Planning a family getaway that mixes relaxation with unforgettable adventures for your kids? Look no further than Amelia Island, Florida—a coastal paradise that blends natural beauty, small-town charm, and enriching experiences. For families visiting from out of town, Amelia Island summer camps offer the perfect way for children to explore new interests, make friends, and create lifelong memories, all while parents unwind in comfort at a luxurious Destination Amelia Vacation Rental.
Why Amelia Island Is Perfect for a Family Summer Trip
Tucked away on Florida’s northeastern coast, Amelia Island feels worlds apart from the usual tourist crowds. Its pristine beaches, historic districts, and friendly community make it a haven for family travelers. Beyond the surf and sand, summer brings incredible opportunities for kids to dive into adventure through local camps—designed to spark curiosity, confidence, and creativity.
After a day of camp fun, families can retreat to the comfort of a Destination Amelia Vacation Rental, where spacious living, refreshing pools, and ocean breezes create an idyllic home base.
Top Summer Camps on Amelia Island
- Amelia Island Adventure Camps: Perfect for kids who love nature! They’ll kayak through tidal creeks, learn about marine life, and explore local ecosystems. Multiple hands-on experiences are hosted by Amelia Adventures and are an exciting way for young explorers (ages 9-12) to appreciate Florida’s coastal environment. More fantastic camps are hosted by Amelia Island Kayak Excursions, another award-winning local tour operator that hopes to teach campers valuable skills and share a sense of “adventure and wonder” with the “next generation of kayakers.”
- Fernandina Beach Youth Sports Camps: For active kids, there are soccer, baseball, tennis, golf, and general PE camps being offered on island. They are all great outlets for energy and team play, and close enough for parents staying at nearby Destination Amelia properties to drop in for a quick cheer. For example, the Cliff Drysdale Tennis program at the Omni Amelia Island Resort offers the “Ultimate Tennis Experience” for kids, and it’s within walking distance of our condos at Courtside Villas.
- Amelia Art Studio Summer Workshops: For budding artists, the Summer Camps hosted by Amelia Art Studio are fun opportunities to grow. These themed creative sessions focus on painting, sculpture, and design. Parents often love displaying their child’s inspired artwork back at their vacation rental and it makes for a lifelong memento.
- Amelia Surf Co’s Surf Camp: Kids aged 7–15 can learn to ride the waves with professional instructors. It’s safe, fun, and a must-do for any beach-loving child. And after they’ve conquered the surf, your Destination Amelia Vacation Rental becomes the perfect place to relax and relive the day’s highlights. Within walking distance of the camp location is our 2-bedroom condo Amelia Landings 6C, which has a refreshing pool, tennis court, and picnic area to enjoy after camp wraps up. Insider’s tip: Surf Asylum is another local surf camp opportunity but these smaller camps tend to sell out the day registration begins each February!
- Dance and Musical Theatre Camps: Each summer, the island’s two community playhouses present theatrical camps for kids! Check out the calendars for Amelia Musical Playhouse and Amelia Community Theatre in downtown Fernandina Beach if your rising star wants a turn performing on an Amelia Island stage. Also, Royal Amelia Dance Academy offers a diverse list of full-day dance camps. Each of these camps include creating a new stage production that is presented at the end of the week.
Relaxation and Adventure for the Whole Family
While the kids are off creating memories, parents can enjoy the island’s boutiques, golf courses, and luxury spas—or simply sip morning coffee on the balcony of their Amelia Island vacation rental. Each property blends comfort with convenience, offering features like fully equipped kitchens, nearby beach access, and proximity to top attractions.
Families traveling from outside Florida often find that these accommodations provide far more flexibility and value than traditional hotels—whether you’re planning a weeklong vacation or a full-month summer escape.
Plan Your Perfect Amelia Island Family Vacation
Between the excitement of Amelia Island’s summer camps and the comfort of Destination Amelia Vacation Rentals, you can craft a summer that’s both refreshing and enriching. Give your kids the gift of adventure while treating yourself to coastal serenity—no compromise required.
Browse available vacation rentals and start planning your unforgettable Amelia Island summer at Destination Amelia’s website.
