Your Summer Survival Guide
- Polk County Moms
- Apr 30
- 8 min read
Summer is just around the corner, and Polk County is bursting with incredible ways to keep your kids active, engaged, and making memories. Whether you’re looking for hands-on STEM adventures, splash-filled days, sports skills, theater thrills, or faith-based fun, there’s something for every family. This all-in-one guide is your go-to resource for planning a summer full of learning, laughter, and play—right here in your own backyard.
ARTS
THEATRE ACADEMY
Theatre Winter Haven
1230 W Central Avenue, Winter Haven
(863) 294-7469
Musical theatre programs with instruction in acting, dancing, and stage performance.
AR WORKSHOP SUMMER CAMPS
5535 Cypress Gardens Blvd Suite 210, Winter Haven
(863) 347-4568
Hands-on art projects for teens and kids 6+ including wood signs, canvas crafts, and more.
ART CENTRIC STUDIO
1035 S Florida Ave, Lakeland
Kids work with real artists in a light-filled studio to explore drawing, painting, and more.
SUMMER ART CAMP
Ashley Gibson Barnett Museum of Art
800 E Palmetto St, Lakeland
(863) 688-7743
Certified art instructors guide children through studio time and outdoor inspiration walks.
MUSICAL THEATRE SUMMER CAMP
Broadway Beginnings
6929 Old Rd 37, Lakeland
Camps for ages 7–18 featuring masterclasses, Broadway guest workshops, and performances.
STRING ORCHESTRA CAMP
Florida Southern College
111 Lake Hollingsworth Dr, Lakeland
(863) 680-4216
Camp for grades 7–12 featuring string ensemble practice and masterclasses.
STEAM/ACADEMIC
ALL SAINTS SUMMER PALOOZA
5001 State Road 540 W, Winter Haven
(863) 293-5980 x2313
More than 60 programs are offered—from art and music to sports and STEM.
POLK STATE KIDS AT COLLEGE
999 Avenue H NE, Winter Haven
3425 Winter Lake Rd, Lakeland
Courses in rocketry, 3D printing, coding, creative writing, and more for ages 5–13.
AEROSPACE CENTER FOR EXCELLENCE
4075 James C. Ray Dr, Lakeland
(863) 644-2431
Aviation-based STEM camps include drone flying, flight simulators, weather science, and more.
BRICKS 4 KIDZ – LEGO® SUMMER CAMP
Dixieland Elementary School
416 Ariana St, Lakeland
Hands-on building, robotics, and engineering projects, and games with LEGO bricks.
EARLY CHILDHOOD LEARNING LAB SUMMER CAMP
Florida Southern College
1040 Frank Lloyd Wright Way, Lakeland
(863) 680-4103
Ages 3–5 enjoy weekly “Animal Safari” themes with crafts, experiments, and outdoor play.
ROBERTS ACADEMY SUMMER READING CAMP
Florida Southern College
1140 Frank Lloyd Wright Way, Lakeland
(863) 680-4111
For struggling readers; includes Orton-Gillingham methods and STEAM enrichment.
LRC SUMMER PROGRAMS
Learning Resource Center of Polk County
1628 Florida Ave S, Lakeland
(863) 688-9477
Academic enrichment from kindergarten readiness to ACT prep and coding workshops.
LEVELS ACADEMY SUMMER CAMP
3330 Skyview Dr, Lakeland
(813) 419-2938
Focus on creative thinking, community, and growth mindset for K–3 students.
MINDS IN MOTION
126 Horizon Court, Lakeland
(863) 647-0010
STEAM-based curriculum mixed with fitness, creative play, and computer learning for ages 5 -12.
SNAPOLOGY SUMMER CAMPS
Camps available in Lakeland and Winter Haven
(863) 888-2442
STEAM activities in coding, robotics, animation, and engineering using LEGO, K’nex, and technology for ages 3 –14.
SPORTS
SPIRIT GYMNASTICS CAMP
Spirit Gymnastics Sports Academy
2830 Recker Hwy, Winter Haven
(863) 875-4839
Gymnastics lessons mixed with arts & crafts, movies, and fun games.
GALINDO TENNIS INTERNATIONAL ACADEMY SUMMER CAMPS
Beerman Tennis Complex & Florida Southern College in Lakeland
(863) 733-5321
Tennis fundamentals and perceptual motor skills for ages 5–18.
KARATE BEYOND NINJA CAMP
4124 Florida Ave S, Lakeland
(863) 354-5467
Martial arts plus themed games like NERF battles and ninja warrior challenges.
CHOE’S MARTIAL ARTS SUMMER CAMP
2136 E Edgewood Dr, Lakeland
(863) 665-0488
Martial arts training and enrichment, plus field trips to Gandy Pool and more.
KINGS HAMMER SWAN CITY SOCCER CAMPS
Various Lakeland locations
(859) 292-5425
Specialized soccer training for kids U5–U19 including striker, keeper, and skills school.
AH ELITE SOCCER CAMPS
Florida Southern College
111 Lake Hollingsworth Dr, Lakeland
(863) 680-4258
Soccer training by age and skill level, including goalkeeper and striker development.
BRANDON GILES BASKETBALL SKILLS CAMP
Polk State College
999 Avenue H NE, Winter Haven
Polk State College Head Men’s Basketball Coach Brandon Giles’ basketball skills camp emphasizes skill development and teamwork. Open to both males and females, ages 5 - 18.
MIKE BLICHER BASKETBALL CAMPS
Santa Fe Catholic
3110 US-92 E, Lakeland
(248) 877-2424
Co-ed basketball training for 3rd–8th grade of all skill levels.
NBC BASKETBALL CAMP
Southeastern University
1000 Longfellow Blvd, Lakeland
1-800-406-3926
Intensive skill training for boys (only) aged 11–18. They also offer an elite-level sleepover camp for boys ages 11 – 18.
NBC BASKETBALL CAMP
Florida Southern College
111 Lake Hollingsworth Dr, Lakeland
1-800-406-3926
Programs for all skill levels for boys and girls ages 11-16.
NBC VOLLEYBALL CAMP
Southeastern University
1000 Longfellow Blvd, Lakeland
1-800-406-3926
Girls ages 14–18 receive elite-level coaching in an immersive weekend camp.
NO LIMITS SPORTS CAMPS
Various Lakeland locations
(863) 205-6176
Multi-sport experience where kids choose daily between flag football, volleyball, soccer, and more.
OFF THE WALL ADVENTURES SCUBA CAMP
2055 Shepherd Rd, Lakeland
(863) 709-9253
Ages 10–17 earn scuba certification through pool and open-water dives.
FLORIDA BASS FISHING CAMP FOR KIDS
1505 Lake Shipp Dr, Winter Haven
bigbassguidefl.com Focuses on boat safety and hands-on fishing techniques in a fun outdoor setting.
JUST PLAIN FUN!
CAMP FIRE SUNSHINE CENTRAL FLORIDA
2600 Buckingham Ave, Lakeland
(863) 688-5491
Youth camp with leadership-building, outdoor games, and social activities.
GOAL SEEKERS & EAGLES SUMMER CAMP
4777 Lakeland Highlands Rd, Lakeland
(863) 619-5885
Christian-based camp that includes chapel, crafts, and weekly trips, for kids in K–5th grade.
SPCA FLORIDA CRITTER CAMP
5850 Brannen Rd S, Lakeland
(863) 646-7722
Hands-on experience in animal care, rescue education, and games with cats & dogs for kids in grades 4 – 9.
TENOROC YOUTH CONSERVATION CENTER CAMP
3760 Tenoroc Mine Rd, Lakeland
(863) 370-2181
Outdoor-focused camp offering archery, wildlife education, and fishing for kids in grades 3 – 9.
WONDERHERE SUMMER CAMP
5120 Colbert Rd, Lakeland
(863) 698-7782
Play-based, nature-connected camp with weekly themes, movie days, and animal interaction for ages 4 –12.
YMCA OF WEST CENTRAL FLORIDA CAMPS
YMCA Lakeland: 3620 Cleveland Heights Blvd, Lakeland
YMCA Fontaine Gills: 2125 Sleepy Hill Rd, Lakeland
YMCA Par 3: 1740 George Jenkins Blvd, Lakeland
Themed weeks, outdoor play, and specialty tracks make YMCA camps a family favorite.
SUMMER FUN PROGRAM
Polk Christian Prep
3151 Hardin Combee Rd, Lakeland
Affordable camps for ages 3–15 with weekly field trips, crafts, and water fun days.
NATURE DISCOVERY CAMP
Bok Tower Gardens
1151 Tower Boulevard, Lake Wales
(863) 676-1408
This is a half-day program designed for young explorers aged 7 to 9. The camp aims to foster a deep connection with nature through immersive experiences, hands-on activities, and nature play.
CAMP OFF THE CHAIN
Advent Health FieldHouse
210 Cypress Gardens Blvd, Winter Haven
Camps offer swimming, crafts, games, and field trips. The camp is only open to Winter Haven residents. Camps take place at select locations throughout Winter Haven.
VACATION BIBLE SCHOOL
WINTER HAVEN BAPTIST CHURCH
1500 Dundee Rd., Winter Haven, FL 33884
Dates: June 6–8, 2025
(863) 294-6478
ST. JOHN UNITED METHODIST CHURCH
1800 Cypress Gardens Blvd, Winter Haven
(863) 324-6347
June 16–20 from 9 a.m. – noon.
Ages: 3 years – 5th Grade.
CHURCH FOR THE ONE
777 Lakeland Highlands Rd, Lakeland
(863) 647-3518
June 2–5, from 6:30 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.
LAKES CHURCH LAKELAND
1010 E Memorial Blvd, Lakeland
(863) 682-0163
June 2–6, 2025
FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH LAKELAND
175 Lake Hollingsworth Dr, Lakeland
(863) 686-7187
June 9–13, 2025
GRACE CITY KIDS SUMMER CAMP
VBS at Grace City Church
1736 New Jersey Rd, Lakeland
(863) 888-0933
June 16–20, 2025
FIRST UNITED METHODIST CHURCH LAKELAND
72 Lake Morton Dr, Lakeland
(863) 686-3163
June 23–27, 2025
SLEEPAWAY CAMPS
CAMP FRONTIER
22000 Highway 27, Lake Wales
1-888-977-CAMP (2267)
Known for high-energy, tech-free weeks of adventure, this traditional sleepaway camp includes team competitions, creative challenges, and outdoor activities in a safe and inclusive environment.
CIRCLE F DUDE RANCH CAMP
5301 Dude Ranch Rd, Lake Wales
(863) 224-7113
Circle F offers an authentic ranch-style overnight camp experience with horseback riding, water sports, zip lines, and leadership programs for kids and teens.
CAMP LA LLANADA
2819 Tiger Lake Rd, Lake Wales
(305) 390-0476
A Spanish immersion experience for campers aged 7 to 16, emphasizing healthy competition, teamwork, and leadership through diverse activities like soccer, tubing, archery, arts, and dance.
LAKE AURORA CHRISTIAN CAMP
237 Golden Bough Rd, Lake Wales
(863) 696-1102
A faith-based camp for grades 1–12, blending spiritual growth with outdoor fun like archery, canoeing, campfires, and ziplining on a scenic lakeside campus.
HIKING/BIKING TRAILS
ALAFIA RIVER RESERVE
4872 Indian Oak Dr., Mulberry
(863) 534-7377
A quiet spot for nature walks with rustic trails that wind through oak hammocks and wetlands.
CIRCLE B BAR RESERVE
4399 Winter Lake Rd., Lakeland
(863) 668-4673
Famous for its wildlife viewing, this 1,267-acre preserve features well-maintained trails and a nature discovery center for kids.
COLT CREEK STATE PARK
16000 State Road 471, Lakeland
(863) 815-6761
A hidden gem with over 15 miles of multi-use trails, perfect for hiking, biking, and even horseback riding. There is a fee to enter.
FORT FRASER TRAIL
Trailhead at CR 540 & US 98, Lakeland
(863) 534-7377
A paved 7.75-mile path that’s stroller- and bike-friendly, connecting Lakeland and Bartow with scenic views along the way.
GATOR CREEK RESERVE
9725 US Highway 98 N, Lakeland
(863) 534-7377
Five miles of shaded hiking trails through pine flatwoods and swampy cypress—bring your binoculars for birding!
GENERAL JAMES A. VAN FLEET STATE TRAIL
Trailheads in Polk City, Green Pond, Bay Lake, and Mabel
(352) 394-3969
A 29-mile paved trail that is incredibly flat and quiet—ideal for long bike rides, walks, and spotting wildlife.
LAKE KISSIMMEE STATE PARK
14248 Camp Mack Rd., Lake Wales
(863) 696-1112
Enjoy over 13 miles of peaceful hiking trails with scenic lake views, plus camping and fishing options. There is a fee to enter.
LAKELAND HIGHLANDS SCRUB
6998 Lakeland Highlands Rd., Lakeland
(863) 534-7377
A unique natural area preserving endangered scrub habitat with short loop trails for a quick nature escape.
PANTHER POINT TRAIL
3115 Thornhill Rd., Winter Haven
(863) 534-7377
This hidden trail offers over 8 miles of lakeside hiking with plenty of wildlife photo opportunities along the way.
POOLS & SPLASH PADS
“ROWDY” GAINES OLYMPIC POOL
210 Cypress Gardens Blvd, Winter Haven
Daily pool fees for residents and non-residents with an Aquatic Pass available for multiple visits. The pool is newly renovated, open year-round, and heated.
SPLASH PAD AT TRAILHEAD PARK
301 Avenue G NW, Winter Haven
A fun and free place for younger kids to run through water features and beat the heat!
GANDY POOL
404 Imperial Blvd, Lakeland
Located at Kelly Recreation Complex—great for lap swim and family time.
SIMPSON PARK POOL
1725 Martin Luther King Jr. Ave, Lakeland
Community pool offering swim hours and seasonal fun.
SPLASH PAD AT BARNETT FAMILY PARK
730 E Orange St, Lakeland
A favorite downtown destination for littles—free to the public and surrounded by picnic areas and playgrounds.
WILSON PARK
County Rd 547, Davenport
(863) 419-3300
Wilson Park features a splash pad, pavilions with picnic tables, benches, a large grassy area and public restrooms
LAKE EVA AQUATIC CENTER
321 S. 6th Street Haines City
(863) 421-3715
The Lake Eva Aquatic Center is expected to re-open June 1, 2025
Kid's Play Area: Young kids will love the wet/dry play area with a zero-depth entry lagoon pool, slide, splash pad, and water activities.
JANET J. SMITH AQUATIC FACILITY
1900 N. 10th Street Haines City
MULBERRY
307 N.E. 10th Ave., Mulberry
(863)354-6560
No matter your child’s interest or your family’s summer schedule, there’s something in Polk County that’s just the right fit. From action-packed day camps to peaceful pool days and meaningful VBS weeks, this summer is full of opportunities to grow, explore, and create lasting memories together. So go ahead—circle those dates, pack the sunscreen, and get ready to dive into your best summer yet!
