Check out all the free classes your kids can take around Jacksonville this summer!
Vacation Bible School – Although not completely free, VBS is a great alternative to more expensive summer camps. Most programs are offered in the mornings for 4 or 5 days during the week. Cost: Some are free, but some charge a small fee.
Apple Camp – At the Apple Store, located in the St. Johns Town Center, kids ages 8–12 can attend Apple Camp and will learn the ins and outs of iMovie and how to make their own films. The free three-day session, held at the Apple Store, leads up to an Apple Camp Film Festival where campers debut their masterpieces. Cost: Free
Camp Creativity – Michaels stores are offering inexpensive summer craft classes for kids over 3. Held from Mondays, Wednesdays & Fridays from 10-12, these classes make a great rainy day option to keep the kids busy. Cost: $5 per class or $12 for 3 sessions.
Microsoft Summer Camp – The Microsoft Store at the St. Johns Town Center offers free 1 week classes on a variety of technology subjects for kids aged 8-13. Cost: Free
Home Depot Kid Workshops – Visit Home Depot the first Saturday of each month between 9 and 12 and kids can complete their own building project. Cost: Free
Junior Chef Cooking Class – Wiliams-Sonoma at the St. Johns Town Center offers Junior Chef classes for kids for free. Sign up early because the classes fill up fast. Cost: Free
Children’s Garden Workshops – The children’s gardening program is held in a revitalized 2,000-foot section of the Beaches Organic Community Garden in Neptune Beach. There is a sensory garden, raised vegetable garden beds, herbs, flowers, fruit trees and vines, and a shade structure. Classes held from 9-10am on Saturdays. Cost: Free
Michaels Kids’ Club – Kids can enjoy some in-store crafting fun at Michaels locations this summer. During their Kids’ Club craft events they are offering art classes for just $2. Designed for ages 5-12 years old. Cost: $2 per class.
Become a JEA Energy Detective – Kids can check out a Home Energy & Water Evaluation Backpack Kit that can show you how to make your home more comfortable and lower your monthly utility costs. It’s fun, easy to use, and available for checkout free of charge to anyone with a Public Library Card in Jacksonville, Nassau County, and the Bartram Trail and Ponte Vedra locations of St. Johns County. Cost: Free
Learn to Surf – On June 17th, kids under the age of 10 can participate in the Annual Super Grom Surf Fest at Jacksonville Beach. In addition to learning to surf, each participate receives lunch, a t-shirt, a medal and a goody bag. Cost: $10
Get Messy with Some Science – Summer is the perfect time to get the kids engaged with some fun science experiments. Check out this post for 5 fun experiments for younger kids and this post for 6 great experiments for older kids. Cost: Minimal cost for science materials.
Little Learners at MOSH – Bring your little ones to MOSH the second Wednesday of every month for exclusive programming for preschool-aged children and their caregivers. Little Learners is held the 2nd Wednesday of the month. Cost: $5 per person, under 2 free.
