Chicago Park District Summer Day Camp
Chicago Park District, 4830 S. Western Ave., Chicago, IL 60609
About
Chicago Park District Summer Day Camp includes six weeks of summer activities such as sports, arts, fitness, outdoor activities, field trips, Brain Play, and Reflection & Journaling. Six weeks of camp programming include civic engagement, environmental awareness, inclusion, collaboration and team building, friendship, and kindness woven throughout the camp experience.
• Ages: 6–12 years old
• Schedule: 6-week camp from Monday, June 22, 2026 to Friday, July 31, 2026; most camps run six hours a day, typically 9 am–3 pm or 10 am–4 pm, with times varying by park
• Price: The highest-cost camp in 2025 was $4.00 per hour, and the average cost across the District was $1.39 per hour
The leadership team includes a Park Supervisor or Playground Supervisor as year-round staff, a Day Camp Director who is typically a full-time instructor from the park or the park supervisor, and Recreation Leaders who may be year-round or seasonal staff. The Park Supervisor reports to the Area Manager, the Camp Director reports to the Park Supervisor, and Recreation Leaders report to the Day Camp Director. Each Day Camp Director receives eight hours of specialized camp training before camp, and all Recreation Leaders participate in a four-day Recreation Leader training, with a minimum age requirement of 16 for Recreation Leaders.
The Chicago Park District states its mission as giving people of all ages, identities, and abilities access to quality recreation, wellness opportunities, and sustainable green spaces in every neighborhood. The Chicago Park District is a sponsor of the Summer Food Service Program funded by the United States Department of Agriculture and administered by the Illinois State Board of Education. Children enrolled in park programming during the summer can receive up to one free meal and snack per day, depending on the park, and meals are reviewed by a registered dietitian and crafted to meet the nutritional needs and preferences of growing kids.
Financial assistance is available for Chicago residents, and Chicago Housing Authority residents receive reduced pricing for day camp, with a stated policy that no child will be excluded due to an inability to pay. Each park holds a Day Camp parent or caregiver orientation meeting before camp starts. Reasonable accommodations and additional support may be available for individuals with disabilities, with eligibility determined through a required assessment with the Inclusion services team, and a number of Special Recreation camps are offered over the summer for various ages with instructor permission required to register. An account is required to register for a program, whether registering online or in person, and the typical age range for Day Camp is at least 6 but less than 13, based on the child’s age on September 1, 2026.
Last updated April 18, 2026.
• Ages: 6–12 years old
• Schedule: 6-week camp from Monday, June 22, 2026 to Friday, July 31, 2026; most camps run six hours a day, typically 9 am–3 pm or 10 am–4 pm, with times varying by park
• Price: The highest-cost camp in 2025 was $4.00 per hour, and the average cost across the District was $1.39 per hour
The leadership team includes a Park Supervisor or Playground Supervisor as year-round staff, a Day Camp Director who is typically a full-time instructor from the park or the park supervisor, and Recreation Leaders who may be year-round or seasonal staff. The Park Supervisor reports to the Area Manager, the Camp Director reports to the Park Supervisor, and Recreation Leaders report to the Day Camp Director. Each Day Camp Director receives eight hours of specialized camp training before camp, and all Recreation Leaders participate in a four-day Recreation Leader training, with a minimum age requirement of 16 for Recreation Leaders.
The Chicago Park District states its mission as giving people of all ages, identities, and abilities access to quality recreation, wellness opportunities, and sustainable green spaces in every neighborhood. The Chicago Park District is a sponsor of the Summer Food Service Program funded by the United States Department of Agriculture and administered by the Illinois State Board of Education. Children enrolled in park programming during the summer can receive up to one free meal and snack per day, depending on the park, and meals are reviewed by a registered dietitian and crafted to meet the nutritional needs and preferences of growing kids.
Financial assistance is available for Chicago residents, and Chicago Housing Authority residents receive reduced pricing for day camp, with a stated policy that no child will be excluded due to an inability to pay. Each park holds a Day Camp parent or caregiver orientation meeting before camp starts. Reasonable accommodations and additional support may be available for individuals with disabilities, with eligibility determined through a required assessment with the Inclusion services team, and a number of Special Recreation camps are offered over the summer for various ages with instructor permission required to register. An account is required to register for a program, whether registering online or in person, and the typical age range for Day Camp is at least 6 but less than 13, based on the child’s age on September 1, 2026.
Last updated April 18, 2026.
Is this your business? There is no cost, but you will be asked to sign up or log in.