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Say goodbye to boring summer days and hello to a sun-shiny season packed with unforgettable family fun! We’ve put together the ultimate list of must-do activities, must-visit destinations and must-see attractions to make this Sarasota and Manatee county summer one for the books (that you'll kids will want to read on summer break!).
This is your go-to guide for making every moment count. So grab your sun hats, pack your sense of adventure and get ready to cross off everything on your sand bucket list!
Let’s dive in!
201 10th St W, Bradenton; 941-746-4131; bishopscience.org/science-camp
Campers will investigate, create, snack and play while using the museum’s incredible galleries and exhibits to uncover the wonders of the world. From hands-on experiments to awesome art projects, every day is a new adventure! Weekly themes range from outer space to sensory-driven experiences to paleontology and archeology to manatees to investigative skills and more —it’s a true adventure!
941-231-5930; bricks4kidz.us/florida-bradenton-sarasota/our-programs/camps
Give your child a summer filled with discovery, creativity, and growth! Bricks 4 Kidz summer STEAM camps provide a fun and engaging environment where young minds can explore new interests, build lasting friendships, and develop the skills to become tomorrow’s innovators. Unlock your child's brilliance with STEAM-based learning — and you are building tomorrow's innovators!
5895 Post Blvd, Lakewood Ranch; chargerssoccer.com/lwr/lwr-camps
The best way to learn is through play! Whether your child is a beginner, intermediate or advanced player, these fun-filled camps will take their skills to the next level while keeping the energy high and the excitement flowing. With a mix of individual training, small-sided games and full-sided action, all players will get personalized feedback and have plenty of chances to practice their moves!
7218 55th Ave., E, Bradenton; 941-200-4250; discoverypoint.com/twelve-oaks
At Discovery Land, every week is a new adventure — each themed week is filled with hands-on science experiments, immersive storytelling and creative art projects. Children enjoy field trips, water days and delicious meals and snacks included. Give your child a summer they’ll never forget—where curiosity leads the way!
383 Interstate Blvd, Sarasota; 941-922-8121; dramakids.com/sarasota-manatee-county-fl
Get ready for an EPIC summer with Drama Kids! These camps are packed with acting, imagination, creativity and nonstop fun — whether at the Drama Kids Studio or Parrish United Methodist Church, young performers will have a blast on stage while building confidence and making new friends! Spots are filling fast—don’t miss out.
1241 N Palm Ave, Sarasota; 941-366-9000; floridastudiotheatre.org
Is your child ready to act, dance, sing, write and improvise their way to an unbelievable experience? At Florida Studio Theatre School, young performers can explore their creativity, build confidence and even dive into serious theatrical training — all while having a blast! Whether they dream of Broadway or just love to perform, FST is their artistic home.
6230 Lake Osprey Dr., Lakewood Ranch; 941-241-9003; islandkidsfl.com
Island Kids has you covered this summer! With programs designed to keep kids active, learning and having fun all season long — there is something for everyone ages preschool, pre-K and after-school programs too. Your child will enjoy yoga, Fit-4-Kids, music, art and library time in our on-site library, all ensuring a well-rounded experience. Beat the summer heat in our spacious Gross Motor Room, packed with games, fitness activities and exciting play opportunities.
4225 Concept Ct, Lakewood Ranch; 941-727-9072; kiddieacademy.com/academies/lakewood-ranch/
This is the summer to cultivate character all summer break long! Make this summer unforgettable by turning it into a fun and enriching adventure for your child! Kiddie Academy’s CampVentures® program blends hands-on learning with exciting activities, keeping kids engaged, inspired, and ready to explore all season long. Children will take field trips, explore arts and crafts, play games and sports, embark on STEM adventures and much more! For ages Kindergarten through 5th grade, spots fill up quickly — act fast!
941-444-9542; libertyedgebasketball.com
Each day is filled with high-energy activities, from shooting and dribbling challenges to strength and conditioning exercises that help players elevate their game. But it’s not just about basketball—Liberty Edge camp fosters sportsmanship, leadership and a love for the game that lasts long after summer ends.Young athletes can train, compete and grow while making new friends and having a great time. Don’t miss out—secure your spot today!
1415 29th St. E. Palmetto; 941-751-6550 ext. 43256 ; maecarts.org/events/smarten-up
This dynamic arts-infused learning experience is designed to spark creativity and critical thinking. Through hands-on projects, interactive lessons and engaging activities, kids will explore the arts while building essential academic skills. Give your child a summer of inspiration and discovery! Apply by May 1st, 2025, to be considered for a full or partial scholarship and give your child an unforgettable summer experience! Plus, campers can enjoy a free breakfast from 8:00-8:30 AM and a free lunch during scheduled camp times.
3101 Longmeadow Sarasota; 941-371-6000; meadowscc.org/youth-activities
The Meadows offers a variety of engaging summer camp activities for children aged 6 to 14. The summer sports kids camps provide a nurturing environment where campers can enjoy tennis, golf, pickleball, swimming and more, all under the guidance of experienced instructors. Lunch is included daily, ensuring a well-rounded experience. Additionally, specialized programs like the Junior PGA Golf and Junior Tennis are available to help young athletes develop skills, learn sportsmanship and foster a lifelong passion for these sports.
5851 Nathan Benderson Circle, Sarasota; 941-358-7275; nathanbendersonpark.org
Exciting weekly adventures for youth ages 6-13, both on and off the water! SANCA summer camps offer action-packed experiences, from thrilling water sports to engaging activities, perfect for kids’ vacation camps. Whether exploring the waves or enjoying fun-filled programs, young adventurers will create unforgettable memories while learning to have fun on the water safely. These camps fill up quick — register while you still can!
1001 S Tamiami Tr., Sarasota; 941-309-4300; sarasotaartmuseum.org/summer-camp
Is your child ready to dive into a world of art, creativity and discovery? This summer SAM campers ages 7-13 will be guided by professional teaching artists to explore new ways of seeing the world, experiment with fresh techniques and play with exciting new materials! Kids will create ceramics, multimedia, drawing and painting masterpieces and they’ll get to show off their creations by installing their very own art show in the Community Gallery at SAM!
4000 Sarasota Crew Way, Osprey; 941-961-3579; sarasotacrew.org
Get ready for an exciting summer on the water! Whether your child is a beginner or an experienced rower, Sarasota Crew rowing camps offer the perfect opportunity to learn, train and have fun. Held at Nathan Benderson Park and Bay Preserve in Osprey, camps run Monday-Friday from 8:00 AM-12:00 PM, with a new afternoon option in Osprey. Programs are available for grades 3-12, from beginner camps to high-performance training for advanced rowers. For elite athletes looking to take their skills to the next level, high performance camps provide top-tier coaching and housing.
61 N. Pineapple Ave., Sarasota; 941-328-1300; sarasotaopera.org/summer-camp
Sarasota Opera provides an exciting art-focused camp where children can discover and nurture their talents through music, theater, and other creative activities. Designed to foster creativity and teamwork, this camp is ideal for kids passionate about the performing arts. It's a space where children can unleash their imagination, express themselves freely, and explore innovative ways to bring their ideas to life. Give your child the chance to dive into a lively, encouraging environment where they can learn, grow, and have a memorable summer experience.
5840 26th St W, Bradenton; 941-752-7208; coding.scf.edu/camps
Looking for a summer camp that’s both fun and educational? At SCF Coding Academy, kids can dive into the exciting world of coding, game design, robotics and more! Whether your child is a budding programmer, a future engineer or just loves technology, our hands-on camps provide the perfect blend of learning and play. With expert instructors and engaging projects, campers will build skills, make friends and unleash their creativity — all while having a blast! Limited spots available — register today!
SCF Lakewood Ranch, SCF Venice; 941-363-7264; bit.ly/4i1dxCZ
If your child loves animals and dreaming about the future, Future Creatures is the perfect adventure! This unique camp blends science, technology and imagination as kids explore how climate change could shape the animal kingdom over thousands of years. Through hands-on activities, storytelling and creative challenges, young scientists, artists, and explorers will discover the wonders of evolution, ecosystems, and adaptation — all in a fun and engaging environment. Give your child a summer of discovery and inspiration!
8084 Hawkins Road, Sarasota; 941-587-7207 summersuccessinstitute.com
This action-packed, eight-week adventure blending learning with tons of fun! From reading, math and STEM explorations to occupational and speech therapy, our top-notch educators keep kids engaged while setting them up for a strong school year ahead. But wait—there’s more! With character-building activities, Spanish, music, art and community projects that teach kids the power of giving back. Plus, surprise visits from awesome local organizations keep things fresh and exciting every week!
1012 N. Orange Ave., Sarasota; 941-366-1505; westcoastblacktheatre.org/classes/stage-of-discovery
If your child, ages 11-18, has a passion for the spotlight, West Coast Black Theatre Troupe’s summer camp is the perfect place to nurture their creativity! Camper must audition for this FREE camp. Designed for aspiring young performers, this dynamic program offers professional training in acting, singing and movement in a fun and supportive environment. Through hands-on instruction from industry professionals, kids will build confidence, develop new skills and experience the joy of live performance. Give your child the opportunity to shine on stage this summer — and enjoy free lunch while they are at it.