The 2026 Jersey City Summer Camp for Kids in Downtown
- Feb 11
- 4 min read
Updated: Feb 17
We’ve broken down the 2026 heavy hitters by vibe, age, and location so you can stop scrolling through endless parent groups and start booking. Here is your definitive guide to the best local camps in Downtown Jersey City.
For the Little Artists & Creative Souls
Tiny Greenhouse | 498 Jersey Ave
Website: https://www.tinygreenhousejc.com/
Timing: 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Estimated Pricing: ~$675/week (supplies included)
Why it’s great: Located in a sunny, plant-filled studio, this camp is all about process art. Each week has a whimsical theme like "Sci-Fi & Fantasy" or "Ocean Exploration." It’s an intimate setting with small groups (10 kids max), ensuring your little Van Gogh gets plenty of attention.
Nimbus Arts Center | 329 Warren St
Website: https://www.nimbusdance.org/
Ages: 4 – 13+ years
Timing: 9:00 AM – 3:30 PM (with extended care until 5:30 PM)
Estimated Pricing: ~$550–$650/week
Why it’s great: As a pillar of the JC arts scene, Nimbus offers specialized tracks in dance, theater, and visual arts. Their sessions often end with a showcase on their professional stage, making it perfect for kids who love the spotlight.
Tiny Artisan | 150 Bay Street
Website: https://tinyartisanjc.com/
Ages: 4 – 12 years
Timing: 9:00 AM – 3:00 PM
Estimated Pricing: ~$550/week
Why it’s great: Tiny Artisan focuses on "The Art of Making." Think clay, textiles, and mixed media. It’s located right in the heart of Downtown, making it a very convenient drop-off for commuters.
For the Explorers & Early Learners
The Liberty School | 203 Christopher Columbus Dr
Website: https://www.thelibertyschooljc.com/
Ages: 1.5 – 5 years
Timing: 8:30 AM – 4:00 PM (with before & aftercare)
Estimated Pricing: $550/week
Why it’s great: A hidden gem in Downtown Area! Inspired by the Reggio Emilia approach, this camp focuses on nature and "the hundred languages of children." Expect lots of sensory play, photography, and documentation of your child’s creative process.
Curious Kids | 108 Bright St
Ages: 2.5 – 5 years
Timing: 9:00 AM – 11:00 AM (Short day) or longer options with 4 hours
Estimated Pricing: $200 - $400/week
Why it’s great: Perfect for parents who don't need a full 9-to-5. It's an academics-meets-play preschool camp that focuses on curiosity. Their "drop-in" model is flexible options for preschoolers in Downtown.
Hudson Montessori | 10 Regent Street
Website: https://www.hudsonmontessori.net/
Ages: 2.5 years – 12 years
Timing: 8:30 AM – 3:30 PM (Extended day until 6:00 PM available)
Estimated Pricing: ~$1,600 – $1,800 per 2-week session
Why it’s great: These are the heavy hitters of the waterfront. Both offer theme-based "Around the World" or STEAM curricula that keep the Montessori learning style alive during the break. Hudson Montessori even features an on-premise pool for swim instruction!
KidBilt | 413 Monmouth St
Ages: 4 – 12 years
Timing: 9:00 AM – 3:00 PM
Estimated Pricing: ~$90/day or ~$410/week
Why it’s great: If your child is constantly asking "how does this work?", KidBilt is a game-changer. This "Engineering through Woodwork" camp lets kids use real tools—hammers, saws, and drills—to build tangible projects. It’s an empowering way to teach math and physics while letting them get their hands a little dusty.
Brighter Bee Academy | 251 Washington St
Website: https://www.brighterbeeacad.com/
Ages: 2 – 12 years
Timing: 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM (Extended day until 5:00 PM)
Estimated Pricing: ~$650/week
Why it’s great: A massive favorite for STEAM enthusiasts. Their curriculum is rigorous but fun, covering everything from robotics to digital art. If you want your child to come home talking about "coding logic" and "engineering loops," this is the spot.
KEL (Key Element Learning) | 207 Van Vorst Street
Website: https://www.keyelementlearning.com/
Ages: 6 months – 5 years
Timing: 8:30 AM – 3:30 PM (Extended care available)
Estimated Pricing: ~$600/week
Why it’s great: It’s better described as a traditional enrichment camp with a huge focus on the local community. It’s perfect if you want a warm, low-pressure environment where the teachers really know your child’s name.
For the Athletes & High-Energy Kids
SUPER BASE, by Basement Sports | 157 1st St
Ages: 3 – 13 years
Timing: 9:00 AM – 3:00 PM
Estimated Pricing: ~$650/week
Why it’s great: This is Jersey City’s premier sports camp for the serious (and not-so-serious) athlete. They utilize high-tech video analysis and mentorship to help kids improve their game (soccer, basketball, etc.) while emphasizing "Academic Accountability."
JC Taekwondo Academy | 150 Newark Ave
Website: https://jctkd.com/
Ages: 5 – 12 years
Timing: 8:30 AM – 3:30 PM
Estimated Pricing: ~$500/week
Why it’s great: Martial arts discipline meets summer fun. Expect a mix of traditional Taekwondo training, "Ninja" obstacle courses, and field trips to local parks.
GRIT Academy | 201 Marin Blvd
Website: https://www.thegritacademy.com/
Ages: 3 – 13 years (Tiers: Jr. Explorer 3–5, Adventure 6–9, Adventure X 10–13)
Timing: Full Day (8:00 AM – 3:30 PM) or Extended (until 6:00 PM)
Estimated Pricing: ~$149/day or ~$579/week (Early Bird discounts through Feb 28th!)
Why it’s great: Located in Liberty Harbor, GRIT is where high-energy sports meet "MindLAB" creativity. Their curriculum includes parkour, ninja training, and skateboarding, but the real standout for 2026 is their sailing and paddleboarding partnership with the Manhattan Sailing Club.
For Language & Cultural Immersion
The French American Academy | 209 3rd St
Website: https://faacademy.org/
Ages: 3 – 9 years (Must be potty trained)
Timing: 9:00 AM – 3:00 PM (Extended hours until 6:00 PM)
Estimated Pricing: ~$655/week
Why it’s great: You don't need to speak French to join! It’s a full-immersion experience with themes like "Rainforest Explorers." They offer a 10% Early Bird discount if you book by March 1st.
The Community Strength
Boys and Girls Club of Hudson County | 225 Morris Boulevard
Website: https://www.bgchc.org/
Ages: 5 – 18 years
Timing: 8:30 AM – 5:00 PM
Estimated Pricing: ~$200 – $300/week (Scholarships often available)
Why it’s great: One of the most affordable and accessible options in the city. They offer a "Teen Tech Camp" for older kids and traditional day camp for the younger ones, focusing on fitness, health, and academic retention.
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