Five tips for smart Chicago Day Camp registration
Add Axios as your preferred source to
see more of our stories on Google.
Illustration: Aïda Amer/Axios
This week starts the yearly battle royale among Chicago parents to secure affordable summer childcare — aka: Park District day camp registration days.
Why it matters: Sign ups for the most popular camps can feel like a Black Friday scrum, but district officials have added some new features this year aimed at helping.
The big picture: Online registration starts at 9am Monday for parks west of California Ave. and 9am Tuesday for parks to the east. In-person registration for remaining slots starting on April 25.
- Camps run six weeks (June 22–July 31), Monday through Friday, from 9:30 a.m. to 3 p.m.
- Costs range from $70 to $745 depending on the park and campers must be 6 to 12 years old.
Top tips
How it works: You'll need to create your online account and wish list before registration opens if you want the best shot at a quick successful check out.
- The site now features a "map view" showing camps close to your first choice for easy alternatives. It also now displays a "🔥" emoji next to camps that fill up fast.
Expect the dreaded "queue" screen during heavy site traffic times — like 9am on Monday and Tuesday. Park officials warn that availability can change while you wait.
- Once a request is in your cart, you have 10 minutes to checkout or you risk losing your slot, officials said in a recent webinar.
- You can sign up for multiple camps at once but refunds on unused slots come with a 15% processing fee.
By the numbers: Using one of the most progressive fee structures of any city service, camp prices range from $1.38 to $8.31 per hour with an average cost of $241 for the six-week program.
- For more info, call the camp hotline at 312-744-0296 during business hours.