Free and Affordable Summer Camps for Kids in South Florida

 
A free summer camp experience at Broward County Municipal Services will make you jump for joy. Photo courtesy of Broward County Municipal Services

Broward County Parks and Recreation—Broward County 

• Free, 2025 dates not yet released

The Broward County Summer Recreation Program, for kids ages 6-17, takes place at all county parks​. Kids learn, develop, and play with access to a range of experiences, including exposure to the arts, culture, sports, field trips, STEM activities, New Starz Talent Showcase Festival, nutrition, physical activity, guest speakers, and more. This program also has before- and after-care options.

Camp Ladybug—Boca Raton, Coral Springs

• $280 per week (purchase the full summer and receive 10% discount; additional discount for siblings)
• Boca Raton: June 9-August 1, 2025
• Coral Springs: June 16-July 18, 2025

This summer camp is for children in grades K-5 (must be 5 by September 1). The camp day runs from 9am to 3pm, with before- and after-care available (Boca Raton location only). Kids enjoy arts and crafts, sports, yoga, dance, karate, drama, group games, movies, and more activities.

Easterseals South Florida Summer Camp—Miami

• Free for children with an autism spectrum disorder or related disability, as well as for a select number of typically developing children.
• Seven-week program from June-August 2025.

Two summer camps are offered through Easterseals South Florida. The Early Childhood Summer Camp serves children ages 3-5 in a reverse mainstream classroom (1:3 ratio), focusing on literacy, swimming, social skills, and self-help development using the High Scope Curriculum and ABA strategies. The Youth Development Culinary Arts Summer Camp provides hands-on culinary training, job knowledge, life skills, and financial literacy for youths in grades 6-12 (1:5 ratio), using video modeling as an evidence-based teaching method. Both programs run from June to August at the Easterseals South Florida Civic Center in Miami, offering free meals and limited transportation for eligible campers.

Fantasy Theatre Factory Theatre Arts Summer Camp—Miami

• $549 for the four-week session; scholarships available for Miami-Dade residents
• Session 1: June 9-July 3, 2025 (no camp June 19, July 4)
• Session 2: July 7-August 1, 2025

Fantasy Theatre Factory's summer camp offers an immersive arts experience with professional performances, expert-led courses, and a camper showcase at the Sandrell Rivers Theater. Campers ages 8-12 learn performance skills, dance techniques, cultural diversity, and various musical genres from top artists and instructors. Camp hours are from 9am to 4pm, with before- and after-care available.

Hepburn Center Summer Camp Program—Hallandale Beach

• Registration fee $250 (residents), $400 (nonresidents)
• 80 "Zero Pay" slots available based on income
• June-August 2025

Part of the Summer Youth Cultural Enrichment Program through the city's Human Services Department, the Hepburn Center Summer Camp Program operates from June to August for kids in pre-K through eighth grade. Activities include academic studies, swimming lessons, field trips, arts and crafts, dance, and more. Camp runs from 8am to 5:30pm. Registration opens April 7, 2025.

Miami Beach Parks & Recreation—Miami Beach

• Residents: $803 for the full nine weeks, $401.50 for a sibling; nonresidents: $1,416 for the full nine weeks
• June 9-August 8, 2025 (no camp June 19, July 4)

Miami Beach Parks & Recreation offers summer day camps for kids in grades K-12. Camp hours are 9am-5pm with before- and after-care available from 7:30am to 6pm at no extra cost. A half-day, eight-week Camp for Tots is also offered for kids ages 3-4.

 
Take part in science experiments, environmental field trips, and more at Camp Manatee. Photo courtesy of Miami-Dade County

Miami-Dade County Parks and Recreation—Throughout Miami-Dade County

• $150-$185 per week depending on program
• Sibling, full summer, and early bird discounts available
• June 9-August 8, 2025

Located at parks throughout Miami-Dade County, these summer camps are open from 8am to 6pm. General program camps (ages 6-14) focus on a variety of activities, including fitness, sports, arts, games, and field trips, while providing a supervised and safe environment for kids. Kids can select specialized camps to discover new interests, such as Fishing Camp, Camp Manatee, Miami EcoAdventures, and more.

Vocal Youth Miami—Palmetto Bay

• $800 for a four-week session
• Register by May 10 to receive $100 off
• June 30-July 25, 2025

Young singers (grades 3 and older) can enjoy an exciting summer at Vocal Youth camp, where they will write, record, and film their own music video. The camp offers choral rehearsals, a final performance, music theory, songwriting workshops, professional production, master classes with top Miami artists, a cultural field trip, and fun community-building activities. Camp hours are from 9am to 3pm with before- and after-care available. Scholarships are available for qualifying families on a first-come, first-serve basis. 

Palm Beach County Parks & Recreation, in partnership with Faith’s Place Center for the Arts Education, Inc., offers a summer camp option at the Westgate Recreation Center in West Palm Beach. Faith's Place is an arts enrichment program showcasing the fine arts through string, percussion, brass, and woodwind instruments, and dance. It also has a sports component, featuring baseball, basketball, and soccer. Breakfast and lunch are provided. Scholarships are available for those who qualify through the Palm Beach County Youth Services Department.

 
Discover nature during summer camp at the YMCA of South Florida. Photo courtesy of the YMCA of South Florida

YMCA of South Florida—Across the Region

• Starting at $200 per week
• June 9-August 29, 2025

Many South Florida YMCA locations offer summer day camps for kids in kindergarten through eighth grade. Y camps focus on building self-esteem, confidence, and social skills while increasing independence and health and wellness awareness. Kids enjoy weekly themed activities such as STEAM projects, arts and crafts, sports, swimming, Y bikes, and other recreational activities. Campers also get to participate in on- and off-site field trips.