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Camps During School Holidays

Columbus Metropolitan Library (CML)

CML is an award-winning library and amazing resource in the community. With 23 locations throughout Franklin County, they provide a lot more than just books, including lots of free online resources, specialized programs, and community events.

  • School Help: K-12 students can get after-school homework help, K-3 students can get extra reading practice with Reading Buddies in person or online, HelpNow offers 24/7 online homework help and test prep, and some locations host After School Snacktimes.
  • Kindergarten Readiness: Find Storytimes, Play to Learn, and Kindergarten readiness classes for ages 0-5. They also have Skill Builder videos with activities you can do together at home.
  • Teen Programs: YouMedia Discord for ages 13-17 to work on music, podcasts, videos, and more with skilled mentors; homework and test prep help, and monthly Teen Spotlight videos.
  • Adult Education: They offer ESOL and GED referrals; free technology business, and coding classes; history and genealogy experts, Digital Navigator staff can help you access hardware and software, and Excel Adult High School allows adults to get their high-school degree in an online, self-paced program.
  • Adaptive Services: Request accommodations, adaptive audio and visual equipment, and large print reading materials.
  • Business & Nonprofit Resource Center: Visit Main Library for access to co-working space, specialized professional help, access to community partners, tools, and resources.

(614) 645-2275
Locations: columbuslibrary.org/library-locations
columbuslibrary.org

Columbus Recreation & Parks School’s Out Program

Columbus community Recreation & Parks centers open for extended hours during Columbus Public Schools’ spring, fall and winter breaks. The program allows youth to take part in a variety of activities during the day, to help meet the needs of working parents. Go online for registration details.
columbusrecparks.com/community/schoolsout

Columbus Zoo & Aquarium & The Wilds

The Columbus Zoo & Aquarium offers several educational opportunities for youth. They offer week-long day camps for Grades 1-7, with optional extended care for an additional fee. The 4-day and 4-week summer camps are for ages 3-entering Kindergarten. youth participate in a variety of activities designed to have fun and promote environmental awareness, including hands-on animal experiences. ZooKids is a preschool program for ages 3-5 multiples days per week during the school year. They also offer Dayventures and Summer Camps at The Wilds conservation center in Cumberland, Ohio. Scholarships are available.

Community Parks & Recreation Programs in Your Neighborhood

Columbus has parks and recreation centers throughout the city and surrounding areas. They provide a variety of programs, camps and classes for children, teens and adults. Financial assistance/Scholarships for programs may be available. Click below to find local programs in your neighborhood.

Empower Delaware’s Best

Offers after school, school break, and summer camp programs for elementary students (K-5) in Delaware, Ohio. Programs are focused on empowering youth in school, sports, and life. The after school program includes free transportation from Delaware Elementary Schools. Program fees are meant to be affordable for families. Go online for program and registration details.
811 North Houk Road, Delaware, Ohio 43015
(740) 417-5171
Summer Camp: delawaresummercamp.com/optin1595268949301
After School: delawareafterschool.com/optin1593618011447

Integrity Athletics

Athletic recreation center in Central Ohio offering a variety of classes, training opportunities, and competitions for youth, preschool and up. Classes include gymnastics, tumbling, martial arts, and HUGS gymnastics for special needs youth. They also host a preschool open gym, special events, summer camp, and camps for school closures/holidays. They partner with Nationwide Children’s Sports Medicine to provide specialized athletic training.
8185 Business Way, Plain City, Ohio 43064
(614) 733-0818
integritygym.com

Jewish Community Center (JCC) of Greater Columbus

Provides a wide range of recreation and cultural arts opportunities in an inclusive environment defined by Jewish values and culture. All are welcome to participate in their programs. Programs include teen recreation, summer and spring break camps, after school programs, preschool and daycare, fitness classes, theater, and more.

  • JCC College Avenue: 1125 College Avenue, Columbus, Ohio 43209
    (614) 231-2731
  • JCC New Albany: 150 East Dublin-Granville Road, New Albany, Ohio 43054
    (614) 855-4885
  • JCC North: 6121 Olentangy River Road, Worthington, Ohio 43085
    (614) 764-2414
  • Hoover Family Park: 4290 East Walnut Street, Westerville, Ohio 43081
    (614) 559-6250

columbusjcc.org

King Arts Complex

Connecting community through the arts, they offer visual and performing arts summer camp and “school break” camps in the spring and winter for children ages 5 to 13. They also host community events, such as the Heritage Music Festival, MLK Day Open House and art exhibits at their Elijah Pierce Gallery.
835 Mount Vernon Avenue, Columbus, Ohio 43203
(614) 645-5464
kingartscomplex.com

Stratford Ecological Center

This non-profit educational organic farm and nature preserve offers workshops and classes for children, farm tours, and family programs. Programs include Farm School, which qualifies as an Alternative Learning Experience credit in Ohio. They offer a variety of summer camps for youth and families which include learning the rhythms of nature and a farm, fun activities, and leadership opportunities for high schoolers. Their internships for adults provide opportunities in sustainable agriculture, non-profit administration, family programming, and more.
3083 Liberty Road, Delaware, Ohio 43015
(740) 363-2548
stratfordecologicalcenter.org

The Works: Ohio Center for History, Art & Technology

Center located in Newark, Ohio with interactive STEM learning labs, planetarium, art gallery, and history exhibits. Admission rates are low and they offer many discounts for veterans, teachers, SNAP recipients, and more. They offer free programming for families and adults year-round, including a STEMfest for high schoolers during spring break. Summer Camps are available for ages 3-12 and financial assistance is available for camp fees. They also provide teacher professional development across east central Ohio. Go online for program details and to plan your visit.
55 South First Street, Newark, Ohio 43055
(740) 349-9277
attheworks.org

YMCA of Central Ohio

Hosts programs for all ages, including health and fitness, swimming, childcare, summer camps, juvenile justice, and housing services.

  • Healthy Living Programs: Y Members can access swim lessons, group fitness classes, personal training, lifeguard & CPR training, and more. Programs for youth include School Days Off programs, summer camps, leadership, teen programs, and more. Financial assistance is available for membership.
  • Child Care Centers: Offers full-day childcare for children ages 6 weeks to 5 years old at YMCA Early Learning Centers.
    • YMCA Early Learning Center: 2879 Johnstown Road, Columbus, Ohio 43219
      (614) 342-5836
    • YMCA Early Learning Center West: 1952 West Broad Street, Columbus, Ohio 43223
      (614) 752-8877
  • Early Childhood Programs: Offers Head Start Programs, Preschool, and Kindergarten Jump Start Summer Program at various YMCA locations. Free or low-cost Preschool may be available for qualifying families through the ECE Grant Program. Families can also access free childcare while adults use the Y facilities.
    Head Start: (614) 389-3880
    Preschool & Kindergarten Jump Start: (614) 288-8084
  • Early Childhood Resource Network Plus (ECRN+): Programs for children with special healthcare needs, developmental disabilities, an delays. Services include early intervention for ages 0-3, developmental screenings for ages 3-5, speech therapy, and SPARK school readiness. Families can apply online for an adaptive equipment loan.
  • Housing: Provides supportive housing and wraparound case management services for adults facing homelessness in Columbus, Ohio.
    (614) 705-9151
  • PALS Juvenile Justice: Provides a structured and supervised environment for 6-12th grade students as an alternative to being suspended from school. Students must be referred by their school district.
    (614) 578-7568
  • Y Cares: Supports families who are pregnant or have infants under the age of 1. Includes free pregnancy tests, emergency diapers, formula and baby supplies, counseling, and more.
    (614) 689-2080
  • YMCA Stable Families: Families with children (from Pre-K to 12th grade) who live in Franklin County can access a service coordinator who can help with household income, maintaining safe and stable housing, and academic achievement of school-aged children.
    (614) 813-1226

Locations & Contact Info: ymcacolumbus.org/locations
YMCA Columbus Main Website: ymcacolumbus.org

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