Columbus summer camp registration begins for 2025: What parents need to know

COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) — While the season might still say winter, the time to make plans for summer camp has arrived in central Ohio.

While some registrations can be white-knuckle events with parents struggling to enroll their children using a time-dependent online portal, others can be slightly more casual. Getting organized now is the key to making the most of a student's time off from school and reducing stress at home.

City of Columbus Recreation and Parks summer camps

Weeklong themed camps designed for children ages 6-12. Participants can engage in arts, crafts, sports, games, science experiments and nature exploration, the website notes. Enroll for a single session or enjoy the entire summer experience. Registration typically begins in February. Details here.

Classroom Antics Tech Camps

Classroom Antics helps guide children in the transformation from tech consumers to tech creators, according to its website. Classes use beloved products such as LEGO, Minecraft, Roblox and VEX.

Classroom Antics presents eight distinctive in-person enrichment programs for the summer camp season. Each STEM/STEAM program is carefully crafted for different age groups and scheduled at various times throughout the day. Enrollment is now open. Details are here.

Columbus Academy Summer Experience

Columbus Academy describes its “Summer Experience” as a summer filled with limitless possibilities, ranging from track & field with Ohio State athletes to Broadway and everything in between. Parents can begin making plans now for a season packed with diverse opportunities. Registration usually starts in early February, with priority times for current CA families.

Columbus Children’s Theatre full-day summer camps

Every week of the camp ensures students gain valuable onstage performance exposure and backstage production expertise in theatrical disciplines such as scenic design, costuming, and beyond, according to Columbus Children’s Theatre.

2025 Summer camp registrations are open now. Details here.

Columbus College of Art & Design’s Creative Summer Workshops

A way for children, teenagers, and adults to unleash their creativity. CCAD notes that courses encompass art and design for young artists, botanical art, printmaking, fashion design, animation, 3D illustration, digital comics, painting, puppetry, game development, and other creative pursuits.

Classes are typically held weekdays from 9 a.m. to noon for morning sessions, or 1:30 to 4:30 p.m. for afternoon sessions. Check the website for upcoming enrollment details.

Franklin Park Conservatory summer camps

Apart from engaging in themed activities, campers will have the opportunity to discover the Conservatory and its numerous gardens, including The Scotts Miracle-Gro Foundation Children’s Garden, according to Franklin Park Conservatory and Botanical Gardens. Details here.

Member registration dates:
• Half-day camps: Monday, Jan. 13, 2025, at 11 a.m.
• 5- and 6-year-old camps: Tuesday, Jan. 14, 2025, at 11 a.m.
• 7- and 8-year-old camps: Wednesday, Jan. 15, 2025, at 11 a.m.

Nonmember registration dates:
• All Camps are open for registration on Monday, Jan. 20, 2025, at 11 a.m.

IDEAS Summer Camps for Boys & Girls – Columbus School for Girls

Crafted to serve as a classic day camp for Pre-K to 2nd grade and as a cutting-edge program centered on art, science, and technology for grades 3-8, this camp offers a unique and comprehensive summer camp experience, according to the website. Registration for 2025 is open now. Details here.

Ohio State University

• Camp Recky

Camp Recky welcomes both the Ohio State community and the broader Columbus community. By participating in sports and recreation, students develop self-confidence and acquire essential 21st-century skills, including initiative, problem-solving, and critical thinking. Suitable for ages 6-13. General registration will open on Feb. 17 at 9 a.m. Details here.

• Esports Summer Camp

The Esports Summer Camp is for kids ages 10 to 13 and offers four five-day camps. Participants will get a unique look into esports through gaming and sports recreation.

General registration will open on Feb. 17 at 9 a.m. Details here.

Metro Parks Summer Camps

Tailored for children to embrace their individuality, join in nature exploration and form new friendships each week. A committed and expert Camp Team ensures a secure environment for kids to embark on outdoor adventures, creating lasting memories and friendships that extend throughout a lifetime, Metro Parks notes in its camp description.

2025 summer Camp information is coming soon. Details here.

Wellington Summer Program

The Wellington Summer Program offers children entering prekindergarten through grade 12 the chance to explore newfound talents, acquire essential skills, overcome challenges, and forge enduring friendships, according to its website.

The 2025 summer program guide arrives on Jan. 17. Details here.

YMCA Summer Day Camp

Summer day camps cater to school-age children, focusing on fostering relationships, creating a sense of belonging, achieving success in new endeavors, preventing summer learning loss, spending quality time outdoors, and an understanding of the environment, the YMCA site states.

Tailored for youth entering 1st through 6th grade, these programs are facilitated by enthusiastic and caring staff, providing a blend of enjoyment, friendships, challenges, and positive experiences.

Details for summer day camp 2025 will be online in early January 2025. Details here.