Mayor Rahm Emanuel and the Chicago Park District announced online registration will open on April 4th at 9 a.m. for its popular summer programs, and day camps that turned summer days into fun-filled adventures for more than 40,000 Chicago Park District campers in 2015. Regular programs run the week of June 20 through the week of August 22, standard day camps run for six weeks from July 5 through August 12.
“There’s nothing better than summer in Chicago, and the Park District has a wide variety of offerings at an affordable price allowing residents and families to enjoy, explore and get active in our great city,” said Mayor Emanuel. “In addition, Park District summer day camp enables kids to have fun with field trips and recreational activities, as well as learning new skills with arts and crafts and designated reading time.”
Registration for summer programs will take place over the following days:
• Parks located west of California Avenue will begin registration Monday, April 4 at 9 a.m.
• Parks located east of California Avenue will begin registration Tuesday, April 5 at 9 a.m.
• In-person registration begins either Saturday, April 9 or Monday, April 11, depending upon the park.
This summer, the Chicago Park District will premiere two new camp sites in the Little Village and Bronzeville communities. In Little Village, La Villita Park will offer day camp in partnership with the local elementary school for indoor activities, and in Bronzeville, day camp will debut at the new Ellis Park field house. With the addition of these new sites, there will be an extra 200 slots available for day camp.

Standard day camps run six weeks, from July 5 – August 12, typically from 9 a.m. - 3 p.m. or 10 a.m. - 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. No child will be turned away for inability to pay.
As part of the summer camp curriculum, campers will embark on an enriching journey through Chicago’s 77 neighborhoods. The camp theme, Explore the Spirit of Chicago - My Neighborhood, Our City, will offer new and unique ways for campers to enjoy their summer experience at their local parks, and explore our city through a series of exciting indoor and outdoor activities.
In addition to day camp, patrons of all ages can choose from a wide array of programs, including favorites like Learn to Swim, fitness center memberships, indoor basketball, gymnastics and more. Regular summer programs run the week of June 20 through the week of August 22.
“We’re preparing to make summer 2016 one of the best by giving campers a passport to the city and offering them a unique opportunity to explore and enjoy their neighborhoods through play,” said Michael P. Kelly, General Superintendent and CEO. “The Chicago Park District offers a menu of camps at parks throughout the city to ensure that our young park goers keep active, engaged and safe this summer.”
To save time on online registration day, park patrons are encouraged to browse through the list of programs for 2016 and create wish lists in advance at www.chicagoparkdistrict.com.
Financial Assistance
Financial assistance and family discounts are available. Applicants that do not qualify for financial assistance may inquire about the payment plan option at their local park.
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.
For more information, contact your local park, visit www.chicagoparkdistrict.com or call 312-742-PLAY.
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The Chicago Park District is the 2014 Gold Medal Award winner, recognized for excellence in park and recreation management across the nation. For more information about the Chicago Park District’s more than 8,300 acres of parkland, more than 585 parks, 26 miles of lakefront, 12 museums, two world-class conservatories, 16 historic lagoons, nearly 50 nature areas, thousands of special events, sports and entertaining programs, please visit www.chicagoparkdistrict.com or contact the Chicago Park District at 312/742.PLAY
(City of Chicago/Park District)
Alicja Otap
