Columbus Recreation and Parks Youth Summer Camps

Columbus Recreation and Parks Youth Summer Camps offer themed, week-long camps where campers take part in arts, crafts, sports, games, science experiments and nature exploration. Camp days run from morning through late afternoon, with options for early drop-off and late pick-up within the stated camp hours.

• 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 from 7:30–8 a.m. and after-camp pick-up from 5–5:30 p.m.
• Price: Registration Fees* Resident: $120 Non-resident: $144 (20%). Standard fees apply for community center camps and some others; fees for all other camps may vary.

Prior to registration, families can add desired camps to a wish list, and registration can be completed online or in person at a local community center with an ACTIVENet account. Residents are defined as those who live within the municipal boundaries of Columbus, and non-residents must pay additional fees; if Columbus is the tax district, the family qualifies for resident rates. Campers must be picked up by the end of the specified pick-up time, and late pick-up fees apply, including $15 for up to 15 minutes late and $15 plus an additional $1 per minute for 15 minutes late or more, which must be paid before the camper returns to any camp. Columbus Recreation and Parks utilizes the ePACT Network health and safety software to collect data electronically and support contactless check-in and check-out, using high encryption levels and allowing limiting and tracking access to data. The department reserves the right to adjust or cancel camps due to insufficient enrollment or unforeseen circumstances, and in those cases registrants may transfer to another camp or receive a full refund.

Columbus Recreation and Parks Department states its mission as connecting 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 staff developing accommodation plans and providing reasonable accommodations to support campers with various disabilities and challenges. One-on-one staffing is not provided, but campers may have a personal support person on-site with mandatory background checks, and all accommodation requests must be received no later than Wednesday, April 1. The department was established as the City Recreation Department on July 15, 1910, and merged with the Division of Forestry and Parks on Jan. 2, 1972, to become Columbus Recreation and Parks Department. Parents can contact Lindsey Zawacki at [email protected] to request the accommodation form.

Last updated May 13, 2026.