Thank you for choosing the Minnesota Zoo as your trusted summer camp destination—where natural wonder and discovery awaits! We are proud to provide campers with unforgettable and life-changing opportunities to connect with the greater world around us. As the state’s largest wildlife conservation learning resource, we specialize in connecting you and your child to the awe and wonder of nature.
Your camper will participate in activities, such as—animal encounters, special Zoo experiences, tours, and games. To ensure a great learning experience, campers are grouped by grade or age, and instructors are professional naturalists.
2026 Camp Registration Dates
Online Registration Opens:
February 3, 2026 at 10 a.m. for Zoo Members
February 10, 2026 at 10 a.m. for the General Public
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
See our Summer Camp FAQs Page for camp-specific questions.
Member Registration Day
Member registration opens for camps on February 3, 2026 at 10 a.m. An online waiting room will be available starting at 9:30 a.m. that day. Click the register button for the camp you are interested in between 9:30 and 10 a.m., then once registration opens at 10 a.m., your spot in line will be randomly generated. If you sign on after 10 a.m., registration will be on a first-come, first-served basis. Due to the high volume of users, please expect to experience a long wait in our waiting room. If you click the register button before 9:30 a.m., it won't trigger the waiting room. Wait to click the register button until AFTER 9:30 a.m.
Registration only takes place online and full payment is due immediately. In order to receive the member rate, your Zoo membership must be current (not expired) before you register. Registration requires signing legal waivers for each camper. Members may only register and sign for children named on their membership. "Plus" level memberships are valid to have an extra person join you for a visit to the Zoo, but not to register an extra person for Zoo Camp who is not named on your card for Zoo Camp.
While registering online, if you encounter an urgent problem, please email [email protected] or call 952.431.9200. We will try to talk you through the process, but are unable to accept registrations over the phone. Calls are returned in the order received so please leave a message, if you do not connect with a staff member. Many camps sell out quickly, so be prepared with a couple of camps or date options. A waitlist may be available for full camps. If a spot becomes available, the scheduler will contact the first person on the list and continue until the spot is filled.
Add your child's T-shirt size during registration
This is an example of what to click during your shirt selection so that the shirt actually gets added to your cart.
Times: AM and PM sessions available for each date. Choose between AM session: 9 am–12 pm or PM session: 1–4 pm
Fee: $50 ($45 for Zoo members)
Waddle into adventure and explore the amazing lives of penguins. From their graceful dives to their clever ways of catching food, penguins are remarkable birds. Come discover how they stay warm, swim fast, and live life to the fullest. Campers will visit our penguins at the Zoo to learn what penguins eat and how they stay safe from predators. Through stories, art, and some cool penguin biofacts, this camp is the perfect way for little explorers to dive deep into the wonderful world of penguins.
June 3 (AM & PM)
June 30 (AM & PM)
July 2 (AM & PM)
Let's go on a wild adventure in the misty mountain forests of Asia! Campers will discover how red pandas stay cozy, climb high, and use their clever tails for balance. We'll climb into the world of red pandas—those fluffy, tree-loving animals who spend their days munching bamboo and exploring the forest canopy. Through stories and playful discovery, campers will learn what makes red pandas so extraordinary.
June 2 (AM & PM)
June 4 (AM & PM)
June 30 (AM & PM)
July 2 (AM & PM)
Get ready to surf into a day of fun! Campers will dive into the world of sea lions through songs, stories, and hands-on play. Let's discover how sea lions swim, bark, and live together by the sea—all while enjoying creative art, movement, and an ocean adventure. Let's discover just how splashy and special sea lions can be.
June 1 (AM & PM)
June 3 (AM & PM)
June 5 (AM & PM)
June 29 (AM & PM)
July 1 (AM & PM)
Roar into adventure as we discover how these fierce felines survive in the wild and what makes every tiger one-of-a-kind. Campers will explore the secrets of the stripes to learn how tigers live, hunt, and communicate. With themed art projects, sensory exploration, and a chance to visit the Zoo’s own tigers up close, this camp gives young explorers a roaringly fun look at one of nature’s most incredible big cats.
June 1 (AM & PM)
June 4 (AM & PM)
June 29 (AM & PM)
Slide into adventure with turtles big and small. Let’s discover how turtles move, eat, and explore their amazing homes—from muddy Minnesota ponds to the deep blue sea. We’ll learn how turtles glide beneath the waves, bask in the sun, and what makes every shell so special. It’ll be turtley fun!
June 2 (AM & PM)
June 5 (AM & PM)
July 1 (AM & PM)
Times: AM and PM sessions available for each date. Choose between AM session: 9 am–12 pm or PM session: 1–4 pm
Fee: $185 ($175 for Zoo members)
Come along on a Zoo adventure to meet the real-life versions of your favorite animated animals. Each day we will explore the trails and play areas and will learn how animal friends on the big screen and in stories compare to the ones we find at the Minnesota Zoo.
June 29-July 2 (AM & PM)
Dive into the Wild World of Predators by exploring animals that hunt to survive. Discover a predator's unique traits and animal behaviors through activities, games, and close-up encounters.
June 29-July 2 (AM & PM)
From furry cuteness to feathers or scales, explore through songs, games, and activities, how animal babies grow, change, and survive to become adults.
June 29-July 2 (AM & PM)
Times: Choose an AM session: 9 am–12 pm or a PM session: 1–4 pm
Fees: $225 ($210 for Zoo members)
Explore our Farm with a different barnyard buddy each day. Meet all our resident farm animals and discover how we take care of each of these animals at the Zoo.
June 15-19 (AM)
July 6-10 (AM)
July 20-24 (AM)
August 3-7 (AM)
August 17-21 (AM)
Come along on a Zoo adventure to meet the real-life versions of your favorite animated animals. Each day we will explore the trails and play areas and will learn how animal friends on the big screen and in stories compare to the ones we find at the Minnesota Zoo.
June 1–5 (AM & PM)
Bring your sense of adventure as you explore the Farm and the surrounding woods. Meet our resident farm animals, go on nature walks, play in the forest, and create nature art. Experience the wonder of nature at the Zoo.
June 8-12 (AM)
June 22-26 (AM)
July 13-17 (AM)
July 27-31 (AM)
August 10-14 (AM)
Put on a sleuthing hat as we go undercover to search for clues and evidence of fun in nature. Investigate insects, mammals, birds, reptiles, and amphibians and use our detective skills to leave no rock or leaf unturned.
June 8-12 (AM)
July 13-17 (AM)
August 3-7 (AM)
Dive into the Wild World of Predators by exploring animals that hunt to survive. Discover a predator's unique traits and animal behaviors through activities, games, and close-up encounters.
June 1–5 (AM & PM)
Hike through the tropics as a rainforest explorer and discover its unique inhabitants. Seek out curious monkeys, spy lurking reptiles, and immerse yourself in birdsong while on an exciting rainforest expedition.
June 15–19 (AM)
July 6-10 (AM)
July 27-31 (AM)
August 17-21 (AM)
From furry cuteness to feathers or scales, explore through songs, games, and activities, how animal babies grow, change, and survive to become adults.
June 1–5 (AM & PM)
August 24-28 (AM & PM)
Discover the undersea world of reefs, rays, sharks, and sea otters. Get to know ocean animals and the places they live while exploring shores, tide pools, coral reefs, and the open sea. Create beautiful artwork and have close encounters with sea creatures along the way in this introductory ocean camp.
June 22–26 (AM)
July 20-24 (AM)
August 10-14 (AM)
Times: PM session: 1–4 pm
Fees: $225 ($210 for Zoo members)
It’s time to get down on the Farm. Explore the wonder of our Wells Fargo Family Farm by viewing farm animals up close, playing fun games, and making dairy products. As our sheep say: let's have a bla-a-a-ast!
June 8-12
June 22-26
July 13-17
July 27-31
August 10-14
Explore the connection between the Zoo's farm animals and the wild animals of the neighboring forest. Are insects farm friends or enemies? Should farmers be afraid of the big bad wolf? Discover the answers to these questions and more on this adventure in the barnyard and beyond.
June 15-19
July 6-10
July 20-24
August 3-7
August 17-21
Grades 1 & 2 In-Person Weeklong Full Day Camps
For children entering 1st or 2nd grade in the fall of 2026.
Full day session: 9:30 am–3:30 pm
Fees: $445 ($420 for Zoo members)
Let imagination run wild! Young artists get to explore the Zoo and have nature be their muse to blend creativity and curiosity. We will use our observations to inspire works of art and learn new techniques for releasing our inner artists. Campers will build artistic confidence while having fun and deepen their appreciation for wildlife.
June 8-12
June 15-19
June 22-26
July 13-17
July 20-24
August 3-7
August 10-14
August 17-21
Interested in the world of Jurassic Park? Then welcome to…Cretaceous Camp! What kind of amazing adaptations allowed dinosaurs and other now-extinct reptiles to rule over land, air, and sea for millions of years? Which habitats would they call home if they were around today? Travel the Zoo to explore awesome animal survival strategies, from the prehistoric to the present-day.
June 8-12
June 15-19
June 22-26
July 6-10
July 13-17
July 20-24
July 27-31
August 17-21
Jump into an underwater world teeming with life. Explore different ocean habitats each day as you learn about the animals that call them home.
June 8-12
July 6-10
July 13-17
July 27-31
August 3-7
August 10-14
August 17-21
August 24-28
In the world of Pokémon, trainers care for fantastic monsters as they grow and evolve. Here, Zookeepers care for the incredible animals that have evolved to thrive in our world. Explore the Zoo, collect cards, and complete your Pokédex in this camp inspired by the hit creature-collecting franchise.
June 15-19
June 22-26
July 6-10
July 20-24
July 27-31
August 3-7
August 10-14
August 24-28
Full day session: 9:30 am–3:30 pm
Fees: $445 ($420 for Zoo members)
Make glue from milk and discover how wool becomes clothing. Explore the amazing connections people have with farm animals by helping in the barns, meeting the animals up close, and more. Visit other areas of the Zoo while on the lookout for our farm animals’ wild counterparts.
June 8-12
June 22-26
July 13-17
July 27-31
August 10-14
Pack your field bag and camera (both provided) to explore Zoo animals and the countries their wild kin call home. Learn techniques for taking the best shots and spend the week practicing around the Zoo. Get creative because the animals are ready for their close-up.
June 8-12
June 15-19
July 6-10
July 20-24
July 27-31
August 3-7
August 10-14
Embark on mysterious missions with Jack and Annie as your guides. (These adventures are based on the "Magic Tree House" series by Mary Pope Osborne.) From the tropical rainforest to the depths of the ocean, who knows what we can discover!
June 8-12
June 15-19
June 22-26
July 20-24
August 3-7
August 10-14
August 24-28
Discover the drama of the animal kingdom. From fierce face-offs, to fantastic friendships, campers will learn how animals express themselves—then bring those stories to life on stage through acting, movement, and imagination.
June 8-12
June 22-26
July 6-10
July 13-17
July 27-31
August 17-21
August 24-28
From prehistoric plesiosaurs to the legendary Loch Ness monster, this camp is all about animals that no one has ever seen. How have dino detectives discovered so much about creatures that went extinct millions of years ago? How do scientists study the most sneaky and secretive species on the planet today, and what mysteries are still out there waiting to be solved in the wild world of wildlife? Bring curiosity—and imagination—and let's follow the clues!
June 15-19
June 22-26
July 6-10
July 13-17
August 3-7
August 10-14
August 17-21
August 24-28
Full day session: 9:30 am–3:30 pm
Fees: $445 ($420 for Zoo members)
How do some animals survive in the harshest environments? Together we will study the perplexities of animal survival from birth to adulthood as well as the traits that allow them to thrive in their various habitats, especially those who call Minnesota home.
June 8-12
June 22-26
July 27-31
August 10-14
Fascinated by fossils? This camp is a chance to really DIG into the history of life on Earth. Prepare to get hands (and maybe more) dirty each day at a model dig site, practicing real excavation techniques that paleontologists and archaeologists use to uncover the puzzle pieces of the past. Who knows what natural treasures will be found!
June 15-19
July 20-24
August 3-7
Ocean ecosystems are a world of constant change. Meet the communities of creatures who call these watery worlds home and discover how they survive and thrive—despite all the commotion.
June 8-12
June 22-26
July 13-17
August 3-7
Get ready for some delicious fun on the Farm. Campers will practice Farmkeeper skills by helping with morning chores, discover the role farming plays in producing pizza ingredients, and celebrate the week with a pizza party.
June 15-19
July 6-10
July 20-24
August 3-7
August 17-21
A crime has been committed. The victim...wildlife! Learn about the problems facing wildlife while exploring the skills and tools scientists use to track down criminals. Put on a detective hat and join us as we try to identify the perpetrator.
June 15-19
July 6-10
July 20-24
August 10-14
Full day session: 9:30 am–3:30 pm
Fees: $445 ($420 for Zoo members)
Ever wanted to study animals in the wild or learn how plant and animal communities interact with each other? Spend a week at the Zoo using tools of the trade of both professional and community scientists that make a difference in the real world. Learn outdoor skills while investigating a personal research question. In this camp, we will meet experts who work in the field and learn how we can contribute to the scientific community.
June 15-19
July 20-24
August 3-7
Explore marine ecosystems and meet the wild diversity of creatures who call them home. Learn about the modern threats these ecosystems face, and real-world solutions that could help them thrive for generations. Leave with a better understanding of the role one can have in marine conservation.
July 6-10
July 27-31
August 10-14
From working with animals at the Zoo to saving wildlife in the field, Zookeepers and scientists must problem-solve every day and design innovative solutions. Test one's skills with real-world design challenges while learning how STEM is being used to help animals—around the world, in Minnesota, and right here at the Zoo.
July 13-17
August 3-7
August 10-14
Learn about the lives of our animal care staff, veterinarians, animal trainers, and aquarists to explore what animal careers the Zoo offers. Make animal enrichment items and get up close to animals while helping with their care.
June 8-12
June 15-19
June 22-26
July 6-10
July 13-17
July 20-24
July 27-31
Full day session: 9:30 am–3:30 pm
Fees: $445 ($420 for Zoo members)
Dive deep into the adaptations, anatomy, and evolutionary history of ocean animals. Explore Zoo habitats, go behind the scenes to learn how we re-create the ocean for our animals, and get up-close and personal with marine species in instructor-led specimen dissections.
June 8-12
July 13-17
Get ready to explore the wild side of science! We will dive into the amazing world of animals, discover how scientists classify them, what makes each group unique, and how they behave in their natural habitats. We will also take a closer look at the real-world challenges animals face today, and learn how everyone can make a difference. Through fun activities, field observations, and behind-the-scenes tours, we will find our role in protecting the planet’s incredible biodiversity.
June 22-26
July 6-10
July 27-31
Llama Drama and Other Quirky Critters In-Person Single-Day Camps
For children entering 1st to 9th grade in the fall of 2026.
The Zoo is home to hundreds of creatures—and characters! Explore this pageant of personalities to learn what makes the animals that we care for at the Zoo unique as individuals. Spend the morning befriending our totally rad llamas at Llama Trek, then travel the Zoo in the afternoon to get to know even more of our resident animal superstars. Who will be crowned Most Playful? Biggest Scaredy Cat? Miss Congeniality? We will find the best candidates among the Minnesota Zoo's quirky, charismatic, and sometimes comical animal team.
Full day session: 9:30 am–3:30 pm
Fees: $120 ($105 for Zoo members)
July 13
July 14
July 24
July 29
July 30
August 17
August 18
August 20
August 21
July 17
July 20
July 21
July 31
August 19
July 16
July 22
July 28
July 15
July 23
July 27
13000 Zoo Boulevard
Apple Valley, MN 55124
952.431.9200
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