Mayor Rahm Emanuel and the Chicago Park District today announce that online registration for the Park District’s summer day camps and programs is now open. Parks located west of California Avenue will begin registration today at 9 a.m. and parks located east of California Avenue will begin registration tomorrow, April 8 at 9 a.m.

“The Park District’s summer day camps and programs are an essential resource that help children across the City continue to learn and grow outside of the classroom,” said Mayor Emanuel. “From art camp to learn-to-swim classes to tumbling camp, the Park District offers positive activities for every child, regardless of their age, neighborhood or income level.”

Each summer, the Park District provides more than 30,000 campers ages 6-12 with a season of supervised activity at more than 230 local parks. Children will go on field trips; explore nature, arts and culture; engage in sports and recreation; and enjoy water time. To watch a video about summer day camp, click here.

“The Park District offers a variety of popular programs to keep kids active during the summer months, and we urge residents to take advantage of the programs and day camps offered at their local park,” said Chicago Park District Superintendent Michael Kelly.

Regular summer programs run the week of June 16 through the week of August 18. Standard day camps run for six weeks from June 23 through August 1. The Park District’s summer day camp hours vary for each location with typical camps running about six hours per day from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. or 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Monday through Friday. Many parks offer early morning and late-day sessions as well. Fees vary depending on location, offerings and hours.

In-person registration for summer programs will be held on either Saturday, April 12 or Monday, April 14 depending on the park. To check when registration at a particular park begins online and in-person, click here.

Parents seeking programs in August are encouraged to also register their children for specialty and late-summer camps. Educational and character-building components are combined with recreation at several of the Park District’s specialty day camps, including cultural arts, leadership, sports and urban campers. Click here for more information.

Family Discount

When patrons register for two or more programs for family members younger than 18 years of age in one transaction, the order qualifies for a 10 percent discount on the less expensive program(s).

The family discount is available for online and in-person orders, but cannot be combined with the CHA or DCFS discount programs. All family members should be entered into one account on the Chicago Park District’s registration system.

Financial Assistance

The Park District has limited funds available to provide financial assistance for families who wish to enroll in the 2014 summer day camp program. Applicants that do not qualify for financial assistance may inquire about the payment plan option at their local park. Click here for more information.

Summer Food Service Program

In accordance with the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) federal regulations, the Chicago Park District will participate in the Summer Food Service Program in conjunction with summer day camp. Lunches and/or snacks will be provided for enrolled children at most camps.

More Information

In addition to summer day camps, the Park District offers thousands of sport and fitness, cultural and environmental programs for adults, seniors, teens and youth. For more information, contact your local park, visit www.chicagoparkdistrict.com or call 312.742.PLAY.

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For more information about the Chicago Park District’s more than 8,100 acres of parkland, 580 parks, 26 miles of lakefront, 10 museums, two world-class conservatories, 16 historic lagoons, 10 bird and wildlife gardens, thousands of special events, sports and entertaining programs, please visit www.chicagoparkdistrict.com or contact the Chicago Park District at 312.742.PLAY or 312.747.2001 (TTY). Want to share your talent? Volunteer in the parks by calling 312.742.PLAY.