Zoo Camps

If you are looking for a fun, safe, and educational camp, the Zoo’s got it! All Zoo Camps are age-appropriate and are guaranteed to be a WILD time. Don’t delay and register today. Pre-registration and pre-payment is required.

Zoo Camps are available throughout year.

Holiday Day Camps

Registration Open Now!

January 21 or February 18, 2019
4 year olds – 8th Grade

Spring Break Camp 2019

Registration Open Now!

March 18-22 or March 25-29, 2019
4 year olds – 8th Grade

Summer Camp 2019

Registration Open Now!

May 27 – August 16, 2019
4 year olds – 8th Grade

Holiday Day Camps 2019

Dates: January 21 (MLK Day) or February 18 (President’s Day)
Time: 9am-4pm
Cost: Members: $50/ Non-Members: $65

4 years-8th Grade

Zoo Play-Date

Note: grades will be further sub-divided based on registration numbers

Is play an important part of your day? It is to animals here at the Zoo! In this one-day camp, we will explore how both human and non-human animals use play to stay healthy and learn how to get along with others. With interactive activities and observations of animals both in the Zoo and in the classroom, we will learn about how play is useful in keeping our animals happy and healthy. We will even create some special enrichment toys for some special Zoo residents to enjoy.

Spring Break Camp 2019

Dates: March 18-22 or 25-29
Time: 9am-4pm
Cost: Members: $230*/ Non-Members: $245*
Cost for 7th-8th Grade Camp: Members: $240/Non-Members: $255
*After Care Session: Spring Break Camp – $55

4yr. Olds + Kindergarten

All in the Family

There’s nothing secret about it! Organizing the diversity of life is complex. Become an animal super sleuth and uncover clues about what makes reptiles, amphibians, birds, mammals, and insects so different. Help us close this case as we investigate the living world.

1st-2nd Grades

Troops, Groups & Herds

Who is in your “pack?” Is it just your family or are friends allowed too? Do you eat together, play together, and take care of each other? Did you know some animals live, eat, and hang out in groups together too? Bring your gaggle, flock, or pride to the Zoo and discover which animals stick together, how they form and maintain their bonds, and how group life helps them to survive.

3rd-4th Grades

I Wonder…

Does looking at animals fill you with wonder? Does walking around the Zoo spark a million questions? During this camp, WE will be the scientists investigating what the Zoo animals are up to. With our inquiring minds and untamed eyes, we will explore animal behaviors through investigations of our own creation.

5th-6th Grades

Dr. Zoolittle’s Animal Training Camp

Discover how to “talk” to animals! Campers will be training more NEW behaviors with some of our Zoo animal ambassadors. Learn about animal behavior and motivation while applying training tech-niques taught by Zoo professionals. By the end of camp, animals will be eating out of your hands, literally!

7th-8th Grades

Mini-Maynard Training Camp

Join us for a week-long adventure and discover what it takes to become a future Zoo director! Our Zoo director, Thane Maynard is known as a wildlife expert, a naturalist, author, and a regular on T.V. shows promoting wildlife conservation. Campers will experience the many different jobs Thane has done on the way to becoming our Zoo director. Campers will learn about animal handling, go behind the scenes with Zoo animals and create a “90-second naturalist” video of their own on their way to becoming the next Zoo director. So watch out Thane!

Summer Camp 2019!

Explore the Zoo, experience nature, and discover the excitement and wonder of animals! Hikes in the Zoo, visits from Animal Friends, crafts, train rides, animal shows, and so much more make Summer Camp a jam-packed week to remember!
Please register children according to the grade they will enter in the fall.

Full Day Camps: 9:00am-4:00pm. Please pack a lunch. Topic is the same each week.
Half Day Camps: 9:30am-12:00 noon, 1:00pm-3:30pm. Two topics alternate weekly. No Before or After Care available for Half-Day Camps.

All Camps include a summer camp t-shirt and snacks.

Full-Day Camp

Cost: Members: $230 / Non-Members: $245

Where in the World

All aboard! Summer campers will take a journey from the North to South Pole and every habitat in between! Along the way they’ll experience live classroom animal encounters, Zoo hikes to animals from every continent, and even get to feed some long-necked neighbors! It’s sure to be an adventure they won’t forget!

Dates: May 27-31, June 3-7, June 10-14, June 17-21, June 24-28, July 1-5, July 8-12, July 15-19, July 22-26, July 29-August 2, August 5-9, August 12-16

For the July 1st-5th camp, camp will meet on Thursday, July 4th.

Half-Day Camp

Cost: Members: $115 / Non-Members: $130

Fur, Feathers, & Scales

Are all animals covered in skin like ours? No way! Animals have different coverings that help them slither, hide, hover, and so much more! Campers will fly, flutter, slither and scurry through the week as they experience up-close animal encounters, Zoo hikes, songs, games, and crafts!

Dates: May 27-31 (am only), June 10-14, June 24-28, July 8-12, July 22-26, August 5-9

Shake, Rattle, & Roll

Does your child like to jump, hop, swing, or climb? Bring your little mover or shaker to meet some of our Zoo’s movers and shakers! We’ll look at feet, fins, flippers, and wings and see how animals move around their world. Each day, we’ll explore animal locomotion with hikes in the Zoo, crafts, games, and close encounters with some live animal “movers.” Whether it’s by land, sea, or air, your little one will enjoy this action-filled summer Zoo adventure.

Dates: June 3-7, June 17-21, July 1-5, July 15-19, July 29-August 2, August 12-16

For the July 1st-5th camp, camp will meet on Thursday, July 4th.

Full-Day Camp

Cost: Members: $230 / Non-Members: $245

Extreme Animals

Are you extreme enough? Animals are out of this world, equipped with outrageous abilities such as being able to dive a MILE deep into the ocean! Join us as we meet these extreme animals and discover why they must act the way they do. Your camper will explore the animal and plant kingdoms by meeting our ambassadors face to face! You will identify their features and decide who is the fastest, strongest, or largest of them all?

Dates: May 27-31, June 3-7, June 10-14, June 17-21, June 24-28, July 1-5, July 8-12, July 15-19, July 22-26, July 29-August 2, August 5-9, August 12-16

For the July 1st-5th camp, camp will meet on Thursday, July 4th.

Half-Day Camp

Cost: Members: $115 / Non-Members: $130

Feast for the Beasts

Termites, durian fruit, and dung are just a few of the unusual, tasty “treats” that the animals like to eat. In the Zoo’s unique learning environment, your child will enjoy discovering the world of herbivores, carnivores, omnivores, and scavengers as well as where they all fit into the food chain.

Dates: May 27-31 (am only), June 10-14, June 24-28, July 8-12, July 22-26, August 5-9

Jungle Journey

Come on a tropical safari with us! This camp will explore the tropical rainforest where we will meet every animal under the canopy! From singing gibbons to hooting gorillas, campers will take a trip around this awesome biome and discover some hidden jewels of the tropical rainforest and why these habitats are so very special.

Dates: June 3-7, June 17-21, July 1-5, July 15-19, July 29-August 2, August 12-16

For the July 1st-5th camp, camp will meet on Thursday, July 4th.

Full-Day Camp

Cost: Members: $230 / Non-Members: $245

Choose Your Own Adventure: Animal Rescue

We have an action-packed week planned for your camper. Campers will choose adventures that require teamwork to understand animal populations and what information should be collected to help rescue these animals. Every day, campers will rescue a different animal, make measurements, take weight, and estimate population sizes using field techniques.

Dates: May 27-31, June 3-7, June 10-14, June 17-21, June 24-28, July 1-5, July 8-12, July 15-19, July 22-26, July 29-August 2, August 5-9, August 12-16

For the July 1st-5th camp, camp will meet on Thursday, July 4th.

Half-Day Camp

Cost: Members: $115 / Non-Members: $130

You Are What You Eat

From mangoes to meat, you are what you eat! Join us for a week-long adventure to see what our Zoo animals eat for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Campers will have a chance to look at the Zoo’s “pantry” and encounter some special animals (and, sometimes what they leave behind) along the way.

Dates: May 27-31 (am only), June 10-14, June 24-28, July 8-12, July 22-26, August 5-9

Animal Mythbusters

Blind as a bat? Fire breathing dragons? Catching warts from a toad? In the world of animal lore, can you tell fact from fiction? During this camp, we will go on hikes, meet animals in our classroom, and take part in fun activities, all in the name of science as we bust myths about some of the Zoo’s very own animals and uncover the truth behind the legends.

Dates: June 3-7, June 17-21, July 1-5, July 15-19, July 29-August 2, August 12-16

For the July 1st-5th camp, camp will meet on Thursday, July 4th.

Full-Day Camp

Cost: Members: $230 / Non-Members: $245

Animal Behavior 101

Studying an animal’s behavior in the wild or in a zoo can help us get to know them better as individuals AND give scientists valuable insight into the nature and habits of their species. This knowledge can lead to improvements to their care and conservation in the wild and in human care. During this week-long camp, we’ll utilize Zoo hikes and special animal visits to focus on learning the basics of animal observation and investigate the questions that come up.

Dates: May 27-31, June 3-7, June 10-14, June 17-21, June 24-28, July 1-5, July 8-12, July 15-19, July 22-26, July 29-August 2, August 5-9, August 12-16

For the July 1st-5th camp, camp will meet on Thursday, July 4th.

Half-Day Camp

Cost: Members: $115 / Non-Members: $130

Saving Wildlife and Wild Places

What is the Zoo doing to protect animals and plants and the habitats they need to survive? What does H.I.P.P.O. stand for and why should you care? After 5 days of visiting animal exhibits, spending time with animal ambassadors and Zoo staff, and other fun, hands-on activities, we’ll discover the answers to these questions and more while learning about the challenges and triumphs that the Zoo and wildlife face every day.

Dates: May 27-31 (am only), June 10-14, June 24-28, July 8-12, July 22-26, August 5-9

NEW! Wild Survivors

From ducklings to spiderlings and pups to porcupettes, have you ever wondered how human babies measure up to animal babies? Who can walk within hours of being born? Who must hunt for their food at just a few days old? Does laying 1,000 frog eggs or giving birth to one giraffe calf have better odds of survival? Through hikes, animal encounters, and hands on activities, participants will see if human babies have what it takes to grow up in the animal kingdom.

Dates: June 3-7, June 17-21, July 1-5, July 15-19, July 29-August 2, August 12-16

For the July 1st-5th camp, camp will meet on Thursday, July 4th.

Full-Day Camp

Cost: Members: $240 / Non-Members: $255

Zoo Careers

Running a zoo involves a lot more than meets the eye. Join us for a week of exploring the many jobs involved in taking care of the Zoo’s animals and creating a great experience for Zoo visitors. You’ll get a chance to get down, dirty and creative with hands-on activities, animal demonstrations, & behind the scenes tours. We’ll also round out the experience with some guest speakers who will give you a better understanding of the variety of zoo careers that we have here at the Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden.

Dates: May 27-31, June 3-7, June 10-14, June 17-21, June 24-28, July 1-5, July 8-12, July 15-19, July 22-26, July 29-August 2, August 5-9, August 12-16

For the July 1st-5th camp, camp will meet on Thursday, July 4th.

NEW! Eco-Explorers @ Bowyer Farm

Cost: Members: $240/Non-Members: $255

Become a backyard biologist while exploring our fields, forests, and wetlands out at our 700-acre property this summer! During this five-day camp, participants will spend time learning what it takes to protect our wild spaces through hands on activities such as bird watching, butterfly tagging, and animal tracking. Our adventure camp will encourage your child to get back in touch with their wild side while building confidence as they hone in on their naturalist skills. At the end of the week, your camper will lead you on a nature hike to show off their new skills.

This program is located off-site at the Cincinnati Zoo and Botanical Garden’s Bowyer Farm in Lebanon. You will receive address and directions once registered.

Dates: June 3-7, June 10-14

Camp FAQ

Hours, Cost, and Forms

What are the hours of camp?

Half-day camps are available for all ages from 9:30 a.m.-12 p.m. or 1-3:30 p.m. Full-day camps are from 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. Check-in begins 10 minutes before camp. Children not picked-up by 12:15 pm (for a.m. Half-day camp) or 4:15 pm (for p.m. Half-day and Full-day camps), will be brought to the after-care room, and parents will be charged a fee.

Do you have before and after camp care?

Before and After Care is available for Full Day campers only. Before-Care begins at 8:00 a.m., and you may drop your child off at any time between 8:00 and 8:50 a.m. The cost is $45 for the week. After-Care begins at 4:15 pm and ends at 5:30 p.m. for $55 for the week. Before and After-Care are supervised by camp staff and include games, coloring, and educational activities.

How much does it cost to come to Zoo camp?

Full day camp programs for 4 years olds-6^th graders are $230 for Zoo Members, $245 for non-members. Full day camp programs for 7-8^th graders are $240 for Zoo Members, $255 for non-members

Half day camp programs are $115 for Zoo Members, $130 for non-members.

Does the Zoo offer any discounts for siblings, multiple camps?

The Zoo does not offer any discounts on camps.

What should I bring with me to Zoo Camp?

As a parent/caregiver, please bring: your confirmation (printed or electronic) and a completed “Camp Dismissal and Contact Form”. The confirmation sheet includes directions to the Harold C. Schott Education Center, parking instructions, and vital camp group information. For anyone picking up your child (they must be listed on the “Camp Dismissal and Contact Form”), must bring a photo ID, such as a driver’s license or state identification card.

All campers should wear weather appropriate clothing, closed-toed shoes, and a reusable water bottle. All Full Day campers must bring a packed lunch. Full day campers in the 4-year-old-Kindergarten camp can bring a pillow and/or small blanket for the after lunch rest time.

What if I forget a form?

We have extras for you to fill out and we can confirm your registration on site.

Registration

How do I register my child for Summer Camp?

You can register online or by phone. Registering online is the easiest method for registering and is available 24-hours a day. Register online here. To receive member pricing, you must have your membership number handy.

You may also register over the phone with our registration team during our business hours of 9am-5pm Monday-Saturday (Sundays after March 15). Call the Education Registration team at 513-559-7767.

The Cincinnati Zoo accepts Visa, Master Card, Discover and American Express.

Will I receive anything in the mail?

All program materials are sent via email. You will receive a confirmation receipt with your ticket, camp welcome letter, and Camp Dismissal and Contact form as a link or attachment.

What if I must cancel my child's registration?

If you must cancel your child’s registration, please call the Education Registration team as soon as possible. Refunds are only given for cancellations made prior to two weeks to the start of the camp. Cancellations made within two weeks will receive a class credit that may be used for any Cincinnati Zoo education program.

We’ve registered, but now need to change dates, add before or after care, order an extra shirt, etc?

Once you’ve registered, you may contact Education Registrars for any changes. Call us at 513-559-7767. To better serve you, please provide us with: order number, name of parent/guardian, name(s) of camper(s), camp attending, week attending camp, phone number or email address and your change(s) and question(s).

How many weeks can I register my child?

While there is no limit to the number of camps for which you may sign up your child. However, full day camps have the same curriculum each week and half day camps alternate between two topics. To avoid excessive repetition, we recommend that your child attend no more than 1 full day and two half-day sections of summer camp within a given age group and topic.

What if I want my child to only come for two or three days instead of all five?

If you don’t want your child to attend all five days of a session that is your choice, but you will have to pay the full session fee. We do not pro-rate or offer daily rates.

How much do extra shirts cost?

Each child will receive one camp t-shirt for each camp for which they register. Extra t-shirts may be pre-ordered at a cost of $15 per shirt. Those interested in purchasing shirts that were not pre-ordered may be able to do so based on availability. Please ask a camp coordinator for assistance.

May I enroll my child in a camp for an older age group?

No, age requirements are not negotiable and are enforced. Campers must fall within the specified grade band the first day of the camp session they are attending.

My child is too young for the camp but will be the appropriate age just a short time after the camp starts. Can they come to camp anyway?

In order to provide age-appropriate activities and instruction to all campers, we ask that all children are 4 years-old within two weeks of their camp start date, are completely potty trained, and are able to participate in long hikes.

Can my child and their friend be in the same camp?

Yes, when you register your child for the camp session, simply have their friend’s parent register them for the same session and in the “Notes” section, mention that your child and friend would like to attend together. If a section fills before a friend can add to it, please call camp registrars at 513-559-7767. On rare occasions, we are able to accommodate these changes, however, we cannot move other registered campers to place friends together. Please note: All adjustments to sections must be made prior to the Wednesday of the week before your child is scheduled to attend camp.

What should I do if I registered my child with a friend and they are not in the same camp as we asked?

If you discover your child is not in the same camp before you arrive to camp, please call our Education Registrar at 513-559-7767 . Due to camp scheduling and enrollment, we cannot guarantee this will be possible. If you have arrived at camp and have discovered your child is not in the same group as asked, please speak to a camp supervisor. We will do our best to place your kids together. Please note that we will only place campers together that are the appropriate age for the camps; we will not place younger/older siblings or friends in a camp for which they are not the appropriate age.

Camp Logistics

Is there an orientation for parents or campers?

There is no orientation for parents, but camp staff will be available to answer questions. Each camper will review the summer camp expectations and rules with their camp instructor.

What is the camp drop-off procedure?

Check-in will take place at the Harold C. Schott Education Center which is located on the corner of Erkenbrecher and Dury Avenues. Campers may be checked into their classroom no more that 10 minutes before camp is scheduled to start. For those requiring earlier check-in times, please look into the Before Care offerings for your desired week of full day camp and see the Before-Care FAQs below.

To ensure a secure environment and your child’s safe arrival in the camp classroom, you must escort them to their classroom on Monday and check-in with the camp instructor in charge of that group. We do offer “Kiss-and-Go” Tuesday-Friday for full day campers, where you can drop your child off in the parking lot if they are comfortable walking in without you and escorted by a teen volunteer.

What is the camp pick-up procedure?

All camp pick-ups will take place at the Harold C. Schott Education Center which is located on the corner of Erkenbrecher and Dury Avenues. There are two options for pick-up: classroom pick-up or curbside pick-up. For classroom pick-up, simply park your car in the education lot, proceed to your child’s classroom, and present your photo ID. Camp staff will verify your photo ID with the list of approved adults for pick-up on the Dismissal Form and release your child to you. For curbside pick-up, pull up to the camp staff at the Erkenbrecker gate, present your photo ID along with your child’s information (name and classroom). The parking staff will verify your photo ID, and a teen volunteer will retrieve your child and escort them to your car. Please keep your pick-up slip all week to make the process quick and smooth.

To ensure that your child receives the full camp experience and to minimize disruption to other campers, children may be picked up no earlier than 15 minutes prior to the end of camp without special arrangements being made. We ask that all late drop-offs and early pick-ups happen at the 12pm lunch hour.

Do I need to provide a photo ID to pick up my child every day?

Yes. Valid passport, driver’s license or state photo ID are accepted.

What are Before-Care and After-Care?

Our Before Care program is available for full day campers of parents who are unable to drop their child off between 8:50 and 9:00 a.m. Before-Care begins at 8:00 a.m. and is staff supervised. Children will be engaged in activities such as group games, board games, coloring, etc. Our After-Care program is available for full day campers of parents who are unable to pick their child up before 4:00 p.m. After Care begins at 4:15 p.m. and ends at 5:30 p.m. During this time, campers will be engaged in activities such as group games, board games, coloring or an age appropriate movie. Space for Before and After-Care is limited, so register quickly. Cost for Before and After-Care is $45 and $55 respectively per week.

How early can I check my child in for the regular camp programs?

Children can be dropped off no more than 10 minutes before the start of a camp. Staff is not available prior to these times. If you wish to drop your child off earlier, you must enroll them in Before-Care.

What should I do if I am going to be late dropping my child off?

If you are going to be just a few minutes late (under 20 minutes), you don’t need to contact the zoo. There is normally a staff member or supervisor at the site for about twenty minutes after the check in time, just in case. If you arrive to the check site late and there are no summer camp staff members there, stop at the Registration/Information desk in the lobby of the Harold C, Schott Education Center. They will help you contact the staff and direct you to the location of your child’s class. Do not leave your child with anyone except a member of the summer camp staff; your child must be checked in by a summer camp staff member only.

What will happen to my child if I am late for pick up?

If you are going to be just a few minutes late (5-15), you don’t need to contact the zoo. We realize traffic can be a challenge, and we’ll be there with your child when you arrive. After 15 minutes, your child will move to our after-care location. You will be charged a fee. Before registering, if your camper is in full day camp and you know you are not able to pick your child up between 4:00 and 4:15, you can sign up for After-Care.

After I drop off my child, can I come into the zoo?

Yes, the zoo opens at 9:00 a.m. and closes at 6:00 p.m. throughout the summer. Admission to the zoo for you and your child is included with your child’s camp registration. Admission of additional friends and/or family members that are not included on a Zoo membership may be paid at Registration/Information desk located in the lobby of the Harold C. Schott Education Center.

What should my child wear/bring?

Zoo camp operates rain or shine; please come prepared for changing weather. Full Day Campers should bring a packed lunch, reusable water bottle, sunscreen, and hat. All Campers should wear clothes that are appropriate for the weather and for high-energy activities. Sneakers are recommended as Crocs and similar shoes have a tendency to fall off during games. Flip flops are not permitted. Your camper may bring a phone or camera for pictures.

Can my camper buy an item from a zoo concession stand or gift shop?

Campers are not permitted to purchase any items from the zoo concession stands, gift shops, or restaurants during camp sessions. Please do not send money to camp with your child. You may purchase items from concession stands or gift shops after you pick up your camper.

Can I bring a dog or other pet to the check site when I drop my child off?

No. Due to USDA regulation, pets are not allowed on Zoo grounds or in the Zoo’s parking lots. Pets may not be left in vehicles in the Zoo’s parking areas. Children may not bring family pets to show to Zoo class.

Can I observe my child while in camp?

No, for the safety and welfare of all campers, the camp is a camper-only experience. Please feel free to ask your child’s teacher any questions about your child’s day – they are happy to talk with you! All parents are provided with a camp itinerary, so you can talk to you child about camp. In instances of home-sickness, we often find that parental presence exacerbates the problem rather than helping. Our staff is trained to assist campers with issues of homesickness.

Lunch, Snacks & Breaks

Do you provide snacks?

Yes, we provide all campers in both full and half-day camp with a snack. Snack items are all peanut-free and may include pretzels, or ice pops. We do ask that each child brings a reusable water bottle to use throughout the week. If your child has food allergies, please include this information on the registration form and whether it is airborne or ingestion only. Please note that the Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden is not a peanut free facility, however, we do avoid serving products that contain peanuts to our summer campers. If you are concerned about allergies and would like to provide a snack for your child, you are welcome to pack one for them to eat during snack time.

Do you provide lunch?

Lunch is not provided. As Summer camp is a “high energy” activity, all campers should eat a hearty breakfast before arrival. All campers should bring a reusable water bottle.

Full-day campers must pack a lunch. Lunches are kept within the classroom. We encourage you to use reusable lunch packaging if possible. Campers may not purchase food from the Zoo’s concession stands or restaurant, nor can any camp staff leave to purchase food for campers. Please note that neither refrigeration nor a microwave will be available for use.

My child is allergic to peanuts/wheat/dairy/etc. What should I do about snacks?

We offer snacks that are peanut-free or nut-free products. Be sure to note these allergies on your registration and Camp Dismissal and Contact form and advise your camper’s instructor of any allergies. If your camper has a severe allergy or medical condition that affects their diet, please feel free to send a snack that meets the needs of your child

Can I meet my child for lunch?

We apologize, but no, you cannot join the group for lunch during summer camp. The lunch break is an important bonding time for campers and may vary in its timing day-to-day.

My child is 4-5 years old and needs a rest in the afternoon? Do you have a break time?

Yes, as per state guidelines, we provide the 4-year old/kindergarten Full-Day camps with a 30-40-minute quiet time after lunch. This is a time for them to nap, rest, and cool down from the morning’s activities and get ready for the afternoon’s activities. During this time, children will either listen to a children’s book or calming music. If your child will take this time to rest, they may bring a small pillow or blanket with them preferably fitting into their backpack.

How often does the group take bathroom/water breaks?

We stop at water fountains and restrooms before and after hikes and whenever requested. Campers will carry reusable water bottles with them on hike.

Camp Staff & Miscellaneous

What are the qualifications of your teachers and assistants?

All Zoo educators are college graduates, or college students. All must pass a criminal background check, drug/nicotine screening, and are CPR and First Aid certified. Camp assistants are teen or adult volunteers in our ZooTeen or Volunteer program. All adult Volunteers must also pass a background check. Both are there to assist the teachers.

How are campers supervised?

Campers are supervised at all times by camp staff. Teacher-to-student ratios are 1:12 or 1:15 depending on age group. Volunteers and ZooTeens provide additional help and supervision in the classroom and on hikes.

This is my child’s first camp away from me. What if they not ready to go?

Our camp staff is very experienced in helping campers (and parents☺) take those first few steps away into the park. We are happy to assist and will do everything we can to help you and your child have an enjoyable first camp experience. Remember, a confident, assuring, loving, and quick drop-off will make the child also feel more confident. If a camper isn’t ready to go to camp that day, our supervisors will work with you to plan for another attempt if possible. Due to camp scheduling and enrollment, we cannot guarantee this will be possible. Refunds are not issued due to non-participation.

Will my child get to touch zoo animals or go behind the scenes?

We have a variety of mammals, birds, reptiles, and invertebrates that are safe for handling by our trained summer camp staff. Campers will get to touch many of these throughout the week! For the safety of the campers and our animals, most behind-the-scenes tours and activities are restricted to older age groups.

My child is afraid of snakes/spiders/butterflies/etc. Will s/he have to get close to them?

If a camper is uncomfortable around an animal, our staff will share their experiences to encourage your child to participate, but all activities are “participate by choice.” Campers may come into direct contact with some of these animals during animal encounters, but they do not have to touch animals if they do not feel comfortable doing so.

Will the weather ever cancel Zoo Camp?

Camps will continue rain or shine. Campers will tour the Zoo in all weather, so dress appropriately. Rain coats and hats are recommended. Umbrellas are not recommended as they can obscure the view of other campers. In the unlikely event that extreme weather conditions occur, campers are brought indoors to a secure area until the severe weather has passed, and activities are conducted indoors.

Health, Safety, Medication & Allergies

My child needs to take medication/inhaler. How should I arrange for this?

The Cincinnati Zoo is not responsible for administering medication to children. We will remind them to take their medicine or inhaler by themselves if needed. To ensure a positive experience for all campers, it is IMPERATIVE that you notify us of special needs or medical conditions your child may have. In most cases, we can accommodate these needs and will do so to the best of our ability.

My child has an allergy. Can I provide you with an epinephrine injector?

Yes, you can. Your child or our staff will carry it with the group throughout the day. Please make sure to speak to your child’s instructor on the first day of camp to discuss your child’s allergy and go over the specifics of their injector.

How do I get in contact with a Camp Supervisor or my child during the camp if there is an emergency?

Contact the Education Registration Team at 513-559-7767 and they will be able to get in touch with the camp coordinators.

What happens if my child gets sick during camp?

Depending on the severity of your child’s condition, we may call you to come and pick up your child. If necessary, our Park Safety officers will assess your child’s condition and seek treatment if deemed necessary. We want camp to be a safe, fun, and enjoyable experience for all campers; please keep your child home if they are feeling sick or had a fever within 24 hours.

My child has special needs. Can I attend with my child or can I send along a sibling?

Summer Camp is an experience for all children to enjoy. We want to make sure every child in camp has the best experience possible and want to help create a great experience for your child. If your child has an aid in school, we require that you provide an aid for them at camp. Please contact our Education Registration team 513-559-7767 or [email protected] with any concerns. When registering, please provide details of any special needs.

My child is in a cast, and/or has difficulty walking. Can s/he still come to camp?

If you and your child decide that they want to come to the camp, please do! We do play a few games that require moving around, but your child will still be able to participate in them. If this condition began after you registered for camp and you wish to try to reschedule your child’s camp, please contact our Education Registration team at 513-559-7767 and if a space is available, we will place your camper in a different date or camp. Due to camp scheduling and enrollment, we cannot guarantee this will be possible.

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