Every kid counts down the days until the last day of school and summer vacation begins—freedom at last! But after a few weeks, boredom can set in. For working parents, keeping children engaged for nine to 10 weeks can be a real challenge. Daycare is always an option, but what if summer could be both fun and educational?
From getting up close with animals to learning a new sport, flying drones, or even scuba diving, Tampa Bay offers some of the best kids’ summer camps.
Registrations are now open—how will your child spend their summer?
Florida Fantasy Fishing Camp
Dates: May 26 – August 7, 2026
Florida Fantasy Fishing Camps offers immersive fishing experiences for campers of all skill levels. Inshore day camps provide five days of guided bay fishing for snook, redfish, trout, sharks and more, with lessons in boating safety, knot tying and target casting. Offshore day camps take small groups deep-sea fishing for tuna, snapper and grouper. Overnight camps at USF St. Petersburg combine daily inshore fishing with shore and night fishing, kayaking, marine biology, fly tying and fun waterfront activities.
Summer AquaCamps at The Florida Aquarium
Dates: June 1 – July 31, 2026
The Florida Aquarium offers summer AquaCamps for kids ages 3–18, combining hands-on science, animal encounters and themed activities in a safe, fun environment. Weekly sessions feature different science topics, plus travel camps, sleepovers and scuba adventures. Campers can access free extended care from 7:30–9 a.m. and 4–5:30 p.m., and pre-purchased lunch and snacks are available.
Summer on Bayshore at Academy of the Holy Names
Dates: June 1 – July 24, 2026
Summer on Bayshore at the Academy of the Holy Names offers campers ages 3–18 a diverse lineup of over 100 themed experiences. Programs include arts, STEM, academics, athletics, and specialty camps like Camp Jaguar for Pre-K–4th graders and Club Jaguar for pre-teens. Full- and half-day options provide hands-on learning, sports, crafts, swimming, and games in a safe, engaging environment where campers explore new interests, build confidence, and make lasting friendships.
Busch Gardens
Dates: June 1 – August, 2026
At Busch Gardens Tampa Bay, campers in kindergarten through 12th grade experience a one-of-a-kind blend of zoo and theme park adventure. Each day features animal encounters, immersive exhibits, interactive classroom activities and time to enjoy park attractions. Age-specific programs range from hands-on wildlife exploration and habitat discovery to STEM-based coaster challenges and behind-the-scenes looks at animal care. Select camps even include visits to Adventure Island and SeaWorld Orlando. With options from mild to wild, there’s an unforgettable experience for every young explorer.
Summer Science Camps
Dates: June 1 – August 7, 2026
MOSI’s summer camps spark curiosity and creativity for kids Pre-K through 11th grade. Campers explore science, technology, engineering, arts and math through hands-on projects, experiments, coding and imaginative creations. Guided by experienced educators, they gain confidence, problem-solving skills and collaboration experience while having fun. Camps run 9 a.m.–4 p.m., with optional extended care. Each camper receives a MOSI Summer Science Camp 2026 T-shirt, access to exhibits, planetarium and digital dome, and an unforgettable STEAM-filled adventure.
USF Youth Experiences
Dates: June – August
USF offers summer camps for students in grades 2–12 across its Tampa and St. Petersburg campuses, highlighting hands-on learning and academic exploration. Camps include Elementary programs like Creative Kids Art Studio and Everyone Can Code, Middle School experiences such as Drone Camp and Cybersecurity, and High School intensives in AI, aerospace, medicine, ocean exploration and sports business. Residential options allow high school campers to live, eat and play on campus, creating a fun, immersive summer learning experience.
ZooTampa Summer Camps
Dates: June 1 – August 7, 2026
ZooTampa offers rising K–8 graders a one-of-a-kind camp experience. Campers enjoy up-close encounters with animals like Indian rhinos and lorikeets, learn from zookeepers, veterinarians and trainers, and participate in games, workshops and VIP animal experiences. They also get to enjoy rides and attractions. Each camper receives lunch and snacks, a T-shirt, commemorative photo, refillable water bottle, extended care and a complimentary ticket for a future visit.
Camp Imagination at Glazer Children’s Museum
Dates: June 8 – July 31, 2026
At Camp Imagination, kids in grades K–5 explore, create, and discover through weekly themed adventures. Each day includes hands-on STEM and literacy activities, arts and crafts, museum playtime, and outdoor fun—all designed to spark curiosity and learning. Campers enjoy the Museum’s exhibits during quiet hours, giving them a safe and engaging space to play with purpose.
Golf Camp at First Tee – Tampa Bay
Junior golfers of all levels can sharpen their skills at First Tee summer camps, guided by experienced instructors and counselors. Full-day programs run for ten consecutive weeks—and during most school vacations—offering golf skill stations, contests, special events and on-course play. Camps also teach First Tee Core Values and life skills, with snacks and lunch provided. An advanced camp is available at Rogers Park.
Jesuit Sports Summer Camps
Dates: June 1 – July 30, 2026
Jesuit High School varsity coaches, assisted by athletes, lead one-week elite summer sports camps for elementary and middle-school students. Campers can participate in baseball, basketball, football, lacrosse, soccer and more.
University of Tampa Summer Camps
Dates: May 31 – August 2, 2026
The University of Tampa offers a variety of summer programs for kids and teens to explore music and sports. Music camps, led by UT faculty, give middle and high school students week-long, day-only experiences in Piano, Orchestra, and Choir, with tuition covering classes, rehearsals, sheet music, meals, a camp T-shirt, and a finale concert. For athletes ages 5–17, UT coaches run independent sports camps—from beginner to advanced skill levels—in baseball, basketball, volleyball, lacrosse, soccer, softball and swimming.
Rockatar Summer Music Camp
Dates: June 1 – August 7, 2026
Rockatar Academy & Studios, Tampa Bay’s premier music school with locations in Westchase and South Tampa, offers Summer Music Camp for ages 4–13. Campers choose from a variety of instruments such as piano, guitar, bass, drums, ukulele, or voice, and learn to play, jam and perform in a band. Camps run Monday–Friday, 8:30 a.m.–1:30 p.m., with flexible drop-off and pick-up. Each week concludes with a live student band performance for friends and family, providing campers with a fun, hands-on music experience.
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