A busy mom’s honest review of the CAMP Bluey NYC experience – perfect for Bluey-loving kids and parents looking for quality indoor entertainment in the city.
If there’s one thing I’ve learned as a mom of two girls, it’s that Bluey isn’t just another kids’ show; it’s practically a parenting philosophy at this point. So when my longtime friend (we’re talking junior high tight) mentioned the CAMP Bluey NYC experience during our daughters’ playdate, I knew we had to make it happen. Our girls, who hilariously share the same name and are only six months apart, are absolutely obsessed with that little blue heeler dog and all her adventures. I’ll admit, I am too.
Getting this Bluey adventure on the calendar was no small feat. Between my older daughter’s birthday on March 24th and juggling my self-care appointments (because this mama needs her hair done regardless of Bluey), locking down a date took some serious planning. We finally settled on Saturday, March 29th at 10:45 AM, partly to beat that notorious city traffic and partly because I wasn’t about to pay extra for a later time slot. And yes, we need to talk about that pricing structure.
What Exactly Is CAMP Bluey NYC?
For those who haven’t heard, CAMP stores have been creating immersive experiences that take popular kids’ content and turn it into walk-through adventures. The Bluey experience at their 5th Avenue location lets kids step inside a life-sized version of Bluey’s house and play all the games straight from the show, from Magic Asparagus to Keepy Uppy to Grannies.
The entire experience runs about 50 minutes, with timed entry that honestly makes the whole thing so much more manageable. You’ll see a short Bluey animation created especially for this experience, and at the end, the kids get to meet Bluey and Bingo themselves.
The Good, The Bad, and The Pricey
Let’s get real about costs first because we all want to know that. Tickets were $56 EACH. Yes, you read that right. For two people (one adult, one child), we paid $112 before taxes and fees. And here’s what had me giving side-eye: they charge MORE for later time slots as if parenting in New York isn’t expensive enough.
That said, the experience itself was worth the splurge. The moment we stepped into the space, it felt like we were stepping right into the Bluey universe. The life-sized Bluey house? Absolutely adorable. Our girls zipped through every station, wide-eyed and giggling. The best part for me was how everything was timed. It kept the crowd manageable and made the whole experience feel easy and not chaotic.
But here’s the part that rubbed me the wrong way: photo ops. You had to choose one photo with either Bluey or Bingo—not both. We should’ve been able to do both for $148 total (two tickets + tax/fees). That said, the setup at the end, where photos lead right into the exit, was smooth and avoided the usual frenzy at these events.
Mom Hacks for CAMP Bluey NYC
If you’re planning to take your little ones, here are some tips that will save you headaches (and maybe a few dollars):
- Wear your Bluey gear: My daughter rocked her Bluey ears and tee. I brought her matching sunglasses (this was the Saturday when it was 82 degrees in New York), but she wasn’t feeling them. The store will try to upsell you on gear, but if you already have it, bring your own to save coins.
- Eat beforehand: There’s no food inside, and once the experience ends, you may find yourself with hungry littles and nowhere to sit.
- Leave bags in the car: Bags are not allowed inside. You’ll either need to check them or leave them behind. We kept things light, and it made the experience more enjoyable.
- Consider weekday morning sessions: They’re typically less crowded AND less expensive. We went on a Saturday morning and it was perfect. There were enough kids for energy, but not so many that it felt overwhelming.
- Know the refund policy: Tickets are non-refundable, but you can reschedule if you do it at least two hours before your slot. Life with kids is unpredictable, so this is good to know.
Was It Worth It?
All in all, CAMP Bluey NYC is a win. It was the best hour we could’ve spent on a random Friday morning. The kids had an absolute blast, and it wasn’t overwhelming for us parents. It was just enough stimulation without the burnout. If you’re local to NYC or planning a visit and your little one loves Bluey, it’s worth a spot on your to-do list. Go in with the hacks and heads-up I mentioned.
Would we go again? Absolutely! But we’d be strategic about it. Because let’s be honest: these kids’ experiences aren’t cheap, but the joy on their faces? That part is priceless. And as a mom trying to balance it all, from my self-care hair appointments to making magical memories for my girls, sometimes you have to make room for a little Bluey magic in your life.
