Family Camping Activities Presented by:
Join us for the Family Camping with Coleman virtual series.
The Chicago Park District’s Camping Team presents a series of videos showcasing ways to enjoy a great outdoor adventure with friends and family! A new video focusing on a different camping tip will be posted here each Friday in August.
August 28
Campfire Safety Tips & Story (8:34 minutes)
August 14
How to Set-up a Great Camp Kitchen (6:26 minutes)
August 7
The Ultimate Campout (6:29 minutes)
August 21
How to Prepare for a Great Family Hike (4:55 minutes)
Listed below are the camping programs and gear library that are typically available to patrons throughout the year. Due to COVID-19, all in person programs are cancelled and the gear library has been suspended.
Family Camping Activities
Family Camping
Camp under the stars with the Chicago Park District.
Learn basic camping principles, take a nature hike and enjoy an evening around the campfire led by our expert camping staff.
Note: Family should include at least one child and one adult, up to six family members. Parent or guardian must participate.
TIME:
Camping begins on Saturday at 2 pm, and ends Sunday at 10 am.
FEE:
Cost is $50 for a family of up to 6 members and includes use of tent, hot dogs and s’mores over the fire and all programming equipment. A packing list will be sent with your receipt.
REGISTRATION:
Online registration begins two months prior to the program start date.
Family Gear Library - NEW!
Let us help you get equipped for your next adventure! Coleman equipment is available to rent to the public through the Family Gear Library. Items available include tents, kitchen kits, stoves, flashlights, cold weather gear and more to help you enjoy the outdoors. Items are priced per item for 2-week rental periods. Rentals will begin the week of April 1, 2020.
Items For Rent:
| Item | Cost (for a 2-week rental) |
| 6 person tent | $16 |
| 8 person tent | $16 |
| Camp Table | $6 |
| Kitchen Set | $6 |
| Rechargeable LED Lanterns | $6 |
| Stove with Griddle | $6 |
| Camp chairs | $4/pair |
| Inflatable Camp Pads | $4/pair |
Gear can be rented at Northerly Island during registered Gear Rental Sessions only. Registration ensures the gear library will be staffed during the Gear Rental Session you select. During your pick-up time you may view and rent gear and select a return time and date. Registration for Gear Rental Sessions will be available beginning March 23, 2020.
Monthly Camping Workshops
Level up your camping skills with free camping workshops! Learn about choosing and using gear, gear repair, camping in all weather, making tasty camp food and more. Workshops are free, but registration is requested to ensure adequate supplies for all participants. All workshops run from 10 am - 12 pm.
Monthly Camping Workshops are presented by:
Youth Programs
Urban Campers
This week-long program introduces youth, ages 9-12, to local nature through camping. Monday through Wednesday, Campers participate in adventures like hiking, fishing, nature exploration, and fun group games at their local park. The highlight of the week is a campout Thursday morning to Friday morning where campers set up their own tents, cook over a campfire, roast marshmallows, and camp under stars in a local park.
Meets Monday through Wednesday from 10 am - 2 pm, and Thursday from 10 am to Friday at 10 am.
Under Illinois Skies
This week-long program is for youth ages 10-13. At their local park on Monday and Tuesday, campers will play team-building games, explore nature and get ready to adventure to a 3-day overnight camping experience at Cook County Forest Preserve Camp Bullfrog. On the campout, campers will kayak, fish, hike, and visit Little Red School House Nature Center. They will also set up tents, cook over a fire and roast marshmallows!
Meets Monday & Tuesday from 10 am - 2 pm, and Wednesday from 10 am to Friday at 10 am.
ChicaGO Explorers at Northerly Island
The Chicago Explorers Gear Library supports groups working with youth that would like to add outdoor adventures to their programming. Support by the Chicago Explorers Program includes Front Country Leadership Training, free access to camping gear through the Chicago Explorers Gear Library, and support in training and implementing outdoor adventure recreation programming. The Chicago Explorers Front Country Leadership Training introduces youth leaders to proper gear use, planning outdoor programming, keeping youth safe outdoors, and local nature resources. Completion of the Front Country Leadership Training is required to rent gear from the Chicago Explorers Gear Library. Participants must be part of an organization that leads youth outdoor activities.
Front Country Leadership (FLT) Training
The ChicaGO Explorers Front Country Leadership (FLT) training is designed for local community leaders and organizations to guide youth on hiking and camping excursions. The overnight training course includes instruction in leadership skills, camp equipment use and care, and group activities related to outdoor recreation and nature-based education. Once leaders are FLT certified, they will be able to check out camping and hiking equipment, making it easier for youth to have a positive experience in the outdoors. When youth are properly outfitted with boots, socks, hats, coats, tents, sleeping bags, etc. and leaders are confident in their ability to facilitate outdoor trips, hiking and camping can help create significant memories, friendships, confidence, and abilities that last a lifetime.
The Front Country Leadership training runs from Tuesday at 8:00 am through Wednesday at 1:00 pm All camping gear and food will be provided. Participants must be part of an organization that leads youth outdoor activities.