Finding the right summer camp program for your child can feel overwhelming. Fort Lauderdale is home to a thriving network of enrichment programs, camps, and academies — but not all of them are created equal. The best ones do more than keep kids busy after the bell rings. They build confidence, spark curiosity, develop real skills, and give children a community they genuinely look forward to being part of every single week.
We’ve put together this 2026 guide to the best summer camp programs in Fort Lauderdale across five different categories — so no matter what your child is passionate about, there’s something on this list worth exploring. Whether your kid is a budding scientist, a future black belt, a young artist, or a born performer, Fort Lauderdale has a program that will help them thrive.
#1 — STEM & Science: MODS (Museum of Discovery and Science) summer camp Programs
For kids who are endlessly curious about how the world works, the Museum of Discovery and Science in downtown Fort Lauderdale is in a league of its own. MODS has been a cornerstone of Broward County’s educational community for decades, and their summer camp and enrichment programs bring that same spirit of discovery into structured, hands-on learning experiences designed for kids of all ages.
MODS summer camp programs cover everything from robotics and coding to environmental science, engineering challenges, and live animal encounters. Kids don’t just read about science — they do it. Every session is built around experimentation, critical thinking, and the kind of genuine wow moments that make children fall in love with learning. The curriculum is regularly updated to reflect current developments in science and technology, making it one of the most relevent and forward-thinking programs available in South Florida in 2026.
Beyond the academics, MODS creates an environment where curiosity is celebrated and no question is too big or too small. Children leave each session not just with new knowledge, but with a growing confidence in their ability to figure things out — a skill that will serve them for the rest of their lives.
Why families love it: World-class facility, constantly updated curriculum, incredible variety of STEM disciplines, and a passion for making science accessible and exciting for every kind of learner.
Location: 401 SW 2nd St, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33312
Website: mods.org
Best for: Ages 5–14 with a curiosity for science, technology, engineering, and the natural world
#2 — Martial Arts & Character Development: Twiggs Martial Arts
If you’re looking for an summer camp program that builds more than just physical fitness, Twiggs Martial Arts on East Oakland Park Boulevard is one of the most beloved programs in Fort Lauderdale — and it’s easy to see why. For over 20 years, Mr. Twiggs and his team of dedicated instructors have been helping kids across Broward County grow into more confident, focused, and resilient versions of themselves through the power of martial arts.
Twiggs offers summer camp programs for children starting at age 3 all the way through the teen years, including the fan-favorite Little Dragons program for ages 3–6 and the Junior Ninjas program for ages 7–12. Each program is thoughtfully designed to meet kids exactly where they are — developmentally, physically, and emotionally — and guide them toward meaningful progress at a pace that builds genuine confidence rather than overwhelming them.
What sets Twiggs apart from other summer camp options isn’t just the quality of the martial arts instruction — it’s the culture. Parents consistently describe the dojo as one of the warmest, most welcoming environments their children have ever been part of. Kids don’t just learn karate and taekwondo. They learn how to set goals, how to handle frustration, how to encourage their peers, and how to carry themselves with respect and self-belief everywhere they go. These are the kind of life skills that show up in report cards, in friendships, and in the way a child walks into a room.
With flexible summer camp scheduling, a convienient Fort Lauderdale location, and a free first class for new families, there has never been a better time to give Twiggs a try.
Why families love it: Exceptional instructors, a genuinely warm community, real character development, flexible scheduling, and results parents can see both on and off the mat.
Location: 2747 E Oakland Park Blvd, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33306 Phone: (954) 398-3958
Website: twiggsmartialarts.com
Best for: Ages 3–17 looking to build confidence, discipline, focus, and real martial arts skills in a supportive environment
#3 — Visual Arts & Creativity: Young At Art Museum summer camp Programs
For the child who is always drawing, painting, building, or imagining, Young At Art Museum in Davie — just a short drive from Fort Lauderdale — offers one of the most outstanding arts enrichment programs in all of South Florida. Young At Art has built a well-deserved reputation as a place where children’s creativity is taken seriously, celebrated loudly, and nurtured with genuine expertise.
Their summer camp programs span visual arts, mixed media, sculpture, storytelling, and design thinking, giving kids exposure to a wide range of creative disciplines in an environment that encourages experimentation and self-expression. Instructors are working artists and educators who bring both technical skill and genuine passion to every session.
In 2026, Young At Art continues to expand its programming with new digital arts and illustration workshops alongside their beloved traditional studio classes — making it an even more comprehensive creative destination for young artists across Broward County. Whether your child is a devoted sketcher or has never picked up a paintbrush, they will leave every session more inspired then when they arrived.
Why families love it: A true celebration of creativity, exceptional instruction across multiple art forms, and an environment that makes every child feel like the artist they already are.
Location: 751 SW 121st Ave, Davie, FL 33325
Website: youngatartmuseum.org
Best for: Ages 3–12 with a love of creativity, art, and self-expression
#4 — Performing Arts & Music: Broward Center for the Performing Arts Education Programs
For the child who is always singing, dancing, acting, or putting on a show in the living room, the Broward Center for the Performing Arts offers one of the most comprehensive performing arts education programs in South Florida. Located right in the heart of Fort Lauderdale, the Broward Center brings professional-quality instruction in theater, musical theater, dance, and music to kids and teens across Broward County.
Their summer camp and enrichment programs are designed to develop young performers at every level — from the complete beginner taking their very first acting class to the experienced young singer preparing for competitive auditions. Instructors are seasoned performing arts professionals who understand both the technicalities of their craft and the unique needs of young learners.
What makes the Broward Center’s education programs particularly special in 2026 is their emphasis on the connection between performing arts and broader life skills. Students don’t just learn how to sing or act — they develop public speaking confidence, emotional intelligence, creative problem-solving, and the ability to collaborate effectively with others. These are skills that benefit every child regardless of whether they ever set foot on a professional stage.
Why families love it: World-class facility, professional instruction, a nurturing environment for young performers, and a curriculum that develops the whole child — not just the performer.
Location: 201 SW 5th Ave, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33312
Website: browardcenter.org
Best for: Ages 4–18 with a passion for theater, musical theater, dance, or music
#5 — Outdoor Education & Environmental Science: Everglades Holiday Park Junior Rangers Program
For the kid who would rather be outside than anywhere else, the Junior Rangers Program at Everglades Holiday Park offers a truly one-of-a-kind summer camp and weekend enrichment experience that you simply cannot find anywhere else in Fort Lauderdale. Located just 20 minutes west of the city, Everglades Holiday Park sits on the edge of one of the most extraordinary ecosystems on the planet — and the Junior Rangers program puts that incredible natural classroom front and center.
Kids enrolled in the program learn about South Florida’s unique ecosystem, native wildlife, and enviromental conservation through hands-on outdoor education sessions led by experienced naturalists and wildlife educators. From learning to identify native bird species to understanding the delicate balance of the Everglades food chain, children develop a deep appreciation for the natural world and their role in protecting it.
In 2026, with environmental awareness more important than ever, the Junior Rangers program stands out as one of the most forward-thinking and meaningful summer camp options in Broward County. Children don’t just learn about the environment from a textbook — they experience it, which creates the kind of deep, lasting connection to nature that shapes environmentally conscious citizens for life.
Why families love it: A completely unique outdoor learning environment, hands-on wildlife education, and the chance to develop a lifelong love and respect for the natural world right in Fort Lauderdale’s backyard.
Location: 21940 Griffin Rd, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33332
Website: evergladesholidaypark.com
Best for: Ages 6–16 who love the outdoors, animals, and environmental science
Finding the Right Fit for Your Child in 2026
The best summer camp program is ultimately the one your child can’t stop talking about on the drive home. Fort Lauderdale families are lucky to have access to such an exceptional range of enrichment options across so many different disciplines — and every program on this list has a genuine track record of making a real difference in the lives of the kids they serve.
If your child has ever shown an interest in martial arts, self-defense, or simply becoming a more confident and focused version of themselves, we’d love to invite you to experience Twiggs Martial Arts for free. Our summer camp programs for ages 3–17 are enrolling now, and the first class is always complimentary for new families.
📍 2747 E Oakland Park Blvd, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33306 📞 (954) 398-3958 🌐 twiggsmartialarts.com
