Winter Break Camp

2025 Winter Break Camp Registration Opens October 1st!

Children ages 5-10 will explore the Zoo, focusing on how active our animals are during winter and what goes into keeping them comfortable year-round. Winter Break Camp includes tours of Zoo exhibits, Get-Close encounters with small animals, arts and crafts, and conservation-themed games and stories.

Programs are based out of the Education Building located near the Main Entrance of the Zoo.  

All programs are fun, interactive, and educational! For more information, be sure to read our Parents' Guide (Coming Soon!).

Online registration is required for Winter Break Camp.

Scholarships may be available for eligible individuals. apply here

For more information, contact the Program Registration Office at 216.635.3391 or email [email protected].

Parents' Guide Coming Soon!

When

December 29-31 and January 2.  There is no camp on Thursday, January 1.

Time

Full Day: 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Half Day: 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

Cost for the entire week:

• Half-day Registration (Member): $134
• Half-day Registration (Non-Member): $149
• Full Day (Member): $191
• Full Day (Non-Member): $212

Camp Add-Ons:

• Before Care (early drop-off begins at 7:30 a.m.): $27
• After Care (late pick-up ends at 6:00 p.m.): $30

Will my child have an opportunity to help an animal keeper?

For the safety of all, direct contact with exhibit animals is not possible. Please refer to the Activities section of the Parents' Guide for additional information.

Can I come into camp with my child on the first morning?

 Yes, it is required that you escort your camper into the Zoo each morning. During drop-off and pick-up, please park your car and walk your camper to the Education Building. This is where you’ll meet the camp staff and can ask any questions you might have. For more details, check out the Arrival/Departure Policies section in the Parents' Guide

What is your refund policy?

Program fees and deposits are non-refundable. Participants assume risk of all changes in personal health and affairs. With advanced notice of one week prior to the scheduled program date, the program may be rescheduled for free to a new date pending inventory/availability before the end of the following calendar year with a maximum of one (1) reschedule move. Rescheduling requests will not be honored for “no-shows” and requests submitted with less than a week’s notice, will be reviewed on a case by case basis.

If Cleveland Metroparks Zoo finds it necessary to cancel a program, a refund or internal education program credit will be issued. Registrants will be notified if programs are cancelled. By registering for a program, you acknowledge that you have read and understand this policy.

Does my child need to bring a lunch?

Full-day campers are responsible for bringing their own lunch and beverage. Half-day campers do not need to bring a lunch, as they leave camp prior to lunch time. Please refer to the Lunch Guidelines section of the Parents' Guide (found in 'Documents' section) for additional information.

After registration, what information will I receive?

Your registration confirmation email containing the unique QR code will automatically be sent to you. Please be sure to retain this page.

My child has special needs and has difficulty functioning at grade level. How should I register my child for camp?

If you have a concern about your child’s needs, please call the Program Registration Office at 216.635.3391 prior to registration.

My child will require medication during the day. Can the camp staff administer this medication on my behalf?

Yes. If you would like for camp staff to administer medication, you must complete the Request for Administration Form. Please refer to the Participant Health Records section of the Parents' Guide (found in 'Documents' section).

Where should I drop off my child if we arrive after 9 am?

Up until 9:10 am, drop off takes place at the Education Building. If you arrive after that time, please check in at the Guest Resource Center (inside the main entrance of the Zoo across from the gift shop).

What should I do if my child will be absent?
My child has a doctor’s appointment and needs to leave early. Is this possible?

If your child will be absent or will need to leave early, please contact the Program Registration Office at 216.635.3391.

Are there discounts available for registering multiple children or registering for multiple sessions?

The only discount available is for Cleveland Zoological Society Members. Discounts are not available for bulk purchases of programming.

Can my child bring a backpack, additional clothes, water bottle, or camera to camp?

Your child will be responsible for carrying all items. Please refer to the Do’s and Don’ts section of the Parents' Guide (found in 'Documents' section).

Is it possible for someone else to pick up my child from camp?

Yes, the person picking up must present the unique QR code sent in the registration confirmation email for each child to be picked up, or the child will not be released. It is the responsibility of the person who registered the child to provide that QR code to the pick-up person(s). This is done to ensure the safety of your child