As Brooklyn parents, we are always searching for summer experiences that spark joy, build confidence, and help our kids grow, and Child’s Play NY continues to deliver. Since 2009, this beloved program, founded by a local parent, has offered rich theater arts experiences that center kids’ development as both humans and artists. Their week-long camps invite children to dive deep into themes they love while building creative and life skills that last far beyond summer.
Child’s Play NY is more than a theater camp. It is a place where kids become storytellers, collaborators, and brave performers. Designed for pre-K through middle school, each session is thoughtfully crafted to ignite imagination and nurture essential skills. From beloved musicals like Wicked, classics like Harry Potter and new stories like K-Pop Demon Hunters, campers step into vibrant adventures while building friendships and confidence.
What Makes Child’s Play NY Special?
Professional Theater Artists as Teachers
Camps are led by expert teaching artists with deep experience nurturing young performers. With small groups capped at 12 to 14 campers, every child receives individualized attention. Campers experience the same award-winning curriculum used in the many schools Child’s Play NY partners with throughout the year.
Fresh, Inspiring Themes
Whether your child wants to belt out songs, create original characters, or re-tell their favorite stories, there is a theme to match every interest. Camps are grouped by age so content stays engaging and developmentally appropriate.
Skill-Building Through Play
Theater is a powerful tool for building confidence, communication, and resilience. Child’s Play NY has collaborated with developmental psychologists to design games that strengthen executive function and social-emotional skills. Campers practice teamwork, creativity, and empathy while growing as artists.
Joyful Performances
Each week ends with a celebratory showcase where campers share their creations with family and friends. These performances highlight every child’s unique contributions while helping them build focus, memory, and stage presence, a wonderful boost heading into the school year.
Sessions for Every Age and Stage
- Players Series for Pre-K to 1st Grade
Building off iconic stories and shows, campers develop their own stories based on characters from a specific theme. They use games and improvisations to build new adventures while learning songs and choreography too. Sessions include: Under the Sea, Frozen Adventures, Camp Zootopia, Pride Rock and more. - Showmakers Series for Grades 2-5: Whether working toward a Shakespeare scene showcase, or rehearsing an original play, these ensembles learn the thrill of performance culminating in a live show. Sessions include: Land of Oz, K-Pop Demon Drama, Hogwarts School, Midsummer and more!
- Acting Ensemble for Middle School – Grades 6-8: Older campers can immerse themselves in sophisticated scripted scene work and musical theater in camps. These experiences are perfect for theater enthusiasts ready to take the stage.
Why Parents Love It
Families consistently share five star camp reviews like these:
“Love this program. My child has participated in summer camps for the last two years and has had such a fulfilling experience. The teachers are warm and engaging, and clearly know how to bring a group of kids together to work towards a common goal.”
“My 8 year old son had an amazing experience at the week-long Child’s Play summer camp. He has been shy or nervous at other camps, but from the first day he was at ease and excited at Child’s Play. He felt supported, challenged, and invigorated by the work the group did together. The minute he came off stage at the end of the week performance, he said, ‘Sign me up for next summer!’”
Ready to Join the Fun?
Registration for summer camps is now open, and sessions fill quickly. Visit childsplayny.com to explore themes, and secure your child’s spot for a summer full of creativity, confidence, and joy.
