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Join us for a summer of fun at Cincinnati Parks Explore Nature camps! Our camps get children (ages 3½ to 15) outside, connecting with nature, and learning from our dedicated naturalists. Held in local parks throughout the city, these one-week adventures include daily hikes, games, live animal encounters, hands-on experiments, and creative projects.

Explore Nature offers a range of summer programs tailored for different age groups. Children who have completed kindergarten can join full-day, weeklong camps held Monday through Friday from 9:30 am to 3:00 pm. For younger children ages 3½ to 5, shorter preschool programs are available, including Preschool Discovery Mornings alongside Nature Camp in the Parks as well as preschool camps at individual Nature Centers. Camp schedules do not include the Juneteenth (6/19/25) and Independence Day (7/4/25) holidays.

Online Registration Opens Saturday, February 22nd 

Registration is staggered
 

To register:

• 10:00 am: Nature Camp in the Parks & Discovery Mornings open on February 22nd 
• 12:00 pm: Camps at California Woods, LaBoiteaux Woods and Trailside Nature Centers open on February 22nd
• Register here

Camper Expectations

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.

Reasonable accommodations

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, please 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. 

Scholarship Opportunity

This needs-based scholarship opportunity has been made possible by the Cincinnati Parks Foundation and by generous public donors. The Stephenson Sisters’ Scholarship Fund scholarship covers 80% of the cost of attending the camp. Camp spots are held for scholarship applicants and are given out on a rolling basis as funds allow. Scholarship registration opens February 15, 2025.

Apply for the Stephenson Sisters' Scholarship

The following camp registrations open on February 22nd 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 animals! Children who are 5 years old and entering 1st grade through 12 years of age can participate in this completely outdoor camp. Campers are grouped by age.

Register children for ONLY ONE Nature Camp session at Ault Park and French Park. 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 9-13 | $150

French Park I (Amberley Village) | June 16-20 | $120 No camp on Wednesday, June 19, in observance of Juneteenth Holiday.

Ault Park I (Hyde Park/Mt. Lookout) | June 23-27 | $150

French Park II (Amberley Village) | June 30-July 3 | $120 No camp on July 4, in observance of Independence Day.

Ault Park II (Hyde Park/Mt. Lookout) | July 7-11 | $150

French Park III (Amberley Village) | July 14-18 | $150

Ault Park III (Hyde Park/Mt. Lookout) | July 21-25 | $150

Mt. Airy Forest, Stone Steps Shelter | July 28- August 1 | $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 Senses! Enjoy discovering and actively participating in the world around us. Children attending this camp do NOT need to bring their lunch. 

Program repeats and is the same each week. Please register your child for ONLY ONE session.

Children ages 3 1/2 – 5 who have not yet attended/finished Kindergarten.
9:45 am – 11:45 am, Monday – Friday
Camp programming repeats; Register for only one week.

Stanbery Park (Mt. Washington) | June 9-13 | $100

French I (Amberley Village) | June 16-20 | $80 No camp on June 19, in observance of Juneteenth Holiday.

Ault Park I, Principio Picnic Area (Hyde Park/Mt. Lookout) | June 23-27 | $100

French II (Amberley Village) | June 30-July 3 | $80 No camp on July 4, in observance of Independence Day.

Ault Park II, Principio Picnic Area (Hyde Park/Mt. Lookout) | July 7-11 | $100

French III (Amberley Village) | July 14-18 | $100

Ault III (Hyde Park/Mt. Lookout) | July 21-25 | $100

Mt. Airy Forest, Oak Ridge Lodge | July 28-August 1 | $100

 

The following camp registrations open on February 22nd 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 9-13 (Mon. – Fri.)
PRICE: $120 9:30 am – 3:00 pm, Session II: June 30- July 3 (Mon. – Thurs.) $120 No camp on July 4, in observance of Independence Day.

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! *No camp 7/4

YOUNG TRAILBLAZERS (AGES 6 – 8, POST KINDERGARTEN) *NEW for 2024
PRICE: $120 9:30 am – 3:00 pm, Session I: June 16-18 and 20 (Mon. – Fri.) No camp on June 19, in observance of Juneteenth Holiday.
PRICE: $150 9:30 am – 3:00 pm, Session II: July 7-11 (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, 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. *No camp 6/19

CAMP-OLOGY: NATURE SCIENCE CAMP (AGES 9 – 12) *NEW FOR 2025 
PRICE: $150 10:00 am – 1:00 pm, June 23-27

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) MUST BE TOILET TRAINED
PRICE: $125 10:00 am – 1:00 pm, July 14 – 18

Learn about colors in nature!  Each day we explore a new color as we go on hikes, make crafts, play games, and have lots of fun.

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 21 – 25 (Mon. – Thurs.*) *Special Evening Program Friday, July 25. 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 1. NO DAYTIME CAMP on Friday.

*Friday no camp during the day, evening program from 7-10 pm  
Older campers practice important outdoor skills such as fire building, map and compass, 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)
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, June 9-13 (Mon. – Fri.)

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 AND DRAGONS (D&D) NATURE CAMPS

D&D NATURE CAMP Jr.
PRICE: $120 Ages 9-12, 9:30 am – 3:00 pm, June 16-20 (Mon. – Wed, Fri.)

D&D Nature Camp Teen
PRICE: $150 Ages 13-15, 9:30 am – 3:00 pm, July 15-19 (Mon. – Fri.)

Let the Adventure Begin! Come together to make new friends and play D&D themed roll playing scenarios or campaigns. Campers will make nature connections through game play, hikes, and animal encounters. D&D related crafts, camp games, and the comradery of a shared adventure make these truly special camps.  Campers will spend time both indoors and outside. *No Camp 6/19

PRESCHOOL NATURE CAMP (AGES 4-5; MUST BE TOILET TRAINED)
PRICE: $75 10:00 am – 1:00 pm, June 30-July 2 (Mon. – Wed.) No camp on July 4 and 5, in observance of Independence Day.

This is a great intro to nature camps with Cincinnati Parks for our smallest campers! Let’s explore inside and outside the nature center with stories, crafts, hikes, animal encounters, and hands-on activities geared toward the preschool-aged camper. 

ART & NATURE PRIMARY CAMP (AGES 6 -8, MUST HAVE COMPLETED GRADE K)
PRICE: $175 9:30 am – 3:00 pm, July 7 - 11 (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. 

ART & NATURE TWEEN CAMP (AGES 9-12)
PRICE: $175 9:30 am – 3:00 pm, July 14-18 (Mon. – Fri.)

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 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: July 21-25 (Mon. – Fri.)
PRICE: $150 9:30 am – 3:00 pm, Session II: July 28- August 1 (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.

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 9 – June 13 (Mon. – Fri.)
PRICE: $150 9:30 am – 3:00 pm, Session II: July 14 – July 18 (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 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 around them. Please choose one session – camp activities and crafts repeats.

BIO BLAST (AGES 6-8) *NEW FOR 2025
PRICE: $80 10:00 am – 2:00 pm, June 16-18 (Mon. – Wed.) No camp on June 19, in observance of Juneteenth Holiday.

Do you have a budding botanist that can’t get enough nature?  That not only want to know their birds – but their trees, flowers, insects, and arthropods.  This camp offers a more in-depth dive into the natural world as we learn identification skills.  Through the use of field guides and keys, we will identify as many organisms as possible in this intensive biological study.  An excellent opportunity for Park CITs that want to take their training to the next level! *No camp 6/19 & 6/20.

PRESCHOOL NATURE CAMP - HABITAT HUNT (AGES 4-5; MUST BE TOILET TRAINED)

PRICE: $125 10:00 am – 1:00 pm, June 23-27 (Mon. – Fri.)

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.

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

They are creepy, crawly, and altogether fascinating! We’ll track them, catch them, study them… and we may 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 7-11 (Mon. – Fri.)

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.

NATURE PRESCHOOL - MOVERS AND SHAKERS (AGES 4-8)
PRICE: $125 10:00 am – 1:00 pm, July 21-25 (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 9:30 am – 3:00 pm, July 28 - August 1 (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 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 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.

Choose from half-day camp positions (9:15 am – 12:15 pm OR 9:30 am – 1:15pm) or full-day camps (9:00 am – 3:15 pm), available every week.

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

Important Dates and Deadlines:

• Applications open January 24th - April 8th, 2025
• Online interviews available February 11th – April 15th
• Mandatory training dates for 2025
• NEW C.I.T. Orientation- Wednesday, May 10th 10am-12pm OR Saturday May 14th, 4-6pm (Mandatory for New CITs)
• C.I.T. Training ALL CITS. Saturday, May 17th 10am-2:30pm (Mandatory for all 2025 CITs)

Additional Camp Details

• Camper Behavior Expectations: We want every child to have a wonderful time at camp. In order 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, which 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, you may be called to pick your child up from camp early or a camper may be asked not to return to camp. Please understand we only make these calls to protect the safety and wellbeing of other campers and staff.
• Cancellation and Refund Policy Cancellations: need to be made by emailing at Parks.NE@cincinnati-oh.gov. Partial refunds are available for cancellations before May 1, 2025. In cases of severe weather, camp fees are non-refundable and not pro-rated. Please review our severe weather policy for further details.
• Late Pick-Up Policy: A $10 fee applies for every 15 minutes past the camp's written end time.
• Illness Policy: Please do not send your child to summer camp sick. Kids 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, 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 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, 7 and 8-year-olds, the child must be 6 on the first day of camp. For Nature Camps in the Parks, kids must be entering 1st grade and must be 6 years of age by September 30, 2025. Kids that have not completed kindergarten are asked to sign up for the Discovery Mornings program. For Nature Center Camps, all three nature centers offer all-day camps for 6 to 8-year-olds. Six-year-olds must have completed Kindergarten and be entering first grade to attend. If a child has not yet attended kindergarten, they will be asked to sign up for a half-day program.
• Drop Off and Pick Up: Only parents 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, which will be communicated in the letter sent prior to camp start. Children cannot be left unattended in the park outside camp hours.
• 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 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 Details: 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