School's Out Camp
Looking for a fun activity for your child to do while school is on a break? We would love for you to spend your break days here at Zoo Camp!
Registration is limited!
These in-person programs for 1st-5th grade campers are limited to ensure high-quality programs! Please register early!
As winter approaches, animals will need to begin getting ready for the changes that winter brings. Join us as we learn the various techniques animals use to survive the winter months. On October 15, we will focus on mammals and on October 16 we will focus on non-mammals. Camp will include fun activities, art projects, visits with animal ambassadors, and behind the scenes tours of the zoo.
Getting Ready for Winter:
Thursday and Friday, October 15-16, 2026
Fee: $160 Members/$170 Non-members
Registration closes at noon the Wednesday before camp starts.
Become a wildlife investigator as you explore how zoo scientists solve real-world mysteries! Campers will use observation, engineering, and hands-on STEM activities including telemetry, animal skulls, and forensics—to investigate clues and think like real conservation professionals. Along the way, a mystery unfolds, challenging teams to work together, collect evidence, and discover what really happened.
Wildlife Forensic Academy:
Thursday and Friday, October 15-16, 2026
Fee: $160 Members/$170 Non-members
Registration closes at noon the Wednesday before camp starts.
FAQs
Due to the high prevalence of food allergies, Zoo Camp does not provide snacks for campers. Campers are encouraged to bring their own peanut-free and nut-free snack (2 per day) each day as we will offer two snack times. Please avoid peanut butter, granola bars, or baked goods with peanuts, trail mix, Nutella, or any Nutella-based items. “Soy nut” butter and sunflower seed butter are great alternatives to peanut butter.
We cannot guarantee a nut-free environment at the Zoo as guests often bring their own food items containing nuts, and nuts are a regular part of our animal diets. Nuts may also be used during animal demonstrations in the classrooms as positive reinforcement. Please disclose all participant food allergies during registration.
Campers need to bring a lunch with them daily. Please provide a peanut-free and nut-free lunch. Refrigeration of lunches is not provided. Please consider bringing their lunch and water in reusable containers to avoid excess waste. Campers will NOT be allowed to purchase lunches from the Zoo’s food court.
To discuss concerns or potential accommodations, please contact [email protected].
Children should only attend camp if they are able to participate in activities with reasonable comfort. If your child is feeling unwell, we encourage to keep your child at home. Please take a moment to review our camp Health Policy.
The Medication Permission Form MUST be completed if your child needs to take any medications during their time at Zoo Camp. No medications should be taken by children without a completed form.
These are the policies/waivers that you will see during your online registration.

13000 Zoo Boulevard
Apple Valley, MN 55124
952.431.9200
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