The cold may still be lingering in Northeast Ohio, but summer is just around the corner and it's not too early to start thinking about signing your kids up for Summer Day Camp at Cleveland Metroparks Zoo!
Registration begins March 15 for the general public. The Zoo's Summer Day Camp runs from June 9 through August 15 in different week-long sessions, each focusing on a new theme. The sessions are available in half-day (9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.) and full-day (9 a.m. to 4 p.m.) increments.
The Zoo's Summer Day Camp is geared for children ages 5-14, with a special new half-day Nature Play Camp for kids ages 3-4. Campers are grouped according to age to provide a safe and nurturing learning environment. The camp creates compelling experiences that connect children with wildlife and inspire personal responsibility for conserving the natural world. Campers participate in fun and educational activities with experienced camp counselors while learning about wildlife and the environment.
Older campers in the 11-12 age group learn about wildlife biology while exploring the Zoo and the Brookside Reservation, while young teens ages 13-14 take part in �Counselor-in-training� camp to develop their leadership skills by working alongside the Zoo's Day Camp staff, partnering with the Zoo Crew teens and participating in team building activities.
Another option for those in the 11-14 age group is Emerald Necklace Camp -- a day camp sampler of the entire Cleveland Metroparks. Campers explore the Zoo and take field trips to other areas of the Park District to hike, canoe, learn the basics of golf and more.
Space is limited, so register early to avoid being shut out. Registration is available online at clevelandmetroparks.com/zoo.
Northeast Ohio's most-visited year-round attraction, Cleveland Metroparks Zoo is open 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily. Through March 31, admission is discounted to $8.25 per person, $5.25 for kids ages 2 to 11 and is free for children younger than 2 and Zoo members. Parking is free. Residents of Cuyahoga County and Hinckley Township enjoy free Zoo admission on Mondays. Located at 3900 Wildlife Way, the Zoo is easily accessible from Interstates 71, 90 and 480.
For more information, visit clevelandmetroparks.com/zoo or call (216) 661-6500.