As the City of Austin continues to adhere to precautions to keep everyone safe during the COVID-19 pandemic, the Parks and Recreation Department has announced a wide range of free summer programming for children and teens starting July 6 to be offered at a variety of recreation sites as well as in an online format. Families can now enter a lottery system for the chance to enroll.
What are the Camp Options?
In-Person Camp: Stay Playful! — For 4-weeks beginning July 6th, Austin PARD will offer Stay Playful!, a program that includes full-day or half-day camps for Austin residents that offers youth and teens the opportunity to play games, create cool arts and crafts projects, and enjoy the outdoors. Camps will be limited in size and will prioritize the health and well-being of our campers and staff. Click here for full details and for location info.
Virtual Camp: Stay Creative! — The Stay Creative! online program is an exploration of arts, culture and nature, for children 5-12 years of age. Beginning July 6th children can engage in a week of programmed activities exploring new and exciting themes like space and nature. These programs are provided by professional instructors beginning every hour from 9am-4pm with a break for lunch. Participants will be guided through the activity by instructional aides in age-specific “Zoom Rooms.” Click here for more details.
How to Enter the Camp Lottery?
- For a guide on how to register for the Stay Playful! and Stay Creative! Camp Lottery, you can read the overview on this document: Lottery Registration Procedures (PDF).
- From June 15-19, Austin residents may register for the camps via an online lottery registration system.
- For those without internet access, to register, please call (512) 974-4000 (English) or (512) 974-3772 (Spanish).
- Lottery results providing confirmed registration will be sent out between June 23-26.
For more info on Austin PARD summer programs for families, please click here.
