Summer Fun Starts Today: Valley Forge Park Kicks Off Day Camp Season in Garfield Ridge

By Socialhood News · Il/Chicago/Garfield Ridge · June 22, 2026

Great news for Garfield Ridge families — summer camp season officially launches today at Valley Forge Park, and the Southwest Side's favorite neighborhood green space is ready to welcome kids for weeks of warm-weather fun. According to the Chicago Park District, the popular summer day camp program at Valley Forge runs Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., kicking off June 22 and running all the way through August 9 — giving neighborhood youth a full six weeks of structured activity, outdoor play, and community connection right in their own backyard.

Nestled in the heart of Garfield Ridge, Valley Forge Park is more than just a patch of grass — it's a genuine community hub. The 8.32-acre park features a state-of-the-art green fieldhouse with a gymnasium, fitness center, and multi-purpose rooms, plus outdoor basketball and soccer courts, softball fields, and horseshoe pits. Throughout the year, the park offers programming ranging from gymnastics and yoga to tap and ballet, making it one of the most well-rounded recreational destinations on the Southwest Side. The summer day camp adds to that legacy, giving working families an affordable, enriching option right in the neighborhood.

If your kids haven't already signed up, it's not too late to reach out to Valley Forge Park directly and ask about availability. Head over to the Chicago Park District's website at chicagoparkdistrict.com or call the fieldhouse to learn more. Summer in Garfield Ridge is in full swing — make sure your family is part of it!

Sources:
1. https://www.chicagoparkdistrict.com/parks-facilities/valley-forge-park