About
Columbus Recreation and Parks Summer Camps offer themed, week-long sessions where campers take part in arts, crafts, sports, games, science experiments and nature exploration. Camp days run with structured camp hours and options for both earlier drop-off and later pick-up.
• Ages: 6–12 years old
• Schedule: Themed, week-long camps running June 8–Aug. 14, with camp hours from 8 a.m.–5 p.m. and optional before-camp drop-off 7:30–8 a.m. and after-camp pick-up 5–5:30 p.m.
• Price: Registration Fees* Resident: $120 Non-resident: $144 (20%)
Community centers offer these themed, week-long camps for youth ages 6–12, and families can register for one session or for the entire summer. Registration can be completed online or in person at a local community center, and an ACTIVENet account is required for registration. Prior to registration, there is an option to add desired camps to a wish list, and a confirmation email is sent immediately after registering online. Due to high demand for summer camps, online registration is highly recommended.
Outdoor Recreation Camps registration opens online Thursday, Feb. 19, 2026 (Columbus residents at 12 p.m., general public at 7 p.m.) and in person at Wyandot Lodge at 12 p.m. Community Center and Specialty Camps registration opens online Tuesday, Feb. 24, 2026 (Columbus residents at 12 p.m., general public at 7 p.m.) and in person the same day and times. Therapeutic Recreation Camps registration opens online Tuesday, Feb. 24, 2026 (Columbus residents at 12 p.m., general public at 7 p.m.) and in person at local community centers.
Columbus Recreation and Parks utilizes the ePACT Network, a health and safety software that allows families to share health and emergency information digitally and supports contactless check-in and check-out. Residents are defined as those who live within the municipal boundaries of Columbus and qualify for resident rates if Columbus is their tax district, while non-residents must pay additional fees. Late pick-up fees are $15 for up to 15 minutes late, and $15 plus an additional $1 per minute for 15 minutes late or more; for pick-up between 5:30–5:45 p.m., the fee is $15 with an additional $1 per minute for later arrivals, and fees are assessed per camper.
Columbus Recreation and Parks Department encourages the participation of a diverse population and accommodates people with varying abilities and learning styles. Inclusion services support staff develop accommodation plans to support campers with various disabilities and challenges, and reasonable accommodations are provided to enable an individual’s participation in camps. One-on-one staffing is not provided, but campers may have a personal support person present on-site, with mandatory background checks required, and all accommodation requests must be received no later than Wednesday, April 1. Lindsey Zawacki is the contact for inclusion support services.
The department’s mission statement is: “We connect the people of our community through the power of nature, wellness and creativity.” The City Recreation Department was established on July 15, 1910, and on Jan. 2, 1972, it merged with the Division of Forestry and Parks to become Columbus Recreation and Parks Department. The department offers a range of programs for toddlers to seniors, has established 28 community centers, and operates more than 400 parks on over 13,500 acres. Columbus Recreation and Parks Department reserves the right to adjust or cancel camps due to insufficient enrollment and unforeseen circumstances, and in such cases, registrants may transfer to another camp or receive a full refund.
Last updated May 14, 2026.
• Ages: 6–12 years old
• Schedule: Themed, week-long camps running June 8–Aug. 14, with camp hours from 8 a.m.–5 p.m. and optional before-camp drop-off 7:30–8 a.m. and after-camp pick-up 5–5:30 p.m.
• Price: Registration Fees* Resident: $120 Non-resident: $144 (20%)
Community centers offer these themed, week-long camps for youth ages 6–12, and families can register for one session or for the entire summer. Registration can be completed online or in person at a local community center, and an ACTIVENet account is required for registration. Prior to registration, there is an option to add desired camps to a wish list, and a confirmation email is sent immediately after registering online. Due to high demand for summer camps, online registration is highly recommended.
Outdoor Recreation Camps registration opens online Thursday, Feb. 19, 2026 (Columbus residents at 12 p.m., general public at 7 p.m.) and in person at Wyandot Lodge at 12 p.m. Community Center and Specialty Camps registration opens online Tuesday, Feb. 24, 2026 (Columbus residents at 12 p.m., general public at 7 p.m.) and in person the same day and times. Therapeutic Recreation Camps registration opens online Tuesday, Feb. 24, 2026 (Columbus residents at 12 p.m., general public at 7 p.m.) and in person at local community centers.
Columbus Recreation and Parks utilizes the ePACT Network, a health and safety software that allows families to share health and emergency information digitally and supports contactless check-in and check-out. Residents are defined as those who live within the municipal boundaries of Columbus and qualify for resident rates if Columbus is their tax district, while non-residents must pay additional fees. Late pick-up fees are $15 for up to 15 minutes late, and $15 plus an additional $1 per minute for 15 minutes late or more; for pick-up between 5:30–5:45 p.m., the fee is $15 with an additional $1 per minute for later arrivals, and fees are assessed per camper.
Columbus Recreation and Parks Department encourages the participation of a diverse population and accommodates people with varying abilities and learning styles. Inclusion services support staff develop accommodation plans to support campers with various disabilities and challenges, and reasonable accommodations are provided to enable an individual’s participation in camps. One-on-one staffing is not provided, but campers may have a personal support person present on-site, with mandatory background checks required, and all accommodation requests must be received no later than Wednesday, April 1. Lindsey Zawacki is the contact for inclusion support services.
The department’s mission statement is: “We connect the people of our community through the power of nature, wellness and creativity.” The City Recreation Department was established on July 15, 1910, and on Jan. 2, 1972, it merged with the Division of Forestry and Parks to become Columbus Recreation and Parks Department. The department offers a range of programs for toddlers to seniors, has established 28 community centers, and operates more than 400 parks on over 13,500 acres. Columbus Recreation and Parks Department reserves the right to adjust or cancel camps due to insufficient enrollment and unforeseen circumstances, and in such cases, registrants may transfer to another camp or receive a full refund.
Last updated May 14, 2026.
Is this your business? There is no cost, but you will be asked to sign up or log in.