Riverdale

Each day, campers participate in a rotation of indoor and outdoor activities. Extra time is set aside for swimming: Water-safety instructors teach the Red Cross swimming curriculum in the mornings, and free swim is offered in the afternoons. The summer brims with "special days," when guest performers lead workshops in juggling, Rollerblading, Lego engineering, animal meet-and-greets, or double-Dutch jump rope. For many campers, the season's highlight is an event the camp calls Carnival, in which the campus becomes a full-blown theme park, complete with rides. Single six-week session runs June 27–Aug 7; Mon–Thu 9am–4pm, Fri 9am–3:30pm. $3,700. Air-conditioned bus service available from parts of Manhattan (fee depends on address). Ages 5 to 11.