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5 Best Summer Camps for Kids on St. Simons Island (2026)

Looking for the best summer camps on St. Simons Island? Whether your child enjoys sports, art, animals, or outdoor adventure, the Golden Isles offer plenty of opportunities for kids to stay active, learn new skills, and make lasting memories.

Here are five of our favorite kids’ summer camps on St. Simons Island this year.

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1. KavPar Skim and Surf Camp

Perfect for kids who love the beach, KavPar Skim and Surf Camp offers lessons in surfing and skimboarding in a fun, supportive environment. Campers receive personalized instruction, learn water safety, and build confidence while enjoying time on the Georgia Coast.

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2. The Stables at Frederica Summer Riding Camp

For horse lovers, The Stables at Frederica Summer Riding Camp offers a unique summer camp experience focused on horseback riding, horse care, and horsemanship. For families planning a Golden Isles vacation with kids who love horses, it’s an experience they’ll talk about long after summer ends.

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3. Coastal Outdoor Adventures Summer Camp

Coastal Outdoor Adventures Summer Camp introduces children to the natural beauty of the Georgia Coast through hands-on activities and marine education. It’s one of the top outdoor adventure camps for kids in the area, combining science and exploration in a way that keeps children engaged all week.

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4. St. Simons Island Tennis Academy Summer Camp

Young athletes can improve their game while developing teamwork and sportsmanship at the St. Simons Island Tennis Academy Summer Camp. For families visiting St. Simons Island with kids who love tennis, it’s a great way to keep young athletes active and improving all summer long.

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5. Glynn Visual Arts Day Camp

Creative children will love the variety of art-focused camps offered by Glynn Visual Arts Day Camp, featuring hands-on projects and artistic exploration. It’s one of the most beloved art camps for kids in the Golden Isles, with something for every young creative, from painters to photographers.

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Plan Your Family Summer on St. Simons Island

From kayaking and horseback riding to tennis, art, and outdoor adventure, these St. Simons Island summer camps offer something for every child. Be sure to register early, as many camps fill quickly each summer!

Find the Perfect Golden Isles Vacation Rental with Hodnett Cooper

With an incredible selection of professionally managed vacation homes and condos in the Golden Isles, Hodnett Cooper makes it easy to find the right location, amenities, and accommodations for an unforgettable stay. Browse our collection of St. Simons and Jekyll Island vacation rentals and book your Golden Isles summer camp and getaway today!

As one of the most respected vacation rental experts in the Golden Isles, Hodnett Cooper has helped countless visitors find the perfect place to stay on St. Simons and Jekyll Island. And whether you’re looking for a beachfront condo, a spacious family home, luxury accommodations, or easy access to the beach, we want you to find the perfect place to stay so you can thoroughly enjoy your getaway. That’s why we developed this guide, so you can compare locations, property types, and amenities, then book with confidence and make the most of your time on the Georgia Coast!

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Should I Stay on St. Simons or Jekyll Island?

St. Simons and Jekyll Island offer memorable vacation experiences, no doubt, but each appeals to a different type of vacationer. St. Simons is known for its family-friendly atmosphere, dining scene, and variety of accommodations, while Jekyll Island offers a more relaxed setting, serene beaches, and plenty of space to unwind.

St. Simons May Be Best if You Want:

Jekyll Island May Be Best if You Want:

Which Golden Isles Vacation Rentals are Best for Large Families?

Vacationing with a large family brings different considerations, and choosing the right vacation rental can significantly impact the experience. Look for multi-bedroom homes, side-by-side vacation rentals, and properties with generous gathering and dining areas. When paired with open floor plans, outdoor living spaces, and proximity to attractions and activities, the following options create a pleasant balance between shared experiences and personal space:

 

What’s the Best Place to Stay in the Golden Isles with Kids?

Traveling with kids requires a little more planning, especially when the priority is keeping days easy and enjoyable for everyone. The best stays are in family-friendly areas with beach access, nearby parks and playgrounds, bike paths, and casual dining options that make getting around and settling in straightforward. Homes and condos with pools, full kitchens, and bunk rooms keep kids entertained while still giving adults their own space. Here are a few options:

 

Where Should I Stay if I Want Access to a Heated Pool?

Access to a heated pool is often a deciding factor for guests planning a visit outside peak summer months. Availability can vary seasonally, with many resort communities and condo complexes offering shared heated pools, while many select private homes also feature this amenity for a more exclusive experience. If this is a deciding factor for you, here are some recommendations:

What’s the Best Place to Stay if I Want to Get Around by Bike?

Getting around by bike is one of the easiest and most enjoyable ways to enjoy St. Simons and Jekyll Island. With bike paths throughout the island, St. Simons makes it easy to pedal to the beach, the Village, and popular attractions. Jekyll Island offers miles of scenic trails that wind through maritime forests, along the shoreline, and past some of the island’s most notable landmarks. Here are a few ideas if biking is on the agenda during your time here:

Find the Perfect Golden Isles Vacation Rental with Hodnett Cooper

With an incredible selection of professionally managed vacation homes and condos in the Golden Isles, Hodnett Cooper makes it easy to find the right location, amenities, and accommodations for an unforgettable stay. Browse our collection of St. Simons and Jekyll Island vacation rentals and book your Golden Isles getaway today!

 

If you ever thought about casting a line in the Golden Isles but aren’t sure where to begin, you’re in the right place. Whether you’re brand new to fishing or simply new to the Georgia Coast, this guide brings together everything you need to feel confident heading out on the water.

To get the inside scoop, we teamed up with Captain Kevin Dezern at Georgia Saltwater Adventures, who knows the local waters inside and out. 

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Understanding the Golden Isles Fishing Seasons

Chasing fish in the Golden Isles definitely shifts with the seasons, but all are equally fruitful. Spring brings warming waters and active fish, while summer sees tarpon, flounder, and larger trout making appearances. Fall is one of the best times to fish, with cooler temperatures and bait migrations creating ideal conditions. Redfish remain a reliable winter target, often found in large schools in calmer, shallower waters.

 

“Spring and fall are best for inshore species like: Sea trout, Redfish, flounder, and whiting, to name a few. Summer is great because the trolling fish offshore really fire up, like king mackerel, Spanish, and cobia. Bottom fishing is good year-round for black sea bass and snapper. Shark fishing is a huge activity in the warm months. They are big and plentiful, and customers love to go after them,” says Captain Dezern.

Where to Fish Along the Georgia Coast

The Golden Isles offer a range of fishing environments for those just learning the ropes.

Tide creeks and estuaries are a great place to start. These calmer waters are easy to navigate and are teeming with redfish, trout, and flounder. Marsh edges and river mouths also provide consistent action. Watching the tide movement here is key, as fish tend to follow the flow of water and bait.

 

“Tide is the biggest factor for success in saltwater fishing. Weather can change daily, and the ability to pivot around weather is a strong suit of any good captain,” says Dezern.

Inshore Fishing

For those fishing on land, public piers and docks can be surprisingly rewarding, offering easy access and a chance to practice technique. What can you reel in? Trout, redfish, flounder, sharks, and whiting lead the lineup, with over 40 species possible inshore throughout the year.

 

“Fishing from beaches or piers is really a good place for novice fishermen to start. We have clients who book us and still love to fish off the beaches,” says Dezern.

Offshore Fishing

Once you’re ready to venture beyond the shoreline, offshore fishing opens up a whole new experience, particularly in the warmer months. Trips into deeper waters can target completely different species depending on the time of the year. Excursions typically go 15-50 miles offshore, where you’ll see lots of bottom fishing, snapper, and grouper species. Trolling offshore can yield mackerel, cobia, barracuda, and plenty more!

Booking a Golden Isles Charter

For anyone new to fishing in the Golden Isles, booking a charter can take the guesswork out of the equation. Sure, local guides bring gear, but they also bring knowledge of tides, bait patterns, fish behavior, and a clear understanding of regulations, so you can fish confidently while obeying the rules. 

 

“All fishermen are required to know state rules and regulations, which is why it’s best to charter a boat for most fishers new to our area. The Captains in this area are some of the best in the world,” says Dezern. ”We have to be really good at a large range of fishing types and styles with the diversity of our ecosystem.”

 

A trip with a charter like Georgia Saltwater Adventures can fast-track your learning curve and give you a much better chance at success.  It also presents opportunities to ask questions and pick up tips you can use on future trips. Many charters offer half-day and full-day options, making it easy to fit into your schedule.

 

“I highly recommend a 4-8 hour offshore trip. It offers lots of options on what to fish for and a large variety of species you can catch,” says Dezern.

What to Expect on a Fishing Charter in the Golden Isles

Georgia Saltwater Adventures takes all bookings over the phone so they can discuss options, giving guests a clear picture of what their day on the water will look like. First, you’ll meet your Captain at a pre-set time and location, load your drinks and snacks, then go over a quick safety briefing before heading out. Travel time varies depending on the type and length of your trip, but once you find the fish, it’s all about making the most of your time on the water. At the end of the trip, the Captain will bring you back, clean your catch if applicable, and walk you through settling up for the trip and any gratuity.

Georgia Saltwater Adventures also offers trips specifically tailored for families, keeping kids engaged while focusing on learning and making the trip fun. Outings can also be paired with dolphin tours or shark tooth hunting, making for a well-rounded day on the water!

Insider Fishing Tips to Get You Started

As Captain Dezern explains, learning the tides is one of the most important skills you can pick up, thanks to the area’s dramatic tide swings that directly impact fish activity. He also recommends focusing on the specific fish you’re targeting.

“Find out what the fish you want to catch eat and how they want that lure or bait presented to them. For tackle, always go with reliable gear and brands for saltwater fishing. Shrimp and cut bait will catch most of what’s available,” says Dezern.

And, if you’re looking for places to get bait and gear, he suggests St. Simons Bait and Tackle and West Marine. The biggest thing to remember is not to put too much pressure on yourself. Just have fun while visiting, and don’t be afraid to ask local bait shops or hire a captain.

This mindset is often what turns a single trip into a tradition. Captain Dezern recalls taking a young boy and his grandmother, Mrs. Anne, out during a visit. Neither had caught a fish before. By the end of the day, they were reeling in sharks and bringing home redfish for dinner. After the first trip, Mrs. Anne said, “If I knew it was this much fun, I would have started this years ago with my own kids!” They now return to the Golden Isles every year just to fish. 

Plan Your Fishing Trip in the Golden Isles

When it comes to planning your stay, Hodnett Cooper Vacation Rentals offers a wide range of homes and condos, many located just minutes from marinas, piers, and some of the area’s most popular places to fish, so you can spend less time on logistics and more time on the water!

Every summer, the Golden Isles set the stage for summer traditions that span generations. Often, they begin with small discoveries that spark wonder, like a favorite stretch of sand, a beautiful seashell, or a quiet sunset shared with a loved one. All eventually become part of a family’s story and, over time, these simple moments define the season for so many. It’s no surprise the area continues to earn national recognition, with the Golden Isles named the South’s #1 Beach Destination while St. Simons was named the South’s #2 Best Small Town.

 

Over the years, we’ve learned from guests what draws them back each summer, and these were top on their lists:

The Pace of Summer in the Golden Isles

Summer just seems to move at a gentler pace in the Golden Isles, creating space for connection, conversation, and time spent outdoors. Meals tend to last longer, and routines naturally shift toward the water and open air. There’s also a feeling of coming home, as returning guests slip back into old habits as if no time has passed. Long morning beach walks with coffee in hand, bike rides at sunset, or a favorite festival they keep returning for are the kinds of experiences that linger long after summer ends. It’s this blend of familiarity and nostalgia that gives summer along the coast of Coastal Georgia its quiet, lasting appeal.

Why Families Return Year After Year

While that feeling brings visitors back each year, we’ve noticed it does something else too. It encourages people to invite others to share in the experience, whether bringing parents, introducing friends, or creating new memories with their children who are seeing it for the first time. Summer in the Golden Isles often becomes less about a single trip and more about gathering the people who matter most for an annual vacation each year. In that way, the tradition grows, expanding with each new visit and each new face at the table.

Summer Activities in the Golden Isles

And summer in the Golden Isles isn’t just about the sun and sand, although that’s definitely a big part of it. It’s also about the wide range of unique experiences that fill each day. Kayaking through quiet marsh channels, casting a line at sunrise, grabbing ice cream at Frosty’s Griddle and Shake, or hopping on a local trolley tour. All offer a closer connection to the landscape and its people. Even looking for the Tree Spirits is a great way to explore the island while discovering some of its most memorable spots along the way.

Local Events and Seasonal Happenings

Seasonal festivals, outdoor concerts, and community celebrations create opportunities to meet new people, enjoy the beautiful weather, and embrace the spirit of the islands. Fun summer events, like Crafts in the Village at Postell Park, the Summertime Concert Series, and 4th of July celebrations, add variety to the season. Over time, many visitors find themselves planning their trips around these summer events, turning them into another favorite part of their summer tradition. For a full lineup of local happenings, check out the Summer Event Calendar.

The Lifestyle that Shapes Summer Traditions

Part of what makes summer traditions so easy to embrace is the lifestyle they embody, and that’s especially true in the Golden Isles. Days rarely call for much planning here; just a light bag, a pair of flip flops, maybe a hat, and a willingness to let the day unfold as it will. It’s a place where you can walk straight from the beach to your favorite restaurant, sandy toes and all, and no one thinks twice about it. That easy-going way of life feels like an old friend, inviting visitors to slow down, settle in, and let summer unfold naturally.

Start Your Own Summer Tradition with Hodnett Cooper

Starting your own summer tradition starts with finding the right place to gather and make memories together. With a large selection of vacation homes and condos, Hodnett Cooper Vacation Rentals offers comfortable places to stay with plenty of space for gathering, many with large kitchens, porches, and bunk rooms. Plus, they’re close to beaches, restaurants, and favorite island activities. We’re pretty sure that it won’t take long before one summer visit brings you and your family back time and time again.

While much of the world is still shaking off winter, spring in the Golden Isles is a breath of fresh air, particularly in April and May. Late spring is what some may call our ‘sweet spot’, when azaleas are bursting with color, the weather is incredible, and the crowds are blissfully light—particularly during weekdays. So, if you’ve been scouting the best time to visit the Golden Isles, we’re here to tell you, it’s April and May, and here’s why!

Incredible Weather

With a mild, inviting climate that makes every outdoor moment a delight, spring is truly one of our favorite times in the Golden Isles. You can expect daytime highs to climb comfortably from the mid-70s in April to the low 80s by late May, while nighttime lows hover between 55 and 65, just perfect for an evening stroll.

Some of our favorite spring activities include kayaking through the salt marshes, biking the 20+ miles of paved trails on Jekyll Island, or enjoying a round of world-class golf before the summer sun reaches its peak. Because the coastal breezes remain gentle and the Atlantic starts to warm up, it’s also a fantastic season for horseback riding on the beach or hunting for seashells along the serene shoreline.

Fewer Crowds

While the Golden Isles are full of energy during the peak summer months, April and May are a little quieter. You can often walk into your favorite St. Simons Island restaurants, no waiting involved, or snag a seat on a trolley tour and hear stories of the island’s history with a more intimate group. Whether you’re exploring the shops at Pier Village or wandering along Driftwood Beach on Jekyll Island, lighter crowds let you take things at your own pace and enjoy the charm of the people in our beautiful island communities.

Affordable Rates

You can also enjoy world-class luxury without the peak season price tag! With April and May falling just before the busy summer months, it’s easier to snag more affordable lodging rates and lower airfare into nearby airports like Brunswick Golden Isles (BQK) or Jacksonville (JAX). 

Plus, seasonal specials and mid-week prices mean you can take those savings and put them right back into your vacation. Whether you use the money on a private excursion or a day trip, treat the family to a night out at a nice restaurant, or simply extend your stay to catch another beautiful sunset, it’s totally your call!

Epic Outdoor Adventures

The mild spring weather creates the perfect conditions for epic outdoor adventures that might feel a little intense during the warmer summer months. Spend your morning climbing the steps of the historic St. Simons Lighthouse for panoramic coastal views or hit the World War II Home Front Museum and learn about the area’s fascinating maritime history. Rent a bike and explore miles of paved biking trails winding through ancient live oak forests and scenic marshes. Of course, if you’d prefer to get out on the water, the calm breezes are ideal for kayaking or taking a guided boat tour to spot dolphins and local bird life!

April and May Events

One of the best ways to soak up the local culture (and sunshine) is by attending one of the many Golden Isles spring events that dot the calendar in April and May. Celebrate the region’s diverse heritage at the Golden Isles CultureFest in mid-April in Brunswick, or browse one-of-a-kind treasures at the Art in the Park festival under the live oaks on St. Simons. A true seasonal highlight is the historic Blessing of the Fleet in Brunswick, held each May, honoring the local shrimp industry with a colorful parade of decorated boats and plenty of fresh-caught seafood.

Book Your Spring Break Getaway with Hodnett Cooper

There’s never been a better time to turn those coastal daydreams into a reality! Whether you’re planning a romantic retreat for two or a long-awaited family reunion, we’ve got accommodations for groups of all sizes. Plus, many of our vacation homes and condos come with thoughtful amenities like private pools, fully equipped kitchens, and breezy porches so you can soak up every bit of that spring air!

Book your spring break getaway today with Hodnett Cooper!

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