Austin Parks and Recreation (PARD) will launch 2021 Summer Camp registration on April 19. This year there are two main options.
- A free virtual program called Stay Creative
- In-person Summer Camp at participating Recreation Centers, Nature-Based Sites and Cultural Centers.
In accordance with federal, state and local health authorities, PARD has adopted modified guidelines for COVID-19 health and safety. All participants and staff must wear a mask and complete a daily wellness screening prior to entry. There will be one group or "pod" of no more than 10 people per room: eight youth plus one or two staff.
With limited summer camp capacity due to COVID-19, PARD encourages consideration of multiple summer camp options to provide increased access to the City's reduced camp offerings for those who are disproportionately affected by the pandemic.
Lottery Registration: April 19 – May 16 Parents can register April 19 through May 16 to be included in a random lottery drawing for a limited number of in-person summer camps. To register, please go to:
AustinTexas.gov/ParksOnline. For a PDF of the lottery enrollment step-by-step procedures
CLICK HERE.
Notification - Specialty Camp: May 19 – May 25 In-person Specialty Camps such as Nature Based, Inclusion and Cultural Centers will contact participants who received a lottery spot in camp.
Notification - General Recreation Camp: May 26 – June 1 In-person General Recreation Camps will contact participants who received a lottery spot in camp.
Virtual Summer Camp: June 7 – August 13 Stay Creative free virtual Summer Camp will explore the basic principles of art, culture and history with PARD's museums and cultural center staff.
In-person Summer Camp: June 21 – August 13 Limited capacity in-person Summer Camp programming will be offered at Nature Centers, Cultural Centers and General Recreation sites.
Summer Playgrounds Program: July 6 – August 13 The Summer Playgrounds Program will offer free, in-person outdoor drop-in camps with limited capacity. This program is first come, first served on a daily basis.
Contact PARD's Inclusion Unit at 512-974-3914 to request ADA assistance or modifications for participation. For more information about PARD Summer Camps, visit
AustinTexas.gov/SummerCamp.
