Day Camp in the Catskills: A Guide for City Families
If you’re a city family spending summers in the Catskills and looking for meaningful ways for your child to spend the day, this guide is for you. Frost Valley has been part of the Catskills for generations, creating memorable experiences for children while welcoming families who value time outdoors, hands-on learning, and genuine connection. We believe in the power of nature, in screen-free days, and in giving kids the space to explore, build confidence, and simply be kids.
Why City Families Choose Frost Valley Day Camp
A True Nature-Based Day Camp Experience
At Frost Valley, day camp means forests, fields, trails, streams, and fresh mountain air. Campers spend their days outdoors, discovering nature, playing creatively, and learning through hands-on experiences that are hard to find in urban environments.
This nature-based approach helps children unplug, slow down, and build confidence in a setting designed for exploration and growth.
So Much More Than Just Camp
In addition to classic camp fun, Frost Valley Day Camp offers a wide range of thoughtfully structured activities for campers ages 4–15, including:
- Arts and creative studios
- Nature exploration and environmental learning
- Games, sports, and group challenges
- Swimming, boating, archery, and climbing
- Age-appropriate leadership and teamwork opportunities
The result is an active, adventurous day camp experience that still feels like summer should feel.
Where City Families Stay During Day Camp
Many city families turn Frost Valley Day Camp into a summer stay, whether for a single session or a longer visit. The Catskills offer a variety of lodging options that make it easy to enjoy the area while your child attends camp during the day.
Popular nearby options include:
- Foster Supply Hospitality locations, including restored cabins and inns close to camp
- Blue Hill Lodge, known for its welcoming atmosphere and scenic surroundings
- Vacation rentals and Airbnbs in Livingston Manor, Roscoe, and nearby towns
- Small inns and lodges throughout the Catskills
With hiking trails, swimming holes, farmers markets, and local food nearby, many families enjoy a balance of adventure and downtime after camp hours.
Transportation and Daily Drop Off Information
For Frost Valley Day Camp, families are responsible for daily drop off and pick up at camp. Bus stops are available in Big Indian, Liberty, Ellenville, Woodburn, Claryville, and Grahamsville.
Many city families find that staying locally during their child’s camp session makes participation simple and low stress. Camp days are full and engaging, making it easy to plan mornings and afternoons around your family’s schedule.
A Note from a City Camp Family
“We weren’t sure what to expect our first summer, but Frost Valley Day Camp completely exceeded our hopes. Our child came home each day happy, tired, and excited to tell us about swimming, boating, climbing, and the friends they were making. We stayed nearby and explored the Catskills together in the evenings. It felt like the best kind of reset for our child and for us as a family. Frost Valley has become a summer tradition we truly look forward to.”
First Time City Family FAQ
Day Camp requires daily drop off and pick up at Frost Valley, so most city families choose to stay locally during their child’s session. Many turn it into a Catskills stay while their camper enjoys full days at camp.
Frost Valley Day Camp serves campers ages 4–15. Programs are structured by age group so activities, expectations, and support are developmentally appropriate.
Campers enjoy a full, active day that may include outdoor exploration, group games and sports, swimming, boating, archery, climbing, arts and creative projects, nature discovery, and team challenges, balanced with snack time, rest breaks, and supportive transitions.
Many campers are new to nature based experiences. Staff are trained to support first time campers, helping children feel comfortable, confident, and included from day one.
Supporting social growth is a core part of the program. Staff actively help children navigate challenges, practice problem solving, and build positive peer relationships in a caring environment.
Ready to Learn More?
If you’re exploring summer day camp options near NYC, we’d love to help you decide whether Frost Valley Day Camp is the right fit for your family. Visit our website or reach out to our team with questions about sessions, registration, or programming.
