Kids Camps in Parks Permit

Madison’s parks are wonderful places for children to explore, play, and learn outdoors. A Kids Camps in Parks permit allows organizations to host daily, weekly, or monthly camps in a City of Madison park.

Madison Parks values the importance of connecting kids to nature. This permit offers reduced shelter fees for weekday kids camps.

Do I need a Kids Camp in Parks Permit?

A Kids Camps in Parks permit is required for any organized camp that takes place in, or is promoted as being held in, a City of Madison park. This includes day camps hosted by community groups, schools, or organizations offering recreational, educational, or enrichment programs for children.

Application and Fees

Apply for a Kids Camp in Parks permit

Choose a park and check date & location availability: madisonevents@cityofmadison.com or 608-266-6033
1. Find a Park - you can search for a park by amenities (restrooms, parking lots, playgrounds, shelters), name, or location
Kids Camps in Parks Permit application

Submit the application to madisonevents@cityofmadison.com at least 30 days before the camp will begin.

Fees

Application Fee (nonrefundable)

$60 - due with application

Shelter Reservation Fees
Shelter Price Level	Weekdays, half-days	Weekdays, full-days	Weekends
Level 1 - 2 shelters	$17.50 per day	$35 per day	full price
Level 3 shelters	$50 per day	$100 per day	full price
Level 4-9 shelters	*require additional approvals - fees will vary

Commercial Use Fee
Fee	Cost
Free Camp	$0
Camp that offers scholarships or sliding scale	$50 per week
Camp that does not offer income-based discounts	$100 per week

Additional Important Information

Shelter Use and Scheduling

Kids camps using a shelter must:

Plan to have the shelter cleaned and vacated by 4:00 p.m. if there is an evening reservation for that day.
Camp staff should check the reservation sign posted at the shelter each morning to confirm evening use.
If the camp cannot vacate by 4:00 p.m., additional fees may apply.

Additional permits

Additional permits, such as for amplification or temporary structures, must be applied for separately.

Requests for a Temporary Structure permit require at least two weeks’ notice.
Additional permit fees will apply for any approved add-ons.

Equipment and Clean-Up

No equipment or storage boxes may be left in the park overnight or when the camp is not in session, unless approved in advance by the Parks Division.
The park or shelter must be cleaned and returned to its original condition each day after camp activities.
If picnic tables are moved during the day, they must be returned to their original locations before leaving.

General Park Rules

All Kids Camps in Parks must be aware of and adhere to all Madison Park's rules.