Happy Camper: Summer Fun For Kids Of All Ages
School’s out for the summer and your beach plans have been made, but the sand and surf may not be enough to keep everyone entertained. Whether you’re looking for an enrichment experience or simply some added free time, these summer camps from Destin to 30A to Panama City Beach offer a unique assortment of science, dance, and outdoor fun.
If you know of a summer camp opportunity we’ve missed, please leave us a comment and we’ll be sure to add it. Destin & Fort Walton Beach
Drama Kids of Northwest Florida: School is out and drama is in! Choose from summer camps like “Play All Day,” “Level Up – Gamer-Inspired Theater” and “Adventures On The High Seas.” For more information, call 850.737.0413 or visit dramakids.com.
Emerald Coast Sailing Association: Sailing is a lifelong sport and this unique camp will get them out of the house and onto the water. For more information, visit ecsasailing.com.
Emerald Coast Science Center: This summer, get them excited about science with a variety of workshops themed around LEGOs, music, the spy life, and even “grossology.” For more information, visit ecscience.org.
Gulfarium Marine Adventure Park: Enjoy an evening out while your kids take in dolphins, ocean-themed activities, a scavenger hunt, and dinner at Seal Harbor. This evening experience is for kids ages six to 14 and is offered throughout June and July. For more information, visit gulfarium.com.
Photo courtesy Ride On Surf School
Resolute Martial Arts & Family Fitness: Billed as the “ultimate summer camp in Destin,” this camp teaches kids martial arts by professionally-trained staff. For more information, call (850) 797-4434 or visit resolutemartialarts.com. Miramar Beach
Emerald Coast Theatre Company: It’s Summer On Stage! Theatre experience and training are fun but can also improve students’ communication skills and critical thinking. A “mini-player camp” is also offered for ages five to seven. For more information, visit emeraldcoasttheatre.org.
Ride On Surf School: Surf school is now in session! Ride On can help surfers of any age or skill level with a variety of surf camps and surfing parties. Click here to read more about them in Niche. For more information, call (850) 687-9046 or visit rideonsurf.com. Niceville & Freeport
E.O. Wilson Biophilia Center: Stop by on Wednesdays for summer day camp with a different theme each week. Great for ages five to 12, your kids can learn about “Mammal Madness,” “Talon Tales,” and “Mad Science.” For more information, call (850) 835-1824 or visit eowilsoncenter.org.
4-H Camp Timpoochee: Nestled on the shore of Choctawhatchee Bay, this camp offers a variety of day and residential summer camp programs. Play, learn, and work in a safe and relaxing environment. For more information, call (850) 897-2224 or email [email protected]. 30A
30A Dance: From Tutus & Tea to Ballet to Broadway, there’s a dance camp here for ages three to 18. For more information, call (850) 399-0514 or visit 30aballet.com.
30A Learning Academy: This summer, let them explore the outdoors in northwest Florida with multiple camp sessions for ages five to 12. Week one takes place at E.O. Wilson Biophilia Center, week two at Deer Lake and Topsail State Parks, and week three will see them at Morrison Springs and Seven Runs Creek. For more details, visit 30alearningacademy.com.
30A Sea-Life Discoveries: Learn about sea turtles, surfing, and fishing in these interactive programs offered throughout the summer. For more information, visit 30asealife.org.
Camp SkyWay: Adventure awaits at Camp Helen State Park with a variety of activities from campfire cooking to outdoor living skills. This is an all-day offering with multiple weeks of availability. For more information, visit campskyway.com.
Compass Rose Academy: This Summer Enrichment Program is a blend of arts, crafts, science, music, movement, and imagination. Featuring an 8:1 student-teacher ratio, choose from half or full-day programs and your preferred number of days. The deadline to register is May 31. For more information, call (850) 660-1110 or email [email protected].
South Walton Academy: The Imagination Exploration Summer Program is right around the corner. This all-day program is for ages three to six, engaging them each week in activities guaranteed to be fun, messy, and silly. For more information, email [email protected]. Similar camps for ages seven to 12 are also being planned.
South Walton Dance Company: Dance your way through summer camps with this multiweek offering from South Walton Dance Company. Camp weeks will be themed “Summer Break,” “Encanto,” “Beach Party” and more. For more information, email [email protected].
Whole Life Fitness: Get your little ones more comfortable in the water with a variety of swim classes at locations in Santa Rosa Beach and WaterSound Origins. There are different class options for all levels of swimmers, from infants to six years and older. For more information, call (850) 259-6563 or visit wholelifefitnessfl.com. Panama City Beach
Aerial Dance Panama City: Give them the gift of feeling like a circus performer with aerial hoops, aerial silks, and a trapeze. Various dance camps run throughout the summer. For more information, call (850) 630-9229 or email [email protected].
Gulf World Marine Park: If your little ones love animals, Gulf World offers a variety of interactive activities including “Trainer for A Day” and animal therapy for children with special needs. For more information, call (850) 234-5271 or visit gulfworldmarinepark.com.
Panama City Centre For The Arts: Children ages seven to 12 can join in a week (or more) of art fun at Summer Art Camp. Each day includes multiple art projects, breaks, recess, games, snacks, and more. Different lessons and activities will take place each week. For more information, call (850) 640-3670 or email [email protected].
