Children ages 5-10 will explore the Zoo, focusing on how active our animals are during the winter and what we do to keep 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.
2024 Winter Break Camp has concluded. Check back in the fall for information on 2025 Winter Break Camp.
Details
All programs are fun, interactive, and educational! For more information, be sure to read our Parents' Guide (found in 'Documents' section).
The Liability Waiver and Media Waiver — a signed copy of these forms MUST be submitted prior to the start of camp
Mail-in Registration:
See "Registration Packet" in the Documents section
For more information, contact the Education Registration Staff at 216.635.3391 or email [email protected].
Dates/Times
When
December 30 and 31, January 2 and 3. There is no camp on Wednesday, January 1.
Time
Full Day: 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Half Day: 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
Cost
Cost for the entire week:
- Half-day Registration (Member): $124
- Half-day Registration (Non-Member): $140
- Full Day (Member): $180
- Full Day (Non-Member): $200
FAQ
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, you are welcome to accompany your child into the Zoo. During drop-off and pick-up, we ask that you park your car and escort your camper to the entrance of the Education Building located to the left of the main Zoo gate near the Jack, Joseph, and Morton Mandel Auditorium. Here you will be able to meet your child’s camp counselor and ask any questions that you might have.
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.
Where do I find my Booking ID Number?
Your Booking ID number is located at the top of your confirmation email. You must have the Booking ID number for any camper that you are picking up.
After registration, what information will I receive?
Your registration confirmation email will automatically be sent to you. Please be sure to retain this page as it contains your Booking ID Number. If registering using a paper form, your confirmation page will be mailed to you.
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 camp office (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 entrance of Cleveland Metroparks Zoo. 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 camp office (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?
For children participating in car pools, the vehicle that picks up the children must have the Booking ID Numbers for each child to be picked up, or the children will not be released. This is done to ensure the safety of your child.