Summer Zoo Camps

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.

Scholarships

Scholarship applications are open from January 2-16, 2026. Scholarships are closed for 2026.

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.

Preschool/Kindergarten In-Person Single-Day Camps

For children age four to entering Kindergarten the fall of 2026. Children must be the minimum age of four at the time of the camp. All participants must be fully toilet-trained.

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)

Preschool/Kindergarten In-Person Four-Day Camps

For children age four to entering Kindergarten the fall of 2026. Children must be the minimum age of four at the time of the camp. All participants must be fully toilet-trained.

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)

Preschool/Kindergarten In-Person Weeklong Camps

For children age four to entering Kindergarten the fall of 2026. Children must be the minimum age of four at the time of the camp. All participants must be fully toilet-trained.

Times: Choose an AM session: 9 am–12 pm or a PM session: 1–4 pm
Fees: $225 ($210 for Zoo members)

Grades 1 & 2 In-Person Weeklong Half Day Camps

For children entering 1st or 2nd grade in the fall of 2026.

Times: PM session: 1–4 pm
Fees: $225 ($210 for Zoo members)

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)

Grades 3 & 4 In-Person Weeklong Camps

For children entering 3rd or 4th grade in the fall of 2026.

Full day session: 9:30 am–3:30 pm
Fees: $445 ($420 for Zoo members)

Grades 5 & 6 In-Person Weeklong Camps

For children entering 5th or 6th grade in the fall of 2026.

Full day session: 9:30 am–3:30 pm
Fees: $445 ($420 for Zoo members)

Grades 7 to 9 In-Person Weeklong Camps

For youth entering 7th to 9th grade in the fall of 2026.

Full day session: 9:30 am–3:30 pm
Fees: $445 ($420 for Zoo members)

Grades 10 to 12 In-Person Weeklong Camps

For youth entering 10th to 12th grade in the fall of 2026.

Full day session: 9:30 am–3:30 pm
Fees: $445 ($420 for Zoo members)

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)

Copyright 2025, Minnesota Zoo | All Rights Reserved | Privacy Policy