Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden®

Home of the world famous hippo Fiona. Family friendly Zoo committed to inspiring visitors with wildlife and saving species.

summer campIf 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.

Summer Camp 2020

summer campExplore the Zoo, experience nature, and discover the excitement and wonder of animals! Hikes in the Zoo, visits from Animal Friends, crafts, train rides 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.

Registration Opens January 2020

Full-Day Camp

Cost: Members: $235 / Non-Members: $250

Catch Me If You Can

Do you think you can catch these critters? Discover what it means to be a predator or prey animal and how they use their adaptations to try and outwit, outrun, and hide from each other! Come and explore their wild worlds and help uncover their sneaky, stealthy secrets through interactive games, hikes through the zoo and close encounters with animal ambassadors.

Dates: May 25-29, June 1-5, June 8-12, June 15-19, June 22-26, June 29-July 3, July 6-10, July 13-17, July 20-24, July 27-31, August 3-7, August 10-14
Time: 9:00am-4:00pm

Half-Day Camp

Cost: Members: $120 / Non-Members: $135

Sensational Senses

Can you talk like an elephant or taste with your feet like a butterfly? Explore what sensory adaptations animals have and how these adaptations help them survive. We’ll spend the week looking at our five senses and seeing how they compare to other animals’ through close encounters with animal friends, interactive games, crafts, and hikes in the Zoo.

Dates: May 25-29 (am only) June 8-12, June 22-26, July 6-10, July 20-24, August 3-7
Times: 9:30am-12:00pm or 1:00pm-3:30pm

Bringing Up Baby

Do other animals live in families like humans? Are all babies raised by their moms? During this camp, we’ll experience up close animal encounters, make crafts, and, of course, hike around the Zoo to learn about why it can take a mom, dad, pack, or no one at all to raise a baby animal.

Dates: June 1-5, June 15-19, June 29-July 3, July 13-17, July 27-31, August 10-14
Times: 9:30am-12:00pm or 1:00pm-3:30pm

Full-Day Camp

Cost: Members: $235 / Non-Members: $250

Zooper Heroes

A bird that can fly at speeds of 200mph? A cat that can leap 12 feet into the air? Animals can be out of this world when it comes to their super adaptations. Come to summer camp and discover these animals and their incredible super-powers. Each day, we will look at a superhero with amazing super-powers and then see if our Zoo animals can measure up to their spectacular
abilities.
Dates: May 25-29, June 1-5, June 8-12, June 15-19, June 22-26, June 29-July 3, July 6-10, July 13-17, July 20-24, July 27-31, August 3-7, August 10-14
Time: 9:00am-4:00pm

Half-Day Camp

Cost: Members: $120 / Non-Members: $135

Growing Up

What do polliwogs, cubs, and owlets have in common? They’re all babies! Spend a week learning how animals change and grow from the time they’re born until they reach adulthood. Each activity-packed day will help us discover how insects, amphibians, reptiles, birds, and mammals grow.

Dates: May 25-29 (am only) June 8-12, June 22-26, July 6-10, July 20-24, August 3-7
Times: 9:30am-12:00pm or 1:00pm-3:30pm

Animal Chatter

Why is that lion roaring? What is that bird chirping about? This camp will explore animals and how they “talk” to each other. Join us for a fun-filled week, where campers will discover what animals are communicating, through smell (gross), facial expressions and sound.

Dates: June 1-5, June 15-19, June 29-July 3, July 13-17, July 27-31, August 10-14
Times: 9:30am-12:00pm or 1:00pm-3:30pm

Full-Day Camp

Cost: Members: $235 / Non-Members: $250

Choose Your Own Adventure: Expedition Naturalist

Campers will get a chance to become naturalists, as they choose their destiny through different expeditions. These expeditions will traverse them through the world’s different biomes. As they complete each expedition they will become equipped with the knowledge and the tools it takes to become a real naturalist.

Dates: May 25-29, June 1-5, June 8-12, June 15-19, June 22-26, June 29-July 3, July 6-10, July 13-17, July 20-24, July 27-31, August 3-7, August 10-14
Time: 9:00am-4:00pm

Half-Day Camp

Cost: Members: $120 / Non-Members: $135

ZSI: Zoo Scene Investigation

Footprints…teeth marks…broken branches…and scat? What can these clues tell us about the biology of wildlife and the events that occurred at the scene? Discover ways to study the evidence that animals leave behind as well as learn about ways that Zoo professionals are using science to help conserve wildlife.

Dates: May 25-29, June 8-12, June 22-26, July 6-10, July 20-24, August 3-7
Times: 9:30am-12:00pm only

Leaders of the Pack

During this week-long adventure, campers will discover animal leaders of all kinds, from keystone species to alpha males and females! After getting acquainted with animal leaders, campers will meet some leaders in conservation here at the Cincinnati Zoo. By the end of the week campers will have the opportunity to become leaders in conservation themselves!

Dates: June 1-5, June 15-19, June 29-July 3, July 13-17, July 27-31, August 10-14
Times: 1:00pm-3:30pm only

Full-Day Camp

Cost: Members: $235 / Non-Members: $250

Exploring Enrichment

What do boomer balls, spices, braided butcher paper, and fish-sicles have in common? They are all different forms of animal enrichment! Animal enrichment provides stimulation to our Zoo animals and serves as an important tool that keeps their minds and bodies healthy. In this camp, we will learn about the different forms of animal enrichment, who and what they are good for, and the role of the Zoo’s enrichment committee in all of this through animal encounters, keeper interactions, games, and other activities. We will even get a chance to participate in the creation of some animal enrichment and brainstorm some new enrichment ideas to present to the enrichment committee.

Dates: May 25-29, June 1-5, June 8-12, June 15-19, June 22-26, June 29-July 3, July 6-10, July 13-17, July 20-24, July 27-31, August 3-7, August 10-14
Time: 9:00am-4:00pm

Half-Day Camp

Cost: Members: $120 / Non-Members: $135

Operation Conservation

This program will explore the ins and outs of wildlife conservation. through behind-the-scenes tours, animal encounters, hikes, and other activities, we’ll learn about real-life conservation research taking place at the Zoo, some of the tools researchers use to keep track of wild populations of species, and what we can do to help the wildlife in our own backyard.

Dates: June 1-5, June 15-19, June 29-July 3, July 13-17, July 27-31, August 10-14
Times: 9:30am-12:00pm only

Nature Navigators

What’s that tree? That bird? That insect? Who made that nest? That call? That…scat? What wildlife, big and small, can be found in my own backyard and how can I be their habitat hero? This camp will explore the tools, behaviors, and knowledge it takes to be a naturalist. Through hikes, animal encounters, and hands-on investigations at the Zoo, participants will learn the skills they need to explore the wilds of their own backyard, schoolyard, and beyond while becoming stellar stewards for the wildlife that lives there.

Dates: May 25-29
Times: 9:30am-12:00pm only

Dates: May 25-29 (am only) June 8-12, June 22-26, July 6-10, July 20-24, August 3-7
Times: 1:00pm-3:30pm only

Full-Day Camp

Cost: Members: $245 / Non-Members: $260

Working with Wildlife

Animal keepers, field researchers, forensic zoologists, animal trainers…the list goes on and on when it comes to jobs that work with wildlife. We’ll meet some people who work with wildlife, some of the critters they work with, and tour some behind-the-scenes areas that help them do their job. This is a hands-on class, so be prepared to get knee or elbow-deep in exploration of some of the jobs and tools of the trade that come with a wildlife-related career! Participants will even get the opportunity to write and record animal-related podcasts that might be selected to be on the Zoo’s website!

Dates: May 25-29, June 1-5, June 8-12, June 15-19, June 22-26, June 29-July 3, July 6-10, July 13-17, July 20-24, July 27-31, August 3-7, August 10-14
Time: 9:00am-4:00pm

Eco-Explorers @ Bowyer Farm

Cost: Members: $245/Non-Members: $260

Become a backyard biologist while exploring our fields, forests, and wetlands out at our 600-acre Bowyer Farm! Participants will learn to protect wild spaces through activities such as bird watching, butterfly tagging, and animal tracking. Our camp will encourage your child to get back in touch with their wild side and build confidence as they hone their naturalist skills. On Friday, your camper will lead you on a nature hike to show 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 1-5, June 8-12, June 15-19
Time: 9:00am-4:00pm
Note: this camp takes place at a satellite location, the Zoo’s Bowyer Farm in Lebanon, OH

Holiday Day Camps 2020

Join us on either Martin Luther King Day OR Presidents Day for this single-day camp! Sign up 4 year olds through 6th graders for this wild holiday camp.

Please note: Refunds will be given only if the Zoo is given at least two weeks notice. Otherwise, participants will receive a class credit which never expires and may be used for any Zoo camps or classes.

Zoo Playdate

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 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.

Camp

Dates: January 20, 2020 (MLK Day) or February 17, 2020 (Presidents Day)

Time: 9:00am-4:00pm

Cost: Members: $50 / Non-Members: $65

Register Online!
Zoo Playdate

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 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.

Camp

Dates: January 20, 2020 (MLK Day) or February 17, 2020 (Presidents Day)

Time: 9:00am-4:00pm

Cost: Members: $50 / Non-Members: $65

Register Online!
Zoo Playdate

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 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.

Camp

Dates: January 20, 2020 (MLK Day) or February 17, 2020 (Presidents Day)

Time: 9:00am-4:00pm

Cost: Members: $50 / Non-Members: $65

Register Online!
Zoo Playdate

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 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.

Camp

Dates: January 20, 2020 (MLK Day) or February 17, 2020 (Presidents Day)

Time: 9:00am-4:00pm

Cost: Members: $50 / Non-Members: $65

Register Online!
Zoo Playdate

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 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.

Camp

Dates: January 20, 2020 (MLK Day) or February 17, 2020 (Presidents Day)

Time: 9:00am-4:00pm

Cost: Members: $50 / Non-Members: $65

Register Online!

Spring Break Camp 2020

These full-day camps include a camp t-shirt, snacks (campers pack lunch) live animal encounters, games, hikes, and so much more! Sign your child up for the wildest spring break ever!

Please note: The Zoo cannot prorate camp fees. Refunds will be given only if the Zoo is given at least two weeks notice. Otherwise, participants will receive a class credit which never expires and may be used for any Zoo camps or classes.

Beauty and the Beast

Some animals are more than meet the eye. From beautiful butterflies and peacocks to beastly bearded dragons and bats, we’ll see why looks can be deceiving and learn why there are just as many reasons (if not more) to love the beasts as well as the beauties. By the end of the week, we will learn that there is beauty in every beast

Camp

Dates: March 23rd-27th or April 6th-10th

Time: 9:00am-4:00pm

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

After Care (optional)

Time: 4:00pm-5:30pm

Cost: $55

Register Online!
Blend, Bolt, or Bite

Animals can behave in different ways when faced with danger! They can blend in, bolt out of sight or turn and bite! Discover the tricky ways animals keep safe in this week long camp that features up-close animal encounters and opportunities for excitement around every corner!

Camp

Dates: March 23rd-27th or April 6th-10th

Time: 9:00am-4:00pm

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

After Care (optional)

Time: 4:00pm-5:30pm

Cost: $55

Register Online!
Animagination

From Fantastic Beasts and Pokemon Go to Angry Birds and Pete’s Dragon, there sure are a log of magical, mythical creatures in movies and media! Come to this camp and we’ll learn about some of the real-life inspirations for these fantastical beasts, uncover some amazing adaptations of actual wildlife, and then use what we learn plus our imaginations to “discover” and present a new species of our own creation.

Camp

Dates: March 23rd-27th or April 6th-10th

Time: 9:00am-4:00pm

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

After Care (optional)

Time: 4:00pm-5:30pm

Cost: $55

Register Online!
Dr. Doolittle’s Animal Training Camp

Discover how to “talk” to animals! Campers will be training more NEW behaviors with a variety of Zoo animals including goats, chickens, and other animals. Learn about animal behavior and motivation while applying training techniques taught by Zoo professionals. By the end of camp, animals will be eating out of your hands – literally!

Camp

Dates: March 23rd-27th or April 6th-10th

Time: 9:00am-4:00pm

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

After Care (optional)

Time: 4:00pm-5:30pm

Cost: $55

Register Online!
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 TV shows promoting wildlife conservation. Campers will experience the many different jobs Thane has done on 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!

Camp

Dates: March 23rd-27th or April 6th-10th

Time: 9:00am-4:00pm

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

After Care (optional)

Time: 4:00pm-5:30pm

Cost: $55

Register Online!
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