School’s wrapping up, the sun is high and the question on every parent’s mind is: What now? Whether your child dreams of starring in a play, diving into marine science or burning off energy outdoors, Sarasota and Bradenton have a summer camp for every kind of kid. From water sports to LEGO builds, drama clubs to dance classes, these camps are packed with opportunities to learn, grow and have fun.

Registration is open and spots are filling fast, so snag yours soon. Here's our guide to the best summer camps for 2025, because every kid deserves a summer to remember.

Sarasota County Parks & Recreation Camps

Various locations

From cheer camps to boating, and runway design to pickleball camps, there are a variety of themed camps to choose from countywide, including day camps, adventure camps and week-long specialty camps. Attention teens who are 16 and older: The county is also looking for camp counselors and provides training. Ages 6-18

EveryOneRocks

3851 Tallevast Road, Sarasota, (941) 313-7437, everyonerocks.com

Kids of all music levels come together and make their rock star dreams come true. Your child will learn guitar, drum and piano basics as the band prepares for its big rock concert. They’ll learn the songs they love and give a performance to friends and family at the end of the week. Ages 8-17

Sarasota Art Museum

1001 South Tamiami Trail, Sarasota, (941) 309-4300, sarasotaartmuseum.org

Summer camp at Sarasota Art Museum is all about expression and discovery. Guided by a team of professional teaching artists, students explore new ways of seeing, learn new techniques and try out new materials. Each day, students create art in professional ceramics, multimedia, and drawing and painting studios. Camps culminate with the opportunity for students to install their own art show in the Community Gallery. Ages 7-13

Mote Marine Laboratory & Aquarium Adventure Camp

1600 Ken Thompson Parkway, Sarasota, (941) 388-4441, mote.org

Check out this immersive marine science experience for children running from June 2 to August 8 at Mote’s City Island campus in Sarasota. It combines hands-on, inquiry-based activities with insights from Mote’s groundbreaking research. Campers explore marine animals and environments studied by Mote scientists, engaging in activities like snorkeling, kayaking and field explorations. Each week features unique themes designed to inspire curiosity and a love for ocean conservation.​ Ages 6-13

Circus Camp at Circus Arts Conservatory

 2027 Bahia Vista Street, Sarasota, (941) 355-9335, circusarts.org

Coordination, focus and confidence get a boost as kids do acrobatics, teeter on the low wire, swing on the trapeze and learn to juggle. Plus, they’re taking part in Sarasota’s circus arts legacy. On the last Friday of every session, friends and family are invited to a live showcase. Ages 6-15

Nailed It DIY Studio

5537 Palmer Crossing Circle, Sarasota, (941) 923-6257, sarasota.naileditdiy.com

Get unplugged and messy. Hands-on projects will have campers using woods, fabrics and metals to create their very own projects, building confidence, craftiness and maybe a gift for the home along the way. Ages 7-14

Sarasota Ballet School Summer Camps

 1400 Blvd. of the Arts, Sarasota, (941) 359-0099, sarasotaballet.org

The Sarasota Ballet School’s 2025 summer camps invite young dancers to explore the joy of movement through themed weekly sessions at Golemme Studios in Sarasota. Each camp blends ballet instruction with crafts, games and storytelling, culminating in a family-friendly in-studio performance.​​ Ages 3-7

Bricks 4 Kidz LEGO Building Camp

Unitarian Universalists of Sarasota Education Center, 3975 Fruitville Road, Sarasota, (941) 231-5930; Laping Martial Arts Black Belt Academy, 4128 Lakewood Ranch Blvd., Bradenton, (941) 231-5930, bricks4kidz.us

These week-long camps offer hands-on LEGO building activities that integrate science, technology, engineering, art and math (STEAM) concepts. Choose from various weekly themes designed to keep children engaged and learning. For more information, check out Bricks 4 Kidz Sarasota or Lakewood Ranch camp pages.​ Ages 5-12

​Florida Studio Theatre

1241 N Palm Ave, Sarasota,  (941) 366-9000, floridastudiotheatre.org

Creativity and expression flourish on stage through acting, dancing, singing, playwriting and improvisation. Children step out of their shells and learn empathy when they step into someone else’s shoes to play a role. Parents can offer a standing ovation when their child performs live in a play at the end of camp. Ages 5-17

Art Center Sarasota

707 N. Tamiami Trail, Sarasota, (941) 365-2032, artcentersarasota.org

Art Center Sarasota invites young creatives to a summer filled with color, texture and imagination. Its 10-week summer art camp series offers a variety of themed sessions designed to help children explore new art forms while developing their skills. Kids will paint, draw, sculpt, and create fiber art and ceramics alongside experienced instructors. All art supplies are provided, and each camper receives a complimentary camp T-shirt. The center also welcomes teen volunteers, ages 15 and up, to serve as teaching assistants and earn community service hours. Ages 6-14

Nathan Benderson Park Kids Camps

5851 Nathan Benderson Circle, Sarasota, (941) 358-7275, nathanbendersonpark.org

These kids camps offer a blend of outdoor adventure and environmental education–campers can kayak, paddleboard, canoe, and fish, all while learning about water safety and local wildlife. The "All Around NBP" camp provides a comprehensive experience with various water sports and hands-on learning opportunities, while the freshwater fishing camp focuses on teaching fishing techniques, fish identification and catch-and-release practices. Ages 6-13

Marie Selby Botanical Gardens

1534 Mound St., Sarasota, (941) 366-5731, selby.org

This camp offers young nature enthusiasts a chance to explore the wonders of the natural world. It provides hands-on experiences in gardening, plant biology, environmental science and wildlife observation. Campers will have fun with creative activities, nature hikes and explorations that foster an appreciation for the environment. Ages: 6-11

Sarasota Scullers

800 Blackburn Point Road, Osprey, (941) 966-2244, sarasotascullers.org

With water everywhere around us, it only makes sense to dive in. Whether they’re beginners or advanced, campers will learn water safety basics, rowing techniques and how to work the water as a team while staying fit and applying leadership skills. Ages 11-18

Manatee County Summer Camps

The Bishop Museum of Science and Nature Summer Science Camps

201 10th St. W., Bradenton, (941) 746-9131, bishopscience.org

While learning about everything from ocean predators to outer space, natural disasters and extinct species, campers get to unravel answers to the million-and-one questions they always seem to ask into a single day. Ages 7-11.

Astro Skate

3611 Third St. W. Bradenton, (941) 747-8602, astroskatingcenter.com

With daily and weekly options here, kids stay busy with more than just skating. The camp includes crafts, kickball, dodgeball, a talent show, dress-up days and “bring your own bike or scooter” day. Off-site field trips to parks, bowling lanes, the movies, laser tag and more make for a fun-packed day, week or more. Ages 5 to 11

Dream Oaks Summer Camp

16110 Dream Oaks Place, Bradenton, (941) 746-5659, foundationfordreams.org

Dream Oaks camps celebrate the abilities and develop the comprehensive skills of children with special needs and chronic illnesses. Camp activities are varied, and include cooking, swimming, drum circles, zumba, talent shows and more. Overnight options available. Ages 7 to 17

Ellenton Ice and Sports Complex

5309 29th St. E., Ellenton, (941) 723-3663, ellentonice.com

Take a break from the summer heat and hit the rink to learn gliding, turning, stopping and all-around skating basics. (Advanced classes are also available.) Crafts and a movie break up the day and, at the end of each day, skaters will have free time to play with friends. Ages 5-12

Boys & Girls Clubs of Manatee County 

Multiple locations, including Sarasota, https://bgcsdc.org/summer-program

Children and teens enjoy a safe, structured environment filled with exploration, excitement, fun and learning. The program is available at multiple locations throughout Manatee County, including traditional clubs and school-based sites. Ages 5–17

YMCA of Southwest Florida

Multiple locations, ymcaswfl.org/summer-camp

Campers can participate in traditional day camps featuring group games, arts and crafts, science projects, reading, swimming, and themed dress-up days. Specialty camps are also available, including sports camps focusing on different sports each day; STEAM camps with weekly themes like “Kids Gone Crafty” and “Sensational Science”; aquatics camps with daily swim lessons and water games; travel camps with exciting field trips; and teen leadership camps that develop leadership skills through hands-on experiences. The camps are designed for children and teens. Ages 5-15

Drama Kids of Sarasota and Manatee Counties

383 Interstate Blvd., Sarasota; 12180 U.S. 301, Parrish, (941) 922-8121, dramakids.com

Campers can immerse themselves in themed experiences such as "Alice in Wonderland," “The SpongeBob Musical Youth Edition,” “The Claw,” “The Wonderful World of Wizardry,” “Detective’s Academy,” “Adventures on the High Seas” and “Eras Camp" (yes, as in Taylor Swift's Eras tour). Each week-long camp includes engaging theater games, improvisation, storytelling and culminates in a performance for family and friends. Camps are held at the Drama Kids Studio in Sarasota and Parrish United Methodist Church. Ages 5-14