Destin 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
- Camp Forager – The Barrett School (Destin): For children ages 3–12, weekly themed camps run June 2–July 25, with options like “Bee” Creative, “Bee”ach Days, and “Bee” Mad Scientists. Standard day (8:30 a.m.–3 p.m.) is $400/week; extended day (7:45 a.m.–4:30 p.m.) is $450/week. Register: thebarrettschoolfl.org/camp
- RoboQuest STEM Workshops – The Barrett School (Destin): Designed for ages 10–15, these workshops run June 10–July 26, Monday–Friday, 8:30 a.m.–3:00 p.m., at $350/week. thebarrettschoolfl.org/roboquest
- Abadie Academy (Santa Rosa Beach): For ages 5–12, week-long camps run June 3–July 12, 8:30 a.m.–3:30 p.m., at $350/week. Themes include “Under the Sea” and “Happy Campers.” abadieacademy.com
Arts & Performing Arts Camps
- Emerald Coast Theatre Company (Miramar Beach): Offers various theater camps for ages 5–14, including Mini Player Camps (ages 5–7) and Camp Broadway sessions (grades 2–5). Dates and tuition vary. Register: emeraldcoasttheatre.org/summer-camps
- studio6twenty5 (Destin): This boutique classical ballet studio offers summer camps for children ages 2–9, following the American Ballet Theatre® National Training Curriculum. Programs include Pre-Primary and Primary levels, focusing on foundational movement, musicality, and imaginative exploration. Camps are held at 625 Harbor Blvd., Destin. Register: studio6twenty5.com
- 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 available June 2 – August 1; weekly rates range 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
- Destin Community Center Summer Day Camp: For ages 5–12, this half-day camp runs June 2 to August 1, Monday–Friday, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Activities include games, crafts and swim days. $85/week for Destin residents; $115 for non-residents. Register: (850) 654-5184 or cityofdestin.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. challengersports.com.
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
- Ohana Day School (Miramar Beach & Inlet Beach): Themed camps for ages 3–5 run weekly from June 10–July 19, featuring themes like “Under the Sea” and “At the Carnival.” (850) 608-2081. ohanadayschool.org
Outdoors, Wildlife and Environment Camps
- Gulfarium Marine Adventure Park (Okaloosa Island): Sunset Camps for ages 6–14 include dolphin encounters, beach exploration and dinner. Select dates in June–August, 4–9 p.m., at $89 for the first child, with discounts for additional siblings. gulfarium.com
- 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. eowilsoncenter.org
- 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
- City of Destin Summer Camps: Various camps for children ages 5–12, including Half-Day Summer Camp (June 2–August 1), Cooking and Serving Classes, Soccer Camps and more. Fees and dates vary. Register: cityofdestin.com/reconline
- 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.
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