Summer is just around the corner, and the Chicago Park District is your go-to for fun, connection, and adventure!
We’re thrilled to welcome youth back to our popular 6-week Day Camp—bursting with creativity, exploration, and plenty of play. And there’s even more in store! From action-packed sports leagues and specialty camps to wellness and cultural programs for all ages, there’s something for everyone to enjoy this summer.
Learn more: Registration & Program Dates | Registration Checklist | Program Highlights
Registration & Program Dates
View Programs:
- Monday, April 13, 2026
Online Registration:
- Monday, April 20, 2026 @ 9am for in-person programs at parks located West of California Ave. & for all Virtual Programs
- Tuesday, April 21, 2026 @ 9am for in-person programs at parks located East of California Ave
- Tuesday, April 21, 2026 @ noon for gymnastics centers
In-Person Registration:
- Saturday, April 25 or Monday, April 27 at most parks.
View Registration Dates by Park
Note: In-person registration is available if spots remain after online registration has begun. Check program information to confirm this.
Most Programs Run:
- Day Camp (6-week camp): June 22 - July 31, 2026
- Most other summer programs: June 15 - August 9, 2026
NOTE: Programs at McFetridge Sports Center, Morgan Park Sports Center, Dr. Conrad Worrill Track & Field Center at Gately Park, and the ComEd Recreation Center at Addams Park follow a different schedule. View that schedule.
Aquatics
Enjoy the water this summer! Learn important skills that can be used while you are enjoying the water through our Learn to Swim lessons offered at our indoor pool locations.
Ready to take on a new challenge? Learn to sail at the Judd Goldman Sailing Center this summer.
Ages 6-17 get the First Session of Youth Learn to Swim Programs Free with a Coupon Code
Swimming is an important life skill. Learn how to swim at the Chicago Park District. Patrons ages 6-17 can take a 10-session introductory swim class for FREE!
Gymnastics
The Chicago Park District’s gymnastics centers offer quality instruction for beginners to advanced competitors year-round, with excellent training facilities and instructors.
Early Childhood, 18 months - 5 years
Designed just for preschoolers, Play Camp offers age-appropriate recreation in a fun and nurturing environment. Kids will explore early sports skills, enjoy simple art projects, and experience a summer full of laughter and play—all in a shorter, camper-friendly day.
Youth, 6-12 yrs
The Chicago Park District is dedicated to providing youth with safe, fun, and enriching experiences all summer long. From our always-popular day camps to specialized programs in sports, arts, culture, and nature—campers will stay active, inspired, and fully engaged all season!
DAY CAMP: Six Weeks of Fun, Learning, and Connection!
This action-packed 6-week camp is filled with exciting activities like sports, arts and crafts, fitness, and outdoor adventures. Throughout the camp, kids will explore themes like civic engagement, environmental awareness, inclusion, teamwork, creative thinking, journaling, and building friendships rooted in kindness. Campers also enjoy a healthy lunch and snack each day—fuel for all the fun! Learn more about Day Camp
Sports Camps
Whether your child is into sports, the arts, or outdoor exploration, there’s a perfect camp waiting this summer. Across the city, our sports camps focus on everything from soccer and basketball to tennis and more. Many run for 1–2 weeks, with some extending up to 6 weeks—flexible options to fit your schedule.
Specialty Camps
Looking for something beyond the field? Our specialty camps offer a world of creativity and adventure—cheerleading, dance, sailing, music, theater, art, crafts, Eco-Explorers, Girls P.L.A.Y., and more. Just like our sports camps, durations vary from short bursts of fun to full summer sessions.
Teens, 13-19 yrs
This season, teens have tons of opportunities to stay active, get creative, and connect with others in the parks. From the Recreation Leader in Training program, teen leadership camp, basketball leagues and cultural experiences to fitness classes and clubs—there’s something for everyone. Sign up for one (or more) today!
Recreation Leader in Training (RIT) (for ages 13-15)
(RIT) is a mentoring program designed for 13–15-year-olds with the goal of preparing the next generation of Recreation Leaders. Participants will build essential skills like leadership and communication, and assist in park programs such as sports, games, nature, arts and craft, gaining real-world experience in facilitating community recreation programs. RIT empowers youth to take an active role in their community while learning how to lead and inspire others. Learn more about the RIT program.
JUNIOR LIFEGUARDS CAMP (for ages 8-15)
Get ready to dive into summer fun and build essential water safety skills! This 6-week aquatic sports camp teaches future lifeguards how to row a boat, use a rescue board, and perform water rescues.
Offered at select beaches citywide. Participants must pass a swim skills test to enroll.
Teen Centers
Looking for a place to chill, connect, and have fun? Stop by one of our Teen Centers—specially designed spaces located in park fieldhouses throughout the city. Whether you're into video games, just want to hang out with friends, or need a spot to unwind, our Teen Centers offer a safe and welcoming environment just for teens.
Adults/Seniors
Join us IN THE PARKS this summer! Gather a team and join one of our 16" Softball or Basketball Leagues, wellness, boxing programs, walking club and more.
Special Recreation
The Chicago Park District strives to enhance the lives of Chicagoans with disabilities by providing a variety of recreation and leisure opportunities.
- Camp Sign
- Adaptive Programs
- Special Recreations Programs/Camps
- Veterans Programs
- WheelChair Softball
Enjoy Summer in the parks!