play:groundNYC

play:groundNYC offers Summer Camp, Mini Camps (Fall & Spring), Family Play Workshops, Adventure Play Club, Field Trips, and In-School Programs. Camp programs are self-directed and guided by playwork principles, and campers choose how to spend their day within the camp hours. Field trips at The Yard let students design their own outcomes in an environment meant for exploration, experimentation, and contemplation, facilitated by Playworkers.

Programs

• Summer Camp — 6-12+ years old; children must be 6 years old by the first day of their camp session. For children over 12, former campers who know the program and are still interested may return. · Weekdays; each session runs Monday-Friday for one or two weeks. 2026 summer camp runs from June 15th - September 4th. Camps run from 8:30am to 3:15pm. · Camp programs take place at The Yard on Governors Island. Programs are self-directed and guided by playwork principles. No after-care.
• Mini Camps (Fall & Spring) — 6-12+ years old; children must be 6 years old by the first day of their camp session. For children over 12, former campers who know the program and are still interested may return. · One-day camps during NYC public school closures between April and November; also a week-long camp during NYC public school Spring Recess. Camps run from 8:30am to 3:15pm. · Camp programs take place at The Yard on Governors Island. Programs are self-directed and guided by playwork principles. No after-care.
• Family Play Workshops
• Adventure Play Club
• Field Trips — Field trips at The Yard let students design their own outcomes in an environment meant for exploration, experimentation, and contemplation, facilitated by Playworkers.
• In-School Programs

At a glance

• Ages: 6–18 years old
• Current session: Fall 2026 Mini Camp dates (Sep 8–Nov 11, 2026)
• General schedule: Camp programs are self-directed. Campers choose how to spend their day within the camp hours. Camps run from 8:30am to 3:15pm. Mini camps have a daily schedule from 8:30-8:50 AM drop off to 3:10-3:20 PM pick up.
• Facility hours: The Yard is open every weekend, for free, from April into November. The public can visit for free on the weekends, and during the week for camps, field trips, professional development, and family programming.

About the provider

play:groundNYC is a non-profit organization dedicated to transforming the city through play. It is celebrating its 10th year on Governors Island in 2026. Its programming is made possible by the New York State Council on the Arts, with support of the Office of the Governor and the New York State Legislature, and by public funds from the New York City Department of Cultural Affairs in partnership with the City Council. Partnerships with community organizations across New York City are also mentioned.

Programs are guided by playwork principles and create a kids-only space. Campers have autonomy to choose when and if they take bathroom breaks, lunch/snack breaks, and sunscreen reminders. Regulatory fire drills and water breaks are mandated, and breaks from the space may be mandated to mitigate hazards. Registrations for Mini Camp and Spring Recess are non-refundable. Transfers may be considered depending on space available, but not between spring and fall. Mandatory immunization acknowledgment is required.

What families say

““Nic LOVES this camp, primarily I think because it's an escape from the sort of over-regimented nyc lives we all lead. He loves being able to build stuff and look at goats and eat lunch whenever he chooses without too much structure.”” — WHAT PARENTS SAY

Last updated September 6, 2026.