Summer Zoo Camp
Summer Zoo Camp is over for the 2026 season. If you want updates on the 2027 session, sign up for our newsletter!
Every day is an exciting adventure that offers a unique and engaging experience to connect campers with wildlife and science. Zoo Camp activities include animal encounters, games, crafts, and STEAM-based lessons and activities!
View our full informational Camp Brochure HERE
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I make sure my camper will be in the same group as their friend?
Please make sure to indicate any requested groupings upon registration. While the Lincoln Children’s Zoo welcomes these requests, we cannot guarantee they will be fulfilled, even if noted on your registration. Due to quick turnaround times for creating camp rosters, Education staff will not be able to accommodate last-minute grouping requests.
When does my camper need to turn 4 years old for the half day mini-camp?
Your camper must turn 4 years old before the start of their week of camp.
Where do I go if my camper arrives late in the morning?
If dropping off after 8:45am, please enter the reception office to the right of the main gates and let the receptionist know you are here for Zoo Camp. Please wait with your camper in reception until a member of the Education staff comes to pick them up.
How do I pick up my camper early?
Please notify the counselor at check-in that morning of your need to pick-up early and what time you will be arriving. When you get to the zoo, please enter the reception office to the right of the main gates and give the receptionist your camper’s name and age. Education staff will be notified and will bring your camper to you. Please note there are no early pick-ups allowed after 3:45pm.
What is your cancellation/refund policy?
Zoo Camp registration is non-refundable. As an alternative to cancellation, camp registration can be transferred to another week of camp or to another camper in the event of a schedule conflict. If you would like to request transferring your registration, please contact the Director of Education at jchestnut@lincolnzoo.org or call 402-475-6741 ext. 137.
How will the Zoo communicate with me during camp?
All information about Zoo Camp will be communicated to the email address used during the sign-up process. If you would like communications sent to a different email address than the one originally provided during registration, please let the Education department know your preferred contact information. Emergency contact phone numbers provided at registration will be used to reach caregivers if a medical or behavioral situation arises during camp. Please only list emergency contacts who are able to promptly answer their phone during the day. We will call “Emergency Contact 1” first, and “Emergency Contact 2” next if Contact 1 does not pick up.
What level of animal interaction will my camper have during the day?
While the Lincoln Children’s Zoo prides itself on providing firsthand interaction with living things, that does not always mean getting to pet animals. There are several ambassador animals that campers may be able to gently touch, but most animal encounters will NOT allow the campers to pet. This is for the safety and comfort of both our animals and the campers. Apart from the secure camp building, campers will spend their time in public buildings and locations within the zoo. They will not be allowed to go behind the scenes to staff or animal care areas.
My child has food allergies/sensitivities. What do you provide for lunch and snack?
If your camper is a picky eater or has dietary restrictions, we do not recommend purchasing zoo lunch as our options are limited. All lunches will come with fruit juice, fresh fruit or a fruit cup, a cookie or granola bar, and a bag of potato chips. Entrees rotate through a menu of chicken tenders, mini corndogs, mozzarella sticks, chimichangas, and a turkey & cheese sandwich. Snacks rotate through a choice of Goldfish, graham crackers, or a chocolate chip granola bar.
What kinds of activities will my camper participate in during the day?
Zoo Camp is dedicated to providing campers with a fun and educational experience that focuses on learning, exploring, outdoor play, and relationship-building. Each day of camp will include engaging STEAM lessons, an animal encounter with a zookeeper, team-building activities, outdoor free play, and crafts. Camp activities are organized into three weekly sets of scheduled activities that repeatedly rotate throughout the summer.
View our Camp Brochure for a sample schedule.
What should my child bring to camp?
We ask that campers bring a backpack or bag in which to carry belongings and bring home crafts. In this backpack should be a reusable water bottle, lunch and snacks as needed, any desired sun protection (including a hat, sunglasses, or jacket), and a towel and full change of clothes (including underwear, socks, bottoms, and a shirt) as there will be days when campers play in water. Please make sure to label all items sent with your camper. Please do NOT send your camper with any toys, electronics, or personal items of sentimental or financial value. The Lincoln Children’s Zoo is not responsible for any lost, damaged, or stolen belongings.
How do I contact my camper if I need to reach them during the day?
We ask that you do not send campers with cell phones, but we understand there may be instances when important communication is necessary. If you need to reach your camper during the day, please call the Director at 913-980-9620 or the Coordinator at 402-560-2663.
My child has special needs/requires specific accommodations. Can they still participate in Zoo Camp?
Zoo Camp makes reasonable efforts to accommodate student needs. If your child has medical, learning, physical, developmental, social, or behavioral needs, or if your child requires other accommodation (such as specialized equipment, additional adult support/supervision at school, learning/social/medical/behavioral accommodations, etc.), please contact the Education department before registering for camp to allow discussion about reasonable accommodations, as Zoo Camp cannot guarantee that requested accommodations or modifications can be made in every situation. Requests for accommodation or modifications will be assessed on a case-by-case basis to ensure adequate staffing and group sizes are available to meet the needs of all children attending camp.
Please review our Camp Brochure for more information about the level of development required for camp and for our policy on accompanying aides.
To contact the Education Team
Email jchestnut@lincolnzoo.org or call 402.475.6741 ext. 137
