Austin Parks and Recreation provides accessible, diverse, and inclusive summer camps, and now offers early registration for community participants who qualify for financial aid, adaptive and inclusion support programs. There are camps for youth (ages 5 to 12) and for teens (ages 12 to 15) at select locations.  

Online Registation

Forms and Documents

Registration

Register online at AustinTexas.gov/ParksOnline. You can register in person, over the phone, or online. 

Find specific registration dates provided with the program descriptions below. Scroll down or click through to view available programs:  Therapeutic  |  Cultural & Art  |  Nature  |  Community Recreation  |  Free

Learn how to use our online registration system with accounts, logging in, registering and paying for camps online here: Account Creation, Online Registration & Frequently Asked Questions.

There is a new feature called the virtual waiting room. While in the waiting room, you will see a video of a man walking back and forth across the screen. This lets you know you are in the waiting room, awaiting your turn in line. Users should not go “back” or refresh while in the waiting room! Please be patient. 

Here is a video that helps explain how it operates:

Instructions on Waiting Room

Summer Camp 2024 Registration Flyer (English & Español PDF)

Registration Limits for Specialty Camps

The Austin Parks & Recreation Department wants to ensure all interested participants have an opportunity to participate in specialty camps. We understand these camps are in high demand, capacity is limited, and the process for registering can be quite competitive.

In response to our commitment to ensure equal access to all parks and programs, PARD has adopted a new three (3) week maximum registration limit for all specialty camps, for all participants.

What does this mean?
When registering for specialty camps at sites like the Austin Nature & Science Center, Camacho Activity Center, or the Dougherty Arts Center, you will be limited to three (3) weeks per site, per child. In the event you register for more than three (3) weeks at one site, you will be contacted and dropped from additional weeks.

Sites with Specialty Camps:
- Austin Nature & Science Center
- Camacho Activity Center
- Dougherty Arts Center
- Mexican American Cultural Center
- Carver Museum

Early Registration

Austin Parks and Recreation offers early registration for Austin residents who qualify for financial aid, adaptive, and inclusion support programs.

February 10 - 17 is the early registration period for financial aid, adaptive, and inclusion participants.
- Early Registration will open at 10am on Saturday, February 10, 2024.
- Registration times will vary based on location. Evening and weekend times are available.

How do I qualify for Early Registration?

Households who wish to qualify for early registration on the basis of income must first be enrolled in our financial aid program. To learn more about financial aid and to see if you qualify, visit Austin Parks and Recreation Financial Aid.

Households who wish to qualify for early registration on the basis of disability must request ADA modifications by e-mail or on-site following the new Inclusion Support Services process. For more information on this process and to see if you qualify, visit Inclusion Support Services.

Therapeutic Camps

Therapeutic Recreation

Registration begins Saturday, February 10, 2024 at 10am for qualifying Austin Residents. Non-Austin Residents can register starting Saturday, February 24, 2024 at 2pm.

Therapeutic summer programs embrace the diversity that defines Austin and works to ensure that all individuals are accepted, included, and welcomed to participate, play, and recreate together with a team of Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialists (CTRS) and Inclusion Aids.

Fees: $140 per week for Austin Residents / $220 per week for Non-Austin Residents
Deposit: $20 per week

Cultural & Art Camps

cultural and Art Camps

Registration begins Saturday, February 24, 2024: 10am (Austin Residents) and 2pm (Non-Austin Residents).

Visual and performing arts, culture and history summer camp programs preserve and protect the past, celebrate Austin’s diversity, build community, and develop awareness and appreciation for the arts.

Specialty Camps have a three (3) week maximum registration limit per participant, per site.

Nature Camps

Nature Camps

Registration begins Saturday, February 24, 2024: 12pm (Austin Residents) and 2pm (Non-Austin Residents).

Nature-based summer camp programs provide hands-on educational and recreational activities that increase appreciation for the natural environment and awareness of the conservation ethic.

Fees: $225 per week for Austin Residents / $300 per week for Non-Austin Residents
Deposit: $40 per week

Specialty Camps have a three (3) week maximum registration limit per participant, per site.

Community Recreation Camps

Community Recreation Camps

Registration begins Saturday, March 2, 2024: 1pm (Austin Residents) and 3pm (Non-Austin Residents)

Community recreation summer programs at Recreation Centers have a youth development philosophy which focuses on providing youth opportunities to enhance their interests, skills and abilities through intentional programming and quality experiences that help develop social, emotional, ethical, physical and cognitive competencies.

Fees: $140 per week for Austin Residents / $220 per week for Non-Austin Residents
Deposit: $20 per week

Free Summer Programs

Playgrounds Program Kids Playing

Beat the Summer Boredom with this year’s Boredom Buster FREE summer Drop-In program. Boredom Busters is a free summer drop-in program designed to keep youth engaged and entertained. Here is what makes Boredom Busters the coolest summer hangout:

  • Drop-In Fun: Pre-Registration opens May 20. You can choose what days to join according to your schedule. Drop by when convenient for you.  Pre-registration does not guarantee your spot, just ensures you can have a quicker drop off the days that you attend. Slots are limited on a DAILY, first come first serve basis.
  • Endless Activities: Unleash creativity with crafts, whip up yummy treats in the kitchen, conquer game challenges, explore nature, and get active with sports! We have something for every interest.
  • Eight Weeks of Adventure: Boredom Busters runs for eight exciting weeks, ensuring a summer full of fun and learning. Each site will provide a lunch/snack daily.

Boredom Busters is the perfect solution for busy families! Let your child experience a summer of exploration, discovery, and laughter. 

Don't wait! Bring your child to Boredom Busters today!

Boredom Busters English PDF

Boredom Busters Español PDF

Program Details:

Ages: 5-12 Years Old

Slots are limited on a DAILY first come first served basis.

No camp on June 19 and July 4 due to City of Austin holidays.

Gus Garcia Recreation Center
1201 E. Rundberg Ln. | 512-978-2525
June 10–August 2, 2024, 1 p.m.–5 p.m.

Virginia L Brown Recreation Center
7500 Blessing Ave. | 512-974-7865
June 10–August 2, 2024, 1 p.m.–5 p.m.

Turner Roberts Recreation Center
7201 Colony Loop Dr. | 512-978-2690
June 3–August 9, 2024, 9 a.m.–1 p.m.

Dove Springs Recreation Center
5801 Ainez Dr. | 512-974-3840
June 10–August 2, 2024, 10 a.m.–2 p.m.

Montopolis Recreation Center
1200 Montopolis Dr. | 512-978-2300
June 10–August 2, 2024, 10 a.m.–2 p.m.

For more information, call the recreation center nearest to you.

 

Related Links
Programs and Activity Registration