Willis S Johns Recreation Center
Last checked August 2026
Willis S. Johns Recreation Center (Fossil Park) in St. Petersburg runs the city's summer camps: a Play Camp for children who completed grades K-5 and a Teen Camp for grades 6-8. Fees are income-tiered (Play Camp about $27-$78/week). The 12,500-square-foot center also offers dance, karate, and yoga classes.
Camps
| Camp | Dates | Ages | Price | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Chick Fil A and Movies5:00pm – 10:00pmRegister → | See website → | 11–17 | $20 | Active |
| Main Event5:00pm – 10:00pmRegister → | See website → | 11–18 | Free | Active |
| NBA 2k Tournament6:00pm – 10:00pmRegister → | See website → | 11–18 | Free | Active |
Single In-Service Day $25.00 - Full $21.25 - Reduced $8.75 - Free
Camp Fees: $60 (Full) • $51 (Reduced) • $21 (Free)
Camp Fees: $80/week (Full) • $68/week (Reduced) • $28/week (Free)
Classes
| Class | Dates | Ages | Price | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hatha Yoga - WSJ Summer 2026Register → | See website → | 14+ | $45.00 | Active |
Before & after school care
| Program | Dates | Ages | Price | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Before & After School (Meadowlawn MS) - WSJ Fall 2026Register → | Aug 11, 2026 – May 27, 2027 | 11–14 | Varies | Active |
| Before & After School (ELC) - WSJ Fall 2026Register → | Aug 11, 2026 – May 27, 2027 | 5–11 | $6.65 – $41/wk | Active |
| After School (*Self Transport MS) - WSJ Fall 2026Register → | Aug 11, 2026 – May 27, 2027 | 11–14 | Varies | Active |
Before School Fees: $19/week (Full) • $16.15/week (Reduced) • $6.65/week (Free) | After School Fees: $41/week (Full) • $34.85/week (Reduced) • $14.35/week (Free)
After School Fees: $41/week (Full) • $34.85/week (Reduced) • $14.35/week (Free)
The practical details
- Daily hours
- 7:00am–6:00pm
- Ages
- Ages 3–18 · Grades K–8
- Environment
- Indoor/Outdoor
- Operator
- City of St. Petersburg · Parks & Recreation
We list only what the camp itself publishes, and programs change — dates, prices, ages and availability can all move after we check. Confirm the details on the camp’s own website and contact City of St. Petersburg directly before you register or pay.
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Google Reviews
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★★★★★Rich LowmanTook my kid there. It was not very crowded. We had a blast.
★★★★★Lauren Ann SmallsHi, I just want to thank all the teens that worked so hard on the beautiful gift for the 41st Seniors Hall of Fame. I truly appreciate all your efforts. It bring a big smile on my face and warms my heart. Thanks
★★★★★Melissa BurghardtAndy and Judy are amazing. They went above and beyond to help me out with camps. Our kids went to summer camp there last year and had an amazing time and made a tone of new friends. If I could give more than 5 stars I would.
★★★Awkward OogwayI was a child who used to go here every year for summer camp or after school. They do have great activities and trips to do but this place is toxic. Especially teen group. I remember a girl who was dating a boy and they kissed (mind you she was 16 maybe older) and they called her parents, caused her to get in extreme trouble, I'm not 100% sure but I think they made them split up. My friend got bullied non stop and they did nothing about it until I practically yelled at them. All they did was talk to the bullies once. It still continued for the whole summer. People where constantly aggressive, not all but most of them. In teen group they made a rule where you could not go on ur phone at all. But we hardly ever left that small room and the only games we had where card games and similarthings to that. Yes they do have video games but all the boys would take over and be so passionate about it, half of the time we wouldn't be allowed to use them. Some days we would have the option to go outside but its FL and I don't feel like smelling like sweat all day. I'm not going this year or ever again due to moving to far away. I made some amazing friends here and met people that I would rather never met. Every year that I been to fossil I was depressed and aggressive and now that I'm not going here and been gone for a year or so I can tell I wasted so much energy and time there. Sure, go ahead and put your kid here but as soon as ur child is clearly unhappy take them out. Its not worth the emotional and physical effort. This isn't all the problems I have with this place. Its just toxic and I was happy once when I was in group 2 or so. Mm.
★★★★★Wendy EdwardsKids dance classes here are great. There are also two playgrounds, tennis courts, basketball courts, and a skate park. Lots to do while waiting for your kid to be done with a lesson. They also offer a fresh fruits and vegetables stand/cooler where you can get a snack or just some cheap vegetables.