Programs 101

Chicago Park District programs are offered through four seasonal sessions each year: winter, spring, summer and fall.  Registration for these activities may be available online and/or in-person, depending on the park.  Online registration is divided into two zones over two days.  The zones are defined by California Avenue (2800 W.).  Parks located west of California Ave. begin registration on the first of two registration days each season, and parks located east of California Avenue begin online registration the following day.  For each season, patrons can view programs offered and create their wish list two weeks prior to the first day of online registration.

Find a Program

Search by park, program category, season, date, age & more.

    Patrons must create an account before registering for a program, membership or event online. Accounts can be created online or in-person at the parks. An account is required whether registering online or in-person.

    Create an Account or Login Here

    First time registering with us? Take a minute to review the registration check list prior to registration day, which includes screenshots of the registration process.

    Review the Registration Check List

    Get answers to many of the most commonly asked questions about program registration.

    View the Registration FAQs

    From financial policies such as the Refund & Cancellation Policy, to medical-related polices and more, many of the Chicago Park District policies and procedures are related to park programs. Take some time to review this important information.

    View CPkD Policies & Procedures

    Register for a fitness center or lap swim membership. Memberships begin the day purchased. Length of memberships vary. 

    Register for a Membership Here

    Registration Dates

    Seasonal registration and session dates for most parks and gymnastics centers are below.
    Note: Dates vary for Morgan & McFetridge Park Sports Centers, Dr. Conrad Worrill Track & Field Center at Gately Park, and the ComEd Recreation Center at Addams Park. Click here to view those dates 

      Programs Posted 
    Online for Viewing
    Online Registration 
    Begins
    In-Person Registration 
    Begins
    Programs 
    Run
    Winter 2026 Monday 
    12/1/25
    Monday 12/8/25 & 
    Tuesday 12/9/25
    12/13/25 or 
    12/15/25
    (varies by park)
    1/5/26 - 3/15/26
    Spring 2026 Monday 
    3/2/26
    Monday 3/9/26 &
    Tuesday 3/10/26 
    3/14/26 or 3/16/26 
    (varies by park)
    3/30/26 - 6/7/26
    Summer 2026 Monday
    4/13/26

    Monday 4/20/26 @ 9am:
    Programs at parks located West of California Avenue and all Virtual Programs

    Tuesday 4/21/26 @ 9am: Programs at parks located East of California Avenue

    Tuesday 4/21/26 @ Noon: Gymnastics Center Programming

    4/25/26 or 4/27/26 
    Varies by park: View a list of summer registration dates by park

    Day Camp (6-week camp): 
    6/22/26-7/31/26

    Most other summer programs: 
    6/15/26-8/9/26

     

    2025 Program Session Dates

    Winter 2025:  Programs ran 1/6/25 - 3/16/25
    Spring 2025: Programs ran 3/31/25 - 6/8/25
    Summer 2025: Day Camp (6-wk camp) ran 6/23/25 - 8/1/25, most other summer programs ran 6/16/25 - 8/10/25
    Fall 2025: Programs ran 9/2/25 - 12/7/25 


    In compliance with Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and the Americans with Disabilities Act, the Chicago Park District does not discriminate on the basis of disability in employment or admission/access to programs and activities.