Franklin Park Conservatory Summer Camps

Franklin Park Conservatory Summer Camps include activities such as exploring the Conservatory, outdoor explorations, garden exploration, and gardening. Campers take part in hands-on art and science investigations, crafts, play, and other hands-on activities like creating spin art, tie dyeing a camp t-shirt, building a bird’s nest, and making butterfly crafts. Some sessions include harvesting vegetables from the garden, planting, tending, and harvesting straight from gardens, turning garden veggies into tasty treats, using materials from the garden for art and science, and interacting with real bugs while learning about insects.

• Ages: 3–8 years old
• Schedule: Week-long summer day camps with half-day and full-day options; Before Camp Care is Monday–Friday 8–9am and After Camp Care is Monday–Thursday 4–5pm, both sold by the full week
• Price: Before Camp Care $52 per week; After Camp Care $42 per week; Ages 3 & 4 Morning Camp (half day) $157 or $137 for members; Ages 4 & 5 Afternoon Camp (half day) $147 or $127 for members; Ages 5 & 6 Camp (full day) $297 or $277 for members

Summer day camp programs offer a week of activities that will spark campers’ curiosity in all things gardening. Conservatory Camps provide a safe space for all campers, foster new friendships through active, outdoor play, and explore the wonders of the natural world through gardening and learning about insects. Children must be toilet trained for the Ages 3 & 4 Morning Camp and Ages 4 & 5 Afternoon Camp, and Before and After Camp Care are only available for full day camps; full day camp for 5-year-olds is recommended for those who have attended a full day program like kindergarten, while those who have not are recommended for the half day afternoon camp.

Franklin Park Conservatory and Botanical Gardens has been creating memories since 1993, and the John F. Wolfe Palm House dates back to 1895. The Conservatory as it is today opened in 1993 and is described as Central Ohio’s premier botanical garden. Its mission statement is: “As a premier botanical garden destination, we connect people to nature and create life-enhancing experiences.” Franklin Park Conservatory and Botanical Gardens has been awarded a Top Workplaces 2025 honor by Columbus Top Workplaces.

The organization’s leadership team includes President & CEO Bruce Harkey; Vice President of Planning Garry Clarke; Vice President of Event Sales/Facilities James Butch; Director of Horticulture and Exhibitions Karin Noecker; Director of Marketing and Communications Jennifer Wilson; Director of Community Outreach and Education Jenny Pope; Director of Human Resources Hillary Thompson; Director of Visitor Experience Heather Popio; Vice President of Philanthropy Carmen Boy; and Chief Financial Officer Jill Lukshin-Hoff. Access Family Member Scholarship applications and registration are available for individuals with a Franklin Park Conservatory Access Family Membership.

Last updated July 18, 2026.