Zoo Camps

School's Out Day camp

Looking for a fun, hands-on activity for your child to enjoy during school breaks? Our School’s Day Camps are designed to enhance your child’s education when school is not in session. See below for dates, details, and more info.

2025 School's Out Day Camp

9:00 AM to 3:30 PM | Children ages 6 - 10.

School's Out Camp Dates

Tuesday, November 4: Election Day SOLD OUT

Friday, November 28: Black Friday/Thanksgiving Break

Monday, December 29: Winter Break

Tuesday, December 30: Winter Break

Pricing and Info

All School's Out Day Camps are for children aged 6 - 10

Non-Member Registration

$75.00 per child

Member Registration

$70.00 per child

Early Care - Drop off between 8:00 AM and 8:30 AM

$15.00 per child

After Care - Pick up between 4:00 PM and 4:30 PM

$15.00 per child

2026 SUMMER CAMPS

Each week of our Summer Camp offers a fun-filled, educational experience with engaging activities such as crafts, science exploration, ambassador animal greets, and the occasional behind-the-scenes tours. Campers will also enjoy weekly zoo-wide experiences, such as giraffe feeds, zoo walks, and meeting our barn animal friends. Descriptions of each age group are available below.

 

Each age group’s week will vary in activities and experiences throughout the summer, covering topics such as zookeeping, environmental science, and wildlife conservation. We encourage your child to sign up for multiple weeks to get the most out of the Zoo Camp experience!

Zoo Crew: Camp For Ages 3 - 5

Does your camper love animals? Now is their opportunity to learn all about how we care for them at Elmwood Park Zoo! Through up-close animal encounters, hands-on activities, and themed crafts, campers will learn how we care for different animals at the zoo, comparing and contrasting each species' needs!

Pricing

Member $300 | Non-Member $325

Time

9 AM – 12 PM ( Half Day Camp Only)

Early drop off / late pick up is not available this age group.

Camp Weeks

July 20-24
July 27-31
August 3-7
August 10-14
August 17-21

June 15-19
June 22-26
June 29-July 3
July 6-10
July 13-17

Mini Keepers: Camp For Ages 6 - 7

This summer, your camper will get the inside scoop on what it takes to be a zookeeper!
Through up-close animal encounters and keeper chats, campers will learn how we prepare animal diets, train our animals, and hear why our keepers love their jobs! A love and excitement for animals is required; khakis are not.

Pricing

Member $400 | Non-Member $425

Time

9 AM – 3:30 PM

Early and After Care are available for this age group:

Early Care | 8:00 AM - 8:30 AM | $15/camper/day

After Care | 4:00 PM - 5:00 PM | $30/camper/day

Camp Weeks

July 20-24
July 27-31
August 3-7
August 10-14
August 17-21

June 15-19
June 22-26
June 29-July 3
July 6-10
July 13-17

Junior Keepers: Camp For Ages 8 - 9

Plunge into the world of zoology by studying the natural history of our zoo animals. We will learn how exhibits are designed, what our animals eat at the zoo and even learn all about animal training! Featuring ambassador animal encounters, themed activities, and more, campers will observe our zoo animals and discover what animals need to lead healthy, fulfilling lives.

Pricing

Member $400 | Non-Member $425

Time

9 AM – 3:30 PM

Early and After Care are available for this age group:

Early Care | 8:00 AM - 8:30 AM | $15/camper/day

After Care | 4:00 PM - 5:00 PM | $30/camper/day

Camp Weeks

July 20-24
July 27-31
August 3-7
August 10-14
August 17-21

June 15-19
June 22-26
June 29-July 3
July 6-10
July 13-17

Future Keepers: Camp For Ages 10 - 12

Ready to come join our keeper team? Campers will explore all the aspects of working at the zoo! We will learn what a “Day in the Life” of a keeper is like as campers design exhibits, create enrichment, learn about animal diet and training, and meet some of our animals up close and personal. Although khakis are not required, a love for animals is encouraged!

Pricing

Member $400 | Non-Member $425

Time

9 AM – 3:30 PM

Early and After Care are available for this age group:

Early Care | 8:00 AM - 8:30 AM | $15/camper/day

After Care | 4:00 PM - 5:00 PM | $30/camper/day

Camp Weeks

July 20-24
July 27-31
August 3-7
August 10-14
August 17-21

June 15-19
June 22-26
June 29-July 3
July 6-10
July 13-17

Camp Information

Accommodations & Accessibility

At Zoo Camp, our goal is to create a safe, enjoyable, and enriching experience for all campers. Zoo Camp is unique compared to many day camps, as it takes place in a highly stimulating environment. While at camp, campers will engage in activities that require them to:

  • Spend their day actively moving outdoors
  • Follow directions in a large group setting
  • Stay with and collaborate within their group during activities
  • Manage their personal needs, such as using the bathroom independently

Due to these factors, Zoo Camp may not be the best fit for every camper. However, we are committed to working with families to prepare accommodations in advance to help ensure a successful and enjoyable experience for your child.

If you believe your camper may benefit from accommodations, please email camp@elmwoodparkzoo.org before registration. While we are unable to provide one-on-one support or supplementary services, aides are welcome to join campers onsite after submitting PA Background and Child Abuse clearances.

Behavioral Policy

At ZooCamp, we prioritize creating a fun and safe environment for all campers. Bullying, violent, destructive, or offensive behavior will not be tolerated. Camp staff reserve the right to remove campers from activities as necessary due to their behavior.

To ensure open communication, we will provide a take-home report for any behavioral issues that occur during the day. This report is intended to keep parents informed and aware.

If a second take-home report is issued, the Camp Coordinator will contact the camper’s emergency contact to discuss ongoing concerns.

If a third take-home report is required, or if a single incident is severe, the Camp Coordinator will determine whether the camper’s return to ZooCamp is appropriate. The Camp Coordinator and Education Department have the authority to dismiss campers from ZooCamp based on the severity and continuation of behavioral issues.

If you have any questions about our policy, please email us at camp@elmwoodparkzoo.org.

Refund Policy

Purchases made during our holiday sales in December 2025 and School’s Out Day Camps are excluded and not eligible for any refund.

Questions about Camp? Contact our Education Department

800.652.4143 x234