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?
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.
The Florida Aquarium
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.
MOSI
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.
The University of South Florida’s Tampa campus.
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
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.
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