Free Summer Camps for Kids in Jersey City
Summer is quickly approaching, during which summer camps will be in action. Below, you will find Free Summer Camp for Kids in Jersey City, which are some of the best options for children of all ages, abilities, and interests. Although some of the summer camps we have listed are not free, we also shared inexpensive options available in Jersey City. You can also find other Summer Camp options through our directory of summer camps serving Jersey City, Hoboken, and the surrounding areas. You will find a variety of camps that offer diverse activities for campers. To find enrollment, programs offered, and other information, please be sure to check their websites.
The Jersey City Department of Recreation & Youth Development
The City of Jersey City’s Department of Recreation organizes summer activities for all ages. They offer a variety of activities, from summer camps to clinics. Be sure to check their website for when more information about Summer Camps becomes available: www.jcrec.recdesk.com.
To register, please check their website for the details. You’ll have to create an account and add all household members under the same account.
Registration payments can now be made via credit card directly through the RecDesk portal, but if you prefer, cash or money order can be paid at the Pershing Field Ice Skating Rink, located at 800 Summit Avenue, Monday – Friday, 9am-3pm.
Boys and Girls Club of Hudson County
225 Morris Blvd, Jersey City, NJ 07302
In addition to the afterschool programs for which Boys & Girls Clubs are known, they offer full-day camps during the summer. There is a variety of engaging programs under the supervision of adult professionals, including field trips to baseball games, water parks, museums, and other local attractions. The Boys and Girls Club of Hudson County has summer programs specifically designed for children in various age groups. Contact the Club here or stop by their Clubhouses in Jersey City and Hoboken to get registration information.
NJCU
2039 Kennedy Blvd, Jersey City, NJ 07305
Under a merger agreement between NJCU and Kean University, effective July 1, 2026, NJCU students will officially become Kean students, subject to state and regulatory approval.
The NJCU Summer Camps are geared towards offering a rewarding experience for children. The summer camp program by NJCU features facilities both indoor and outdoor, including an indoor pool, 3 hardwood courts, an outdoor athletic complex with collegiate regulation size soccer, softball, and baseball fields and private locker rooms. NJCU offers exciting activities such as swimming, team sports, arts and crafts, and relay/obstacle courses.
They also offer an intensive 5-week program that welcomes high-achieving 7th graders through 11th graders for an immersive on-campus experience in STEAM fields. High school students have the option to earn college credit for select general education courses in the University’s Undergraduate Academic Catalogue. Learn more about the STEAM academy here.
To find out more about upcoming events and summer camps, visit NJCU’s website here.
Camp Liberty
300 Morris Pesin Dr, Jersey City, NJ 07305
Each summer for over 40 years, EdArts’ Camp Liberty’s tranquil five acres have offered children a green sanctuary within an urban environment. Camp Liberty offers young people an outlet for artistic expression, a safe space to have social interactions, and structured activities for recreation. The goal of Camp Liberty is to create a welcoming and safe environment using EdArts techniques grounded in the arts and social-emotional learning, to make positive and memorable experiences and in turn nurture personal growth. This is not a free program but is fairly inexpensive and they have payment plans available. Register here.
Mosaic – Faces of New York Camp
CISV’s Mosaic – Faces of NY Camp is a unique summer opportunity for 11- and 12-year-olds from the tri-state area. The local Mosaic – Faces of New York program brings CISV’s values of peace education and global friendship home to our own community – a one-week overnight camp for a diverse group of New York area 11- and 12-year-olds. The purpose of this subsidized program is to provide a fun and safe environment for children to learn what it means to be a global citizen and live harmoniously with others – sharing resources and ideas. Apply Now! More details here.
Team Wilderness – Summer Treks
Two weeks of empowering outdoor character-building adventures. Sessions are Monday through Thursday over two weeks.
Each day, Team Wilderness meets at Base Camp – 503 Communipaw Ave, Jersey City – at 8:30 am and ends around 3:00 pm, depending on that day’s trip. Trips include hiking, camping, and rappelling! Breakfast and lunch are provided for all youth. Every activity and trip incorporates our E.T.H.I.C.A.L. values (empathy, teamwork, health, inclusivity, community, conquering adversity, and leadership). Each day includes reflection that emphasizes self-awareness, social awareness, relationship skills, responsible decision-making, and personal growth. The session culminates with a three-day backpacking trip in the Catskill Mountains. Youth unplug and bond while working together to build the campsite. All equipment needed is provided, and no experience is needed. This is a paid program.
Liberty Athletic Center
142 Danforth Ave, Jersey City, NJ, 07305 – Phone: 201-205-6888
Liberty Athletic Center at 142 Danforth Ave in Jersey City is a place where kids can learn, stay active, and have fun. They offer cheerleading, after-school programs, and summer camps in a safe and supportive environment that helps children build confidence, make friends, and develop healthy habits. This is not a free program but is considered inexpensive.
Updated April 22, 2025
