The Official Website of the Chicago Park District

Celebrating 85 Years of Service

Day Camp

CLOSURES ALERT:

The Lakefront, adjacent parks & beaches, The 606 Trail, and all fieldhouses and playgrounds are closed.

COVID-19 RESPONSE:

Go here to learn more about the Chicago Park District COVID-19 Response.

Campers are covered in color at the Color Run!

Loyola Campers are all smiles!

Campers playing cricket

Best friends at camp.

Girls enjoying fitness fest.

Campers cooling off in local pool.

Teens cheering on the winners of the annual Push Kart Race!

The boys are back at camp.

Our special recreation camper created Tye-dye t-shirts at Welles Park

Day Camp 2020

We are currently planning for another fun summer in the parks.

Our traditional 6-week day camp will run June 22-July 31, 2020. In addition to the traditional camp, a variety of specialty camps will be offered in parks throughout the city.

View camps and other summer programs on April 6, online registration begins April 20 (see more information on dates below).

Affordable

Most camps cost between $1 and $3 per hour. Fees vary depending on the program, but are always affordable.

Convenient

You’re sure to find a camp near you, close to home or work, with convenient hours - choose camp alone (6 hours) or add in early bird and/or extended camps to cover the full day (8-10 hours, varies by park).

Fun

There’s so much to do! Variety of activities is often the number one reason parents chose our camps.

Field Trips

One of the main reasons campers like Chicago Park District camps is field trips. Campers go on a variety of trips throughout the summer.

Staff

Our staff is great! In past years, the overwhelming majority of parents surveyed said the quality of staff met or exceeded their expectations. Learn more about the day camp staff & Nike’s Swoosh Summer Academy partnership that delivers coaching and leadership education.

Variety of Offerings

Standard Camps: Day Camp (6-12 yrs), Play Camp (3-5 yrs.), and Teen Camps (13-15). Numerous specialty camps are also available.

97% of guests said, "Yes, we’re sending our kids back next year!"

Important Dates

Dates listed below are for most programs. Morgan Park Sports Center & McFetridge Sports Center dates vary. See details below.

View Programs Online:
Thursday, April 6, 2020

Online Registration Begins:
Monday, April 20, 2020 at 9 am for parks West of California Ave.
Tuesday, April 21, 2020 at 9 am for parks East of California Ave.
Note: Gymnastics Centers online registration begins April 21 at 12 pm.

In-Person Registration Begins:
Saturday, April 25, 2020 for most parks. Some parks begin on Monday, April 27.

Day Camp runs:
June 22 – July 31, 2020

Late Summer Camps* run:
August 3 – August 7 or August 14 (varies by park)
*offered at many parks

NOTE: Registration dates for Morgan Park Sports Center & McFetridge Sports Center vary from the dates listed above. View the McFetridge Sports Center & Morgan Park Sports Center registration dates.

"I was really impressed with the staff. My kids seemed well taken care of and felt safe, and I felt good that they weren't home staring at the TV all day. Thank you!"

- Christina, Portage Park

"They had a great summer, can't wait till next year."

- Michele, Kelvyn Park

"I love the exposure to the city that the day camp provides and it's an incredible value for what you pay."

- LaKesha, Euclid Park

"Thank you for making this summer so memorable & fun. Brooks park is amazing the staff should be so proud of all they do."

- Jamie, Brooks Park

"Just thank you for making camp affordable. My husband and I separated and I have all expenses to manage on my own, without park district affordability, I would not be able to send my kids anywhere. Thank you so much."

- Sheil Park

"This was my child's first experience in a summer camp and at first I was very scared and hesitant, but after sitting and talking to Ms. Terry I became to feel at ease. She ensured me that the staff was well trained and that my child would be cared for, entertained and included from everything from swimming, field trips, to special events and talent show performances. I felt even more at ease when she said as a parent she understood where I was coming from and that if I ever had any questions or concerns to please call. her. I am so happy that I registered my child at Blackhawk Park, Ms. terry and her team made sure all the children were safe and engaged in fun experiences all summer long.."

- Blackhawk Park

Learn More About Chicago Park District Day Camps:

Financial Assistance

The Chicago Park District has limited funds available to provide financial assistance for families who wish to enroll in the summer day camp program but are unable to afford the full price of camp. Learn more.

Lunch

Lunch and afternoon snack are provided at most parks. Contact the park directly for more information.

Summer Learning Program

In partnership with Chicago City of Learning (CCOL), campers will participate in educationally enriching activities as part of the summer camp curriculum. We are proud to continue this program that began in 2013, known as the “Summer of Learning.” By attending camp, children will earn digital badges representing skills and knowledge gained across subjects such as: Science, Technology, Reading, Engineering, Arts, and Math. These badges are able to connect a young person to new learning experiences and opportunities across the city and online that match their interests. Parents can create an account for their child to recognize digital badges earned through Day Camp and other programs offered throughout the year. Chicago Public School students have accounts created for them automatically; for non-CPS students, Chicago Park District will provide basic information including name, birthdate, and school to create their account and send them a notification that they’ve earned a badge. Parents may choose to opt out of participating in CCOL at the time of registering for Day Camp.

FAQ's

Review a list of frequently asked questions about the Chicago Park District Summer Day Camp.

Help Send a Kid to Camp. Donate to the Summer Camp Financial Assistance Fund.