You don’t have to be school age to know that summer is a magical season! Somehow, we never outgrow the excitement that promises beach days, relaxed schedules, and endless fun things to do. Before the school year starts, complete your summer bucket list in the place that checks off every item: New Smyrna Beach. From surfing the waves to trying every ice cream shop on the island, NSB is a memorable place for kids to spend their vacation. Hold off on school supplies and focus on adding the below experiences to your family’s bucket list!
Surf Camp
Upgrade the kids’ boogie board this summer with surf camp lessons in the beautiful Atlantic waters. New Smyrna Beach’s surf camps provide a safe, instructive environment for children (and adults!) to learn how to catch the waves. As NSB is a popular destination for surfers, you don’t have to look far for professional instructors. We recommend booking lessons with Jimmy Lane as his business holds surf camp Monday – Friday, 9:30am-12:30pm. If you plan on vacationing longer than a week, you can also sign up for Saturday lessons from 10am-12pm. See the full schedule here. Secretly dying to ride the waves with the kids? Book a group lesson for you, your children, and friends with Surfin’ NSB. Each lesson is $50 and over an hour long. Schedule your time and get ready to shred the waves!
Marine Discovery Center
Even if science is a dreaded school subject, the kids will never suspect as the Marine Discovery Center turns learning into hands-on fun. Spend an afternoon diving deep into NSB’s wildlife at the center’s interactive exhibits and live aquariums. If you really want to give your children an educational experience, sign them up for the Marine Discovery Center’s summer program. Their camps are filled with unique activities from kayaking along the Indian River to snorkeling in local springs. By the end of the week, you’ll have mini conservationists on your hands! View their summer camp details and pricing.
Ice Cream Shops
Hot Florida days call for one thing and one thing alone: Ice cream. There are no rules on vacation, and New Smyrna Beach is the perfect place to indulge your sweet tooth. Trust us, the kids will have no issue checking off this bucket list item! Get your cone every evening at either Frozen Gold, Treats on the Beach, Izzy’s Island, Twistee Treat, Beachside Candy Co., Lighthouse Ice Cream, and other nearby shops. Want the full scoop? We’ve compiled our favorite NSB ice cream shops here.
Go-Kart City
Fuel up for a day of friendly competition when you and yours head to Go-Kart City. Nothing checks off a summer bucket list like go-kart racing, rounds of mini golf, and arcade games. Located nearby in Port Orange, this attraction is perfect for all ages as it has a go-kart track, 7-stall batting cage, and 18-hole putt-putt course. While Go-Kart city is a hit with the younger crowd, adults love it for more than just summertime nostalgia. Don’t be surprised if you find yourself competing for first place across the finish line!
Water-Filled Fun
Even though New Smyrna Beach is filled with activities and things to do, its strongest appeal is a simple one: Water. The lure of summertime is hours spent in swimsuits, floating in the pool, and spending as much time possible in the salty waves. Give your children unlimited water-filled fun when you stay in a direct oceanfront complex. Vacation rentals in complexes such as Sea Coast Gardens, Southwind, Oceania Plaza, Smyrna Beach Club, and more all boast of oceanfront pools and direct beach access. When traveling with kids, we recommend booking a ground-floor condo or a private home with a pool for ultimate ease.
After a fun vacation in New Smyrna Beach, you and the kids will be ready to return knowing you checked everything off your summer bucket list. Make the most of late July and early August, and plan one last summer hurrah! Search our website for 1-bedroom, 2-bedroom, or 3+ bedrooms and book your NSB vacation rental today. Need assistance? Call our team at 386.478.7863.