Camp · Traditional Day Camp · Ages 6–10 · $68/week
▌ Traditional Day Camp · Ages 6–10

Discovery Camp

Washington Recreation Center · $68/week

Discovery Camp, offered by DC Department of Parks and Recreation, provides a traditional day camp experience for children aged 6-10 at various recreation cen...

▌ Editor's read The provided URL leads to the official DC Department of Parks and Recreation (DPR) website, specifically detailing their 2026 summer camp offerings. Discovery Camp is listed as a traditional day camp for children aged 6-10, operating from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM at multiple recreation centers. The cost is stated as $67.50 per week. The DPR website mentions that all camp staff undergo background checks and drug screenings. While specific Google reviews for 'Discovery Camp DC DPR' are not readily available as a distinct entity, the DPR as a whole has a Google rating of 3.9 stars from 182 reviews. The camp is not accredited by the American Camp Association. Social media handles for DPR are @dcdpr on Instagram and DCDPR on Facebook.
Parks-department programPublic, often subsidized

Who thrives here Ages 6–10

Discovery Camp fits middle-elementary campers — old enough for skill-building to land, young enough that friend-group dynamics and counselor warmth still matter more than program rigor. Parents at this age band tend to prioritize a balanced rhythm of structured activity and unstructured play, which is the actual differentiator inside any given traditional day camp program.

Facts & Credentials

Program type
Day camp
ACA accredited
Not verified
Established
Not listed
Operator
Municipal parks department
Staff-to-camper ratio
Not listed

How we verify these →

Details

  • Category: Traditional Day Camp
  • Ages: 6–10
  • Hours: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
  • Address: 1275 First Street NE, Washington, DC 20002
  • Phone: (202) 673-7647
  • Cost notes: USD. DC Department of Parks and Recreation.

Logistics

  • Lunch provided: No
  • Transportation: No
  • Financial aid: No
  • Setting: mixed

Frequently asked about Discovery Camp

What ages does Discovery Camp accept?
Discovery Camp is open to children ages 6–10. Camps publish their own age cutoffs, and some run mixed-age groups internally; check the registration page for that summer's grouping if your child sits at a boundary.
How much does Discovery Camp cost?
Discovery Camp publishes $68/week for the standard session. USD. DC Department of Parks and Recreation. Final cost depends on session length, sibling discounts, and whether extended care is added on.
What are Discovery Camp's hours?
Discovery Camp runs 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM. If those hours don't quite cover your work day, check whether extended care or early drop-off is offered separately.
Who runs Discovery Camp?
Discovery Camp is operated by the local parks department. The operator type matters for tuition policy (refunds, financial aid eligibility) and for what kind of staff training pipeline the camp uses.
Does Discovery Camp provide lunch?
Discovery Camp does not include lunch — campers bring their own. Most day camps without provided lunch are nut-free or nut-aware, so check the allergy policy before packing. Frozen water bottles double as ice packs and drinks; insulated lunch boxes hold below 40°F for about four hours.
How does Discovery Camp compare to other traditional day camp camps in Washington?
Discovery Camp is one of 8 traditional day camp camps in Washington that overlap its age range. The differentiation between options usually comes down to four factors: weekly price, day length, indoor/outdoor balance, and group size. Browse same-city alternatives in the directory to compare side by side.

Planning guides

Editorial checklists to use before you compare Discovery Camp with other camps.

Browse similar camps

Indexable directory cuts for families comparing Discovery Camp against nearby options.

Camps near here

Same city, with age-overlapping options first. Other camps to consider alongside Discovery Camp.