of fun summer camps for Summer 2024. For more recommendations, browse our Connecticut Summer Camp Guide and explore our favorites. And our extensive Camp Listings let you filter by interest, age, or area of the state to help you find the best Connecticut summer camp for your child.

 

OUR LATEST VIDEOS

Connecticut kids can learn and grow with free and affordable camp programs. Photo courtesy of Camp Sunrise
Connecticut kids can learn and grow with free and affordable camp programs. Photo courtesy of Camp Sunrise

Free and Affordable Summer Camps in Connecticut: Fairfield Area

US Sports Institute

Multiple Locations
Ages 2-19
US Sports Institute offers sports camps throughout the Southern Connecticut region. Children ages 2 to 19 can choose from a multi-sports camp or a camp that focuses on a specific sport such as tennis, basketball, or soccer.    READ MORE

Stratford Parks and Recreation Camp

Stratford
Grades 1-8
Parks and Recreation offers summer sports camps for children in grades 1 through 8. Various parks around town offer a summer playground program. Stratford also offers programs in arts, golf, tennis, mad science, archery, and more.  READ MORE

Westport Parks and Recreation Day Camp

Westport
Grades K-8
Westport offers affordable summer camps for children ages 3 to 5, as well fall camps for grades K-4 and 5-8. Seven different sessions are available and run in different locations throughout town in July and August. Full day camp runs from 9am to 3pm.    READ MORE

Camp Sunrise

Norwalk
Grades 1-8
For children entering 1st through 8th grade in the Fall, Camp Sunrise runs daily, Monday through Friday, from 9am-3pm. The program features Arts and Crafts and STEAM in addition to outdoor and indoor athletic and social play with field trips to the Wilton YMCA three days per week, weather permitting   READ MORE

Cardinal Shehan Summer Day Camp

Bridgeport
Grades K-12
Summer Day Camp at the Cardinal Shehan Center offers campers a chance to excel in an emotionally supportive environment. Campers have the opportunity to use the facilities for several activities (swimming, arts and crafts, photography, computers, basketball and more) as well as educational math, STEM, and literacy classes. Fees are on a sliding scale, based on annual income. READ MORE

Boys and Girls Club Bridgeport Summer Camp

Bridgeport
Grades K-8
Boys and Girls Club of Bridgeport offers summer camps for kids in three different locations throughout town. Kids will enjoy playing in the gymnasium, practicing art, learning STEM, outdoor activities like Gaga ball, and more. Camps include themes like football, basketball, and more. Prices work on a tiered structure, utlilizing the CT Care for Kids application. READ MORE
From sports to the arts, these affordable and free summer camps have plenty to offer! Photo courtesy of Skyhawks Sports Camps
From sports to the arts, these affordable and free summer camps have plenty to offer! Photo courtesy of Skyhawks Sports Camps

Free and Affordable Summer Camps in Connecticut: Hartford Area

Camp Courant

Hartford -
Ages 5-12
At this free summer camp for Hartford residents ages 5 to 12, kids enjoy swimming, arts and crafts, sports, leadership training, time in the computer lab, and more. Applications are available in April.    READ MORE

Windsor Summer Fun Camps

Windsor
Ages 8-13
Summer Fun Camp is for kids ages 8 to 13. Campers can enjoy an extraordinary summer camp experience filled with organized games, activities, sports, swimming, arts and crafts, special events, friends, and fun new experiences. Scholarships and payment plans are available. READ MORE

Glastonbury Enrichment Camps

Glastonbury
Grades K-12
Glastonbury offers many different themed camps, focused on foreign languages, crafting, codingm guitar, STEAM and much more. Open to children in grades K-12. READ MORE

Skyhawks Sports Camp

Wallingford
Ages 9-12
This multi-sport camp (held in multiple locations in CT) is designed to introduce young athletes (ages 5-12) to a variety of different sports in one setting. For this program, two or three sports are combined into one fun-filled week. Offered in multiple locations throughout the state. Check Skyhawks website for ages, sports and locations. READ MORE

Town of Southington Summer Camp

Southington
Ages 5-12
An affordable summer program for children ages 5-12.  Children will enjoy sports of all kinds, swimming, splash pad, crafts, field trips and a talent show! Four sessions of camp are offered and takes place at South End Elementary School. READ MORE

Camp-Ta-Doo in Simsbury

Simsbury
Grades 1-6
Camp Stuff-Ta-Doo is a day camp designed for children who will be entering grades 1-6. Campers are grouped by grade and enjoy fun-filled days swimming, playing games, doing arts and crafts, and taking part in all kinds of contests. READ MORE
These camps are filled with great summer activities for Connecticut kids! Photo courtesy of Mixville Adventure Camp
These camps are filled with great summer activities for Connecticut kids! Photo courtesy of Mixville Adventure Camp

Free and Affordable Summer Camps in Connecticut: New Haven Area

Camp Mountain Laurel

Hamden
Grades K-9
Camp Mountain Laurel (campers age K-9) provides twenty acres of wooded space with an open shelter, outdoor swimming pool, archery, gaga pit, ropes course, and climbing wall. Special themed weeks like Wilderness Survival, Creative Cooking and Mind in Motion to keep campers entertained all summer long. READ MORE

Mixville Adventure Camp

Cheshire
Ages 4-12
Attend one of Mixville's themed summer camps like Wild Safari, Shark Week or Out to Sea this summer. Cheshire offers fun and exciting summer camps featuring one-stop day-camping for age 4 to 12. Extended day options are available as well. READ MORE

Skyhawks Sports Camp

Wallingford
Ages 9-12
This multi-sport camp (held in multiple locations in CT) is designed to introduce young athletes (ages 5-12) to a variety of different sports in one setting. For this program, two or three sports are combined into one fun-filled week. Offered in multiple locations throughout the state. Check Skyhawks website for ages, sports and locations. READ MORE

Elevation Camp

Wallingford
Grades K-7
A Christian camp, Elevation offers camps for kids in grades K to 7. From Swimming & Sports to Music, Worship, & Crafts, there are a wide variety of activities to expand campers’ horizons and build strong friendships. The 56-acre campus has a basketball court, gaga pit, playscape and swings, and more. READ MORE

Build with Ricky "Angry Birds" at Hamden Middle School

Hamden
K-5th
Welcome to classic Lego fun. At this camp, campers use Lego bricks, perler beads, patten sheets, paper crafts, and more. Kids will build Lego models to create characters from the popular Angry Birds franchise. READ MORE
Kids will love exploring the outdoors and making friends at these affordable summer camps. Winsted Summer Camp photo courtesy of the Town of Winchester
Kids will love exploring the outdoors and making friends at these affordable summer camps. Winsted Summer Camp photo courtesy of the Town of Winchester

Free and Affordable Summer Camps in Connecticut: Litchfield Area

Little Rascals Summer Day Program

Sharon
Ages 2-14
Little Rascals takes advantage of its waterfront location by offering swim lessons and ample opportunity to access the water on hot summer days. The staff schedules a summer full of fun, from arts and crafts to theme weeks, to sporting activities. The camp is limited to those who work in Sharon. READ MORE

Winsted Summer Camp

Winsted
Ages 4-14
The Town of Winchester offers a summer camp for children ages 4-14. Each day has new games and activities, beach days and field trip each week or special guest. There are 7 weeks of camp to choose from.  READ MORE

Places featured in this article:

About the Author

Jenny Coe
Jenny Coe is a longtime Mommy Poppins writer and contributor and full-time mom to three boys. Jenny has also been a contributor at Patch and The Reminder (Hartford Courant). Here at Mommy Poppins, Jenny writes about great things for kids to do in Connecticut and New England, affordable fun, and nature experiences (her favorite!).
Recent Articles By Jenny Coe:
Read more articles by Jennifer Coe.