Summer Playgrounds
FREE Drop-In Program
The Summer Playgrounds Program inspires learning, playing, and connecting by creating lots of fun and diverse experiences in our parks and natural spaces.
Dates
The Summer Playgrounds Program is a FREE Drop-In Program for children 5-12 years of age Monday through Friday 9 AM to 5 PM. Our park locations are equally spread out between North, Central, and South Austin to better serve families. No advanced registration required, but registration is required at the park site the first day of attendance.
Summer Playgrounds Program Dates: June 8 - July 31, 2026*
*No camp on June 19th or July 3rd, 2026.
Waivers for participants must be completed and signed by the parent/guardian of a youth participant before the participant can attend a program. Waivers can be sent to SummerPlaygroundsProgram@austintexas.gov or turned in at park site where participant is registered.
Online Registration Forms & Documents
Park Locations
- Dick Nichols District Park - 8011 Beckett Road, Austin, 78749
- Dottie Jordan Neighborhood Park - 2803 Loyola Lane, Austin, 78723
- James A. Garrison District Park - 6001 Menchaca Rd, Austin, 78745
- Gillis Neighborhood Park - 2410 Durwood Ave, Austin, 78704
- Govalle Neighborhood Park - 5200 Bolm Road, Austin, 78721
- Walnut Creek Metropolitan Park - 12138 N Lamar Blvd, Austin, 78758
Benefits
- Foster Healthy Living
- Character Building
- Teamwork Through Collaborative and Active Play
- Age-Appropriate Activities
- Environmental Stewardship / Education
Sample Day of Activities
- Morning welcome and Get-Together
- Arts & Craft projects with Totally Cool, Totally Art (TCTA)
- T.E.A.M. Time - teamwork and team building
- Sports Challenges - introduction to various sports such as kickball and dodge ball
- Einstein Time - activities that assist with continued learning throughout the summer
- Swimming at the park pool partnering with our Aquatics Division to offer the Learn to Swim program
- Cool Down "Water Fun"
- Visits from city departments like Fire, Police, EMS, Watershed Protection, and Development Services
- AM & PM Snacks
A collaborative partnership with the Central Texas Food Bank has allowed us to serve lunch to our program participants.