Chicago Park District Summer Day Camp
Chicago Park District, 4830 S. Western Ave., Chicago, IL 60609
About
Chicago Park District Summer Day Camp includes sports, arts, fitness, and outdoor activities as part of its daily schedule. The program also includes activities focused on civic engagement, environmental awareness, inclusion, collaboration and team building, Brain Play, reflection and journaling, and friendship and kindness.
• Ages: 6–12 years old
• Schedule: Most camps run six hours a day in a 6-week session from June 22 – July 31, 2026, with typical hours of either 9 am–3 pm or 10 am–4 pm, and 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 for Chicago Park District Summer Day Camp 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. Each Day Camp Director receives eight hours of specialized camp training prior to camp. All Recreation Leaders participate in a four-day Recreation Leader training, and the minimum age requirement for Recreation Leaders is 16. Each park holds a Day Camp parent, guardian, or caregiver orientation meeting before the start of camp.
The Chicago Park District is a sponsor of the Summer Food Service Program, which is 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, through this program. These meals are reviewed by a registered dietitian and are crafted to meet the nutritional needs and preferences of growing kids. Chicago Housing Authority residents receive reduced pricing for day camp. Day Camp is prioritized for Chicago residents, and no child will be excluded due to an inability to pay because financial assistance is available for Chicago residents.
The mission of the Chicago Park District is to give people of all ages, identities, and abilities access to quality recreation, wellness opportunities, and sustainable green spaces in every neighborhood.
Last updated July 29, 2026.
• Ages: 6–12 years old
• Schedule: Most camps run six hours a day in a 6-week session from June 22 – July 31, 2026, with typical hours of either 9 am–3 pm or 10 am–4 pm, and 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 for Chicago Park District Summer Day Camp 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. Each Day Camp Director receives eight hours of specialized camp training prior to camp. All Recreation Leaders participate in a four-day Recreation Leader training, and the minimum age requirement for Recreation Leaders is 16. Each park holds a Day Camp parent, guardian, or caregiver orientation meeting before the start of camp.
The Chicago Park District is a sponsor of the Summer Food Service Program, which is 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, through this program. These meals are reviewed by a registered dietitian and are crafted to meet the nutritional needs and preferences of growing kids. Chicago Housing Authority residents receive reduced pricing for day camp. Day Camp is prioritized for Chicago residents, and no child will be excluded due to an inability to pay because financial assistance is available for Chicago residents.
The mission of the Chicago Park District is to give people of all ages, identities, and abilities access to quality recreation, wellness opportunities, and sustainable green spaces in every neighborhood.
Last updated July 29, 2026.
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