Bay Life has curated a recommended list of a variety of summer camps to keep your kids engaged this summer! From STEM and environmental education to creative arts, leadership, theater and dance to basketball and classic outdoor adventures, there is a variety of options from which to choose.
General Enrichment & Academic Camps
- Kids on Campus – Northwest Florida State College (Niceville): Open to students entering grades 3–7, with classes in science, music, art, athletics and more. Sessions run June 23–27 and July 7–11, full- or half-day options available. Register: nwfsc.edu/kids-on-campus-2
- Youth Village Summer Program (FWB): For ages 2–14, this full-day camp includes STEM activities, field trips, arts and crafts and more. Weekly rates range from $140 to $190.
Register: ouryouthvillage.org
- La Petite Academy Wonder Camp (Niceville): Runs May 19–August 29 and ideal for children ages 5–12. Weekly themes, hands-on activities and creativity-focused learning experiences are included. Register: (850) 897-1152 or visit lapetite.com.
- Rocky Bayou Christian School Summer Programs (Niceville): Offers a faith-based summer day camp for children ages 3–12. Programs include field trips, educational activities and themed weeks. Open June 9–August 1. Register: rbcs.org/summer-programs.
Arts & Performing Arts Camps
- Emerald Coast Theatre Company’s 2025 Summer Camps offer a dynamic lineup of theater experiences for children ages 5–18, with locations in Miramar Beach, Freeport, DeFuniak Springs, and beyond. Campers can explore acting, singing, dancing, and stagecraft through themed programs like Disney Dreams, Beetlejuice JR!, and Camp Broadway, including mini-camps for young performers and intensives for teens. Sessions run from June through August, with half-day and full-day options. Registration is now open and can be completed online at emeraldcoasttheatre.org/summer-camps.
- Drama Kids of Northwest Florida: Designed for children aged 6–12, this camp focuses on building confidence through theater activities. Camp Hollywood runs June 2–6, Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Cost is $250 per week. Register: dramakids.com/destin-fort-walton-beach-niceville-fl
- NFB Summer Dance Camp (FWB): Designed for children entering Kindergarten through 2nd grade, this camp introduces young dancers to the fundamentals of ballet in a fun and engaging setting. Sessions run Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. Tuition is $150 per week. Register: nfballet.org/community-classes
- NFB Pre-Ballet Classes (FWB): Classes (once a week) are tailored for preschool-aged children, focusing on basic ballet movements and coordination. Various time slots available. Tuition $75 for 4-week session. Register: nfballet.org/community-classes.
- NFB Summer Workshop Intensive (FWB): Aimed at dancers entering 3rd grade and up, this intensive workshop focuses on advanced ballet techniques, including pointe work and variations. Sessions run Monday – Friday, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Tuition is $300 per week. Register: nfballet.org/community-classes.
- Compass Rose Academy Summer Enrichment (Santa Rosa Beach): Offering programs for ages 3–12, this camp includes activities in art, music and dance. Half-day and full-day options are available from June 2 to August 1, with weekly rates ranging from $180 to $440. Register: compassroseacademy.org or call (850) 660-1110
Sports & Recreation Camps
- Emerald Coast Rush Youth Development Program (Niceville, Valparaiso, Destin, FWB): For ages 6–12, this soccer camp develops skills in a fun, structured environment led by licensed coaches. Register: emeraldcoastrush.com
- Raider Basketball Camp (Niceville): Held at the NWFSC Raider Arena, this co-ed camp is open to students entering grades 2–8. Week 1 runs June 2–5; Week 2 is July 28–31. Includes instruction, T-shirt and lunch. Register: nwfsc.edu/k12/sports-camp.
- Challenger International Soccer Camp (Freeport): A soccer camp for boys and girls, offering skill development and fun games. Dates and specific details for 2025 are to be announced. Visit challengersports.com for updates.
STEM, Science & Innovation Camps
- Camp Invention (Niceville): A nationally recognized, STEM-based camp for kids entering grades K–6, focusing on hands-on STEM activities. Sessions are scheduled for June 2–5 in Santa Rosa Beach and June 9–13 in Niceville, with fees between $275 and $295. Register: invent.org.
- Summer STEAM Workshops (FWB): For ages 5–12, these themed hands-on science workshops include engineering, physics and biology. Emerald Coast Science Center Fort Walton Beach. Sessions are limited to 20 students. Register: ecscience.org
- Barrett School RoboQuest STEM Workshops (Destin): Targeting ages 10–15, this program offers robotics and coding workshops from June 10 to July 26. Weekly fee is $350. Register: barrettschool.com
- HSU Foundation STEM Program via Youth Village (FWB): Selects 12 girls aged 8–12 for a two-week STEM experience with Lego Robotics, Coding and Drones. Register: ouryouthvillage.org
Outdoors, Wildlife and Environment Camps
- E.O. Wilson Biophilia Center – Wednesday Summer Day Camps (Freeport): Designed for children aged 5–12, these camps focus on nature exploration, animal encounters and environmental education. Sessions are held on Wednesdays from June 4 to July 30, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. $55 per camper. Register: (850) 835-1824.
- Camp Longleaf at E.O. Wilson Biophilia Center (Freeport): Camp Longleaf provides week-long overnight camps for children aged 9–14. Campers engage in traditional outdoor activities combined with hands-on nature education, including animal encounters, nature hikes and team-building exercises. Cabins are air-conditioned. Dates TBD. Visit eowilsoncenter.org for updates.
- Creature Features & Special Programs (FWB): Interactive wildlife programs and science demos are held throughout summer and included with general admission. Emerald Coast Science Center. More info: ecscience.org
- 4-H Camp Timpoochee (Niceville): This beloved overnight and day camp experience offers marine science, outdoor adventure and environmental education. Day camps are for ages 6–12; overnight options available for ages 8–16. Sessions run throughout summer. Register: florida4h.ifas.ufl.edu.
- Childcare Network WonderQuest Summer Camp: Held at multiple locations, this themed adventure camp is open to children ages 5–12. Register: childcarenetwork.com
Variety & Specialty Camps
- Boys & Girls Clubs of the Emerald Coast: From June 2 to August 6, the program serves children K–12 with educational, recreational and leadership-building activities. Register: emeraldcoastbgc.org
- Heritage Museum of Northwest Florida (Valparaiso): Children aged 5–12 can embark on a week-long journey through time at the Heritage Museum of Northwest Florida’s summer camp. Campers will engage in hands-on activities, games and crafts that bring history to life. The camp runs Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 12 p.m., with sessions available in July. $75 for non-members; $70 for museum members. Register: (850) 678-2615 or visit heritage-museum.org.
- HERricane Florida: Landfall – Walton County (Freeport)
A free leadership camp for girls focusing on emergency management and community leadership. Open to girls entering grades 8–12. The camp runs from June 11 to 14, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Walton County Emergency Operations Center. Register: mywaltonfl.gov/1348/HERricane-Florida-Landfall-Walton-County
- Uniquely Clever Mobile Art & The Yoga Garden – Art & Yoga Camp (Freeport)
This camp offers a blend of art and yoga activities for children aged 5 and up. Sessions are on Tuesdays: June 3, 10, 17, 24 and July 8, 15, 22, 29, from 10:15 a.m. to 12:15 p.m. The cost is $50 per day or $160 for the month. 48 Commerce Lane #6, Freeport. Register: (850) 307-8907
