The choices are exhaustive as options return at schools, libraries and community centers in the wake of the coronavirus pandemic. Here’s sneak peek at some of our Best Bets.

MIAMI-DADE

Miami Dade College – From animation to learning CSI techniques, MDC’s summer camps offer unique variety, quality and fun. Open to kids, tweens and teens, the camps will be available online and in-person at various MDC campuses. This year’s highlights include CSI, Teen Entrepreneurship, Technology, Teens College, and the popular Summer OnScreen camp, a diverse virtual experience for kids and teens. Other virtual options are GenCyber of South Florida, Next Tech Generation and a Virtual Creative Writing Summer Camp. To register and to view a complete list of summer camps visit mdc.edu/summercamps.

AileyCamp Miami – Each summer up to 100 Miami-Dade County students ages 11 to 14 are selected for a full scholarship to a six-week program that transforms lives; a summer day camp where middle school students are immersed in dance as a physical activity that, in addition to expanding aesthetic awareness, fosters athletic ability and skills demanded. As a result, campers increase confidence, selfesteem, leadership skills and enjoy a variety of social activities. Prior dance training is not a consideration for admission. AileyCamp Miami 2023 will be held in person at the Arsht Center for the Performing Arts between June 20 and July 29. Applications are now open, visit arshtcenter.org.

Summer Camps at Parks – Miami Dade County Parks’ Summer Camps are dedicated to keeping kids active and engaged, offering them numerous opportunities to enjoy exciting activities and adventures in popular parks and green spaces from June 13 to Aug. 12 (select sites open through Aug. 19). Located at parks throughout the county, camps will be open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, and offer 7:30 a.m. early drop-off and 6 p.m. late pickup options. Parents can also register their child anytime throughout the summer. Register online or in person at a participating park. Visit miamidadeparks.com.

Big Blue Swim School – As parents plan family trips and vacations for the year, beach trips are often at the top of the list. According to the CDC, drowning is the #1 cause of death for children ages 1-4 and the second leading cause of accidental death for children under the age of 14 in the US. Building comfort and confidence in the water can set your child up for success and less stressful pool and beach trips. That means that now is the time for parents to enroll their children in swim lessons. Big Blue Swim School is opening in March in Pembroke Pines with lessons and special tips for preparing kids for safe swimming this year. Visit bigblueswimschool.com.

Broward Center Summer Theater Camp – Two sessions are available at Broward Center in Fort Lauderdale, Aventura Arts & Cultural Center in Aventura and the Rose & Alfred Miniaci Performing Arts Center at Nova Southeastern University in Davie. Youths can see old friends and make news ones, be taught by professional performing arts teachers, and have fun putting on an show on the Amaturo stage. The camp offers students the chance to study singing, dancing and acting while rehearsing for a theatrical production culminating in a final performance on stage at the Broward Center for the Performing Arts. As part of enrollment, each camper will receive a Summer Theater Camp 2023 T-Shirt and cast photo. visit browardcenter.org/summer-theater-camp.

Summer at the Y – Campers make friends, have fun, get active and discover who they are and what they can achieve, whether through singing or swimming, through sports or dance, or field trips or social activities, to help them grow as individuals and leaders. Programs will participate in Project Based Learning and support summer learning loss in core subjects such as reading math and science. Programs are in partnership with Broward County Schools and The Children’s Services Council of Broward County. Visit ymcasouthflorida.org.

PALM BEACH

Kravis Center Arts Camp – Take a group of talented and imaginative kids ages 9 – 11 who share a common interest in the performing arts and put them in an environment where they can nurture their creativity and the result is Arts Camp. Under the guidance of professional teaching artists, campers will explore acting, dance, technical theater and vocal music, which will culminate in an original showcase performance. Classes are June 5 – 23, 9 a.m. – 4 p.m., Mon-Fri (extended care is available). Visit kravis.org.

Everglades Youth Conservation Camp – A residential (sleep away) summer camp, with all programs beginning each week on Sunday and concluding Friday. Programs designed to provide campers with a different outdoor experience, as campers spend 3 to 4 hours each day engaged in program activities with the rest of the day allotted to general outdoor skill activities including swimming, paddle sports, fishing, and archery. You will be able to select one program per week for your camper within the online registration portal. Program selection is based on your child’s grade level for the 2022 2023 school year. Campers can register for up to two weeks of camp; however, the weeks of attendance may not be consecutive. Visit fyccn.org/eycc-summercamp.

Armory Arts Center Summer Art Experience – Create, learn, and mix for an exciting week filled with high quality art education, art excursions that complement weekly themes and techniques, hands-on exploration of various creative, diverse techniques, and opportunities to sharpen skills and tap new interests, June 5 – July 28, 9 a.m. – 3 p.m. (extended Care hours available). Visit armoryart.org/youthartcamps.