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Best Zoo and Museum Summer Camps on Long Island

Budding marine biologists will learn about local ecology at the Long Island Maritime Museum's summer camps. Photo courtesy of the museum
Budding marine biologists will learn about local ecology at the Long Island Maritime Museum's summer camps. Photo courtesy of the museum
3/5/23 - By Gina Massaro

There's no shortage of summer camps on Long Island for families. There are art summer camps, sports summer camps, and yes, even museum and zoo summer camps. Many of Long Island's science and nature museums offer summer camps and workshops, while a few farms also offer summer camps that allow children to get hands-on with animals. We've rounded up the best museum, zoo, and animal summer camps. These cool summer camp experiences cater to kids from ages 3 years to high school.

Looking for more on Long Island summer camps? Check out our Long Island Summer Camp Guide and Camp Directory, where you'll find our list of the best day summer camps in Nassau and Suffolk County, and can search by town or interest to find the right summer camp for your kid. 

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Make volcanos and get creative withe science summer camp at The Center for Science, Teaching and Learning. Photo courtesy of the canter
Make volcanos and get creative withe science summer camp at The Center for Science, Teaching and Learning. Photo courtesy of the canter

Best Museum Summer Camps on Long Island

The Center for Science Summer Camp

Rockville Centre
Ages 5-12
The Center for Science summer camp program focuses on making science fun through nature exploration, science experiments, and engineering. This is an outdoor classroom, and campers can expect to study the ecosystems around the preserve, collect specimens and build projects like bridges and solar cookers. Registration is for two-week sessions.  READ MORE

Dolan DNA Learning Center Summer Camp

Cold Spring Harbor
Ages 12-18
Tweens and teens interested in genetics, forensic science, and genes should check out the DNA Learning Center's summer camp. Campers can choose from exciting concentrations like DNA barcoding, forensic detectives, and fun with DNA. There are 10 separate one-week sessions for kids in grades 6-12. READ MORE

Garvies Point Museum Summer Camp

Glen Cove
Ages 5-11
Campers learn and explore through hands-on activities at the Garvies Point Museum summer camp. Children learn about the ecosystem of North Shore habitats and the animals that live there or once lived there. Campers are grouped by age. Geology, ecology, and paleontology are just some of the topics explored. Unlike most camps, Garvies Point Museum summer camp only runs from Tuesday through Friday, offering half-day or full-day options.  READ MORE

Long Island Maritime Museum Summer Camp

West Sayville
Ages 6-11
Future marine biologists love exploring the South Shore at the Long Island Maritime Museum's summer camp. Campers learn through hands-on activities, including trips to the beach to observe Long Island's ecology. Camp runs for seven weeks; register for as many or as few weeks as needed. READ MORE

Science Museum of Long Island Summer Camp

Manhasset
Ages 4-12
Gear up for scientific fun at The Science Museum of Long Island's summer camp. Each week has a different theme, from dinosaurs to space and ocean life. Lessons and activities are geared toward each age group. Campers as young as 4 years old can attend, but they must be potty trained. The camp runs for eight weeks, though campers can register for as little as one week.  READ MORE

The Whaling Museum Summer Camp

Cold Spring Harbor
Ages 6-11
Marine biology and oceanography are the main focus of The Whaling Museum's summer camp programs. Camps are offered select weeks throughout summer. Select from two options tailored for varying age groups: grades 1-5 and 3-7. Both camps promise engaging daily activities spanning art, science, and history, including hands-on experiences with captivating artifacts and biofacts. READ MORE
Toddlers too young for Suffolk County Farm’s summer camp can still get in on the fun with their Learn and Play program. Photo by Gina Massaro
Toddlers too young for Suffolk County Farm’s summer camp can still get in on the fun with their Learn and Play program. Photo by Gina Massaro

Best Zoo and Animal Summer Camps on Long Island

Benner's Farm Explorer's Camp

East Setauket
Ages 3-14
Campers have a blast exploring nature and learning about animals at Benner's Farm Explorer Camp. There are morning, afternoon, and full-day options available. Camp starts in mid-July and runs for seven weeks, however, you can register by the week. READ MORE

Long Island Game Farm

Manorville
Ages 5-10
Kids and adults alike enjoy visiting with the alpacas, squirrel monkeys, lemurs, wallabies, donkeys, African serval, goats, sheep, exotic birds, water buffalo, and zebras during a Long Island Game Farm party. Birthday parties are customizable to ensure your birthday kid has just the party they want. A private gazebo rental may be added to enjoy cake and snacks.  READ MORE

Suffolk County Farm & Education Center

Yaphank
Ages 5-18
Campers go behind the scenes of the working farm at The Suffolk County Farm and Education Center learning how to raise farm animals and how to grow crops. Campers spend most of their time outdoors. Older campers get hands-on experience studying farm animal care, grooming, embryology, and animal training.  READ MORE

Hofstra Animal Care Summer Camp

Westbury
Ages 12-16
Campers can choose from three different animal care concentrations: domestic animal care, exotic animal care, and large animal care and enjoy hands-on experiences with animals in their concentration, learning about diseases, husbandry, care, and grooming. Each session runs for two weeks. While it is run by Hofstra, the camp is located at Barry Tech in Westbury. READ MORE

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About the Author

Gina Massaro
Gina Massaro is a Long Island native who believes in whimsy, fairies, and the idea of never growing up. She’s a mom to 3 young kids and a small zoo, and she has over 8 years of experience and childhood education expertise as a preschool educator. She tries to find time to write and paint between school pickups, diaper changes, and dog walks. For more of her art and writing check out her website: ginamassaro.com.
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