Publish Date

Registration for Summer Activities Begins May 1 & 2 at 9 a.m.  

With temperatures heating up, it’s clear Summertime in the Parks is on the horizon. All summer programs are now available to view here. Summer programs begin June 26, 2023, and subside August 4, 2023. 
With programs spanning from June through August, Chicago residents of all ages and abilities can have fun while expanding their social circles and broadening their talents. 

“We have the best deal in town for the whole family to play, learn new skills, and collaborate with neighbors, making the parks the premier resource in Chicago for anyone looking to stay active within their communities.” said Chicago Park District Superintendent and CEO Rosa Escareño. 

Summer Program Registration

An account is required to register for a program, whether registering online or in-person. To create an account, click here

Registration opens online on Monday, May 1, 2023 at 9 a.m. for in-person programs located West of California Avenue. Alternatively, online registration opens on May 2, 2023 at 9 a.m. for in-person programs at parks located east of California Avenue. Registration for gymnastics centers will begin at 12 p.m. (noon) on Tuesday May 2, 2023. 

“Fuel up For Fun” with Summer Day Camp

Campers will have an energy packed summer with Fuel Up for Fun.  Activities will include fitness and wellness, brain play, nature, sports, visual and performing arts, electives, and specific park special events.  Special attention will be focused on healthy activities such as daily fuel up nutrition messages, daily lunch, and fun activities to get campers activity level revved up. These include daily warm ups to start your day in a healthy way, fan favorite high energy relay races, team building obstacle courses, and overall mindful activities to cool down the campers’ engines.  

Chicago Park District is a proud sponsor of the Summer Food Service Program that provides breakfast or lunch and a snack. Under this program, the Chicago Park District provides 41, 000 meals a day to the youth at 230 locations. This is a federally funded program that is administered through the Illinois State Board of Education and the USDA. In addition to providing the youth with healthy meals, the Nutrition Team includes nutritional education to our happy campers. 

Ignite the summer fun by visiting the Summer Day Camp page

Summer Camp Hours & Prerequisites 

Most Day Camps are for participants, between ages 6 and 12. Day Camps will run from June 26, 2023 through August 4, 2023. Most six-hour camp days will run from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Early Start camps, and Late Start Camps will operate between 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. 

Financial Assistance is available for Summer Day Camp. Patrons in need of aid should view more information here.

Alternative Camps

The Chicago Park District offers an array of camps across the city for a diverse range of interests and abilities. Each camp has a curriculum centered around a specific activity or discipline. Each camp is designed to prompt patrons to explore a new activity and get to know their neighbors through collaboration and competition. 

This summer, camps include Art, Archery, Bike, Basketball, Ceramics, Cheer, Dance, Special Recreation, Leadership, Gymnastics, Rowing, Music, Band, Sailing, Skateboard, Soccer, and more! All Camps are available to view here! Ages, dates, and times vary by park and by activity.

Girls’ at P.L.A.Y. 

From August 7, 2023 through August 11, 2023, the Girls’ Day at P.L.A.Y. program returns to 14 park locations. 
Girls ages 6 through 15 can participate in gymnastics, basketball, tumbling and other sports throughout the days of play. Learn more at chicagoparkdistrict.com/girls-play

“Your Perfect Summer Job” Campaign

Last month, the Park District announced the “Your Perfect Summer Job” marketing campaign to inform job seekers of the more than 2,500 seasonal employment opportunities available at parks citywide this summer. Qualified candidates must be ages 16 and up to apply for summer jobs, including summer lifeguard. For more information on becoming a Chicago Park District lifeguard, candidates should visit www.chicagoparkdistrict.com/lifeguards