What ages does DC Department of Parks and Recreation accept?

DC Department of Parks and Recreation is open to children ages 3–17. Camps publish their own age cutoffs, and some run mixed-age groups internally; check the registration page for that summer's grouping if your child sits at a boundary.

How much does DC Department of Parks and Recreation cost?

DC Department of Parks and Recreation publishes $100/week for the standard session. USD. Free for DC residents. Final cost depends on session length, sibling discounts, and whether extended care is added on.

What are DC Department of Parks and Recreation's hours?

DC Department of Parks and Recreation runs 9:00 AM - 3:00 PM. If those hours don't quite cover your work day, check whether extended care or early drop-off is offered separately.

Who runs DC Department of Parks and Recreation?

DC Department of Parks and Recreation is operated by the local parks department. The operator type matters for tuition policy (refunds, financial aid eligibility) and for what kind of staff training pipeline the camp uses.

Does DC Department of Parks and Recreation provide lunch?

DC Department of Parks and Recreation does not include lunch — campers bring their own. Most day camps without provided lunch are nut-free or nut-aware, so check the allergy policy before packing. Frozen water bottles double as ice packs and drinks; insulated lunch boxes hold below 40°F for about four hours.

▌ Community/Rec Center · Ages 3–17

DC Department of Parks and Recreation

Multiple · $100/week

The DC Department of Parks and Recreation offers a variety of affordable summer day camps across Washington D.C. for children aged 3-17, focusing on recreati...

▌ Editor's read The DC Department of Parks and Recreation (DPR) operates numerous summer day camps across Washington D.C., as evidenced by their official website, dpr.dc.gov/service/summer-camps. These camps cater to children aged 3-17, offering general recreation, sports, arts, and STEM programs. The cost is notably affordable at $100 per week for DC residents, with non-resident fees also listed. The website explicitly states that 'All DPR staff and volunteers undergo a criminal background check,' indicating a commitment to safety. DPR is a municipal parks department, not a private entity. While not ACA accredited, which is common for municipal programs, they are a government-run entity. Google reviews for 'DC Department of Parks and Recreation' generally show a rating of around 3.8 stars from over 1,000 reviews, with feedback often praising program accessibility but sometimes noting administrative challenges. Their social media presence includes an active Instagram (@dcdpr) and Facebook (DCDPR) page, showcasing camp activities and community engagement.

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Parks-department programPublic, often subsidized

Shortlist in planner → Visit website

Who thrives here Ages 3–17

DC Department of Parks and Recreation sits in the upper-elementary to middle-school window where specialization starts to mean something. Kids in this band often want to go deeper on one thing rather than rotate through five, and many camps begin offering pre-CIT (counselor-in-training) tracks here. The right community/rec center fit at this age depends on whether the child wants more autonomy or still wants the safety of a structured rhythm.

Facts & Credentials

Program type: Day camp
ACA accredited: Not verified
Established: Not listed
Operator: Municipal parks department
Staff-to-camper ratio: Not listed

How we verify these →

Details

Category: Community/Rec Center
Ages: 3–17
Hours: 9:00 AM - 3:00 PM
Address: 1250 U St NW, Washington, DC 20009, USA
Phone: (202) 673-7647
Cost notes: USD. Free for DC residents.

Logistics

Lunch provided: No
Transportation: No
Financial aid: No
Setting: mixed

Frequently asked about DC Department of Parks and Recreation

What ages does DC Department of Parks and Recreation accept?: DC Department of Parks and Recreation is open to children ages 3–17. Camps publish their own age cutoffs, and some run mixed-age groups internally; check the registration page for that summer's grouping if your child sits at a boundary.
How much does DC Department of Parks and Recreation cost?: DC Department of Parks and Recreation publishes $100/week for the standard session. USD. Free for DC residents. Final cost depends on session length, sibling discounts, and whether extended care is added on.
What are DC Department of Parks and Recreation's hours?: DC Department of Parks and Recreation runs 9:00 AM - 3:00 PM. If those hours don't quite cover your work day, check whether extended care or early drop-off is offered separately.
Who runs DC Department of Parks and Recreation?: DC Department of Parks and Recreation is operated by the local parks department. The operator type matters for tuition policy (refunds, financial aid eligibility) and for what kind of staff training pipeline the camp uses.
Does DC Department of Parks and Recreation provide lunch?: DC Department of Parks and Recreation does not include lunch — campers bring their own. Most day camps without provided lunch are nut-free or nut-aware, so check the allergy policy before packing. Frozen water bottles double as ice packs and drinks; insulated lunch boxes hold below 40°F for about four hours.

Planning guides

Editorial checklists to use before you compare DC Department of Parks and Recreation with other camps.

How to choose a summer camp · Use the decision checklist before you compare finalists.
Financial aid and scholarship camps · Compare aid policies, discounts, and application timing.
Summer camp pricing in 2026 · Benchmark weekly cost before you commit a deposit.

Camps near here

Same city, with age-overlapping options first. Other camps to consider alongside DC Department of Parks and Recreation.

Headfirst Summer Camps · Multiple · Ages 3–13 · $500/week