Summer Zoo Camps
Thank you for choosing the Minnesota Zoo as your trusted summer camp destination! We are proud to provide campers with unforgettable and life-changing experiences. As the state’s largest wildlife conservation learning resource, we specialize in connecting you and your child to nature and the outdoors.
Whether you choose an in-person or virtual camp this summer, your camper will participate in animal encounters, special Zoo experiences, tours, and games. To ensure everyone has a great time during camp, campers are grouped by grade or age, and instructors are professional naturalists.
2023 Camp Registration Dates
IN PERSON CAMPS:
Online Registration Opens:
February 8 at 10 AM for Members of the Minnesota Zoo
February 15 at 10 AM for the General Public
Camp Descriptions
For more camp information and descriptions, click on the camp below or take a look at our Zoo Camp catalog. Click on the registration buttons below to register once it's available.
Important Camp Information
For more camp information, check out our Summer Camp Information Page.
Member registration opens for in-person camps at 10 am on February 8, 2023. An online waiting room will be available starting at 9:30 am that day. If you sign on between 9:30 and 10 am, once registration opens at 10 am, your spot in line will be randomly generated. If you sign on after 10 am, 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.
Times: AM and PM sessions available for each date. AM session: 9–11:30 am PM session: 1-3:30 pm
Fee: $36 ($28 for Zoo members)
One hump or two? Discover the difference between Dromedary and Bactrian camels and find out what those humps are all about.
Tues, June 6
Wed, July 5
You “otter” join us for some fun! Slip-slide through the Zoo, visiting our otter friends from around the world.
Wed, June 7
Thurs, July 6
Meet our Minnesota black bears and the brown bears of Russia’s Grizzly Coast as we discover their “bear” necessities.
Thurs, June 1
Mon, June 5
Sink your teeth into the amazing world of crocodiles. Meet our West African dwarf crocodiles and other cool creatures.
Thurs, June 1
Tues, June 6
The word dinosaur means “wondrous lizard.” Learn about these amazing animals that lived so long ago. Are you ready to roar?
Tues, May 30
Tues, June 6
Unwrap the mysteries of metamorphosis as we learn how such a magical winged insect grows from caterpillar to beautiful butterfly.
Mon, June 5
Fri, July 7
Meet “Hoppy” the frog and discover why frogs chirp and croak, and how they can jump so far.
Tues, June 6
Wed, July 5
They climb. They jump. They like to eat. Learn about our goofy goats while playing games and having fun!
Wed, July 5
Fri, July 7
Yee-haw! Gallop into the wild world of horses and meet the big and beautiful horses of the Zoo.
Thurs, July 6
Are dragons real? Komodo dragons are, and you can meet them as well as other cool lizards during this camp!
Fri, June 2
Fri, July 7
Meet our llamas and their camel cousins, with their big eyes, long eyelashes, and thick fur. Get up close and see just how curious and social they can be.
Thurs, June 1
Mon, June 5
Is it a cheetah, jaguar, or leopard? Discover what makes leopards different from other big cats and try to “spot” our leopards in a game of hide-and-seek.
Fri, June 2
Thurs, June 8
Observe the antics of our many monkeys while identifying the similarities and differences between primates.
Fri, June 2
Wed, June 7
Come see for yourself why birds come in different shapes, colors, and sizes.
Wed, May 31
Wed, July 5
Plunge into the watery world of these energetic black and white birds as you learn what they eat, how they hunt, and much more!
Fri, June 2
Wed, June 7
Fri, July 7
Trek through the tropics as a rainforest explorer and encounter many unique animals.
Tues, May 30
Thurs, July 6
Designed to be a perfect predator, the shark’s sharp teeth and sensational senses may surprise you!
Wed, May 31
Thurs, June 8
Slither into the snake world and discover why these reptiles are so helpful and significant.
Wed, May 31
Mon, June 5
What’s black and orange and striped from head to toe? That’s right—a tiger! Learn how they compare to your pet cats at home.
Wed, May 31
Thurs, June 8
Dive into the sea for an imaginary trip with a sea turtle and discover the underwater world of these remarkable reptiles.
Thurs, June 8
Thurs, July 6
Sea stars, sea horses, and sea turtles, oh my! Discover why “down where it’s wetter, that’s where it’s better” as we explore the colorful world of the coral reef.
Tues, May 30
Thurs, June 1
From the Big Bad Wolf to Little Red Riding Hood, the wolf has received quite an undeserved reputation. Meet our pack as we prove these stories wrong.
Tues, May 30
Wed, June 7
Times: AM session: 9 am–12 pm PM session: 1-4 pm
Fees: $205 ($165 for Zoo members)
Explore our farm with a different barnyard buddy each day! Puppets introduce campers to cows, rabbits, sheep, goats, pigs, and horses as they discover how we take care of each of these animals.
June 12–16 (am)
June 19–23 (pm)
June 26–30 (am)
July 10–14 (pm)
July 17–21 (am)
July 24–28 (pm)
July 31–Aug 4 (am)
August 7–11 (pm)
August 14–18 (am)
August 21–25 (pm)
Soar, swim, or stomp on over to Dino Hideout, our new dinosaur exhibit and nature play area. Explore and learn about these incredible creatures of our past by getting up close and personal to life-size animatronic dinosaurs like Triceratops and T-Rex. It’s sure to be a roarin’ good time!
June 19–23 (pm)
July 10–14 (pm)
July 17–21 (am)
July 24–28 (pm)
July 31–August 4 (am)
August 21–25 (pm)
Nature will provide our space and supplies in this outdoor summer adventure! Build a fort, create a “rock” band, and dig like prairie dogs while exploring the great outdoors.
June 12–16 (am)
June 19–23 (pm)
July 17–21 (am)
July 31–August 4 (am)
August 7–11 (pm)
August 21–25 (pm)
Join us as we spy animals from around the world. Discover what makes a fish a fish, a mammal a mammal, and much, much more—each day will be a surprise!
June 12–16 (am)
June 26–30 (am)
July 10–14 (pm)
July 24–28 (pm)
July 31–August 4 (am)
August 14–18 (am)
Trek through the tropics as a rainforest explorer and encounter many unique animals. Find brightly colored fish, hear noisy monkeys, and sing with the birds on our rainforest safari.
June 12–16 (am)
June 26–30 (am)
July 17–21 (am)
August 7–11 (pm)
August 14–18 (am)
Meet a different animal friend each day and discover where the wild things live! Explore the tropical habitat of a snake, the underwater world of a shark, and where an opossum may roam to find a home sweet home!
June 19–23 (pm)
July 10–14 (pm)
July 17–21 (am)
August 7–11 (pm)
August 14–18 (am)
August 21–25 (pm)
Discover the undersea world of sea otters, fish, sharks, and other ocean creatures living at the Zoo. There’s nothing more important than fins, scales, and scutes.
June 12–16 (am)
June 26–30 (am)
July 10–14 (pm)
July 24–28 (pm)
July 31–August 4 (am)
August 21–25 (pm)
Time: 9:30 am–3:30 pm
Fees: $365 ($295 for Zoo members)
Children and animals are naturally playful, but play is serious business! By the end of the week, we’ll understand why play and cooperation are not only important for kids, but also necessary for animal survival.
June 26–30
July 24–28
August 14–18
Times: AM session: 9 am–12 pm PM session: 1-4 pm
Fees: $205 ($165 for Zoo members)
Dinosaurs are here! Join us as we learn about these amazing creatures that roamed the Earth so long ago. We’ll explore our new dinosaur exhibit and visit Zoo animals to discover what they have in common.
June 12–16 (pm)
July 17–21 (pm)
July 31–August 4 (pm)
August 7–11 (am)
August 21–25 (am)
For animals, a good disguise or sudden surprise comes in handy every day. What’s the secret behind animal “tricks” like playing dead, rolling into a ball, and showing off? Discover how animals are designed to be masters of deception.
June 12–16 (pm)
June 19–23 (am)
June 26–30 (pm)
July 17–21 (pm)
July 31–August 4 (pm)
August 21–25 (am)
Explore the wonder of our Wells Fargo Family Farm by viewing farm animals up-close, playing fun farm games, and as our sheep say—having a bla-a-a-ast!
June 12–16 (pm)
June 19–23 (am)
June 26–30 (pm)
July 10–14 (am)
July 17–21 (pm)
July 24–28 (am)
July 31–August 4 (pm)
August 7–11 (am)
August 14–18 (pm)
August 21–25 (am)
Dive into an underwater world teeming with sea turtles, sharks, and sea horses! Each day, explore a different ocean habitat including coral reefs, tide pools, and estuaries.
June 19–23 (am)
July 17–21 (pm)
July 24–28 (am)
July 31–August 4 (pm)
August 14–18 (pm)
August 21–25 (am)
Would you like to work at the Zoo? Explore and role-play jobs at the Zoo and see the grown-ups in action. If you imagine yourself caring for bears, training sea otters, or studying tigers, then this camp is for you.
June 12–16 (pm)
June 19–23 (am)
July 10–14 (am)
July 24–28 (am)
July 31–August 4 (pm)
August 14–18 (pm)
Tromp through the tropics, journey through the grasslands, and “swim” through the oceans to observe animals like real zoologists.
June 12–16 (pm)
July 10–14 (am)
July 17–21 (pm)
July 24–28 (am)
August 7–11 (am)
August 21–25 (am)
To be the best, you need to do more than catch ‘em all—you need to understand your monsters! Explore the “monsters” at the Zoo that inspired the playing cards. Learn where they come from and what special powers help them survive.
June 26–30 (pm)
July 10–14 (am)
August 7–11 (am)
August 14–18 (pm)
Times: 9:30 am–3:30 pm
Fees: $365 ($295 for Zoo members)
Make glue from milk and transform wool into clothing. Explore the amazing connections people have with farm animals through up close encounters. Explore other areas of the Zoo while on the lookout for our farm animals’ wild counterparts.
June 12–16
June 26–30
July 17–21
July 31–August 4
August 14–18
Learn techniques used by paleontologists to try to unlock the mysteries of the past. A recreated dig site will be our classroom for a truly hands-on experience. Only those willing to get dirty need apply!
July 17–21
August 7–11
August 21–25
Animals use the sun, the moon, and Earth’s magnetic field to find their way. How about you? Create a map, use a compass, and solve a Zoo treasure hunt with GPS. Explore the incredible ways animals use their own internal navigation system.
June 19–23
June 26–30
August 14–18
Let’s explore! Pack your field bag with your journal and camera (all provided) as we explore the countries that make up each Zoo trail. A homemade photo journal will be our week-long project. Our animals are ready for their closeup—are you?
July 10–14
August 7–11
Splashing! Experiments! Adventure! Explore water and its wildlife in both marine and freshwater environments at the zoo! Visit our aquarium, slosh and search for creatures in the marsh, investigate water invaders, perform experiments, and play water games. Please bring a bag each day with extra clothes and shoes that can get wet/muddy.
June 12–16
July 24–28
Embark on mysterious missions with Jack and Annie as your guides (based on the Magic Tree House series by Mary Pope Osborne). From the tropical rainforest to the depths of the ocean, you never know what you’ll discover!
June 19–23
July 31–August 4
August 21–25
Times: 9:30 am–3:30 pm
Fees: $365 ($295 for Zoo members)
Welcome to a world of constant change! Meet the creatures of this wonderful watery world and explore their awesome abilities to survive and thrive—despite all the commotion. Through observations, discussions, and scientific data, determine what changes have already occurred to our oceans, what might be in store for the future, and how you could make a difference!
June 26–30
July 24–28
August 14–18
Get ready for some delicious fun on the farm. See farm animals up close, discover the role farming plays in producing pizza ingredients, and celebrate the week with a pizza party!
June 19–23
July 10–14
July 24–28
August 7–11
August 21–25
How do your survival skills match up to the “fittest” in the animal kingdom? Study the perplexities of animal survival and animal care, especially those who call Minnesota home.
June 19–23
July 10–14
August 7–11
A crime has been committed! The victim... the wildlife! Can you identify the perpetrator? Learn about the problems facing wildlife while learning the skills and tools scientists use to track down criminals. Put on your detective hat and join us.
June 12–16
July 17–21
July 31–August 4
Times: 9:30 am–3:30 pm
Fees: $365 ($295 for Zoo members)
Have you ever wanted to study plants and animals in the wild? Spend a week in the Zoo’s backwoods using tools of the trade and testing your outdoor skills while investigating a research question of your choice. Minnesota’s diverse ecosystems will help you dive deeper into this exciting career.
July 10–14
August 7–11
Come to explore a variety of marine ecosystems such as coral reefs, estuaries, and tide pools. Learn about some of the problems marine life faces today, and real-world solutions that people are putting into place. This camp will give campers a better understanding of how zoos play a role in marine conservation.
July 24–28
August 14–18
This camp is all about problem-solving! Engineers, designers, and scientists work every day to design solutions for wildlife. Test your skills with design challenges while learning about real-world conservation issues—around the world and right in your own neighborhood.
June 19–23
July 31–August 4
August 14–18
Learn more about the life of our animal care staff, zoo vet, marine mammal trainer, and aquarist to see if the Zoo is the place for you. Make animal
enrichment items, and get up close to animals as you help with their care. Come join the crew!
June 12–16
June 19–23
June 26–30
July 10–14
July 17–21
July 31–August 4
Times: 9:30 am–3:30 pm
Fees: $365 ($295 for Zoo members)
What lies beneath the ocean surface? In this in-depth and hands-on camp, discover the diversity of life found in ocean communities. Practice your science skills with dissections and other hands-on activities.
June 12–16
June 26–30
July 31–August 4
Get a glimpse into the most popular major for zoo professionals. The animal kingdom is a big and fascinating world to discover, and the Zoo is the perfect place to investigate. Explore the diversity of the animal kingdom through special talks, and animal behavior studies. (No dissections will be performed in this camp.)
June 19–23
July 17–21
August 7–11
Autism Society of MN (AuSM) In-Person Week-long Camps
For youth with autism ages 8-19.
The Minnesota Zoo is excited to partner with the Autism Society of Minnesota (AuSM) to offer summer camp opportunities for youth with autism.
All camp sessions will be co-taught by a Minnesota Zoo Naturalist and an AuSM Educator. Participants must be group-ready; demonstrate self-care skills without assistance; follow adult direction; show readiness for large group participation, including the ability to remain with the group at all times; and follow safety rules independently.
Time: 1:30 pm–4:30 pm
Tromp through the tropics, journey through the grasslands, and “swim” through the oceans to observe animals like real zoologists.
Fee: $325 $225 (Camp prices reduced this year thanks to Minnesota Zoo's scholarship fund.)
June 26–30
Time: 8:30 am–11:30 am
Welcome to a world of constant change. Meet the creatures of this wonderful watery world and explore their awesome abilities to survive and thrive—despite all the commotion. Through observations, discussions, and scientific data, determine what changes have already occurred in our oceans, what might be in store for the future, and how you could make a difference!
Fee: $325 $225 (Camp prices reduced this year thanks to Minnesota Zoo's scholarship fund.)
July 10–14
Time: 8:30 am–11:30 am
If you’re interested in working at a zoo, then this camp is for you. Explore a day in the life of our animal care staff and other exciting careers. Learn how zoo exhibits are designed and plan your own zoo exhibit with the help of our design experts. Come join the crew!
Fee: $325 $225 (Camp prices reduced this year thanks to Minnesota Zoo's scholarship fund.)
July 24–28
Crazy About Llamas In-Person Single-Day Camps
For children entering 1st to 9th grade in the fall of 2023.
Are you crazy about llamas? Or maybe the idea of llama camp is just too amazing to pass up? Either way, this camp is sure to be a one-of-a-kind experience. Discover what makes llamas the amazing Andean animals that they are. Befriend and walk one of our llama ambassadors! Also, have memorable experiences exploring other zoo animals that have special connections to llamas. This is a day you won’t want to miss.
Times: 9:30 am–3:30 pm
Fees: $105 ($90 for Zoo members)
June 12
June 13
June 23
June 29
July 12
July 17
July 18
July 28
August 3
August 9
August 14
August 15
August 25
June 14
June 19
June 20
June 30
July 13
July 19
July 24
July 25
August 4
August 10
August 16
August 21
August 22
June 15
June 21
June 26
June 27
July 14
July 20
July 26
July 31
August 1
August 11
August 17
August 23
June 16
June 22
June 28
July 10
July 11
July 21
July 27
August 2
August 7
August 8
August 18
August 24
Grades K to 2 VIRTUAL Week-long Camps
Connect with the Minnesota Zoo from anywhere! Our Virtual Summer Camp, designed for students in Kindergarten through 6th grade, provides campers with a window into the natural world—connecting them to animals, nature, and the Zoo in a meaningful way. Whether you’re in your in Minnesota, or joining from another place, let the Minnesota Zoo engage your camper with a mix of live, interactive, and at-home activities—featuring some of the Zoo’s most beloved animals and exhibits.
Times: Attend both Live ZOOM sessions each day: 10:00 am–10:30 am and 11:00 am–11:30 am
Fees: $120 ($100 for Zoo members)
Discover the world of sharks, rays, fish, and other ocean creatures living at the Zoo. There’s nothing more important than fins, scales, and scutes.
June 26–30
July 10–14
What’s the secret behind animal “tricks” like playing dead, rolling into a ball, and showing off? Discover how animals are designed to be masters of deception.
July 17–21
July 24–28
Grades 3 to 6 VIRTUAL Week-long Camps
Connect with the Minnesota Zoo from anywhere! Our Virtual Summer Camp, designed for students in Kindergarten through 6th grade, provides campers with a window into the natural world—connecting them to animals, nature, and the Zoo in a meaningful way. Whether you’re in your in Minnesota, or joining from another place, let the Minnesota Zoo engage your camper with a mix of live, interactive, and at-home activities—featuring some of the Zoo’s most beloved animals and exhibits.
Times: Attend both Live ZOOM sessions each day: 9:00 am–9:30 am and 11:00 am–11:30 am
Fees: $120 ($100 for Zoo members)
See the ocean in a whole new way! Featuring the stars of Discovery Bay, which includes different sea turtles, sharks, sea stars, and more!
June 26–30
July 10–14
Meet Zoo professionals, participate in activities that naturalists, zookeepers, and zoologists do, and find out how to get on the path toward a rewarding zoo career.
July 17–21
July 24–28
13000 Zoo Boulevard
Apple Valley, MN 55124
952.431.9200
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