Zoo Camp Week Session Fee (per child)
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5-12 year old: $140 (reusable water bottle and camp shirt included)
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Zoo Camps are limited to only two weeks of sessions per child since our space is limited.
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Each camp week is Monday through Thursday from 9 am until 2 pm
To register please visit the Zoo Office to ensure that there are still spaces available.
Safari Zoo Camp
Summer Camp at the Washington Park Zoo is a fun-filled camp session geared toward specific age groups. At camp, kids participate in zoo tours, hands-on activities, games, and crafts and interact with animals. Zoo Camp offers your child a unique opportunity to experience all the Washington Park Zoo has to offer!
These are fun-filled camp experiences that will fill up quickly.
Message to Parents and Guardians,
Thank you for your interest in registering your child for the Zoo Camp program here at the Washington Park Zoo. We will be having a wild time full of animal encounters, activities, crafts, and games. Please review the following information prior to starting camp and feel free to contact us with any questions.
Week Theme: Wildlife Adventures
Ages: 5-8 Years Old
Date: Monday, June 15, 2026, through Thursday, June 18, 2026
Nature’s handymen are all around us! Campers will uncover the amazing “tools” animals use to survive, from sharp claws and sturdy shells to keen eyesight and powerful beaks. Campers will discover through hands-on activities how these fascinating features help animals thrive in the wild! Learn how animals outwit, outplay, and outlast others to survive in their habitats. During this four-day camp, your camper will enjoy daily zoo tours, animal visits, crafts and games.
Week Theme: Wild By Design
Ages: 7-12 Years Old
Date: Monday, June 22, 2026, through Thursday, June 25, 2026
Get WILD about a possible career with animals or conservation. This unique summer experience offers kids the chance to learn about careers in zoos, animal training, wildlife rehabilitation, and nature conservation while learning from people in the field. We will explore how the zoo and other organizations are saving species in the fight for conservation and how you can help too! Campers will have opportunities to learn from pros in the field and participate in hands-on activities that support ongoing conservation efforts.
Week Theme: Zoo-Med University
Ages: 7-12 Years Old
Date: Monday, July 6, 2026, through Thursday, July 9, 2026
Explore conservation education and the instrumental role educators have at the Zoo. Experience a crash course introduction to animal care, husbandry, and enrichment, along with a glimpse into a day in the life of a zookeeper and zoo vet. Campers will learn about the equipment used, safe animal capture, participate in a lab study, and understand zoo animal nutrition, darting, and more on how we keep the animals healthy.
Week Theme: Secrets of the Zoo
Ages: 5-12 Years Old
Date: Monday, July 13, 202,6 through July 23, 2026
Each day is a new adventure for our zookeepers! Go beyond cleaning and feeding to learn about the needs of animals and the complexities of animal care, while exploring animals’ unique health, behavior, nutrition, and welfare. Plus, you’ll hear “insider information” from a real zookeeper! Discover what it takes to care for, feed, train, and work with different animals. During this week, campers will learn how we design habitats to keep animals happy and healthy, and how we inspire guests to care for wildlife. Then, campers will work with Zoo staff to help design a new habitat!
Week Theme: Animal Survival Skills
Ages: 7-12 Years Old
Date: Monday, July 20, 2026, through Thursday, July 23, 2026
Animals have incredible survival skills! They survive in areas where it is cold or hot or dry or even worse. How do they do it? Together, we will study the perplexities of animal survival as well as the traits that allow them to thrive in their various environments, especially those that call Indiana home. Join us as we learn about some amazing animals in a fun-filled week of games, activities, and, of course, lots of animals!
Week Theme: Jr. Zoo Forensic Investigator
Ages: 5-8 Years Old
Date: Monday, July 20, 2026, through Thursday, July 23, 2026
We'll dive in and discover nature's creepiest, crawliest with hands-on fun, weird science, and wild animal encounters! Campers will have fun learning about wild spaces and animals, and will hopefully go from EWWW to COOL, in this hands-on, engrossing week of delight!
Safari Zoo Camp FAQ's
What will my child do all day at Zoo Camp?
Zoo Camp is full of fun! Your child will be introduced to the world of animals and science. Zoo Camp has grade-themed programs including games, up-close animal encounters, hands-on science, along with crafts and songs. Since your camper doesn't tell you everything, we'll also distribute a parent letter on the first day that will go over the focus of each day, what exhibits we visit, what animals we met and some questions to test your camper's knowledge.
How much interaction do campers have with animals?
Each day the campers will experience a close encounter with an animal from our education animal collection. Other special activities might include seeing an exhibit animal up-close for feeding, enrichment, or training sessions. They will not be allowed to hold any animals but, will have the chance to touch some of our creatures.
Due to safety concerns and the availability of animal care staff, we are not able to offer behind the scenes tours for all camps but, animal contact experiences are provided for every camp session
What is the counselor-to-camper ratio?
The counselor-to-camper ratio varies with age and registration. Our average group size is around seven campers to one counselor.
What should my child wear to camp?
Dress appropriately for the weather. We will go outside rain or shine, so rain gear is needed sometimes. For younger campers, please make sure their clothing is easy for them to remove while using the restroom (Zoo staff cannot assist campers in the restroom). On the first day of camp, your child will be given a special Zoo Camp t-shirt. We would like your child to wear this shirt every day of camp. It increases visibility while touring the zoo. Extra shirts can be purchased for $15 when you register and if we have extra available when camp begins. Close-toed shoes are required for your child's safety.
Will they be outside all day?
Many of our activities include outside time. Please make sure your camper is wearing sunscreen. Counselors are not allowed to apply sunscreen, so please make sure you put it on your camper each morning. We issue each child a Zoo water bottle, which is cleaned and filled by our concession staff each day.
Can I stay with my child during the day? May I eat lunch with my child?
For the safety of campers, we do not allow adults who are not camp staff to spend time with the camp group. This includes parents.
Who is this camp for?
Zoo Camp is perfect for youth who have an interest, love, or passion for animals and science. We offer a variety of activities that connect campers to nature but, it's great when our participants come to us with an initial interest in animals since we are Zoo Camp!
What about behavior management?
Behavior is managed to ensure an enjoyable and safe experience for all. Children are expected to behave appropriately. In the event a child is disruptive, time-out may be used. If disruptive behavior continues, the parent will be called to help find a solution. If improvement is not realized, the child may be asked to not return to camp
Should I pack a lunch for my camper?
Yes. Each camper will need a packed lunch each day with a NUT-FREE lunch. Please do not send any snacks or foods containing peanuts or tree nuts. Although the zoo is not nut free we try and limit direct contact with the campers since many children have allergies to different types of nuts. We hope to ease parents' concerns about allergic reactions. Sharing of lunch items is not permitted, except amongst siblings.
What about personal belonging?
Please leave all the toys, cameras, and other valuables at home. Cell phones, iPods, tablets, and other electronic devices are not allowed at Zoo Camp. The Zoo is not responsible for lost or stolen items.
What if my child has special needs?
If your child has special needs (dietary, allergy, behavioral, physical, etc.), please notify us in advance by calling 219.873.1510. We want your child to have the best camp experience possible and can only do this if we know the unique needs of your child!
Medication cannot be administered or dispensed by Zoo staff. Campers must be able to take their own medication. However, staff can carry medications and help children remember to take them. Many of the Zoo's full-time staff are first aid and EpiPen trained. If your child is bringing an EpiPen or medication to camp, you may be asked to complete additional paperwork regarding its authorized use.
If your child has any food-specific allergies please pack your own snacks. We do not offer snacks that list nuts as an ingredient; however, box lunches may be packed in the same area as other foods posing allergy risks.
Payment & Registration
When will registration open?
Registration for Zoo Camp will open each April.
How do I know if my spot is confirmed?
Upon completion of registration, you will receive an email from the Zoo.
What is your cancellation policy?
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All cancellations must be submitted via email to jhuss@emichigancity.com. Please state the child's name, camp session, date, and the reason for the refund request. Refunds and exchanges are not guaranteed. We will make every effort to change your registration to another session if your camper is unable to attend their preregistered week, space permitting.
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Camp Registrations are non-transferrable.
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There are no refunds if your child is sick and misses camp during the program.
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If your child is dismissed from the program due to behavioral issues, you will be granted a refund and your child will not be allowed to return to camp.
Do I get a refund if my child is sick?
No. We are not give refunds for campers that are unable to attend camp because they are ill.
Will I receive a written confirmation?
Yes. You will receive an electronic confirmation once your registration and payment have been collected.
What do I need to complete to secure my camper's spot?
Program Waiver (mandatory for all participants, including parents)
Due to the limited spots available, tuition must be paid in full during registration.
What does the "waitlist" mean?
The waitlist means that we are currently full for that session. You are welcome to sign up for the waitlist, but a spot will only open up if someone else cancels their camp registration.
What happens if my child can't attend a day or if they'll be late?
Please notify our Registrar if your camper will be absent or late on any given day. Please call 219.873.1510 to do so.
First Day of Camp and Sign-In/Sign-out Procedures
Where should I go on the first day of camp?
We will provide you with plenty of information in your Zoo Camp Handbook but, all campers will meet at the Zoo entrance at 8:45 a.m.. Please arrive in time to sign your child in and have them ready to start camp at 9 a.m.!
What happens if I need to pick up my camper early?
If you would like to pick up your camper at a time other than the designated pick-up time, please notify your camper's counselor. Upon your arrival at the zoo, notify the front gate and they will radio to your camper's group so you can meet up with them.
Where can I park?
Parking is available in the Zoo Lot. Please make sure to notify the parking attendants that you are here to drop off or pick up a Zoo Camper.
Who can sign out my camper?
People signing out campers must be listed on the Camper Release Form and have to be 18 and over. When completing the Camper Release Form, parents/guardians need to list themselves as well. All adults signing out a camper should bring a photo ID with them to verify their identity.