April 3, 2015

Mayor Emanuel, Chicago Park District Announce Summer Park Program Online Registration to Begin April 13

Standard programs run the week of June 15 through the week of August 17, standard day camps run for six weeks from June 29 through August 7

Mayor's Press Office    312.744.3334

Mayor Rahm Emanuel and the Chicago Park District today announced that online registration for summer programming begins on Monday, April 13 with in-person registration to begin on Saturday, April 18. A variety of programs and summer day camp offerings will soon to be available for the upcoming season, and programs are now available to be viewed online at www.chicagoparkdistrict.com.

“You can’t beat summer in Chicago, and the Park District offers a wide variety of programming in every neighborhood that allows residents and families to meet new people, explore new places and learn new skills while staying active this season,” said Mayor Emanuel. “Additionally, Park District summer day camps enable kids to have fun and explore the City while helping them to learn and grow outside of the classroom.”

Programs can now be viewed online. Registration kicks off Monday, April 13 at www.chicagoparkdistrict.com. Online registration takes place over two days and in two different zones:

  • Parks located west of California Avenue will begin online registration on Monday, April 13 at 9 am 
  • Parks located east of California Avenue will begin online registration on Tuesday, April 14 at 9 am

In-person registration begins at local parks Saturday, April 18 or Monday, April 20 depending upon the park location. To check when a particular park is beginning online and in-person registration, click here.
“From Day Camp to Learn to Swim, Park District programming is the highlight of Chicago summers,” said Michael P. Kelly, General Superintendent and CEO of the Chicago Park District. “We’re urging everyone to get out and enjoy what your neighborhood park has to offer.”

The Chicago Park District offers thousands of sports, fitness, cultural and environmental programs for adults, seniors, teens and youth. Standard summer programs run the week of June 15 through the week of August 17.
Additionally, each summer, the Chicago Park District provides more than 40,000 campers aged 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. Summer day camp hours vary for each location, but typical camps run about six hours per day, typically from 10 am - 4 pm, Monday through Friday. Many parks offer early morning and late-day sessions as well. Fees vary depending on location, offerings and hours. To watch a video about summer day camp, click here.

As part of the Chicago City of Learning, Chicago Park District day campers will have fun exploring Chicago all summer long. Kids will enjoy making unique arts and crafts; playing sports, team games and other recreational activities; having fun with nature, going on weekly field trips as well as regular visits to the local pool or beach, and reading at least 20 minutes each day. This year’s camp theme, Explore the Spirit of Chicago - My Neighborhood, Our City, offers unique ways for campers to investigate our neighborhoods and our city through play.

Standard day camps run for six weeks from June 29 – Aug. 7. Parents seeking programs in August are encouraged to also register their children for specialty and late-summer camps. Education and character-building components are combined with recreation at several of the Park District’s specialty 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 under 18 years of age in one transaction, the order qualifies for a 10 percent discount on the less expensive program(s).

The 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 works with residents to ensure that no child is turned away due to their inability to pay, and financial assistance is available. 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.

Preparing for Registration Day
Given the popularity of programs, patrons are encouraged to follow the registration tips listed below.

  • Check your account login and password before registration begins. 
  • Add all persons who you plan to register for on your account.
  • Create a wish list with the programs that you plan to register.
  • View the registration process page for additional information.
  • For more information, 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, 585 parks, 26 miles of lakefront, 12 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.