Every family dreams of a relaxing summer vacation. Often, however, no matter how idealistic we are, summer vacations can be a bit stressful with siblings arguing and parents trying to entertain everyone during the dog days of summer. To lessen what I call the effects of an “aggra-vacation,” try one of Florida’s many kids’ camps offered throughout the summer.

Supervised kids camps are the way to go so both the kids and parents are happily occupied and entertained. And whether you’re a Florida resident or just visiting for a week, you’ll find a program that fits your schedule.

This list of Florida kids camps includes everything from traditional tennis, golf and basketball camps to creative, more unconventional programs like Space Camp or Circus Camp. (Keep in mind, many of the same destinations offer Spring Break camps mid-year as well.)

The kids may learn how to walk a tightrope, swim with dolphins or launch a space mission. But surely after a summer in Florida, they’ll impress their teachers with the fall assignment on “How I Spent My Summer Vacation.”
 
Get Lost in Space

What: Camp Kennedy Space Center
Where: Titusville
Who: Kids grades 2-9

Tomorrow’s astronauts will fuel their dreams of space exploration during Camp Kennedy Space Center(KSC) at Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex. In its 11th year, Camp KSC takes campers through the history of America's space program from the early days of the Mercury program to today's Space Shuttle launches and the future of traveling to the Moon and beyond.

Campers discover the sights and sounds of a space shuttle launch on the new launch simulator, the Shuttle Launch Experience. Classroom activities include training on realistic motion-based space simulators and performing a simulated space shuttle mission aboard a full-scale replica of an orbiter and simulated mission control. Former NASA astronauts will be on hand to share the impact the space program has on everyday life.

Discounts are available for multi-child households. Included with the program, campers receive a Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex Annual Pass, lunches and afternoon snacks, Official Camp KSC T-shirt, Camp KSC graduation ceremony and certificate of completion.

For more information and registration details, call (321) 449-4400.

 
Send in the Clowns: Florida Circus Camp

What: Circus by the Sea
Where: Panama City Beach
Who: Kids ages 7-12

Panama City Beach is home this summer to one of Florida’s newest seasonal attraction – Circus by the Sea. The dazzling three-ring circus will spring to life at Frank Brown Park, showcasing junior and senior performers from the renowned Florida State University (FSU) Flying High Circus. 

Working one-on-one with FSU performers, circus campers will learn to perform various basic circus performance skills, from balancing acts to juggling, and even flying high on the trapeze.

To purchase tickets for Circus by the Sea, or for specific information on performance times, visit the website or call (866) 234-8895.

 
Close to Nature: Florida’s Wildlife and Nature Camps

What: Nature and wildlife camps
Where: Statewide
Who: Variety of ages, depending on the camp

If you ask my children what their favorite trips around Florida have been, they will tell you they love the vacations where we have the chance to get up close to nature. We have enjoyed finding shark’s teeth, kayaking through sea marshes and swimming with dolphins Meanwhile, I’ve slipped in important life lessons about taking care of the environment.

Now is your chance to give your kids similar experiences in Florida – all led by qualified instructors at Florida’s resorts. (Room rates are often lower in the summer too, so it’s a great time to hit the Florida coastlines and teach the kids what it means to be “green.”)

If you are particularly interested in a certain region, I suggest picking your destination and calling the local attractions for day camp offerings.

In addition to family-friendly resorts and hotels, most of Florida’s zoos, museums, performing arts centers and aquariums offer day camps, as do the larger attractions like Busch Gardens, Tampa Bay’s Adventure Camps or Marineland’s camps in St. Augustine.

At Marineland, your scientists-to-be (ages 7-9) can join the nation’s first oceanarium’s staff at Sea Eco-Adventures” (S.E.A. Camp) to discover the intracoastal hammock eco-system. The last day of camp includes a grand finale dolphin encounter.

The Miami Seaquarium and Tampa’s Florida Aquarium offer camps to teach kids about sea life and marine biology as well. For instance, Seaquarium Camp includes an opportunity to see a marine mammal show and two daily animal interactions. The camps are geared to different age groups. The list of activities can also be found on the website.

The Florida Aquarium’s AquaKids camps have theme weeks that include field trips to other Florida attractions such as fossil digs and field trips to Dinosaur World. Curious kids will learn to train a parrot and visit a sea turtle rehabilitation area.

Even when they stay on the property, resort camps have proved to be so successful with visitors during the year that resorts are now opening summer enrollment for locals as well as property guests. 

This is the first year that the Ritz-Carlton, Naples, for example, is inviting locals to check out the Nature’s Wonders program for kids ages 5 and up. The camp includes everything from critter feedings, snorkeling adventures and Gulf of Mexico trips to see dolphins. Call (239) 598-3300 for reservations or more information.

The naturalists of Amelia Island Plantation encourage families wishing to northeast Florida to discover local wildlife in their natural habitats. Beach exploration, seining, marsh walks, nature crafts, games and more are part of Amelia’s EcoExplorer Camp designed for 10 to 13-year-olds.

For the younger set, Amelia Island Plantation offers a week of exploration in its “Amelia’s Young Explorer Camp” for kids ages 6-9. Visit the website for details on either camp.

 
Let Us Entertain You: Movie Camp

What: AMC Summer Movie Camp
Where: Statewide
Who: Kids and families of all ages

For rainy days, or just lazy summer days, kids and adults alike can take in family-friendly movies on Wednesday mornings during the summer at AMC Summer MovieCamp.

AMC Summer MovieCamp, now in its 23rd year, shows G- and PG-rated movies on the big screen. For a nominal $1 fee (and reduced prices on snacks), your family can enjoy affordable movies at AMC Entertainment complexes throughout the state (visit the website to find locations). As a bonus, the money goes towards a good cause. All admission proceeds, excluding taxes, go to AMC charitable partners, Variety – The Children’s Charity and the Will Rogers Institute.


Sports Camps

What: Tennis, golf and equestrian camps
Where: Orlando
Who: Variety of ages depending on the camp

If your child enjoys sports, the Hyatt Regency Grand Cypress has just the right idea. The Grand Cypress Racquet Club offers a summer tennis academy for children ages 8-16. The academy includes about 12 hours of on-court instruction, video analysis and supervised match play. Call (407) 239-1944 for more information.

If your kids want to hit the links, the Grand Cypress Academy of Golf provides a junior program for any skill level, as well as an advanced junior golf school. Call 800-790-7377 to register.

The resort also includes equestrian instruction at their junior riding camps that provide classes on riding basics and safety, horsemanship skills, jumping and flatwork, as well as stable management. Contact the equestrian center at (407) 239-1938 for more information.


Time-Outs for Mom and Dad: Endless Summer Nights

What: Night camps
Where: Orlando
Who: Variety of ages

If you’re among the many who will visit an Orlando resort this summer, don’t neglect to ask about “Evening Camps” in addition to “Day Camps.” The resort just may be equipped for mom and dad to have a night to themselves.

At Camp Lil’ Rock at the Hard Rock Hotel at Universal Orlando Resort, kids 4-14 can take a break from the grown-ups in a contemporary clubhouse. The fun includes a big screen TV, an outside play area and a host of activities including karaoke, electric keyboard, arts and crafts, board games, video games, movies, computers and more in a a monitored environment.

Advance registration is recommended, but not required, and can be made by calling (407) 503-2236.

At The Ritz-Carlton Orlando, Grande Lakes, young guests are treated like royalty as part of the Ritz Kids program. Kids ages 5-12 participate in an evening of arts and crafts, story-telling, theme parties, outdoor water play and much more. Reservations are required 24 hours in advance and can be made by calling (407) 393-4977.

The kids may learn how to walk a tightrope, swim with dolphins or launch a space mission. But surely after a summer in Florida, they’ll impress their teachers with the fall assignment on “How I Spent My Summer Vacation.” And, you can send them back to school feeling rested yourself.