Busch Gardens Zoo Camp Tampa 1-877-BGT-CAMP Conquer coasters and get cozy with critters at Zoo Camp. Day camp for pre-K through grade eight features animal interaction, habitat investigation and attractions at one of Americaās largest theme parks and zoos. Resident camps for grades four through adult take participants behind the scenes for intensive learning and special animal encounters. Day camps start at $220 for members; extended care is extra. Resident camps start at $750. Camps start June 6.
MOSI, Tampa 813-987-6000 Tampaās Museum of Science & Industry celebrates 25 years of summer camp fun with a sensational lineup a MOSI-mile long. Preschoolers can tour a parade of homes constructed by amazing animal architects or discover secrets for hiding from camouflaged critters. For grades K-3, thereās yummy chocolate chip volcanoes and Pineapple Under the Sea, introducing wee ones to sea stars, crabs and other marine critters. On tap for older kids are dozens of nature and science camps, including Extreme Explorers, in which participants kayak along the bayās lush mangrove fringe, hike back trails and learn wilderness survival skills. Member fees start at $17 for toddler camps and $89 for weekly half-day camps. Multi-camp discount and extended care available. Camps start May 31. Donāt miss the Memorial Day weekend opening of MOSIās Kids in Charge, the countryās largest childrenās science center with over 70 new exhibits.
Clearwater Marine Aquarium Clearwater 727-441-1790 Splashy adventures abound for kindergarten grads on up. On deck this summer: marine critters, sea turtles, basic and advanced marine biology, resident animal care, and dolphins, plus snorkeling. A special junior scientist camp (for students who have completed grades 6-9) delves deeper into the mysteries of the marine world, with observation of live specimens, snorkeling and animal dissection. Most CMA offerings are half-day camps starting at $145 for members, $185 for non-members. Camps start May 30.
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Florida Aquarium Tampa 813-273-4015 Dive into something slippery and cool at the Florida Aquarium, offering full and partial-day camps for kids ages three to 15, from two days to two weeks, on site and on location. AquaTots and AquaKids programs are geared for youngsters while school-age kids can go behind the scenes with marine experts, learn about mangroves and make waves aboard the Bay Spirit while seining for critters and searching for dolphins. Family sleepover programs and special scuba diving camps are offered. Member fees start at $25 for AquaTots, $140 for fullday camps and $220 for camps with travel. Multi-camp discount and extended care available. Camps start May 31.
Great Explorations St. Petersburg 727-821-8992 Weekly arts and science camps for children ages five to 10 feature different themes, starting with the Magic of Invention, Dragons and Dinosaurs, and the Magic of Nature. Fees start at $175 for members and multiweek discounts are available. Camps starts May 31.
Lowry Park Zoo Tampa 813-935-8552 ext. 232 813-935-8552 ext. 232 Zoo school is monkey business and more fun and games with dozens of different science and nature camps that let kids experience the wild side of summer. Week-long camps for kids ages three to 13 start at $145. Camps begin May 31. Extended care available.
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Moccasin Lake Park Clearwater 727-462-6024 Weekly camps starting May 23 introduce junior explorers, ages six to 11, to Moccasin Lake Park with games, crafts and science and nature activities. Camps are $135 with $45 discount for participant cardholders.
Pier Aquarium St. Petersburg 727-895-7437 Catch the Weedon Island Fever in a week-long marine discovery camp for students entering grades four through six featuring a canoe trip to Weedon Island, pier aquarium tour, seagrass harvesting and planting, and exploration of other bay ecosystems. Two sessions: June 27-July 1 and July 11-15. Camp fee is $150. A half-day Little Marine Explorers Camp, is offered for kids in grades K-2, June 20-24, with arts and crafts, water fun, animal encounters and seashore exploration. Camp fee is $75.
South Florida Museum<BR>Bradenton 941-746-4131 The South Florida Museum and Around the Bend Nature Tours have teamed up to offer Wet & Wild Science Adventure Camp for kids ages six through 12. Explore the science and history behind local wetlands and waterways at the museum and in the field, with trips to Emerson Point, Rye Wilderness and Durante Park. Sessions scheduled for June 13-17, June 20-24 and July 11-15.
Weedon Island Preserve St. Petersburg 727-453-6500 Two camps for middle school students make island exploration and history fun. Exploring the Past, June 20-24, introduces kids (entering grades 6-9) to archaeology at this historic site through field work, island exploration, canoeing and pottery-making with a little spear-throwing contest tossed in. Cost is $125 for the weeklong day camp. A three day Island Explorers camp (for students entering grades 6-8) features hiking, canoeing and wading as students learn about the estuary and wildlife. Cost is $75. Offered June 14-16 and July 5-7.
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