ZooCamp is a great way for children ages 6 through 16 to learn about zoo animals, animal behaviors and wildlife in general. Plus, check out our camp for families, ages 3 and older!
2025 ZooCamp Registration Information
2025 ZooCamps
General Information
Welcome to ZooCamp 2025! Camp activities include a t-shirt, a tour of the zoo, a chance to meet zoo staff and animal keepers, fun crafts, awesome activities and up-close animal encounters!
Campers must be signed up for the camp that reflects their age as of the first day of the camp they wish to attend. Children MUST have completed kindergarten by June 2025 to participate in these camps.
Group Size
Group size will be capped at 22 campers.
Activities and Supplies
Group activities will be modified to ensure the safety of campers. Each camper will receive his or her own supply kit. Shared supplies will be limited to only those that can be easily disinfected.
Before-Camp Care
Before care will only be available upon sign up from 8 - 9 a.m. for full day camps ONLY. We will not be providing after care at this time.
Before-Camp Care is only available for our Summer ZooCamps.
Drop Off/Pickup
Drop off/pickup will be carpool style from your vehicle. No parents will be coming into the building.
Food and Snacks
Campers are encouraged to bring their own reusable water bottle and snack should they need it during the day. All campers are required to bring a packed lunch with them. We will NOT be offering Meal Deals through the Zoo Café.
Cancelation & Refund Policy
- If the cancelation occurs two or more weeks before the first day of the camp, a 50% refund will be issued.
- No refunds are issued after the two-week deadline.
- There is a $10 service charge for any changes made to the original registration.
- Membership must be active at time of registration to receive member rates.
- The zoo reserves the right to cancel any camp with insufficient registrations. In the event this happens, a full refund will be issued.
For questions about ZooCamp (registration, COVID-19 precautions, tax information, topics/content, etc.), please contact us at ZooCamp@akronzoo.org.
Frequently Asked Questions
What do you do at ZooCamp?
The activities vary depending on the topic you choose. Basic activities include touring the zoo, meeting education animals up-close, talking with zoo staff, and making crafts.
How do I register my child?
Registrations can only be done online at this time. Payments through the mail can be taken as a check or credit card (Visa, Discover, or MasterCard only).
Can I register my child over the phone, through email or fax, or at the ticket counter?
No. At this time, we only take registrations online at this time. We apologize for the inconvenience. Please note, that if youmail, email or fax your registration, it will not be accepted.
Will my children get to play with and hold the animals?
Campers will meet some of our education animal ambassadors. They may get to touch a mammal or a reptile, but will not hold or play with the animals.
Will my children get to go behind the scenes for ZooCamp?
At this time, only certain programs include behind-the-scenes portions, but that is subject to change. If you are interested in a certain camp, please contact us and we will do our best to find the right camp for your child.
My child is very advanced; can I enroll him/her in a higher age class?
No. The age categories are very strict.
What should I dress my child in for ZooCamp?
All programs go outside daily and the programs are held rain or shine so dress your child according to the weather. They must wear comfortable play clothes and shoes; NO FLIP FLOPS! Inappropriate footwear will limit your child’s ability to participate. Refunds will not be given if your child is not able to participate due to inappropriate attire.
Are there any forms I need to fill out for my child?
Yes. Our Health and Behavior forms are all digital this year! Every camper ages 6-15 will have forms that must be completed in order to confirm your registration. You only need to fill out one set of forms per child, regardless of the number of camps your child is attending. Adults attending the Family Camp only need to fill out a form if there are any health concerns that you would like us to be aware of.
Can I send a camera with my child?
Yes. If you are interested in having pictures the camper must use their own camera (preferably a disposable one). Please be aware that there may be areas where your child will not be allowed to take pictures as part of the zoo’s policy.
Can my child bring their phone/iPad/Nintendo DS/etc.?
Yes, but if the zoo staff deems it a distraction to the child or other campers, they will be asked to put it away until the end of the day. If the item becomes an issue for multiple days, camp staff may ask the parent to keep the item at home. The zoo is also not responsible for lost, stolen, or broken items and campers will not be able to charge these items while at camp.
Is it safe to leave my child at ZooCamp?
Yes. We have a sign-in and sign-out procedure so we know whose children are coming and leaving with. If someone other than yourself must pick up the child we must have this in writing when you drop off your child.
Who will be teaching the camps?
Our camp classes are taught by zoo staff.
Can I stay at ZooCamp with my child?
No, only parents that have informed us of their child’s special requirements will be permitted to stay.
What is your refund and cancellation policy?
If the cancellation occurs two or more weeks before the first day of the camp, a 50% refund will be issued. There will be no refunds for cancellations made less than 2 weeks prior to the first date of a session. There is a $10 service charge for any changes made to the original registration. Membership must be active at the time of registration to receive member rates. The zoo reserves the right to cancel any camp with insufficient registrations. In the event this happens, a full refund will be issued.
Can I drop my child off earlier than the 5 minutes as stated on my confirmation letter?
No, we ask that parents adhere to the 5-minute guideline so that the ZooCamp staff has time to properly set up for the day.
The camp I wanted to register my child for is sold out. Can they be wait-listed?
No, due to the rarity of cancellations ahead of the start of a camp session, we do not offer waitlisting.
