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PDF VERSION OF 2026 EXPLORE NATURE SUMMER CAMP PREVIEW

Join us for a summer of fun at Cincinnati Parks summer day camps! Our nature camps get children (ages 3½ to 15) outside, connecting with nature, and learning from our dedicated naturalists. These one-week adventures include daily hikes, games, live animal encounters, and craft projects. 

Children who have completed kindergarten can join full-day, week-long camps held Monday through Friday from 9:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. For younger children ages 3½ to 5, shorter preschool programs are available, including Preschool Discovery Mornings and preschool camps at each nature center. Camp schedules do not include Juneteenth (6/19) and Independence Day Observed (7/3). 

Online Registration Opens Saturday, February 28, 2026 

Registration is staggered

To Register:

• 10:00 a.m. - Discovery Mornings and Nature Camps in the Parks open.

• 12:00 pm: Camps at California Woods, LaBoiteaux Woods, and Trailside Nature Centers open.
• Register here

Updated Summer Camp Pricing 

City Resident Pricing is available for any camper or camp family who live within the city limits.  

*NEW FOR 2026* Our summer camp registration page will ask for the camper’s primary address. If your address is within the city limits, the city resident pricing will be automatically applied to your registration.  

Non-City Residents	City Residents
All-Day camps (ages 5-16)  $250 per week	All-Day camps (ages 5-16)  $200 per week
Half-Day Camps (Preschool)             $187 per week	Half-Day Camps (Preschool)  $150 per week
Preschool Discovery Mornings  $125 per week	Preschool Discovery Mornings  $100 per Week

Primary Address is defined as: Being physically present in a household for significant periods of time; where important family activities take place each day including sleeping, eating, working, relaxing and playing; where the parent receives mail or where the parent is registered to vote. When submitting a camp registration, you are verifying that the primary address listed for the camp is correct. Camp registrants must be able to provide documentation of their primary address, if requested. Failure to provide accurate information may result in cancellation without refund.

Cincinnati Parks Foundation Scholarship

This need-based scholarship is made possible by the Cincinnati Parks Foundation and by generous public donors. Cincinnati Parks Scholarship Fund scholarship covers 80% of the cost of attending one of Cincinnati Parks Nature camps. 

Visit the Cincinnati Parks Foundation Scholarship Page for additional information and to apply for 2026 summer camps. Scholarship registration opens January 15, 2026. Additional funding as been made available for this year.  

APPLY FOR THE CINCINNATI PARKS FOUNDATION SCHOLARSHIP

Camper Expectations

To ensure a safe and enjoyable experience; All campers are expected to: 

• Be fully toilet trained and able to use the restroom independently. 

• Stay with their assigned group with minimal reminders. 

• Be able to navigate natural terrain including unpaved trails, hills, and bridges. 

• Engage appropriately in group activities and maintain self-control in social settings. 

Summer Camp Conduct Guidelines

Cincinnati Parks' Explore Nature Summer Camps emphasize the importance of responsible behavior, respect for nature and other campers. We strictly prohibit the use of drugs, any type of violence and bullying. Should a camper fail to adhere to these behavior standards, we may require a parent or caregiver to retrieve them from the camp. In some cases, the camper will not be allowed to return. This approach ensures a positive and safe experience for everyone involved. 

Reasonable Accommodation

Cincinnati Parks is committed to providing quality experience by providing reasonable accommodation for individuals with disabilities upon request. If your child needs special assistance or accommodation such as adaptations for disabilities, cannot participate in certain activities, or if an interpreter is required, contact Bettman Natural Resource Center by emailing at Parks.NE@Cincinnati-oh.gov. Accommodation requests need to be submitted at least 30 days prior to the start of the camp. All accommodation requests are evaluated on a case-by-case basis and provided when reasonable and feasible. 

The following camp registrations open on February 28 at 10 am:​

Nature Camp In The Parks

Ready to explore this summer? Join naturalists and summer camp leaders for a one-week day camp in a park near you! Hands-on games, crafts, activities, and hikes are part of each day as we focus on Habitats! Children who are 5 years old and are entering 1st grade through 12 years of age can participate in this completely outdoor camp. Campers are grouped by age.  

Ault and French Parks have multiple sessions but to ensure room for everyone, children can only be registered for ONE Nature Camp session at these locations. You can only register for ONE Ault Park and/or ONE French Park for maximum of two weeks of Nature Camp per child.  

• Children ages 5 (who are entering 1st grade) to 12. 
• 9:30 am-3:00 pm, Monday-Friday  
• Nature Camp pricing is $250 per week for Non-City Resident and $200 per week for City of Cincinnati Residents. Shorter holiday weeks are pro-rated to $200/$160.  

Week 1 | Stanbery Park in Mt. Washington | June 8 - 12 | $250/$200

Week 2 | French Park I in Amberley Village | June 15 - 18 | $200/$160 No camp on June 19, in observance of the Juneteenth Holiday

Week 3 | Ault Park I (Hyde Park) | June 22 - 26 | $250/$200

Week 4 | French Park II (Amberley Village) | June 29 - July 2 | $200/$160 No camp on Friday July 3, in observance of Independence Day

Week 5 | Ault Park II (Hyde Park) | July 6 - 10 | $250/$200

Week 6 | French Park III (Amberley Village) | July 13 - July 17 | $250/$200 

Week 7 | Ault Park III (Hyde Park) | July 20 - 24 | $250/$200

Week 8 | Mt. Airy Forest at the Stone Steps Shelter (Mt. Airy) | July 27 - 31 | $250/$200

Preschool Discovery Mornings In The Park

Preschool Explorers ages 3 ½ to 5 years who have not attended/finished kindergarten explore their neighborhood park through games, hikes, crafts, and activities. This year’s theme is Opposites! Enjoy discovering and actively participating in the world around us. Children attending this camp do NOT need to bring their lunch.  

The program repeats and is the same each week. You may register your child for ONLY ONE session.  

• Children ages 3 ½-5 who have not yet attended/finished kindergarten.
• 9:45 am – 11:45 am, Monday – Friday
• Discovery Mornings pricing breakdown is $125 per week for Non-City Resident and $100 per week City of Cincinnati Residents. Shorter holiday weeks are pro-rated to $100/$80.  

Week 1 | Stanbery Park (Mt. Washington) | June 8 - 12 | $125/$100 

Week 2 | French Park I (Amberley Village) | June 15 - 18 | $100/$80 No camp on June 19, in observance of the Juneteenth Holiday 

Week 3 | Ault Park I at Principio Picnic Area (Hyde Park) | June 22 - 26 | $125/$100

Week 4 | French Park II (Amberley Village) | June 29 - July 2 | $100/$80 No camp on Friday July 3, in observance of Independence Day 

Week 5 | Ault Park II at Principio Picnic Area (Hyde Park) | July 6 - 10 | $125/$100 

Week 6 | French Park III (Amberley Village) | July 13 - July 17 | $125/$100 

Week 7 | Ault Park III (Hyde Park) | July 20 - 24 | $125/$100 

Week 8 | Mt. Airy Forest at Oak Ridge Lodge (Mt. Airy) | July 27-31 | $125/$100 

The following camp registrations open on February 28 at 12 pm:​

California Woods Summer Camps

5400 Kellogg Ave, California/ Anderson

The most popular camps repeat, to give everyone a chance to participate; you may sign up for ONLY ONE Creek Week or Outdoor Skills Week. 

Creek Week

(AGES 7 - 9) 
Session I June 8 - 12 (Mon - Fri) | 9:30 am - 3:00 pm | $250/$200 
Session II June 29 - July 2, (Mon - Th, no camp 7/3) | 9:30 am - 3:00 pm | $200/$160
It’s Creek Day every day at Creek Week! Each day there is a new theme celebrating Lick Run Creek at California Woods. We’ll explore clay, critters, fossils, and even water itself!  

Young Trailblazers

(AGES 6 - 8, POST K) 
Session I June 15 - 18 (Mon - Th, no camp 6/19) | 9:30 am - 3:00 pm | $200/$160        
Session II July 6 - 10 (Mon - Fri) | 9:30 am - 3:00 pm | $250/$200 
This week can be your child’s first foray into a full day nature camp! Each day is a new adventure as we hike in search of animals, embark on a journey through the trees, play games, make crafts, and even explore the creek! Campers must be at least 6 years old and have finished kindergarten. 

Camp-ology: Nature Science Camp

(AGES 9 - 12)  
Week 3 June 22 - 26 (Mon - Fri) | 9:30 am - 3:00 pm | $250/$200 
Dig into nature’s secrets with special activities, hikes, and games. Each day we will explore a new scientific discipline such as botany, zoology, paleontology and more! We will improve our learning as we explore the steps of science: observing, questioning, experimenting and more.  

Preschool Nature Camp

(AGES 4 - 5, PRE-K)  
Week 6 July 13 - 17 (Mon - Fri) | 10:00 am - 1:00 pm | $187/$150 
This year’s theme is nature literature! Each day we explore the best parts of a beloved nature themed children’s story as we go on hikes, make crafts, play games, and have lots of fun! 

Outdoor Skills Camp

(AGES 10 - 14)  
Session I July 20 - 24 (M - Th, F evening*)  9:30 am - 3:00 pm $250/$200 
Session II July 27 - 31 (M - Th, F evening*) 9:30 am - 3:00 pm $250/$200 
*Friday no camp during the day, evening program from 7-10 pm   
Older campers practice important outdoor skills such as fire building, orienteering, making a basic shelter with only what you have surrounding you, and canoeing! Enjoy a special night program on Friday while we cook our own desserts over our campfires. This camp (drop off and pick up) will be held at a different location on canoe day, and Friday’s camp will be the evening program with no camp during the day. Exact details will be provided in the camp letter the week before camp starts. 

LABOITEAUX WOODS SUMMER CAMPS

5400 Lanius Ln, Cincinnati, OH 45224​

Nature Magic

(AGES 6 - 8) 
Week 1 June 8 - 12 (Mon - Fri) | 9:30 am - 3:00 pm | $250/$200 
This camp for young wizards and witches will be a blast with games, animal encounters, wand making, and more fun in this magic and nature focused camp.  

Dungeons & Dragons Jr. Nature Camp

(AGES 9 - 12) 
Week 2 June 15 - 18 (Mon - Th only) | 9:30 am - 3:00 pm | $200/$160 
Interested in/new to Dungeons and Dragons, and love nature? This is the camp for you! We will traverse the mighty forest, explore the forbidden creek, meet wise and wacky animals, make D&D themed crafts, and play D&D themed roleplaying scenarios. We will spend time both outside and indoors. 

Dungeons & Dragons Nature Camp

(AGES 13 - 15)
Week 3 June 22 - 26 (Mon - Fri) | 9:30 am - 3:00 pm | $250/$200 
Back by popular demand! Join us for a week-long campaign using the popular fantasy role-playing game, Dungeons and Dragons. Campers will make nature connections through gameplay, hikes, and animal encounters. D&D-related crafts, camp games, and the camaraderie of a shared adventure make this a truly special week of camp. We will spend time both indoors and outside, but this camp has more indoor time than our other nature camps.  

Preschool Nature Camp

(AGES 4 - 5) 
Week 4 June 29 - July 1 (Mon - Wed only) | 10:00 am - 1:00 pm | $112/$90 
This is a great intro to nature camps with Cincinnati Parks for our youngest campers! Let’s explore inside and outside the nature center with stories, crafts, hikes, animal encounters, and hands-on activities geared toward preschool-aged campers.  

Art & Nature Camps

(AGES 6 - 8 OR 9 - 12) 
Primary Art & Nature (ages 6 - 8) July 7 - 11 (Mon - Fri) |  9:30 am - 3:00 pm | $275/$215 
Tween Art & Nature (ages 9 - 12) July 14 - 18 (Mon - Fri) | 9:30 am - 3:00 pm | $275/$215 
Young artists can explore their wild side through art projects using a variety of media, nature hikes, animal encounters, games, and more. Plan to get messy and be creative! This is an art camp—if your child does not like creating art, this camp may not be for them. There is a higher fee for this camp due to the art materials used. 

Back to Nature Camps

(AGES 6 - 8 OR 9 - 12) 
Back to Nature Jr. (ages 6 - 8) July 20 - 24 (Mon - Fri) | 9:30 am - 3:00 pm | $250/$200 
Back to Nature (ages 9 - 12) July 27 - 31 (Mon - Fri) | 9:30 am - 3:00 pm | $250/$200 
Let’s unplug and get back to nature! We will explore the forest, the meadow, and the creek, learning about the animals and plants that make up each ecosystem. Nature crafts and games will make learning fun. Daily hikes, nature play, fossil searches, looking for insects, toads, and fungi are just a taste of what we will do in this back-to-nature day camp. 

TRAILSIDE SUMMER CAMPS

3251 Brookline Ave, Cincinnati, OH 45220

Urban Safari

(AGES 6 - 8)
Session I: June 8 - June 12 (Mon - Fri) | 9:30 am - 3:00 pm | $250/$200 
Session II: July 13 - July 17 (Mon - Fri) | 9:30 am - 3:00 pm | $250/$200 
This exciting camp offers a more in-depth look at nature as campers explore Burnet Woods in search of the many plants and animals that make their home here. Through the use of experiments, hikes, games, crafts and other hands-on activities, campers will become junior field naturalists as they discover the natural wonders of the world. 

Paleo Camp

(Ages 6 - 8) 
Week 2 June 15 - 18 (Mon - Th, no camp 6/19) | 9:30 am - 3:00 pm | $200/$160
Campers will explore the fascinating history of paleontology, dinosaurs, and local fossils. Each day we will discover a new epoch in time -from the Ordovician Period half a billion years ago, to our local Ice Age fossils deposited as recently as 10,000 years ago. And of course- DINOSAURS! 

PRESCHOOL NATURE CAMPS AT TRAILSIDE

(AGES 4 - 5) 
Week 3 Creature Features June 22 - 26 (Mon - Fri) | 10:00 am - 1:00 pm | $187/$150 
Whether it is floppy ears or furry tails, all animals have cool creature features that make them unique! Young children will explore the differences in the animal world through stories, crafts, hikes, and hands-on activities. 
Week 7 Amazing Animals  July 20 - 24 (Mon - Fri) | 10:00 am - 1:00 pm | $187/$150 
Fun in the forest, designed to appeal to a preschooler’s sense of wonder! Each day children will explore the park in search of amazing animals and will discover who is the fastest, slowest, strongest, and more. 

BUGS!

(AGES 6 - 8) 
Week 4 June 29 - July 2 (Mon - Th, no camp 7/3) | 9:30am - 3:00pm | $200/$160
They are creepy, crawly, and altogether fascinating! We’ll track them, catch them, study them… and maybe eat a few!  Discover the exciting world of insects as we go bonkers for Bugs! 

Mission To Mars - Astronomy Camp

(AGES 9 - 12) 
Week 5 July 6 - 10 (Mon - Fri) | 9:30 am - 3:00 pm | $250/$200  
Ground Control, we’re ready to launch…  Come join us on our Mission to Mars. Based out of Trailside Nature Center’s Wolff Planetarium, campers will embark on a journey to the Red Planet. Who knows what exciting discoveries await us--or what dangers we may face along the way… 

Frozen Fun!

(AGES 6 - 8) 
Week 8 July 27 - 31 (Mon - Fri) | 9:30 am - 3:00 pm | $250/$200 
What better way to beat the heat than Frozen Fun in July? Join us for a week of icy escapades as we explore the world of icicles, icecaps, and ice age fun! From frozen treats to frost bites… this camp’s so cool, your lips will turn blue! 

Counselors-In-Training Program 

Cincinnati Parks needs enthusiastic teens to join our summer Counselor-In-Training Program! 

This is the perfect way to earn volunteer hours while learning leadership skills that will last a lifetime and boost your resume. CITs play an integral role in assisting summer camp staff to provide a safe and fun environment for campers. From assisting with games and hikes to leading short activities, every day brings a new and fun experience. 

C.I.T.s must be at least 13 years old by the start of camp. Minimum 1 week commitment. 
Choose from half-day camp positions (9:15am-12:15pm OR 9:30am-1:15pm) or full-day camps (9:00am-3:15pm) available every week. 

SIGN UP ONLINE AT:  Cincinnati Parks Volunteer Site Better Impact  

Important Dates and Deadlines for CITs

Registration and Interview Dates 

• Returning CITs: Sign-up goes live on January 23, 2026 

• General Applications Open: Saturday, February 14 - Close April 19th, 2026  

• Online Interviews Available: Tuesdays, February 17 - April 14th, 2026  

Mandatory CIT Training Dates for 2026 

• New C.I.T. Orientation: Saturday May 16, 10am-12pm OR Wednesday, May 20th 4:30-6:00 pm (New CITs) 

• CIT Training FOR ALL: Saturday, May 30, 9:00am-3:00pm (Mandatory for all returning CITs) 

Tentative Additional CIT training opportunities will be provided June 1-5; details will be available on the Parks volunteer website. 

Additional Camp Details

Camper Expectations & Conduct

We want every child to have a wonderful time at camp. To make camp as welcoming and fun as possible, Cincinnati Parks Explore Nature staff reserves the right to remove a child from any activity due to inappropriate behavior. This behavior includes inappropriate/foul language, inability, or unwillingness to follow rules, stay with the group, or other continued problems which adversely affect the camp group. Depending on the severity of the situation, the caregiver may be called to pick up their child from camp early, or a camper may be asked not to return to camp. Parks staff reserves the right to make these calls to protect the safety and wellbeing of other campers and staff. 

Cancellation & Refund Policy 

Cancellations must be made by emailing parks.ne@cincinnati-oh.gov.  Partial refunds are available for cancellations before May 1, 2026. In cases of severe weather, camp fees are non-refundable and not pro-rated. Review our severe weather policy for further details. 

Late Pick-Up Policy

A $20 fee applies for every 15 minutes past the camp's written end time. 

Illness Policy 

Campers who are not feeling well should not attend camp. Campers showing signs of illness will be required to be picked up from camp. We are unable to offer refunds for absences due to illness. 

Waitlist Process

Sign up through normal registration, selecting waitlist as an option. If a spot opens, applicants are contacted by order of waitlist registration date. You will have 24 hours to respond before we move to the next person. The waitlist closes one week before each camp starts. Email us at parks.ne@cincinnati-oh.gov or call at (513)-321-6070 to ask about your spot on the waitlist.  

Summer Camp Age Policy

When calculating birthdays for summer camp, the Explore Nature policy is that the child MUST be the correct age on the FIRST day of the camp, i.e. if the camp is for 6-8-year-olds, the child must be 6 on the first day of camp.  

For Nature Camps in the Parks, campers must be entering 1st grade and must be 6 years of age by September 30, 2026. Campers that have not completed kindergarten are asked to sign up for the Discovery Mornings program.  

For Camps at Nature Centers, all three nature centers offer all-day camps for 6 to 8-year-olds. Six-year-olds must have completed kindergarten and be entering 1st grade to attend. If a child has not yet attended kindergarten, they will be asked to sign up for a half-day preschool camp. 

Drop Off & Pick Up

Only Caregivers or pre-authorized adults (notified via note or phone call) are allowed to drop off and pick up campers. Drop-offs and pick-ups must occur at the specified location with park staff, which will be communicated in the letter sent prior to camp start. Children cannot be left unattended in the park outside camp hours. 

Photo/Video Release 

The camp waiver, signed during registration, grants permission for photo & video to be used for educational and promotional purposes. In practice, we use images sparingly and with care, focusing on group activities and program experiences rather than individual children. Our goal is to highlight the camp experience while respecting family comfort. Questions about this policy can be directed to Nature Education manager Andrew Bernier at​ Andrew.Bernier@cincinnati-oh.gov 

Inclement Weather Policy

Parks Management will decide to cancel or delay camp activities due to severe weather based on daily weather forecasts. Parks staff will notify participants one hour before the scheduled camp start time. Email/text is the official notice method. If severe weather arises during camp hours, activities may be canceled for the day. This policy particularly affects Nature Camp in the Parks and Preschool Discovery Morning, which lack indoor facilities. Families will be informed via email or text about any changes to the schedule. No refunds will be given for cancellations or delays caused by inclement weather. A full version of our Inclement Weather Policy is available upon request. 

 

Frequently Asked Questions (F.A.Q)

• Can my child be grouped with a friend or sibling? 

Yes, you can request this during online registration. We will do our best to accommodate mutual requests within group size and age constraints. Grouping requests are not guaranteed.  

• Will lunch be provided? 

No, lunch is not provided. Please send your camper with a packed lunch and a refillable water bottle. Include an ice pack, if necessary, as refrigeration is unavailable. 

• How will I be informed of weather-related cancellations? 

Notifications will be sent at least one hour before the camp starts in case of severe weather. Instant updates will be provided if the weather changes during the day. Notifications will be sent to the primary contact listed on the application via text or email.  

• How does the waitlist work? 

Sign up through normal registration. If a spot opens, you will be contacted chronologically from the waitlist once a spot opens. You will have 24 hours to respond to confirm your spot. The waitlist closes one week before each camp starts. Email us at parks.ne@cincinnati-oh.gov or call (513)-321-6070, to ask about your spot on the waitlist.  

• How are food allergies and medical concerns managed?  

Staff reviews medical information provided on the camp applications. You must make sure any relevant medical information is included in the application or in the special accommodation form. Email parks.ne@cincinnati-oh.gov or call (513) 321-6070 for additional information. 

• Is the camp registration fee refundable? 

Yes, before May 1, 2026. See Refund and Cancellation Policy. No refunds for severe weather cancellations. No refunds due to illness or missed days.  All refund decisions are made at the sole discretion of Cincinnati Parks. Email parks.ne@cincinnati-oh.gov or call (513)-321-6070 to request a refund.  

• Is there a charge for late pick-ups? 

A $20 fee applies every 15 minutes past the camp’s end time. For example, if camp ends at 3:00 and the guardian arrives after 3:15, a $20 fee will be billed. Caregivers arriving later than 15 minutes must contact the camp director directly.  

• Can my child attend a camp for an older age group? 

No, your child cannot attend camp in an older age group. Campers must meet the age requirement for each camp session on its first day, to ensure an enjoyable experience for all. Siblings requesting to be paired together will be placed in the group fitting the youngest child.  

• What are the behavioral expectations for campers? 

Each camper is expected to behave respectfully and kindly to their fellow campers, counselors, instructors, and CITs. Camp expectations are listed under additional camp details. 

Explore Nature Contact Information

• Questions about our upcoming 2025 summer camps can be emailed directly to Parks.NE@cincinnati-oh.gov. This is the easiest way to ensure a prompt response from our team.
• Questions regarding registrations, billing, waitlist, transfers, scholarships or the CIT program: Joe Brenzel | Explore Nature Admin | (513)-321-6070 | Joseph.Brenzel@cincinnati-oh.gov
• Questions regarding management, staffing and special accommodation: Andrew Bernier | Explore Nature Manager | (513)-321-6070 | Andrew.Bernier@cincinnati-oh.gov