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Join us for a summer of exploration and excitement at Cincinnati Parks' Explore Nature! camps. Offering one-week adventures for ages 3 ½ to 15, our award-winning camps are hosted at various scenic locations throughout Cincinnati. Our dedicated team is committed to providing enriching experiences that include daily hikes, interactive games, encounters with live animals, exciting experiments, and creative make-and-take projects.

Explore Nature offers weeklong day camps for children who have completed kindergarten and older. All day camp hours are from 9:30 a.m. - 3:00 p.m., Monday - Friday, with exceptions for the Juneteenth and Independence Day holidays. For younger children, Preschool Discovery Mornings is offered alongside the Nature Camp in the Parks, as well as options for preschool camps at each Nature Center.

Online Registration Opens Saturday, February 24th 

Registration is staggered.

To register:

• 10:00 am: Nature Camp in the Parks & Preschool Discovery Mornings in the Parks open on February 24th 
• 12:00 pm: Camps at California Woods, LaBoiteaux Woods and Trailside Nature Centers open on February 24th
• Register here

Camp Policies

To ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for all, campers are expected to:

• Be toilet trained and able to use the toilet without assistance.
• Be able to stay with their assigned group with minimal reminders.
• Be able to navigate natural terrain including 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 our fellow 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 their trusted adult 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.

Check out this Summer Camp Age Calculator

Cancellation and Refund Policy

• All cancellation requests must be completed by calling the Bettman Natural Resources Center at 513-321-6070.
• In order to receive a refund, the cancellation request must be processed before May 21, 2024. After that date, we cannot offer refunds for cancellations of any week.
• Cancellations with refunds will be charged a $30 processing fee per camper per session.
• Cincinnati Parks does not refund or pro-rate camp fees in the event of severe weather that either causes campers to be picked up early or to entirely miss a day of camp. For the safety of our campers and staff we cannot conduct camp in thunderstorms and other instances of severe weather.
• Transfers from one camp into another are considered a cancellation and will be charged a $30 processing fee per camp per camper. It is the registrant’s responsibility to re-register the camper online.
• Camp spots may be donated to our scholarship fund for children that qualify for assistance. Donations may be made to the City of Cincinnati, Park Department and tax-deductible letters can be sent with the City’s tax deductible, federal identification number.

Reasonable accommodations:

Cincinnati Parks makes every effort to provide reasonable accommodation for all campers. If your child needs special assistance, is unable to participate in certain activities, or requires an interpreter, please submit a Special Accommodation form at least two weeks prior to starting camp. We cannot guarantee specific provisions. For detailed discussions regarding your child's specific needs, feel free to contact Jennifer Harten at 513-321-6070.

Scholarship Opportunity

This incredible scholarship opportunity has been made possible by generous public donors as well as the Stephenson Sisters’ Scholarship Fund from the Cincinnati Parks Foundation.

Apply for the Stephenson Sisters' Scholarship

The following camp registrations open on February 24th at 10 am:

 

NATURE CAMP IN THE PARKS

Ready for exploring this summer? Join Naturalists and summer day 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 adaptations!  Children who are 5 years old entering 1^st 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 a fun time and room for everyone, please register for only ONE Nature Camp session at one of these parks. Please choose another park for a maximum registration of 2 camps in these neighborhood parks.

Children ages 5 (entering 1st grade) – 12
9:30 am – 3:00 pm, Monday – Friday

Stanbery Park (Mt. Washington) | June 10-14 | $150

French Park I (Amberley Village) | June 17-18, 20-21 | $120 No camp on Wednesday, June 19, in observance of Juneteenth Holiday.

Ault Park I (Hyde Park/Mt. Lookout) | June 24 – June 280 | $150

French Park II (Amberley Village) | July 1-3, 5 | $120 No camp on July 4, in observance of Independence Day.

Ault Park II (Hyde Park/Mt. Lookout) | July 8-12 | $150

French Park III (Amberley Village) | July 15-19 | $150

Ault Park III (Hyde Park/Mt. Lookout) | July 22-26 | $150

Mt. Airy Forest, Stone Steps Shelter | July 29 – Aug 2 | $150

 

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. Note: Children attending this camp do NOT need to bring a lunch.

Program repeats and is the same each week: please schedule your child for ONE session only so there will be room for new children this summer.

Children ages 3 1/2 – 5 
9:45 am – 11:45 am, Monday – Friday
Camp programming repeats; Register for only one week.

Stanbery Park (Mt. Washington) | June 10-14 | $100

French I (Amberley Village) | June 17-18, 20-21 | $80 No camp on June 19, in observance of Juneteenth Holiday.

Ault Park I, Principio Picnic Area (Hyde Park/Mt. Lookout) | June 24–28 | $100

French II (Amberley Village) | July 1-3, 5 | $80 No camp on July 4, in observance of Independence Day.

Ault Park II, Principio Picnic Area (Hyde Park/Mt. Lookout) | July 8-12 | $100

French III (Amberley Village) | July 15-19 | $100

Ault III (Hyde Park/Mt. Lookout) | July 22-26 | $100

Mt. Airy Forest, Oak Ridge Lodge | July 29 – Aug 2 | $100

 

The following camp registrations open on February 24th at 12 pm:

 

CALIFORNIA WOODS SUMMER CAMPS

5400 Kellogg Ave, California/ Anderson

CREEK WEEK (AGES 7 – 9)
THESE POPULAR CAMPS REPEAT, PLEASE REGISTER FOR ONLY ONE WEEK TO ALLOW OTHER CHILDREN THE OPPORTUNITY TO ATTEND.

PRICE: $150 9:30 am – 3:00 pm, Session I: June 10-14 (Mon. – Fri.)
PRICE: $120 9:30 am – 3:00 pm, Session II: July 1-3, 5 (Mon. – Fri.) $120 No camp on July 4, in observance of Independence Day.

Get wet and have fun! Enjoy a week of water-based fun and education as we explore California Woods’ Lick Run Creek. Learn about water quality and sampling, clay, the water cycle, find fossils and play games.

PRESCHOOL NATURE CAMP (AGES 4 – 5, PRE-K) MUST BE TOILET TRAINED
PRICE: $125 10:00 am – 1:00 pm, Session I: June 24 – June 28 
PRICE: $125 10:00 am – 1:00 pm, Session I: July 15 – June 19

Learn about SHAPES in nature! We’ll go on hikes, make crafts, play games, and have lots of FUN.

YOUNG TRAILBLAZERS (AGES 6 – 8, POST KINDERGARTEN) *NEW for 2024
PRICE: $120 9:30 am – 3:00 pm, Session I: June 17-18, 20-21 (Mon. – Fri.) No camp on June 19, in observance of Juneteenth Holiday.
PRICE: $150 9:30 am – 3:00 pm, Session II: July 8-12 (Mon. – Fri.) 

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, embarking on a journey through the trees, play games, make crafts, and even explore the creek! Campers must be at least 6 and have finished Kindergarten.

OUTDOOR SKILLS CAMP (AGES 10 – 14)

THESE POPULAR CAMPS REPEAT, PLEASE REGISTER FOR ONLY ONE WEEK TO ALLOW OTHER CHILDREN THE OPPORTUNITY TO ATTEND.

PRICE: $150 9:30 am – 3:00 pm, Session I: July 22 – 26 (Mon. – Thurs.*) *Special Evening Program Friday, July 26. NO DAYTIME CAMP on Friday.
PRICE: $150 9:30 am – 3:00 pm, Session II: July 29 - August 2 (Mon. – Thurs.*) *Special Evening Program Friday, August 2. NO DAYTIME CAMP on Friday.

This week aimed at older campers, allows them to practice important outdoor skills such as fire building, reading a map and compass, making a basic shelter, and canoeing! Enjoy a special night program on Friday while we cook our own desserts over our campfires. Please note that drop-off and pick-up will be held at a Burnet Woods on canoe day (Thursday), 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 WIZARDS CAMP (Ages 8-10)
THESE POPULAR CAMPS REPEAT, PLEASE REGISTER FOR ONLY ONE WEEK TO ALLOW OTHER CHILDREN THE OPPORTUNITY TO ATTEND.

PRICE: $150 9:30 am – 3:00 pm, Session I: June 10-14 (Mon. – Fri.)

PRICE: $120 9:30 am – 3:00 pm, Session II: June 17-18, 20-21 (Mon. – Fri.)  No camp on June 19, in observance of Juneteenth Holiday.

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. 

BACK TO NATURE CAMP (AGES 9-12)
THESE POPULAR CAMPS REPEAT, PLEASE REGISTER FOR ONLY ONE WEEK TO ALLOW OTHER CHILDREN THE OPPORTUNITY TO ATTEND.

PRICE: $150 9:30 am – 3:00 pm, Session I: June 24-28 (Mon. – Fri.)
PRICE: $120 9:30 am – 3:00 pm, Session II: July 8 - 12 (Mon. – Fri.)  

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.

PRESCHOOL NATURE CAMP (AGES 4-5; MUST BE TOILET TRAINED)
PRICE: $75 10:00 am – 1:00 pm, July 1-3 (Mon. – Fri.) No camp on July 4 and 5, in observance of Independence Day.

This is a great intro to nature camps. Let’s explore nature found inside and outside the Nature Center with stories, crafts, hikes, and hands-on activities geared toward the preschool aged camper.

D&D NATURE CAMPS FOR TEENS (AGES 13-15) *NEW for 2024
PRICE: $150 9:30 am – 3:00 pm, July 15-19 (Mon. – Fri.)

Let the adventure begin! Come together to make new friends, plan a character, and play a campaign while we also look at habitats, animals, and make D&D related crafts. D&D/fantasy themed T-shirts or costumes encouraged, but not required. Please, wear clothing appropriate for camp/outdoors and no weapons, real or otherwise. We will spend time both outside and indoors.

ART & NATURE TWEEN CAMP (AGES 9-12)
PRICE: $175 9:30 am – 3:00 pm, July 22-26 (Mon. – Fri.)

Young artists can explore their wild sides 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.

ART & NATURE PRIMARY CAMP (AGES 6 -8, MUST HAVE COMPLETED GRADE K)
PRICE: $175 9:30 am – 3:00 pm, July 29 – August 2 (Mon. – Fri.)

Younger campers can try their hand at art activities and explore the great outdoors. A mix of art projects, games, and outdoor fun creates a truly unique way to make new friends 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.

TRAILSIDE SUMMER CAMPS

3251 Brookline Ave, Cincinnati, OH 45220

URBAN SAFARI (AGES 6-8)
THESE POPULAR CAMPS REPEAT, PLEASE REGISTER FOR ONLY ONE WEEK TO ALLOW OTHER CHILDREN THE OPPORTUNITY TO ATTEND.

PRICE: $150 9:30 am – 3:00 pm, Session I: June 10 – 14 (Mon. – Fri.)
PRICE: $150 9:30 am – 3:00 pm, Session II: July 15 – 19 (Mon. – Fri.)

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 experiments, hikes, games, crafts and other hands-on activities, campers will become junior field naturalists as they discover the natural wonders of the world around them.

PALEO CAMP (AGES 6-8)
PRICE: $120 9:30 am – 3:00 pm, June 17 – 18, 20-21 (Tues. – Fri.) No camp on June 19, in observance of Juneteenth Holiday.

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!

NATURE PRESCHOOL - CREATURE FEATURES CAMPS (AGES 4-5; MUST BE TOILET TRAINED)

PRICE: $125 10:00 am – 1:00 pm, June 24 – 28 (Mon. – Fri.)

Whether it’s 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.

BUGS! (AGES 6-8)
PRICE: $120 9:30 am – 3:00 pm, July 1-3, 5 (Mon. – Fri.) No camp on July 4, in observance of Independence Day.

They’re creepy, crawly, and all together fascinating!  We’ll track them, catch them, study them… and we may even eat a few!  Discover the exciting world of insects as we go Bonkers for Bugs!

MISSION TO MARS - ASTRONOMY CAMPS (AGES 9-12)
PRICE: $150 9:30 am – 3:00 pm, July 8–12 (Mon. – Fri.)

Ground Control, we’re ready to launch… Come join us on our Mission to Mars. Join us for a week of outer space fun as we embark on a journey to the Red Planet. Who knows what exciting discoveries await us… or what dangers we may face along the way.

NATURE PRESCHOOL - AMAZING ANIMALS (AGES 4-8)
PRICE: $125 10:00 am – 1:00 pm, July 22- 26 (Mon. – Fri.)

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.

 

FROZEN FUN (AGES 6-8)
PRICE: $150 10:00 am – 1:00 pm, July 29 - August 2 (Mon. – Fri.)

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 Explore Nature is calling all enthusiastic teens to join our summer Counselors-In-Training Program! This is not just any volunteer opportunity – it is your ticket to a summer filled with fun, learning, and unforgettable memories.

This is the perfect way to earn volunteer hours while learning leadership skills that will last a lifetime. Boost your resume with this real-world experience.

From assisting with games and leading craft activities, CITs will be helping the counselors throughout the week. CITs will be keeping an eye out during adventurous hikes; every day brings a new and fun experience.

Be a role model and make a positive impact in your community by engaging with campers and contributing to their summer joy.

REQUIREMENTS:

• Must be at least 13 years old.
• Complete the application process.
• Minimum one-week commitment, every day of the week, for half-day or full day camps. Half-day (9:30 – 11:30 or 9:30 – 1:30). Full-day (9:00 – 3:30).
• Sign up online here: Cincinnati Parks Volunteer Site Better Impact

 

Additional Camp Details

 

Illness Policy

Please do not send your child to summer camp sick. We adhere to CDC guidelines regarding COVID-19. For current guidelines, visit the CDC Website. Updated COVID-19 Recommendations Now Available | CDC We are unable to offer refunds to absences due to illness.

Waitlist Process

Sign up through normal registration, selecting waitlist as an option. If a spot opens, you will be contacted chronologically in the order of the waitlist. You will have 24 hours to respond before we move to the next person. The waitlist closes one week before each camp starts. Please call Joe Brenzel at 513-321-6070 or email us at parks.ne@cincinnati-oh.gov to ask about your spot on the waitlist.

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. 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. Parents will be informed via email, phone, or text about any changes to the schedule. Please note, 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.

Contact Information

Questions about our upcoming 2024 summer camps: Email Parks.NE@Cincinnati-OH.Gov, which is monitored by Nature Education staff and is the easiest way to have general questions addressed promptly.

Questions regarding registrations, billing, waitlist, transfer, scholarship information or CIT program: Joe Brenzel | Explore Nature Admin | 513-321-6070 | Joseph.Brenzel@Cincinnati-OH.Gov

Questions regarding management, staffing and special accommodation: Jennifer Harten | Explore Nature Manager | 513-321-6070 | Jennifer.Harten@Cincinnati-OH.Gov