Registration for winter Zoo Camps opens Monday, September 9 at 10 AM.
Zoo Camp is for ages 3–12 and offers kids the opportunity to be outside and learn all about animals and the world around us.
Traditional Zoo Camp is offered in spring, summer, fall, and winter sessions and includes hands-on science activities, games, crafts, snacks and lunchtime, up-close animal encounters (feeding opportunity or animal enrichment experience), and a guided Zoo tour. Specialty camps are offered in the summer session.
ZOO CAMP DATES
Fall Zoo Camp
- November 25 – 27 and 29
no camp on Thanksgiving, November 28
Registration for fall Zoo Camp opens Monday, September 9 at 10 AM.
Winter Zoo Camp
- Week 1: December 16 – 20
- Week 2: December 23 – 24 and 26 – 27
no camp on Christmas Day, December 25 - Week 3: December 30 – 31 and January 2 – 3
no camp on New Year’s Day, January 1
Spring Zoo Camp 2025
- Monday – Friday, March 24 – 28, 2025
FALL Zoo Camp: Full Day
NOVEMBER 25 – 27 and 29
no camp on Thanksgiving Day, November 28
9 AM – 3 PM, $300/week, $260/week for SB Zoo Members
Traditional Zoo Camp offers hands-on science activities, a guided Zoo tour, crafts, and up-close animal encounters. For ages 3–12.
FALL Zoo Camp: HALF Day
NOVEMBER 25 – 27 and 29
no camp on Thanksgiving Day, November 28
9 AM – 12 PM, $260/week, $220/week for SB Zoo Members
Traditional Zoo Camp offers hands-on science activities, a guided Zoo tour, crafts, and up-close animal encounters. For ages 3–12.
WINTER Zoo Camp, SESSION 1: Full Day
DECEMBER 16 – 20
9 AM – 3 PM, $375/week, $325/week for SB Zoo Members
Traditional Zoo Camp offers hands-on science activities, a guided Zoo tour, crafts, and up-close animal encounters. For ages 3–12.
WINTER Zoo Camp, SESSION 1: HALF Day
DECEMBER 16 – 20
9 AM – 3 PM, $325/week, $275/week for SB Zoo Members
Traditional Zoo Camp offers hands-on science activities, a guided Zoo tour, crafts, and up-close animal encounters. For ages 3–12.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does a day at Zoo Camp look like?
Your child will be introduced to the world of animals and science through age-appropriate themed programs including games, up-close animal encounters, hands-on science, and more. There are no nap times or snacks provided, but campers can bring snacks if they choose.
What is the counselor-to-camper ratio?
The counselor-to-camper ratio varies with age and registration. Our average group size is around eight campers to one counselor. Pre-school groups are generally the smallest and the oldest camp groups are generally the largest. The staff-to-child ratio is typically around 1:10 for our camp groups. Each group also has teenage volunteers who help to supervise campers.
What is your cancellation policy?
All cancellations must be made in writing, clearly stating your request to cancel a specified week. Cancellations received 15 or more full days before the reserved Camp date will receive a 90% refund. Cancellations received 7-14 full days before the reserved Camp date will receive a 50% refund. Cancellations received less than 7 full days before the reserved Camp date are not eligible for a refund. There are no exceptions to this cancellation policy. Please call (805) 962-5339, x154 if you do not receive a confirmation of your cancellation within 7 days.
Do you have scholarships available for Summer Zoo Camp?
The Santa Barbara Zoo works with the Santa Barbara Police Activities League (PAL) to provide scholarships to low-income families. Visit the PAL website for more information!
Where do I check my camper in and out?
Check-in and check-out take place in the Zoo parking lot, to the right of the front gate. Sign-in is from 9:00 to 9:20 AM. Sign-out is at 12:00 PM for half-day campers and 3:00 PM for full-day campers.
Where do I go if I arrive late to camp in the morning?
If you arrive after our designated check-in time, please check in at the front gate. Please note that this process will take longer than regular check-in. We appreciate your cooperation.
First-time Camper Tips
Clothing
Campers should wear a Santa Barbara Zoo Camp shirt every day and dress appropriately for the weather. Please make sure younger campers’ clothing is easy for them to remove while using the restroom (Zoo staff cannot assist campers in the restroom). Please check lost & found for clothing lost during Zoo Camp.
Shoes
Closed-toed shoes are required for your child’s safety. If your camper is not wearing closed-toed shoes, they will miss out on behind-the-scenes opportunities.
Snacks and Lunch
Full-day campers will have snack and lunch breaks each day, so please pack a snack and lunch for your camper. Lunch can also be purchased at the Zoo.
ZOO CAMP LUNCH MENU
- Monday: Chicken nuggets, french fries, fruit
- Tuesday: Mini corn dogs, french fries, fruit
- Wednesday: Grilled cheese, veggie sticks, Goldfish graham cracker cookies
- Thursday: Cheeseburger, french fries, fruit
- Friday: Pizza, veggie sticks, ranch dressing
(served with 2% milk)
Sunscreen
Zoo Campers are outside for the majority of the day and should wear sunscreen. If you would like us to apply sunscreen, you must give us consent in the morning and send sunscreen with your child.
Water Bottles
Send your camper with a full, reusable water bottle. Routine stops at water fountains are made, but it does get hot during the summer and your child will be outside most of the day.