Zoo Summer Day Camp

Zoo Summer Day Camp at Cleveland Metroparks Zoo creates compelling experiences that connect campers with wildlife and inspire personal responsibility for conserving the natural world. Campers are grouped according to age to provide a safe and nurturing learning environment.

Campers ages 5-14 can spend their summer days at the Zoo participating in fun and educational activities with experienced camp counselors.

Time

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

A limited number of half-day registration spaces for campers aged 5–8 will be available. These campers will be grouped together and follow a weekly topic. This will allow us to provide a more universal and inclusive experience for all participants. Thank you for your understanding.

Please direct any questions or concerns to the Program Registration Office at 216.635.3391 or email [email protected]

2026 Camp Topics For Each Session

Real-time camp availability can always be viewed by clicking the Register button.

Camp Topics

Age groups are based on the camper's age as of June 1, 2026.

Camp Topics for Age Groups 5-6, 7-8, 9-10, and Half Day (5-8)

Camp A: Animal Superpowers

Unlock nature’s secret superpowers! From stealthy camouflage to lightning-fast reflexes, campers will discover the incredible adaptations that make animals true survival superheroes. Each day is packed with hands-on challenges, creative games and close-up animal encounters that bring these powers to life. Within their age-based groups, every camper gets a week of thrilling discovery, teamwork and adventure!

Camp B: Habitat Quest

Embark on a global adventure through the world’s wildest places – oceans, savannas, mountains and wetlands! Campers uncover how landforms, plants, animals and even people connect to create thriving ecosystems. Through hands-on activities and close-up animal encounters, they’ll learn how food webs keep nature in balance and why every species matters. Within their age-based groups, every camper gets a week of exploration, creativity and big discoveries…are you ready for the quest?

Camp C: Eco Heroes

Join the mission to protect our planet! In Eco Heroes, campers discover how everyday choices, from recycling to saving water, help wildlife and habitats thrive. Each day brings hands-on activities like exploring pollinator gardens, creating upcycled crafts and exploring how conservation starts at home. Within their age-based groups, each camper will enjoy up-close animal encounters and use their creativity to show what they’ve learned as champions for conservation. Become an Eco Hero and understand how a healthier planet starts with you! 

Camp D: Wild Explorers (Holiday Week)

Grab your field notebook and get ready for an epic adventure! In Wild Explorers, campers become nature detectives by teaming up to uncover the secrets of wildlife and habitats. Each day they’ll journey through the zoo on exciting missions, tracking animal clues or solving challenges to earn badges that unlock a new piece of the wild puzzle. Along the way, campers will enjoy close-up animal encounters and hands-on activities that bring their discoveries to life. Adventure awaits! Are you ready to become a true Wild Explorer?

Camp Topics for Age Groups 11-12 & 13-14

Camp A: Wild Designs

Ever wonder how engineers borrow ideas from the wild? In Wild Designs, campers explore the fascinating world of biomimicry, where nature’s solutions inspire human inventions. From studying how animal adaptations solve survival challenges to designing prototypes based on those traits, campers will turn biology into creativity. Each day includes hands-on experiments, design challenges or close-up animal encounters as they imagine technologies inspired by nature, the ultimate designer!

Camp B: Conservation Careers

What does it take to shape the future of zoos and wildlife conservation? In Conservation Careers, campers dive into zoological roles from animal care and veterinary support to education, horticulture and field conservation science. Along the way, campers will enjoy close-up animal encounters and daily experiences with the professionals that keep zoos running and conservation moving forward. It’s a week for big ideas with a glimpse into careers that make a difference!

Camp D: Wild Explorers (Holiday Week)

Grab your field notebook and get ready for an epic adventure! In Wild Explorers, campers become nature detectives by teaming up to uncover the secrets of wildlife and habitats. Each day they’ll journey through the zoo on exciting missions, tracking animal clues or solving challenges to earn badges that unlock a new piece of the wild puzzle. Along the way, campers will enjoy close-up animal encounters and hands-on activities that bring their discoveries to life. Adventure awaits! Are you ready to become a true Wild Explorer?

All prices are for the full week, Monday through Friday, unless otherwise noted:

Full Day Camp (9 a.m. to 4 p.m.)

• Member: $253
• Non-Member: $281

Half Day Camp (9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.)

• Member: $177
• Non-Member: $197

Camp Add-Ons

• Before Care (early drop-off begins at 7:30 a.m.): $35
• After Care (late pick-up ends at 6:00 p.m.): $39
• Additional camp t-shirt (one shirt already included per registered camp week): $12

Holiday Week camp runs Monday - Thursday (June 29 - July 2. No camp Friday, July 3)

Full Day Camp (9 a.m. to 4 p.m.) during the holiday week

• Member: $203
• Non-Member: $225

Half Day Camp (9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.) during the holiday week

• Member: $142
• Non-Member: $158

Holiday Week Camp Add-Ons

• Before Care (early drop-off begins at 7:30 a.m.): $28
• After Care (late pick-up ends at 6:00 p.m.): $32
• Additional camp t-shirt (one shirt already included per registered camp week): $12

2026 Summer Day Camp Scholarship Applications are closed.  

For questions about camp, please contact [email protected]

How big are your T-shirt sizes?

• Youth Small
• Youth Medium 
• Youth Large
• Adult Small
• Adult Medium
• Adult Large
• Adult XL

Do I need to buy Before Care or After Care for each day that I need an early drop-off or late pick-up? 

The purchase of Before Care or After Care provides the use of this extended care option for the full week of camp for one camper. If registering for multiple camp weeks where these add-on options are needed for early drop-off or late pick-up, be sure to include them in the purchase for each camp session and each camper. Parents are able to call 216.635.3391 and add this onto their existing booking after their initial purchase.

After registration, what information will I receive?

Your registration confirmation page will automatically be e-mailed to you. Please be sure to retain this page, as it contains the QR code needed to pick up your child at the end of the camp day.

Who do I contact to discuss special accommodation, special care/medical concerns, or the administration of topical or oral prescription/non-prescription medication for my camper?

Please refer to the Participant Health Records section of the Parents' Guide for details or call the Registration Office (216.635.3391),

I'm on the waitlist, now what? How long do I wait until I hear if my camper will get into camp?

Waiting times will vary. Once waitlists are activated, camp spots only become available when another registered family moves their camper into a different week of camp with availability or withdraws their camp enrollment completely. Families on the waitlist will be notified by email to verify if they are still interested in the open spot and want to proceed with the camp registration process. The Zoo cannot guarantee that openings will become available.

Will my camper 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 camper on Monday morning?

Camp drop-off and pick-up procedures coming soon.

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.

Can siblings and/or friends be registered in the same group?

Registrations are processed on a first come, first served basis. As groups may fill quickly, the Zoo cannot guarantee that your camper and their same-aged friend will be placed together. When you complete your registration, please indicate your preference when prompted. We will do our best to accommodate you.

Does my camper 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 for additional information.

Can my camper attend camp for more than one session?

Yes, your camper may attend for multiple sessions; however, each session is treated as a separate order. Please complete separate forms for each session in which you are registering.

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

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

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

The only discount available is for Cleveland Zoological Society Members. See above Cost section.

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

Your camper will be responsible for carrying all items. Please refer to the Do’s and Don’ts section of the Parents’ Guide.

Is it possible for someone else to pick up my camper 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.

How do you select your camp counselors?

In addition to being the best of the applicant pool, camp counselors are subject to criminal background checks and drug screening. They must be at least 15 years of age and are required to submit three letters of recommendation.