summer camp zoo
SUMMER Camp Zoo 2026: Build the ZOo
Registration for Members – February 16, 2026
Registration for General – February 23, 2026
This year’s camp is all about finding out what it takes to creatively care for animals. Campers will explore habitats, learn how animals survive and thrive, and learn about the many ways zoos create habitats and care for animals.
All campers will meet animals up-close, play in our splash pads, and have opportunities to collaborate with other campers through different activities each day. Campers will also tackle design challenges related to their theme, incorporating STEAM (science, technology, engineering, art, math) principles and going through the design process. They’ll use what they learn about the animals to create real-world solutions and top off the week presenting their design.
Due to high temperatures in the summer, at least half of the camp day is spent indoors, with opportunities to expand indoor time as temperatures rise.
Now offering Middle School Camp and full day kindergarten!
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Camp Scholarships are available for qualifying families! Applications will open during registration.
Camp Zoo 2026 Program dates:
JUNE 1 – JULY 31, 2026
(No Camp June 29 - July 3, 2026)
Choose the week that works best for you!
Session 1: June 1 – 5
Session 2: June 8 – 12
Session 3: June 15 – 19
Session 4: June 22 – 26
No Camp: June 29 – July 3
Session 5: July 6 – 10
Session 6: July 13 – 17
Session 7: July 20 – 24
Session 8: July 27 – 31
Start time: 8:00 a.m.
End time: 2:45 p.m. (No aftercare available)
Due to demand for Camp Zoo, we ask that families limit registration to only one (1) session per summer.
Grade level topics:
All campers will have the opportunity to be creative and use different artistic mediums as they explore a new zoo job each day. They’ll use what they learn to create a work of art to be on display at the end of the week!
What are Habitats?
Fasten your seatbelts, Kindergarten! This week, we will explore habitats all around the world. Learn about what makes different habitats unique, and what special animals live in each one!
Kindergarten has the option of full day or half day, with an end time of 11:45 a.m.
Half Day Pricing: Members $220 | General $270
Full Day Pricing: Members $335 | General $385
Grades 1 & 2: Build a Wild Habitat
Explore the many habitats of animals around the world and identify what an animal needs to both survive and thrive in the wild. Campers will then get to design and build a model of a wild habitat for the animal of their choice!
Grades 3 & 4: Build a Zoo Habitat
How does the Phoenix Zoo design homes for animals? Campers will learn all about how to build an exhibit in the Zoo, Species Survival Plans, and how zoos design spaces that help care for animals’ physical and mental wellbeing. Campers will then get to design and build a model Zoo habitat for the animal of their choice!
Grades 5 & 6: Conservation Designers
Did you know there are animals at the Zoo that guests don’t get to see? Join us this week as we explore the Phoenix Zoo’s work in conserving species native to Arizona. Campers will learn all about conservation projects at the Zoo, and then design a conservation plan for a local species of their choice!
Start time: 8:00 a.m.
End Time: 2:45 p.m. (No aftercare available)
Grades 1 – 6: Members $335 | General $385
Middle School Horse Hands (Grades 7-8):
This year’s program will partner with Horse Hands and focus on horsemanship, nature conservation and leadership development. Campers will spend each morning working closely with Equine Keepers to help care for our horses at the Zoo, and then learn about nature conservation and teamwork in the afternoon.
Each session is the equivalent of a Horse Hands Level:
Level 1: Horse Care basics
Campers will learn how to halter, lead, groom, saddle, bridle, and begin to ride at the end of the week!
Level 2: Riding and Intermediate Horse Care
Prerequisite required: Must complete level 1 Horse Hands or be able to provide proof of equivalent experience.
Campers will ride horses daily, and learn more about horse care, shoeing and farrier, and horse bathing.
We will be offering two sessions for Level 1 and Level 2 Horse Hands. Middle School Campers can also sign up for multiple weeks. With each level program, there will be new activities, animals and skills to explore!
Start time: 8:00 a.m.
End Time: 2:45 p.m. (No aftercare available)
Middle School Horse Hands Camp: Members $385 | General $435
Thank you to our sponsors!
Plan your visit today!
The Phoenix Zoo is one of the largest non-profit zoos in the U.S., caring for over 3,000 animals, with nearly 400 species represented, including many threatened/endangered species.
Plan your visit today!
The Phoenix Zoo is one of the largest non-profit zoos in the U.S., caring for over 3,000 animals, with nearly 400 species represented, including many threatened/endangered species.
