Looking for something entertaining for the kids during the break for Thanksgiving in Tampa? Look no more because we have compiled a list of fun activities and camps for the kids to enjoy this Thanksgiving in the Tampa area. Enjoy your holiday vacation without the fuss and mess that kids like to create; they will thank you for sending them to such exciting festivities!
The Museum of Science & Industry will be hosting two three-day camps during the Thanksgiving school break in Tampa from Nov. 19–21. The camps are from 9 a.m.–4 p.m. with extended care from 7–9 a.m. and 4–6 p.m. for an additional $15 per week. Your youngsters ages kindergarten through third grade, will learn to cook by using science in Cooking Creations. Not only will they learn how to make delectable meals, they will also learn about the chemical reactions of taste. Older kids ages fourth to eighth grade will step into Game Making 101. This camp will teach them all the techniques to know to develop a game from scratch. Your child will be able to use the tools the pros use and take their finished product home to show family and friends. Nonmember registration is $168 and member registration is $126, and there is no café so lunch must be brought and cannot be purchased.
GCM’s Campsgiving will run 9 a.m.–4:30 p.m. for ages 5–10 Nov. 19–21. Regular prices are $60 for a full day or $30 for a half day. Members prices receive a 15 percent discount and are $50 or $25. Drop off is from 8:30–9 a.m. and after-care is from 5–6 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 21 is a half day only, with aftercare for one hour after regular pickup at 12:30 p.m. campers are split into two groups, ages 5–7 and 8–10. Register now, space is limited to 25 children per group.
The Florida Aquarium’s Thanksgiving AquaCamp this year is SeaSavers. From Nov. 19-21 children ages kindergarten through fifth grade will take over the aquarium and learn about the ocean. Each day is from 9 a.m.–4 p.m. with morning and afternoon care provided, early drop-off starts at 8 a.m. and late pick up is until 5:30 p.m. You kids will explore the different animals and plants that live in the ocean and gain a deep understanding of these fragile ecosystems. They’ll learn how they can make a positive impact and even meet some creatures. Regular registration is $195 and member registration is $155. Lunch options are available for $24.
Even better, AquaCamp is also open on Nov. 12, for Sea Turtle 911. Registration for this one-day camp is $68 and member registration is $52, with lunch an extra $8. Kids will get a behind the scenes look at the work the Florida Aquarium does rescuing, rehabilitating and returning sea turtles in need to the wild.
These camps are focused on an active environment, including outdoor and indoor activities. Campers will make crafts, focus on character building, play sports and much more. The South Tampa location with have Fun Days Nov. 19 - 21 from 7 a.m.–6 p.m. Children should come dressed for play and should not bring electronics, but should bring lunch, snacks, a water bottle and sunscreen. Registration is $60 for non-members and $35 for members. The YMCA will also have a Thanksgiving camp at their Heritage Isles, Rocky Point and Rodger Park locations during Thanksgiving week, except on Thursday, from 9 a.m.–4 p.m. Lunch will be provided and early drop-off is 8 a.m. with late pick-up until 5:30 p.m. Registration is $145 for the week.
Keep the kids busy while you do your Thanksgiving prep with these camps and activities. If you're looking for more things to do for the Thanksgiving break, check us out on 813area for Holiday events and more! Registration is always free.
Cover photo is from Unsplash, taken by photographer Pan Xiaozhen
