Columbus Recreation and Parks Summer Camps – Arts Camps

Columbus Recreation and Parks Summer Camps – Arts 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 early drop-off and later pick-up. Registration can be completed online or in person, and online registration includes features such as wish lists and confirmation emails.

• 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 and after-camp pick-up.
• Price: Resident: $120; Non-resident: $144 (standard fees for community center camps and some others; fees for all other camps may vary)

Columbus Recreation and Parks Summer Camps – Arts Camps are part of the Columbus Recreation and Parks Department, which was established when the City Recreation Department began on July 15, 1910, and later merged with the Division of Forestry and Parks on Jan. 2, 1972. The department’s stated mission is to connect the people of the community through the power of nature, wellness and creativity. The department encourages participation from a diverse population and accommodates people with varying abilities and learning styles, with inclusion services support staff developing accommodation plans and providing reasonable accommodations, while allowing campers to have a personal support person on-site with a mandatory background check. All accommodation requests must be received by Wednesday, April 1.

Prior to registration, families can add desired camps to a wish list, and a confirmation email is sent immediately after registering online. An ACTIVENet account is required for online registration, and due to high demand, online registration is highly recommended. Columbus Recreation and Parks utilizes the ePACT Network health and safety software to collect health and emergency information, support communication in emergencies, and provide electronic, contactless check-in and check-out while limiting and tracking access to data. Residents are defined as those who live within the municipal boundaries of Columbus, and non-residents must pay additional fees. The department reserves the right to adjust or cancel camps due to insufficient enrollment or unforeseen circumstances, and registrants may transfer to another camp or receive a full refund in those cases. 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, assessed per camper.

Last updated May 13, 2026.