By Rebecca Rubin
Spring Break For Alachua County Public Schools is March 20–24!
The five months between winter break and summer break can seem like an endless span of time for students. Enter spring break! This is the perfect nugget of time for kids and teachers to get a little break to refresh and regroup! But not all working parents can take an entire week off to cruise the seven seas, so what are the kiddos to do? Spring break camps, of course! These local and fun-filled options are the perfect alternative to make sure kids have a safe and eventful break.
A Child’s Dream School Holidays Camp
PRICE: $145
HOURS: 6:30 a.m. – 6 p.m.
ADDRESS: 4127 NW 34 St., Gainesville, Florida, 32605
WEBSITE: Againesvillepreschool.com
A Child’s Dream plans a variety of activities to entertain kids throughout the week, including swimming, field trips, creative projects, sports and artistic crafts.
City of Gainesville
PRICE: City Residents $50; Non-City Residents $74.75
HOURS: 7 a.m. – 6 p.m.
ADDRESS: Albert “Ray” Massey Recreation Center, 1001 NW 34th St., Gainesville, Florida 32605 or Eastside Community Center, 2841 E. University Ave., Gainesville, Florida 32641
WEBSITE: Cityofgainesville.org
The City of Gainesville offers a fiveday camp for students to engage and learn with hands-on activities, such as nature explorations and arts and crafts.
Florida Museum of Natural History
PRICE: All day – $220 members,
$245 non-members/ Half day – $115 members, $125 non-members
HOURS: 8 a.m. – 5 p.m. / Morning session 8 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. / Afternoon session 12:30 p.m. – 5 p.m.
ADDRESS: Powell Hall, 3215 Hull road, Gainesville, Florida, 32608
WEBSITE: Flmnh.ufl.edu
Florida Museum of Natural History spring break camps are perfect for science and history buffs! Students can partake in interactive programs and explore the museum’s exhibits.
Gainesville’s After School Programs
PRICE: $25 per day
HOURS: 7:30 a.m. – 6 p.m.
ADDRESS: 43536 NW Eighth Ave., Gainesville, Florida, 32605
WEBSITE: Gnvasp.com
Activities during Gainesville’s After School Programs involve interactive educational and recreational vents. Students will engage in outdoor activities, arts and crafts, movie time and more.
Haile Equestrian School Holiday Camps
PRICE: $200/Three days, $350/Five days, or $75/day
HOURS: 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.
ADDRESS: 7680 SW 46th Blvd., Gainesville, Florida, 32608
WEBSITE: Haileequestrian.com
Haile Equestrian offers the perfect venue for horse lovers. Experienced and non-experienced riders will ride horses twice a day, as well as learn about horse care and safety. Campers will also participate in crafting activities. The camp culminates in a horse show for family and friends.
Girls Place Inc. School Holiday Camps
PRICE: $15 per day for members regularly attending the after school program/ $20 per day for children who are enrolled but do not regularly attend the after school program
HOURS: 7:30 a.m. – 6 p.m.
ADDRESS: 2101 NW 39 Ave., Gainesville, Florida, 32605
WEBSITE: Girlsplace.net
Girls Place offers girls an array of planned activities during the week based on physical, emotional, intellectual, social, spiritual and environmental wellness. Girls will go on field trips and participate in arts and crafts.
Hippodrome Spring Break Camp
PRICE: $275
HOURS: 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.
ADDRESS: 25 SE Second place, Gainesville, Florida, 32601
WEBSITE: Thehipp.org
Theater aficionados will enjoy the Hippodrome’s weeklong camp as they get acclimated with professional theater through workshops and classes. Family and friends are encouraged to attend a reception at the end of the camp to showcase camper-created works.
O2BKids!
WEEKLY PRICE: $169/ members or $189 nonmembers.
HOURS: Hours vary by location
ADDRESS: Multiple locations in Gainesville
WEBSITE: O2bkids.com
O2BKids has three locations in Alachua County to provide children with a safe and fun camp experience. The camp includes field trips, arts and crafts, music, drama, games and other engaging projects.
Okito America School Holiday Camp
PRICE: $130
HOURS: 7:30 a.m. – 5 p.m.
ADDRESS: 6900 SW Archer road, Gainesville, Florida, 32608
WEBSITE: Okitoamerica.com
Okito America, a Family Fitness Center, has a full range of events for their spring break camp. Kids engage in Spanish and martial arts classes, sports, bowling, swimming and group games.
Skate Station Funworks
PRICE: $149.95 per week, $37.95 per day
HOURS: 7:30 a.m. – 6 p.m.
ADDRESS: 1311 NW 76th Blvd., Gainesville, Florida, 32606
WEBSITE: Funworks.com
Funworks Action Camp includes an array of action-packed activities geared toward children ages 5–12, including roller skating, rock climbing, miniature golfing and go karting. Admission also includes weekly local fieldtrips, lunch and snacks.
Sonshine Day Preschool
ADDRESS: 10000 W. Newberry road, Gainesville, Florida 32606
WEBSITE: Sonshineday.org
Call Sonshine Day Preschool for more information!
Sun Country Camp Sunny
PRICE: $253 per week, prices vary for half-day rates
HOURS: 7:30 a.m. – 6 p.m.
ADDRESS: 333 SW 140th terrace, Jonesville, Florida, 32669
WEBSITE: Suncountrysports.com
Sun Country Sports Center holds Camp Sunny’s Spring Break Camp for active children. Campers will participate in a variety of sports activities, such as swimming, gymnastics, obstacle courses, indoor playgrounds and arts and crafts