Summer Zoo Camps

Zoo Camp is a WILD way for children to spend the day! Each year, we offer a variety of programs for students entering 1st through 7th grades. Most classes fill quickly.

2025 Registration opens at 12:00 p.m. on Tuesday January 21st

Summer Zoo Camp “Basics”

Children must be registered to attend a day that corresponds to their age group. The grades listed correspond to the grade the child will be entering at the end of the summer. Children should dress for the weather and wear comfortable shoes. Pre-registration is required and a limited number of spaces are available for each day’s session. Parents must provide a sack lunch for each child.

Cost

$50 for single-day camps (entering grades 1-4 in fall)
- Zoo Pass Members receive a discount
$95 for two-day camps (entering grades 5-7 in fall)
- Zoo Pass Members receive a discount

Time

8:45 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. daily (drop-off begins at 8:35am; pick-up begins at 3pm)

2025 Topics & Schedule

For students entering 1st and 2nd grades in the fall:
- Wildlife Passports – All aboard! Join us as we travel around the world without ever leaving the zoo. We’ll learn about how animals survive across the globe within many different habitats, and explore different aspects of the cultures, environments, and terrains found in animals’ wild homes. Hosted June 16th, July 1st, July 16th, and July 28th (Each student may attend any ONE of these dates).
- Sensory Safari – Animals have amazing senses, but how DO they see in the dark, hear from a mile away, and feel without fingers? We’ll take a close look at our own five senses and find out how they compare to those of animals of all shapes and sizes. Hosted June 17th, July 2nd, July 15th, and July 21st (Each student may attend any ONE of these dates).

For students entering 3rd and 4th grades in the fall:
- Wild by Design – Animals can be amazing builders! Together we’ll learn about what animals build and why – from small, intricate masterpieces to large, ecosystem-changing structures, animals can be quite resourceful and creative! We’ll even try our hand at constructing some special structures of our own. Hosted June 23rd, July 7th, and July 29th (Each student may attend any ONE of these dates).
- Animal Armor – Animals are experts at keeping themselves safe! Join us as we explore some of the many forms of armor animals use to protect themselves, both physically and behaviorally. We’ll observe animals with armor “in action” and have some fun pretending to be armored animals ourselves! Hosted June 30th, July 14th, and July 30th (Each student may attend any ONE of these dates).

For students entering 5th, 6th, and 7th grades in the fall:
- Zoo Vets – Do you want to be a vet someday, or work with exotic captive animals? If so, this is the camp for you! During this two-day adventure, we’ll explore the many challenges of being a zoo veterinarian while learning about the importance of proper medical care for our animals. Campers will be immersed in the veterinary world through hands-on, interactive activities and challenges. Campers will even get a behind-the-scenes look at our Animal Hospital and meet a member of the zoo’s vet team! *(Please note, in the rare event of a veterinary emergency on the day of the program, meeting the vet staff may not be possible; but we will do everything possible to stick with planned events!) Hosted June 24th-25th, July 8th-9th, July 22nd-23rd, and August 5th-6th (Each student may attend any ONE SET of TWO dates).

Registration will open at 12:00pm on Tuesday January 21st, 2025

Registration Info

All Zoo Camps include

Live animal visits in the classroom
Educational presentations
Tours of the Zoo
Fun, hands-on activities like games or crafts
A morning snack (students choose from peanut-free popcorn cooked in coconut oil OR nut- and dairy-free pretzels or animal crackers)
A short, educational video is watched during lunch time
An afternoon treat (like a freeze pop or granola bar, based on weather)

Behind the Scenes

Due to safety concerns and the availability of animal care staff, we are not able to offer behind the scenes tours for most camps. Camps with behind-the-scenes experiences are specified in the program description. Animal contact experiences ARE provided for all camps.

Medication and Allergies

Medication cannot be administered or dispensed by zoo staff (with the exception of EpiPens needed on an emergency basis). Campers must be able to take their own medication. However, staff can carry medications and help children remember to take them. Staff are first-aid and EpiPen trained. If your child is bringing an EpiPen or other medication to camp, you will be asked to note this on the child’s Release Form and provide authorization for its use. If your child has any food-specific allergies, you are welcome to pack a snack in addition to lunch. Your child will be permitted to eat their home-packed snacks during snack time.

Special Needs Campers

Please detail any physical, academic, or social special needs your child has that our staff should be made aware of. Special needs will be accommodated to the best of our ability, provided we know in advance of your camp date. If your child is not self-sufficient, you may be asked to provide a non-parent aide for the program(s). Feel free to give the Education Coordinator a call or send an email to discuss in detail.

Can parents stay with kids?

Our camp program is designed for children who are able to be successful in group-oriented programs without parent involvement.

What happens in poor weather?

Zoo Camp happens rain or shine. Programs will be cancelled by the NEW Zoo if Green Bay City or Howard-Suamico Schools are cancelled due to severe weather, or in the event of a severe weather warning in Brown County. If a severe weather warning begins after Zoo Camp has already begun, we will keep children in a secure safe shelter until after the warning has expired. This means that pick-up may be pushed back, but we will communicate with you via email and/or text in those situations. If your program is cancelled by the NEW Zoo, you will be informed by telephone and email as soon as possible and you will receive a full refund. Programs WILL OCCUR during rain and snow if no severe weather warnings are present.

Cancellation Policy

Cancellations made prior to one week before the date of the program will be refunded 50% of the price of the program. Cancellations made within one week of the program and/or “no-shows” on the day of the program will not receive a refund.

How do I register?

Registration begins January 22nd.