Summer Zoo Camp Dates & Topics
Looking for something fun for your kids to do this summer? Bring them to the Utica Zoo for day camp! Join us for five zooerific filled days of programs. Zoo camp is a great place for kids to have fun and learn too! We introduce campers to an inquiry-based learning environment, with STEAM activities that encourage group collaboration and learning. Camps are interactive and also include an animal meet and greets, enrichment projects, touring the zoo, and crafts.
*Please note that all camp sessions are designated by age group, as each camp program is designed with activities based on that age group. Please be mindful of age limitations per session. If you register your child for a program outside of their age range, your registration will be cancelled and you will be fully refunded. If you have any questions or concerns about this policy, please contact Kathleen McGill Kathleen.mcgill@uticazoo.org*
Zoo Crew (For Ages 12 to 17)
Is your child between the ages of 12 and 17 and still wants to come to the zoo this summer? Consider enrolling them in one of our Zoo Crew programs! To learn more about these programs, click the button below:
Rates
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Single Day Sessions $45 for members/$55 for not-yet-members
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Half Day/Half Week Sessions $75.00 per camper for members/$90.00 per camper for not-yet-members
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Half Day/Full Week Sessions $125.00 per camper for members/$150.00 per camper for not-yet-members
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Full Day/Full Week Sessions $175.00 per camper for members/$200.00 per camper for not-yet-members
Your camper’s age must be within the age range for the camp session by the first day of camp. Registration is on a first come, first serve basis, with limited space available per session. All zoo camp registrations must go through our online booking system. Using the calendars below each session, choose the dates of the camp you would like to register for and follow the on-screen prompts to complete your registration!
- Full payment will be due upon registration. Our camp sessions do fill up quickly so if the session you’d like to sign up for is full, please contact us to be put on the waitlist.
Questions may be sent to kathleen.mcgill@uticazoo.org or 315-738-0472 ext. 36
Cancellation Protocol
If you need to cancel your reservation for any reason, we must be contacted at least 14 days prior to the camp start date in order to be eligible for a refund. There is a $25 non-refundable convenience fee charged for each transaction. If you cancel less than 14 days prior to the first day of your camp session, your registration fee is non-refundable, unless the class is canceled by zoo staff. Please notify zoo camp staff if your child will be unable to attend, is arriving late, or leaving early on any particular day of zoo camp.
Zoo Camp Dates & Topics
Wallaby Joey Sessions (Open to Campers ages 3 to 5):
*Campers must be able to independently use the restroom in order to attend*
– Animal ABCs – Half Week/Half Day Session (FULLY BOOKED)
Wednesday, July 5th – Friday, July 7th 9:00am to 12:00pm
Can you think of an animal that starts with the same letter as your first name? During this three day preschool program, we’ll get a jump start on learning the alphabet and letter recognition with the help of some of our animal friends!
– Storybook Safari – Full Week/Half Day Session (FULLY BOOKED)
Monday, August 28th – Friday, September 1st 9:00am to 12:00pm
Did you know that porcupines can’t shoot their quills, even though we sometimes see them doing just that in our storybooks? We’ll dive into some of our favorite stories to discover the myths behind these tales and meet a couple of these famous critters up close in our classroom!
Owlet Sessions (Open to Campers ages 5 to 7)
– In Your Backyard – Full Week/Half Day Session (FULLY BOOKED)
Monday, July 10th -Friday, July 14th 8:30am to 11:30am
When you step outside, what kinds of animals do you see? From turtles in the wetlands to chickens on the farm, we’ll discover how our native species adapt and coexist!
– Care for Our World – Full Week/Half Day Session (FULLY BOOKED)
Monday, July 10th -Friday, July 14th 1:00pm to 4:00pm
No matter how big or small a creature is, they each play an important role in the environment. Join us as we learn about the challenges that wild animals face today and how we can do our part to help them to survive!
– Animal Art – Full Week/Full Day Session (FULLY BOOKED)
Monday, August 7th – Friday, August 11th 9:00am to 3:00pm
Grab your paintbrushes join us for a weeklong camp full of crafts and art! With our zoo animals and their habitats as inspiration, we’ll explore the world of art and how it connects to our natural world!
Wolf Pack Sessions (Open to Campers ages 7 to 9)
– Above and Below – Full Week/Full Day Session (FULLY BOOKED)
Monday, July 17th -Friday, July 21st 9:00am to 3:00pm
From underground tunnels to the canopy above, a single habitat can have multiple layers that are home to a variety of animals. Together we’ll breakdown what makes a habitat a habitat and learn about how species coexist!
– Food Web Frenzy! – Full Week/Full Day Session (FULLY BOOKED)
Monday, August 14th – Friday, August 18th 9:00am to 3:00pm
Every animal needs to eat; Some eat plants, others hunt for their meals, and some unique and important creatures break down what’s left behind! Not only will we learn all about the intricate food webs that make up an ecosystem, we’ll also discover how our zookeepers ensure that all of the animals living at the zoo have a healthy, balanced diet!
Lion Pride Sessions (Open to Campers ages 9 to 11)
– Grossology – Full Week/Full Day Session
Monday, July 24th -Friday, July 28th 9:00am to 3:00pm
Sticky spiderwebs, slimy frogs, slithering snakes and spraying skunks; Some animals just make you want to shout ‘yuck’! During this camp, we’ll be exploring the strangest, grossest members of the animal kingdom!
– Lions and Turtles and Birds, Oh My! – Full Week/Full Day Session (FULLY BOOKED)
Monday, August 21st – Friday, August 25th 9:00am to 3:00pm
Have you ever wondered what makes a lizard different from a salamander? Although they look similar on the outside, they are very different animals! Join us as we learn how to classify different species and discover the unique features of each animal class.
Junior Zoo Crew (Open to ages 12 to 14)
– Training Week – Full Week/Full Day Session (FULLY BOOKED)
Monday, July 31st – Friday, August 4th 9:00am to 3:00pm
Our Jr. Zoo Crew course is designed just like our regular zoo camps but will explore the zoo, its animals, and critical conservation issues in greater detail. It is held over a period of five consecutive days, with each day focusing on a different zoo topic. Those that attend the Jr. Zoo Crew course will receive vital information that will be helpful when they go on to join the Zoo Crew volunteer program. Completion of the Jr. Zoo Crew training course also qualifies those that successfully attended to shadow some of the Utica Zoo’s educational programs throughout the year.
The fee for this course is $175 for members and $200 for non-members
Zoo Crew (Open to ages 14 to 17)
– Training Week – Full Week/Full Day Session
Monday, June 26th – Friday, June 30th 9:00am to 1:00pm
Have you always wanted to work in a zoo? The Zoo Crew Program at the Utica Zoo is an exciting way for high school students ages 14 to 17 to explore career opportunities, meet new friends, gain customer service skills, and much more!
Our Zoo Crew members are valuable volunteers who help educate the public about the zoo and its efforts. The Zoo Crew training course is designed to train your child to become an effective and independent zoo volunteer that is capable of interpreting their environment successfully.
This course is held over a period of five consecutive days and will cover a different zoo topic each day.
The fees for each program will cover any/all materials that will be handed out during or after the course is completed, a t-shirt, name badge, plus many other fun activities that the kids get to enjoy during the course!
The fee for this course is $100 for non-members and $90 for members
FAQ
Something you don’t mind getting dirty! We are out and about all day exploring the zoo and doing crafts. Your best bet is to dress your child for the weather in their ‘play clothes.’ Packing a change of clothes is a good idea too! Please have your camper wear comfortable and sturdy shoes. Hats, sunscreen, and insect repellant are some other items that come in handy.
If your child is registered for a ‘full day’ or ‘single day’ camp, they should bring a lunch WITH an ice pack to keep it cool. We will provide a snack, but not a lunch. Packing plenty of water to drink and a refillable drinking bottle is highly recommended! We ask that campers do not rely on the food vendor at the zoo because of varying schedules.
Pick up and drop off of zoo campers will be done at our front gate. Health questionnaires and temperature checks will be completed each day prior to children exiting their vehicles. Please be respectful of pick up and drop off times. If your child is not picked up by 10 minutes after your scheduled pick up time, you will be charged a late pick up fee of $20.