About
Day Camp includes activities such as sports, arts, fitness, outdoor activities, Brain Play, and Reflection & Journaling. The program also includes activities focused on Civic Engagement, Environmental Awareness, Inclusion, Collaboration & Team Building, and Friendship & Kindness.
• Ages: 6–12 years old
• Schedule: Six-week camp program from June 22–July 31, 2026, with most camps running six hours a day, typically 9 am–3 pm or 10 am–4 pm (times vary by park)
• Price: The highest-cost camp in 2025 was $4.00 per hour, while the average cost across the District was $1.39 per hour; financial assistance is available for Chicago residents, and Chicago Housing Authority residents receive reduced pricing for day camp
Children enrolled in park programming during the summer can receive up to one free meal and snack per day, depending on the park, with menus and allergen information posted prior to camp. Meals are reviewed by a registered dietitian and crafted to meet the nutritional needs and preferences of growing kids. Each park holds a Day Camp parent/guardian/caregiver orientation meeting before the start of camp. Special Recreation camps are offered over the summer for various ages, with reasonable accommodations and additional support potentially available for individuals with disabilities, determined through an assessment with the Inclusion services team.
Each Day Camp Director receives eight hours of specialized camp training prior to 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’s mission is to give 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 (SFSP), which is funded by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) and administered by the Illinois State Board of Education (ISBE). Chicago parks earn scores of 98/100 for park access and 99/100 for park equity in the 2026 ParkScore. The leadership team includes Brandon Johnson, Mayor, and Carlos Ramirez-Rosa, General Superintendent & CEO.
Last updated June 4, 2026.
• Ages: 6–12 years old
• Schedule: Six-week camp program from June 22–July 31, 2026, with most camps running six hours a day, typically 9 am–3 pm or 10 am–4 pm (times vary by park)
• Price: The highest-cost camp in 2025 was $4.00 per hour, while the average cost across the District was $1.39 per hour; financial assistance is available for Chicago residents, and Chicago Housing Authority residents receive reduced pricing for day camp
Children enrolled in park programming during the summer can receive up to one free meal and snack per day, depending on the park, with menus and allergen information posted prior to camp. Meals are reviewed by a registered dietitian and crafted to meet the nutritional needs and preferences of growing kids. Each park holds a Day Camp parent/guardian/caregiver orientation meeting before the start of camp. Special Recreation camps are offered over the summer for various ages, with reasonable accommodations and additional support potentially available for individuals with disabilities, determined through an assessment with the Inclusion services team.
Each Day Camp Director receives eight hours of specialized camp training prior to 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’s mission is to give 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 (SFSP), which is funded by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) and administered by the Illinois State Board of Education (ISBE). Chicago parks earn scores of 98/100 for park access and 99/100 for park equity in the 2026 ParkScore. The leadership team includes Brandon Johnson, Mayor, and Carlos Ramirez-Rosa, General Superintendent & CEO.
Last updated June 4, 2026.
Is this your business? There is no cost, but you will be asked to sign up or log in.