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.

Summer Camps open January 25!

See details below.

Holiday Day Camps 2021

Join us on Martin Luther King Jr. Day and Presidents Day for this single-day camp!

Explore the Zoo, experience nature, and discover the excitement and wonder of animals! Hikes around the Zoo, visits from animal ambassadors, crafts, and so much more make Camp a jam-packed experience to remember!

Virtual and In-Person options available. No Before Care or After Care available for in-person camp.

Groups: 4 year olds-2nd Graders, 3rd-8th Graders
Dates: January 18, 2021 (MLK Jr. Day)
Time: 9:30am-12:00pm
Cost: Members: $25 / Non-Members: $30

Questions? See our Frequently Asked Questions below.

4yrs-2nd grade: The Scoop on Poop

What’s that smell? It’s a clue about who has been here! From frass to scat and castings to droppings, animal encounters, hikes, and even some “hands-on” activities will help us better uncover the scoop on poop!

3rd-8th grade: Z.S.I. (Zoo Scene Investigation)

Clues that animals leave behind can be used to reveal information not only about the animals involved, but the situation as well. With hikes, animal encounters, and other activities, we will explore these clues together to uncover “zoo” done it!

This is a virtual online program. Program meeting links found on the Camp Portal. Password will be on your ticket in your confirmation.

Groups: 4 year olds-8th Graders (groups will be further subdivided based on registration)
Dates: February 15, 2021 (Presidents’ Day)
Time: 9:00am-4:00pm
Cost: Members: $50 / Non-Members: $65

Questions? See our Frequently Asked Questions below.

4yrs-2nd grade: Love is in the Air

With hikes, animal encounters, and activities, participants will explore how senses come into play when animals are looking for love.

3rd-8th grade: Will “Zoo” Be Mine?

Gift giving, dancing, looking fancy – animals go to great length to find love! In this camp, we will explore and even try our hand at some of the activities animals use in their quest for love.

IMPORTANT: The Cincinnati Zoo Education Department is actively monitoring the incidence of COVID-19 in our region. The Zoo is following guidance from local health departments and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) regarding large gatherings, including CDC recommendations on preventing the spread of COVID-19.

At this time, February Camp will take place in-person as planned. If guidance changes, the Zoo may decide to change this in-person camp program to an online platform. If a switch takes place, all registrants will be contacted via email about the changes and options available for families.

Spring Break Camp

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

LEARN MORE

Dates: March 22-26, 2021, March 29-April 2, 2021, or April 5-9, 2021
Time: 9:00am-4:00pm
Cost: Members: $235 / Non-Members: $250; 7th-8th Grade: $245 / Non-Members: $260

All in the Family

If you thought keeping track of the members of your family was hard, imagine doing it for the entire animal kingdom! Organizing the diversity of life is complex. In this camp, we will learn to recognize the signs that tell us how to group reptiles, amphibians, birds, mammals, and insects into their families. Watch out, though – there are some rule breakers in the bunch!

Troops, Groups, and 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.

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.

Dr. Zoolittle’s Animal Training Camp

Discover how to “talk” to animals! Campers will be training 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!

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!

Summer Camp

Explore the Zoo, experience nature, and discover the excitement and wonder of animals! Hikes in the Zoo, visits from animal ambassadors, crafts, train rides and so much more make Summer Camp a jam-packed week to remember! Every camper receives a Summer Camp 2021 t-shirt.

No Before Care or After Care available this summer.

Registration Opens January 25

LEARN MORE

Dates: weekly camps running May 31st-August 13th

Full Day Time: 9:00am-4:00pm
Full Day Cost: 4 Year Old-6th Grade: Members: $235 / Non-Members: $250;
7th-8th Grade: Members: $245 / Non-Members: $260

Half Day Time: 9:30am-12:00pm or 1:00-3:30pm
Half Day Cost: 4 Year Old-2nd Grade: Members: $120 / Non-Members: $135

Full-Day Camp

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 animal encounters in the classroom, Zoo hikes to animals from every continent, and even get to feed some long-necked neighbors! It’s sure to be an adventure!

Dates: May 31-June 4, June 7-11, June 14-19, June 21-25, June 28-July 2, July 5-10, July 12-16, July 19-23, July 26-30, August 2-6, August 9-13
Time: 9:00am-4:00pm

Half-Day Camps

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: June 7-11, June 21-25, July 5-10, July 19-23, August 2-6
Time: 9:30am-12:00pm or 1:00-3:30pm

Shake, Rattle, and Roll

Does your child like to jump, hop, swing, or climb? Bring your little mover and shaker to meet some of the Zoo’s movers and shakers! We’ll take a 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 14-19, June 28-July 2, July 12-16, July 26-30, August 9-13
Time: 9:30am-12:00pm or 1:00-3:30pm

Full-Day Camp

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 31-June 4, June 7-11, June 14-19, June 21-25, June 28-July 2, July 5-10, July 12-16, July 19-23, July 26-30, August 2-6, August 9-13
Time:9:00am-4:00pm

Half-Day Camps

Feast for the Beasts

Termites, durian fruit, and dung are just a few of the unusual, tasty “treats” that 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: June 7-11, June 21-25, July 5-10, July 19-23, August 2-6
Time:9:30am-12:00pm or 1:00-3:30pm

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 14-19, June 28-July 2, July 12-16, July 26-30, August 9-13
Time:9:30am-12:00pm or 1:00-3:30pm

Full-Day Camp

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 31-June 4, June 7-11, June 14-19, June 21-25, June 28-July 2, July 5-10, July 12-16, July 19-23, July 26-30, August 2-6, August 9-13
Time:9:00am-4:00pm

Full-Day Camp

Animal Behavior 101

Studying an animal’s behavior in the wild or 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 captivity. 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 31-June 4, June 7-11, June 14-19, June 21-25, June 28-July 2, July 5-10, July 12-16, July 19-23, July 26-30, August 2-6, August 9-13
Time:9:00am-4:00pm

Full-Day Camps

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 and dirty and creative with hands-on activities, animal encounters, & special experiences with Animal Care Staff. We’ll also give you a better understanding of the variety of zoo careers that are here at the Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden.

Dates: May 31-June 4, June 7-11, June 14-19, June 21-25, June 28-July 2, July 5-10, July 12-16, July 19-23, July 26-30, August 2-6, August 9-13
Time:9:00am-4:00pm

Eco-Explorers

Become a backyard biologist while exploring our fields, forests, and wetlands out at our 600 acre Bowyer Farm! Campers will spend time learning what it takes to protect our wild spaces through hands-on activities such as bird watching, plant identification, and animal tracking. Our adventure filled camp will encourage campers to get back in touch with their wild side, while building confidence as they hone their naturalist skills. On Friday, your camper will lead you on a nature hike to show off their new skills.

Dates: June 7-11, June 14-19, June 21-25, June 28-July 2
Time: 9:00am-4:00pm
Location: Bowyer Farm, 2210 Montgomery Road, Mason, OH 45040

In-Person Camp FAQs

What will be required of parents and children attending Zoo Camp?

It is mandatory that all campers wear masks during camp.
All campers will have their temperature taken during drop off each day using a touchless thermometer.
We respectfully require all parents and guardians to wear a mask during drop-off/pick up.
All parents will be required to complete an electronic waiver confirming they will adhere to all of the guidelines required by the Zoo and State of Ohio for safe participation in camp. This will be sent to all parents in advance along with important Welcome Information.

What should I bring to Zoo Camp?

All campers are required to wear a mask. Please send your child with a comfortable, well-fitting facial covering. All campers should bring a packed lunch and water bottle.
We also recommend that campers wear close toed shoes.
It is also recommended that campers dress for the weather. Please bring your camper’s belongings to camp all in one bag with their name clearly marked on the outside of the bag, on their lunch bag, and the water bottle. All belongings must fit in one bag.

Will there be after-care or before-care?

After careful consideration, we will not be able to provide before-care or after-care programming at this time. Our traditional care model brought campers together from different classes into one care group. This model is no longer possible as each class must remain a safe distance from other classes. Please know this decision was not made lightly, as we understand the important role before-care and after-care plays for families.

Will you still be providing a snack during camp?

Yes, we will still continue to provide a snack for our camp program. The snack will be passed out by an instructor who will be wearing a fresh pair of gloves. Your camper may also bring their own treat for snack time. The campers will have their snack placed on a clean, sanitized lunch tray. Campers must provide their own lunches.

Are you allowing aides to come with campers?

Unfortunately, not at this time. To minimize the number of people in a class and provide ample space for distancing when necessary, we are limiting our classroom to 9 children and 2 adults. Under this new rule, it does not allow us to admit an aide. We understand that this is disappointing, and we look forward to offering camp to all children as soon as possible.

Will drop off and pick up change for Zoo Camp?

Parents/Guardians will be required to remain in their cars during drop off and pickup. Campers will be greeted by Zoo Staff while inside their cars and temperatures will be taken. Once Zoo Staff confirm the camper does not have a temperature of 100 degrees or higher, a Zoo Staff member or ZooTeen will escort the camper to their group. More information can be found in the drop off/pick up procedures.

What if I want my child to only come for one day instead of all days of camp?

If your child will not attend all days of a session, please inform Zoo staff ahead of camp which days they will attend. We do not pro-rate or offer daily rates, so you will pay the full session fee.

May I enroll my child in a camp for an older/younger 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 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. Zoo staff will contact you via phone prior to 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 Coordinator or my child during the camp if there is an emergency?

Please check the Zoo Camp Portal for the phone number for the camp coordinators. The password is located on your ticket confirmation.

COVID related FAQs

What is the size of the camp groups?

To minimize the number of people in a class and provide ample space for distancing when necessary, we are limiting our classroom to 9 children and 2 adults. All of our classrooms are located inside of the Harold C. Schott Education Center. Campers from different classes will remain separate at all times, and shared indoor spaces will be disinfected between use.

What is your cleaning protocol for camp?

The Cincinnati Zoo staff will be cleaning all high touch surfaces and shared spaces (like bathrooms) frequently with approved COVID-19 cleaning supplies. Staff will be taking campers to the bathrooms for handwashing throughout the day and utilize hand sanitizer. Campers will wash hands upon arrival, before eating, and before departure.

Will the Zoo be open to the public during camp and will my child be around members of the public?

Yes, the Zoo will be open to the public during camp. Currently, the Zoo is carefully managing the number of guests allowed in the park to keep crowd size small. As part of camp we will be leaving our private classrooms and taking hikes around the Zoo to visit animal habitats. During some of these hikes there will be members of the public also visiting these same indoor and outdoor spaces. Zoo staff will do their best to maintain a safe distance between campers and the visiting public. Campers will be using private restrooms not accessible to the general public. When campers are in their classrooms visiting with animals, playing games, crafting, etc. they will be in their own space away from the general public. During recess time campers will also be away from other campers, outside their group of 9, and away from the general public in a private recess space.

Will campers have to wear masks during camp?

The Cincinnati Zoo requires that campers wear masks. Please send your child with a comfortable, well-fitting facial covering. Campers will always wear masks when interacting with other campers, Zoo staff and Zoo animals. Campers may take their masks off during lunch and snack time, and during that time campers will be sitting six feet away from Zoo Staff and each other.

Will instructors and staff be wearing masks during camp?

Zoo staff will always wear masks when around campers, parents, and families. Zoo staff may take their masks off during lunch time, and during that time campers will be sitting six feet away from staff. Zoo staff would also be required to take off their masks if needing to perform CPR.

Are campers expected to stay 6 feet apart?

It is not currently a guideline for children to maintain 6’ distance within their class for an entire camp day. When campers within a class are going to be near each other for a greater length of time (for example, during lunch) they will be distanced. Campers from different classes will remain a safe distance apart at all times, and shared spaces will be disinfected between use.

What if someone gets sick at camp?

Following guidelines, if a camper develops a fever or otherwise exhibits symptoms of COVID-19 or any other ailment, they will immediately be moved to an isolated location, while being supervised by two staff members wearing Personal Protective Equipment. Their family will be notified and they must be picked up from camp as soon as possible. Please refer to our policies below for more information about cancellations and refunds.

What if a camper is reported sick outside of camp hours?

Camp families will be notified in the event a serious, contagious illness, including COVID-19, is detected at camp. This will be done anonymously. Please refer to our policies below for more information about cancellations and refunds.

What if a Zoo Staff member gets sick at camp?

If a Zoo staff member gets sick at camp, they will immediately go home and be quarantined until they can be tested for COVID-19. All Zoo staff will participate in a daily temperature and symptoms check. If Zoo staff are symptomatic, or have a temperature above 100 degrees, they will not report for work, and they will immediately seek testing. If symptomatic, Zoo Staff is required to quarantine for 14 days.

Virtual Camp FAQs

What sort of activities will be included in a day of virtual camp?

Each day will follow the same basic schedule so that you and your child will have a predictable routine for the week. This schedule will be detailed in the Virtual Learning Guide in the Virtual Camp Portal. Each day will include an introduction with an activity or game, 1-2 animal encounters in the classroom, virtual hikes through the zoo, a snack and bathroom breaks, and will end with a craft or project.

What platform will you be using for virtual camp?

We will be using Zoom as our platform for meeting each day. The link to a private meeting room is shared in the Virtual Camp Portal. The Zoo will have 2-3 Zoo Educators interacting with and assisting campers throughout the program each day to help them navigate the Zoom controls. Prior to your first day of camp, go over the Virtual Learning Guide that explains the basic features your child will need to use during their time “at camp”.

Can I purchase one spot for all of my children?

We understand it is nearly impossible to keep siblings from popping in and out of the virtual experience. We do ask that all children participating are within the accurate grade band. This helps keep the activities age appropriate and engaging for all involved. We also ask that if multiple children are wanting to sign in and participate individually, that all children have registered separately. We are trying to keep our child to adult ratio in a particular range so that our Zoo Educators can adequately assist and interact with all children participating in camp.

Will there be breaks throughout camp?

Yes! The camp instructor will be sure to make time for bathroom breaks. We will also be taking a break for a virtual snack time. We ask that you “pack” a child friendly snack for our snack break. Ideally, your child would be self sufficient and can open their snack independently. However, we understand they may need help from a grown up and that is okay!

Will my child need supplies for camp?

Your child may need a few simple supplies for their week of camp. See the Virtual Camp Portal for lists of the supplies recommended to complete activities or crafts with the instructor. We are aiming for basic supplies that are likely to be found in most homes.

I’m worried about screen time.

We totally understand and respect parents’ concern about increased screen time for children of all ages. We are an environmental education organization that wants to see children spend more time outdoors and less time in front of screens. Virtual Camp is intended to provided a few hours of engaging content that encourages and inspires kids to want to go outside and explore and learn about nature during the rest of their day and weekends. Our goal is to provide content and activities that leaves your kids begging to go outside and collect things and observations they can share with us and their peers in the following days’ Virtual Camp online classroom.

Can my child see their friends in virtual camp?

Yes! If participants allow their camera to be turned on during the program, they will be able to see and be seen by other friends in class. We encourage cameras to be turned on to help create an interactive experience during our camps.