Summer Camps

group of kids with lifejackets on posing for a group photo before going paddleboarding.

The City of La Crosse Parks, Recreation & Forestry Department offers many summer programs for area youth! These programs promote and emphasize the importance of having fun in leisure and educational programs for all ages.

For questions regarding the programs, please email Hunter Elsen. 

Nature Day Camp

Nature Day Camps (#327301)

Mondays-Fridays; Monday, June 8-Friday, July 31, 2026
9 a.m.-4 p.m. | Pettibone Park Ages 6-12 | Max: 60
Registration Fee: $120; Registration Fee w/ Resident Discount: $80
**Registration Deadline: Friday prior to camp**

Join us for our Nature Day Camps at Pettibone Park! Experience archery, fishing, canoeing, kayaking, swimming, disc golf, crafts, gym class favorites, and more! Participants must bring a lunch, water bottle, sunscreen, and bug spray. Snacks are provided. *No camp week of June 29 – July 3*

Nature Day Camp Weeks:

Week 1 | June 8-June 12
Week 2 | June 15-June 19
Week 3 | June 22-June 26
Week 4 | July 6-July 10
Week 5 | July 13-July 17
Week 6 | July 20-July 24
Week 7 | July 27-July 31

Playground Program

Playground Program (#327101)

Mondays-Fridays; Monday, June 8-Friday, July 31, 2026
9 a.m.-4 p.m. | Weigent Park Shelter Ages 6-12 | Max: 100
Registration Fee: $240
Registration Fee w/ Resident Discount: $160
**Registration Deadline: Friday, June 12, 2026**

The Weigent Playground Program is a perfect opportunity for your child to get outside this summer and engage in exciting games, crafts, and fitness activities. Campers attending should bring a water bottle, lunch, shoes and clothes for outdoor play. Snacks are provided. The Playground Program features “Fun Days” throughout the summer with fields trips, visits to Veterans Memorial Pool, and much more! *No camp: Thursday, July 2 or Friday, July 3* 

Adventure Day Camp

Adventure Camp (#327302)

Mondays-Fridays; Monday, August 3-Friday, August 14, 2026
9 a.m.-4 p.m.
Myrick Park Main Shelter & Pettibone Park Rental Shelter
Ages 6-12    Max: 100
Registration Fee: $240; Registration Fee w/ Resident Discount: $160
**Registration Deadline: Friday, July 31, 2026**

End your summer with a bang! Join us for a two-week adventure at Myrick Park & Pettibone Park. Participants will experience fishing, hiking, scavenger hunts, field trips, swimming, and more! Campers must bring lunch, water bottle, sunscreen, and bug spray. Snacks are provided.

Frequently Asked Questions

What do I bring/send with my camper?

Everyday items for all camps - water bottle, lunch, sunscreen, bug spray, and any medications needed.

Is lunch provided?

Lunch is provided through the YMCA Meal Program at Weigent Playgrounds. A monthly menu will be available to view each day's meal provided. Lunch is not provided at Nature Day Camp.

Schedules?

Schedules will be available via email and website the Friday prior to camp.

Nature Day Camp

Life jackets — All campers must wear life jackets when using the kayaks, paddle boards, and canoes. Life jackets are provided.

Fishing — Yes, campers are able to bring their own poles and fishing gear. Poles and gear will also be provided.

Location — Pettibone Park Rentals Shelter

Weigent Playgrounds

Field Trips — Campers will go on weekly field trips to local attractions and outdoor adventures and excursions. All campers are required to have a signed permission slip to attend the field trips. There is no additional charge for campers to attend field trips.

Veteran's Memorial Pool — Camp will go on a weekly visit to VMP (Veteran's Memorial Pool). There is no additional charge for campers to attend the pool.

Location — Weigent Park Shelter

 

Children paddle in a blue kayak on a calm river, wearing life vests as they smile and splash near green trees and summer sunshine.

naturedaycamp_50_3812.jpg

(JPG, 10MB)
Several children in bright shirts stand on a grassy lawn around a fence, watching and feeding goats and sheep gathered near the wooden posts.

parksnrec_summercamp_overhouse_50_7354.jpg

(JPG, 12MB)
Children run across a sunny green lawn in front of a wooden play structure with a chain and posts, while others play near a blue barn-like building.

parksnrec_summercamp_overhouse_50_7397.jpg

(JPG, 6MB)
Four children sitting on a weathered wooden bench in a sunny backyard, smiling at the camera with green bushes and a stone path behind them, holding kittens.

parksnrec_summercamp_overhouse_50_7577.jpg

(JPG, 14MB)
Three people paddle a blue kayak on a calm river, seen through dense green tree branches and leaves in the foreground, with sunlight reflecting on the water.

naturedaycamp_50_3854.jpg

(JPG, 2MB)
A person paddles a blue stand-up paddleboard on a calm river, with reflections on the dark water and dense green trees along the banks under a clear blue sky.

naturedaycamp_50_3859.jpg

(JPG, 9MB)
People paddle and swim in a calm river, with a row of green trees and a sunny sky along the shore; a person on a paddleboard is visible in the foreground.

naturedaycamp_50_3873.jpg

(JPG, 11MB)
People paddle on a calm river with kayaks and a canoe near a floating dock, surrounded by dense green trees and dappled sunlight.

naturedaycamp_50_3933.jpg

(JPG, 11MB)
Kayakers paddle on a calm river near the shore, with several boats and a small group on one raft, while dense green trees line both banks under a clear blue sky.

naturedaycamp_50_4058.jpg

(JPG, 10MB)

*Photos provided by Dylan Overhouse 

Back to top