There’s just something about a St. Augustine vacation. It claims to be the oldest city in the United States. You can stroll some of Florida’s finest beaches, explore a 17th-century fortress, and dine in some of the best restaurants around – all before sunset.
With so much to see, do, and explore on and around the water, St. Augustine is truly a family vacation paradise.
But there’s another treat that should be on your list of things to do for kids while on your vacation: St. Augustine summer camps! It’s an interesting and fun way to ensure everyone has a fantastic time on a St. Augustine vacation. Let’s explore a few great camp options, and then bring everyone to one of our amazing St. Augustine beach house rentals and let the adventure begin!
Marineland Dolphin Adventure
What if there was a way for kids to attend a summer camp where they would never be bored and would instead learn, grow, and have fun? That’s exactly what Marineland Dolphin Adventure camps can do! Each summer, Marineland invites campers from all over to enjoy the fascinating world of marine science. The marine park is full of outdoor adventuring and dolphin encounters, and it’s a one-of-a-kind experience for kids ages 7-17.
Marineland has been a local favorite since 1938. Here, you can experience the splendor of local wildlife by swimming with the dolphins, getting time with a tortoise, and even being a trainer for the day. They also offer kayak and eco-tours, as well as the opportunity to experience the wonders of sailing aboard the Fins & Freedom Sailboat Tour.
Weeklong Seaside Eco-Adventures Camp, or S.E.A. Camp, has two offerings: S.E.A. Camp I for kids ages 7-9, and S.E.A. Camp II for kids ages 10-12. With S.E.A. Camp, kids will enjoy a week of science and marine activities exploring the ocean environment, beachcombing, and experiencing dolphin encounters. Campers spend time outside exploring the intercoastal hammock system, where they will get to conduct science experiments, engage in conservation projects, observe local wildlife, and so much more. At the end of the week, they will be able to celebrate with a graduation ceremony. The camp runs from Monday to Friday, from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m., with the final Friday being a half day. The price for S.E.A. campers is $375. To reserve a spot for this camp, have emergency contact information ready, as well as the names and phone numbers of people who can pick up the campers, as well as any allergy information.
If you have a teenager in your party, you will want to check out the T.E.E.N. Camp (Teaching Environmental Education in Nature). This is an especially incredible adventure for teenagers who are interested in the environmental field and have a special interest in local wildlife. Campers will take an up-close and personal look at the local ecosystem and experience the diverse wildlife in the area. They’ll have a chance to kayak the intercoastal waters, complete lab experiments, and perform fieldwork in the Conservation Field Station. The T.E.E.N. Camp ends with an amazing encounter with a bottlenose dolphin. This camp is for kids ages 13-17, and the price is $375. Hours and required information are the same as the S.E.A. Camp.
If your kids are looking for a shorter adventure, Marineland offers a mini day camp for children ages 6-15. Campers in this program will explore marine science with activities and exploration, and will learn about some of the local wildlife, including dolphins, sharks, and turtles. They will also learn about ways to help the ocean and participate in a dolphin experience out of the water. The cost for this adventure is $99. Contact Marineland for information on dates, as they vary throughout the year.
You can find Marineland Dolphin Adventure at 9600 Oceanshore Boulevard. Check out their website at marineland.net, call them at (407) 563-4701, or email education@marineland.net for more information. If you prefer to visit before making a decision about camp, their hours may vary by day but are generally 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. daily.
St. Augustine Alligator Farm
Another great place for camp adventures is the St. Augustine Alligator Farm and Zoological Park. Kids at this camp spend their days making awesome crafts, playing games, participating in the encounters and shows, meeting the animal caretakers, and making a lot of new friends along the way!
Alligator Farm offers a single-day Zoo Camp, which gives kids the opportunity to learn about local wildlife as well as learn about and participate in conservation efforts. The camp is open for students in grades 1 to 6, ages 6 to 12. The camp provides lunch and snacks, but campers can also bring their own if they prefer. If your kids want to participate, drop-off time starts at 8:50 a.m. and pickup starts at 3:50 p.m. The cost for a single day is $45 for members and $50 for non-members. Make sure your camper has a water bottle, closed-toed shoes, and any required food or medications.
There are also weeklong camps to choose from. Kids from grades 1-6 and ages 6-12 will have an incredible opportunity to learn about wildlife and zoological conservation. They’ll even have a shirt provided for the week! The capacity for summer camp is set at 40 campers, so you’ll want to book early. Drop off and pick up times are the same as single-day camp. The weekly cost is $270 for members and $300 for non-members. Be sure to check their website at alligatorfarm.com to see what the summer camp themes are. Alligator Farm includes themes such as: It’s a Pirate’s Life, Zoo Myth Busters, Jr. Scientists, Outback Explorers, and many more!
Venture Camp is an opportunity for teens to have the experience once they age out of Zoo Camp. This five-day adventure includes ziplining at the Alligator Farm, kayaking, paddling the coast, and learning about the zoo. The cost is $405 for members and $450 for non-members. Drop off and pick up times are the same.
Plan Your Visit!
If you’re ready to experience all the fun that St. Augustine has to offer, book your vacation rental home today!
Visit the Alligator Farm at 999 Anastasia Boulevard. They can be reached at (904) 824-3337.
St. Augustine beachfront rentals from St. Augustine Vacations Rentals is fins down the best way to stay and play while experiencing the magic of the local area and the summer camps it has to offer. When you stay with us, you’re getting it all – sunsets from your rooftop deck, in-room amenities such as flat-screen TVs, convenient parking, towels and linens, closeby grocery shopping, and more. You also have easy access to tons of activities, such as kayaking, canoeing, bicycling, and a short walk to the beach – just a few of the best things to do in St. Augustine.
We have the best selection of condos, homes, waterfront properties, and pet-friendly options for any budget, and we know what it takes to make your adventure perfect. Find your rental in St. Augustine and get ready for the family adventure of your dreams!
