summer camp zoo
SUMMER Camp Zoo 2026: Build the ZOo
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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 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 by 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!
Camp Scholarships are available for qualifying families! Applications will open during registration.
Camp Zoo 2027 Program dates:
Choose the week that works best for you!
Session 1: June 7 – 11
Session 2: June 14 – 18
Session 3: June 21 – 25
Session 4: June 28 – July 1*
Session 5: July 6 – 9*
Session 6: July 19 – 23
Session 7: July 26 – 30
Session 8: August 2 – 6
*Due to the federal holiday on July 4th, sessions 4 and 5 will be four-day weeks and will include two general admission tickets to the Zoo.
Start time: 8 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!Â
TOPIC: TBD
Half Day Pricing (8 – 11:45 a.m.): Members $220 | General $270
Full Day Pricing ( 8 a.m. – 2:45 p.m.): Members $335 | General $385
To register for full-day programming, register as normal through the half-day session. Towards the end of registration, there will be an option to add on full-day programming for $115.
Topics: TBD
Start time:Â 8 a.m.
End Time:Â 2:45 p.m. (No aftercare available)
Grades 1 – 6: Members $335 | General $385
Middle School Horse Hands (Grades 7 – 9):
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:Â 8 a.m.
End Time:Â 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.
