Discovery
Zoo Camp
The Summer Camp at Washington Park Zoo provides an exciting camp experience tailored for different age groups. Children will enjoy zoo tours, engaging activities, games, crafts, and interactions with animals. Zoo Camp presents a chance for your child to explore everything the Washington Park Zoo has to offer!
These enjoyable camp sessions are sure to fill up fast.
Registration Will Start April 1st at the Zoo Office.
Cash or Check Payments only
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.
Message to Parents and Guardians,
We appreciate your interest in enrolling your child in the Zoo Camp program at Washington Park Zoo. Get ready for an exciting experience filled with animal encounters, activities, crafts, and games! camp begins, please take a moment to review the following information, and don't hesitate to reach out to 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 27, 2026, through Thursday, July 30, 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 an exciting adventure! Your child will explore the fascinating world of animals and science With grade-specific programs, Zoo Camp offers games, close animal encounters, interactive science activities, crafts, and songs.
How much interaction do campers have with animals?
Campers will have the chance to engage closely with an animal from our educational collection every day. Additional activities may include getting up close to an exhibit animal during feeding, enrichment, or training sessions. Each session provides unique experiences.
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?
Please dress your child according to the forecasted weather, as we are usually adventuring outside regardless of conditions, so rain gear may be necessary at times. For younger campers, ensure their clothing is easy to remove for restroom use, as Zoo staff cannot assist in the restroom.
On the first day of camp, your child will receive a special Zoo Camp t-shirt, which we encourage them to wear daily for better visibility while exploring the. Additional shirts can be purchased for $15 during registration or, available, when camp starts. Close-toed shoes are required to ensure 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?
Camp is ideal for young people who are passionate about animals and science. We provide a range of activities that link campers to nature, and wonderful when our participants arrive with a genuine interest in animals, as we are Zoo Camp!
What about behavior management?
Behavior is monitored to create a safe and enjoyable environment for everyone. Children expected to act appropriately. If a child becomes disruptive, a time-out may be implemented. Should disruptive behavior persist, the parent will be contacted to assist in finding a solution. there is no improvement, the child may be asked not to return to camp.
Should I pack a lunch for my camper?
Yes, all campers are required to bring a packed lunch each day that is NUT-FREE. Please avoid sending any snacks or foods that have peanuts or tree nuts. Although the zoo is not entirely nut-free, we strive to limit direct contact to protect campers with nut allergies. Our goal is to alleviate parents' concerns about allergic reactions. Sharing of lunch items is not permitted.
What about personal belonging?
We kindly ask that you leave all toys, cameras, and valuables at home. Electronic devices such as cell phones, iPods, tablets are not permitted at Zoo Camp. The Zoo will not be held responsible for any or stolen items.
What if my child has special needs?
If your child has any special needs (dietary, allergy, behavioral, physical etc.), please inform us in advance by calling 219.873.1510. We aim to provide your child with the best camp experience possible, and understanding their unique needs is essential. Please note that Zoo staff cannot administer or dispense. Campers must be able to take their own medication, but staff can in reminding them to do so. Many of our full-time staff members are trained in first aid EpiPen use. If your child is bringing an EpiPen or medication to camp, you may need to complete additional paperwork regarding its authorized use.
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 wish to collect your camper at a different time than the scheduled pick-up, please inform your camper's counselor. When you arrive at the zoo, let the front gate know, and they will your camper's group so you can reunite with them.
Where can I park?
Parking is provided at the Zoo Lot. The parking system offers 15 minutes of free time for dropping off or picking up a Zoo Camper.
Who can sign out my camper?
Individuals authorized to sign out campers must be included on the Camper Release Form and must be at least 18 years old. Parents or completing the form should also list themselves. All adults picking up a camper are required to present a photo ID for identity verification