Summer camps – as depicted on TV and in the movies – are synonymous with cabins and bunk beds, outdoor games, campfires and sing-alongs. While traditional sleep-away camps still exist, more often than not summer camps today are conducted during the day and offer campers the chance to dabble in any number of activities and subjects.
Right here in the Pensacola Bay Area, local children and those visiting during the summer months have camp opportunities galore! From surfing to seining and cooking to coding, children can explore and learn new skills while having fun on summer vacation. Plus, if the kids are attending a camp, that means moms, dads or grandparents get in a little kid-free relaxation time this summer!
I’m happy to share with you some of the most popular summer camps in our area. Take a look, decide what suits your kids’ interests and fits with your schedule. I recommend reserving space early as some camps fill quickly.
A friend’s middle-school-age daughter has attended Surf Camp. “It’s a well-organized camp,” she said. “They assist you at the beginning and are there with you on the water and also give you the freedom to try your newly learned skills, independently, as you get more comfortable with surfing.”
Certified teachers and instructors lead UWF Explore Summer Camps for students entering kindergarten to those entering 12th grade. Choose from weekly camps focused on the likes of LEGO Robotics, American Girl and Harry Potter, as well as dinosaurs, art, history, healthcare careers, coding, 3D printing, stop-motion animation and more. Hours and prices vary. Camp locations include the UWF Main Campus in north Pensacola, and the Museum of Commerce and Pensacola Museum of Art in Downtown Pensacola.
A marine science camp is offered for two weeks in June at Gulf Breeze Elementary School, located on U.S. Hwy. 98 between Pensacola and Pensacola Beach. Designed for students entering 1st through 6th grades, UWF Marine Science Camp enables children to explore the area’s natural habitats and learn about its flora and fauna. My kids have attended this camp twice. Hunting hermit crabs in the Santa Rosa Sound and seeing other marine life up close are their favorite memories.
For those wanting to experience some of the area’s most treasured sites, the National Park Service invites children and their families to explore Gulf Islands National Seashore. Although it’s not a summer camp exactly, a variety of activities ranging from a half-hour to over an hour in length are planned throughout the summer at Fort Pickens and the Naval Live Oaks recreation area. Susan Teel, chief of resource education for Gulf Islands National Seashore, said planned sessions include kayaking, seining and snorkeling, as well as black powder musket and cannon firings led by rangers outfitted in Civil War replica uniforms. With the exception of the park admission fee at Fort Pickens, these activities will be free and open to the public. An event schedule will be published online once it is finalized. Other options from the National Park Service include the Junior Ranger and Every Kid in A Park programs.
Top 10 Activities in Pensacola for Families
Ready to get away and take a break? An escape to Pensacola can be just the antidote your family needs. The Pensacola Bay area encompasses Greater Pensacola, as well as Pensacola Beach and Perdido Key. The variety of activities that await sets Pensacola apart as a destination for families looking to spend their vacation on the Gulf Coast.
Dive Into Winter in Pensacola
Break out the wetsuit and booties, and check out the unbelievable undersea beauty of our scuba Panhandle Shipwreck trail. Winter diving? You can see the difference. Visibility and sealife make winter diving the choice.
5 Ways to Enjoy the Beach in Winter
Whether you're looking to restore your soul, hike for a nice view or see an abundance of scenery and wildlife, there is something for everyone to enjoy in Pensacola this Winter.
This website uses cookies to enhance your user experience on the website. Learn more.